Processing system, information processing device, recording medium, and image forming device

Abstract

This invention provides a processing system, information processing apparatus, recording medium, and image forming apparatus that can perform authentication to printing in a contactless manner as needed. The processing system includes: a first authentication unit that performs first authentication based on first authentication information associated with a user; and a processing unit capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that second authentication has been performed based on second authentication information obtained through contactless detection of the user, and maintaining a printing task associated with the user. When the processing unit performs first authentication while maintaining a printing task associated with the user, it causes the display unit to display a printing instruction screen indicating acceptance of printing execution instructions based on the printing task. When authentication success information is obtained while maintaining a printing task associated with the user, the display unit does not display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the image forming apparatus to perform printing based on the printing task.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system, an information processing apparatus, a control program, and an image forming apparatus, which includes an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing. Background Technology

[0002] Before an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction printer performs printing based on a printing task, it authenticates the user by accepting actions such as ID card proximity, username and password input, etc., via a server or the image forming apparatus. Here, ID is short for identification. After user authentication, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 displays a list of registered printing tasks on an attached touch panel display unit of the image forming apparatus, and executes the printing task with printing instructions by accepting the user's touch operation on the touch panel or the like.

[0003] In the technologies described above, users are more likely to come into contact with the device when user authentication is required, and users need to come into contact with the image forming apparatus when instructing the execution of printing tasks.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-14191 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The processing system of the present invention is a processing system including an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing, the processing system comprising:

[0006] The first authentication department, upon obtaining first authentication information associated with a user, performs first authentication based on the first authentication information.

[0007] The processing unit is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user. The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner.

[0008] When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit causes the display unit to display a printing instruction screen that accepts the execution instruction for printing based on the printing task.

[0009] When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the processing unit does not cause the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the image forming apparatus to perform the printing based on the printing task.

[0010] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing, the information processing apparatus comprising:

[0011] The first authentication department, upon receiving first authentication information associated with a user, performs first authentication based on the first authentication information.

[0012] The processing unit is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user. The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner.

[0013] When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit sends a printing instruction screen to the image forming apparatus, causing the display unit to display an execution instruction to accept printing based on the printing task.

[0014] When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the processing unit does not cause the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the image forming apparatus to perform the printing based on the printing task.

[0015] Furthermore, the control program of the present invention is a control program for controlling an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing, wherein the program enables a computer to perform the following functions:

[0016] The first authentication function, upon obtaining the first authentication information associated with the user, performs the first authentication based on the first authentication information.

[0017] The processing function is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing tasks associated with the user, wherein the second authentication information is information different from the first authentication information and obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner.

[0018] In the processing function,

[0019] When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the user and the printing task, the display unit shows a printing instruction screen that accepts the printing execution instruction based on the printing task.

[0020] When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the image forming apparatus does not display the printing instruction screen on the display unit, but instead performs the printing based on the printing task.

[0021] Furthermore, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes:

[0022] Display section;

[0023] Printing Department;

[0024] The first authentication department, upon obtaining first authentication information associated with a user, performs first authentication based on the first authentication information.

[0025] The processing unit is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user. The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner.

[0026] When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit causes the display unit to display a printing instruction screen that accepts the execution instruction for printing based on the printing task.

[0027] When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the processing unit does not cause the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the printing unit to perform the printing based on the printing task. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a system containing a processing system.

[0029] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an information processing device.

[0030] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an image forming apparatus.

[0031] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of the processing flow implemented in the processing system when the first authentication is performed.

[0032] Figure 5 This diagram is intended to illustrate an example of the screen displayed before logging in.

[0033] Figure 6 This diagram is intended to illustrate an example of a printed instruction screen display.

[0034] Figure 7 This diagram is intended to illustrate an example of how an image is displayed in a print.

[0035] Figure 8 This diagram is an example of how a function overview screen is displayed.

[0036] Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates a processing example implemented in the first certification department and the processing department when the first certification is performed.

[0037] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of a processing flow implemented in a system containing a processing system when a second authentication is performed.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example performed in the processing unit when a second authentication is performed.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in an information processing device to switch between the first post-authentication process and the second post-authentication process.

[0040] Figure 13 A block diagram illustrating another structural example of a system that includes a processing system.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating another processing example implemented in the processing department when a second authentication is performed. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Obviously, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and not all features shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions provided by the invention.

[0043] (1) A summary of the technology included in this invention:

[0044] First, refer to Figures 1-14 The examples shown illustrate the general outline of the technology included in this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are schematic illustrations of examples, and the magnification of the various directions shown in these drawings may sometimes differ, and the individual drawings are sometimes not integrated. Clearly, the various elements of this technology are not limited to the specific examples indicated by the reference numerals. In the "Summary of the Technology Included in this Invention," the terms in parentheses are supplementary explanations of the preceding words.

[0045] Method 1:

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 13 As illustrated, one aspect of this technology involves a processing system SY1 that includes an image forming apparatus 200 equipped with a display unit 206 and capable of printing, and includes a first authentication unit U1 and a processing unit U3. The first authentication unit U1 performs a first authentication based on the first authentication information IN1 associated with the user US0. The processing unit U3 can obtain authentication success information IN3 indicating that a second authentication based on second authentication information IN2 has been performed, and retains the printing task J0 associated with the user US0, wherein the second authentication information is information different from the first authentication information IN1, obtained by detecting the user US0 in a non-contact manner. For the processing unit U3, when the first authentication is performed while the printing task J0 associated with the user US0 is retained, the display unit 206 displays a printing instruction screen D2 indicating acceptance of an execution instruction for printing based on the printing task J0. For the processing unit U3, when the authentication success information IN3 is obtained while the printing task J0 associated with the user US0 is maintained, the display unit 206 is not made to display the printing instruction screen D2, but the image forming apparatus 200 is made to perform the printing based on the printing task J0.

[0047] When the first authentication is performed while the printing task J0 associated with user US0 is held by the processing unit U3, a printing instruction screen D2 that accepts the printing execution instruction based on printing task J0 is displayed on the display unit 206. In this case, user US0 can instruct the execution of printing based on printing task J0 on the printing instruction screen D2.

[0048] When the second authentication is performed while the printing task J0 associated with user US0 is held by the processing unit U3, the processing unit U3 receives authentication success information IN3. Therefore, the printing instruction screen D2 will not be displayed on the display unit 206, and the image forming apparatus 200 will perform printing based on printing task J0. In this case, user US0 does not need to contact the device when seeking authentication for user US0, nor does it need to contact the image forming apparatus 200 when performing printing based on printing task J0.

[0049] Based on the above, the above method 1 can provide a processing system SY1 that can implement the process from authentication to printing in a contactless manner as needed.

[0050] Here, the second authentication includes facial authentication based on the captured image IM1 of user US0's face, iris authentication based on the captured image of user US0's iris, etc. Therefore, the second authentication information IN2 includes the captured image IM1 of the face, the captured image of the iris, etc.

[0051] The first authentication can be any authentication different from the second authentication, and can include authentication implemented by ID card 350, authentication implemented by username and password input, biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication, or authentication based on information obtained by detecting user US0 in a contactless manner. The processing system SY1 may also include a second authentication unit U2 that implements the second authentication.

[0052] In this application, "first," "second," ... are terms used to identify the individual structural elements contained in a plurality of structural elements that have similarities, and do not indicate any order.

[0053] In addition, the above remarks also apply in the following ways.

[0054] Method 2:

[0055] like Figure 4 As illustrated in the example, the first authentication unit U1 can also obtain the first authentication information IN1 from the receiving unit U4 that accepts the proximity operation of the user US0.

[0056] In the above scenarios, when the first authentication is triggered by a proximity operation, a printing execution instruction is accepted; when the second authentication is performed in a non-contact manner, printing is performed without an execution instruction. Therefore, the above method 2 provides a more convenient processing system SY1.

[0057] Here, "proximity operation" means the operation of bringing an object or human body close to the device. Proximity operations include contact operations that bring an object or human body into contact with the device, and operations that position the object or human body at a close distance from the device to obtain information. For example, a card reader 300 that accepts proximity operations of ID card 350, in addition to accepting contact operations of ID card 350, also accepts operations that position ID card 350 at a close distance from the card reader 300 to read the first authentication information IN1. Furthermore, these additional terms also apply in the following situations.

[0058] Method 3:

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 13As illustrated, the first authentication unit U1 can also obtain the first authentication information IN1 from a card (e.g., ID card 350) in which the first authentication information IN1 is recorded in a readable manner. The second authentication information IN2 can also be a captured image IM1 of the user US0's face. The authentication success information IN3 can also be generated by the second authentication unit U2 by performing facial authentication based on the captured image IM1 as the second authentication. The processing unit U3 can also obtain the authentication success information IN3 from the second authentication unit U2.

[0060] In the above method 3, a preferred example of processing system SY1 can be provided.

[0061] Method 4:

[0062] like Figure 9 As illustrated, when the first authentication is performed while the print job J0 is associated with the user US0, the processing unit U3 can also cause the display unit 206 to display the print instruction screen D2, which includes a list L1 of the print job J0. The processing unit U3 can either accept the selection of the print job J0 from the list L1 or cause the image forming apparatus 200 to perform the printing based on the selected print job J0.

[0063] In the above method 4, since the printing task J0 to be printed can be selected from the list L1 of the retained printing tasks J0, the convenience can be improved.

[0064] Method 5:

[0065] like Figure 9 , Figure 11 ,as well as Figure 14 As illustrated, when the first authentication is performed or the authentication success information IN3 is obtained without maintaining the printing task J0 associated with the user US0, the processing unit U3 may also cause the display unit 206 to display the function overview screen D4 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0066] In method 5 above, an appropriate guidance screen can be displayed when the number of printing tasks J0 associated with user US0 is 0.

[0067] Method 6:

[0068] like Figure 14As illustrated, the processing unit U3 may also, within a predetermined time after obtaining the authentication success information IN3 corresponding to the user US0, perform the first authentication corresponding to the user US0, and instead of having the image forming apparatus 200 perform the printing, have the display unit 206 display the printing instruction screen D2.

[0069] In method 6 above, convenience is improved because printing can be instructed by operating the printing instruction screen D2 within a specified time after the implementation of the second certification.

[0070] Method 7:

[0071] like Figure 13 As illustrated, the processing unit U3 may also be included in the image forming apparatus 200.

[0072] In the above-described method 7, a processing system SY1 that does not require management of the image forming apparatus 200 can be provided.

[0073] Method 8:

[0074] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the processing unit U3 and the image forming apparatus 200 can also be connected via network NE1. Figure 2 As illustrated, the processing unit U3 may also include a transmitting unit (e.g., network I / F 107) that transmits screen information D0 to the image forming apparatus 200 via the network NE1 to cause the display unit 206 to display the image. Here, I / F is short for interface.

[0075] In the above-described method 8, since advanced processing can be performed in the processing unit U3 which is network-connected to the image forming apparatus 200, a preferred example of the processing system SY1 can be provided.

[0076] Method 9:

[0077] However, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As illustrated, one aspect of this technology involves an information processing apparatus (e.g., an authentication print server 100) connected to an image forming apparatus 200 equipped with a display unit 206 and capable of printing, and includes a first authentication unit U1 and a processing unit U3. The first authentication unit U1 performs a first authentication based on the first authentication information IN1 when it receives first authentication information IN1 associated with user US0. The processing unit U3 obtains authentication success information IN3 indicating that a second authentication based on second authentication information IN2 has been performed, and maintains the print job J0 associated with user US0, wherein the second authentication information is different from the first authentication information IN1 and is obtained by detecting user US0 in a non-contact manner. When performing the first authentication while maintaining the print job J0 associated with user US0, the processing unit U3 sends a print instruction screen D2 to the image forming apparatus 200, causing the display unit 206 to display an execution instruction to accept printing based on the print job J0. For the processing unit U3, when the authentication success information IN3 is obtained while maintaining the printing task J0 associated with the user US0, the display unit 206 will not display the printing instruction screen D2, but the image forming apparatus 200 will perform the printing based on the printing task J0.

[0078] In the above method 9, an information processing device (100) can be provided that can perform the authentication to printing process in a contactless manner as needed.

[0079] Method 10:

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 13As illustrated, one aspect of this technology involves a control program PR1 for controlling an image forming apparatus 200 equipped with a display unit 206 and capable of printing, and enabling a computer to implement a first authentication function FU1 and a processing function FU3. In the first authentication function FU1, when first authentication information IN1 associated with user US0 is obtained, first authentication is performed based on the first authentication information IN1. In the processing function FU3, authentication success information IN3 indicating that a second authentication based on second authentication information IN2 has been performed is obtained, and the printing task J0 associated with user US0 is maintained, wherein the second authentication information is information different from the first authentication information IN1 obtained by detecting user US0 in a non-contact manner. In this processing function FU3, when the first authentication is performed while the printing task J0 associated with user US0 is maintained, the display unit 206 displays a printing instruction screen D2 indicating acceptance of an execution instruction for printing based on the printing task J0. In this processing function FU3, when the authentication success information IN3 is obtained while the printing task J0 associated with the user US0 is maintained, the display unit 206 is not made to display the printing instruction screen D2, but the image forming apparatus 200 is made to perform the printing based on the printing task J0.

[0081] In the above method 10, a control procedure PR1 that can be implemented non-contactly from authentication to printing can be provided as needed.

[0082] Method 11:

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figure 13As illustrated, one aspect of this technology involves an image forming apparatus 200 including a display unit 206, a printing unit 208, a first authentication unit U1, and a processing unit U3. The first authentication unit U1 performs a first authentication based on first authentication information IN1, which is associated with user US0. The processing unit U3 obtains authentication success information IN3 indicating that a second authentication based on second authentication information IN2 has been performed, and retains the printing task J0 associated with user US0, wherein the second authentication information is different from the first authentication information IN1 and is obtained by detecting user US0 in a non-contact manner. When the first authentication is performed while retaining the printing task J0 associated with user US0, the processing unit U3 causes the display unit 206 to display a printing instruction screen D2 indicating acceptance of an execution instruction for printing based on the printing task J0. For the processing unit U3, when the authentication success information IN3 is obtained while maintaining the printing task J0 associated with the user US0, the display unit 206 is not made to display the printing instruction screen D2, but the printing unit 208 is made to perform the printing based on the printing task J0.

[0084] In the above-described method 11, an image forming apparatus 200 can be provided that can perform the process from authentication to printing in a contactless manner as needed.

[0085] Furthermore, this technology can be applied to composite systems including processing system SY1, composite devices including information processing apparatus (100), image forming systems including image forming apparatus 200, processing methods implemented in processing system SY1, information processing methods implemented in information processing apparatus (100), processing methods implemented in image forming apparatus 200, control methods of image forming apparatus 200, and computer-readable media recording control program PR1. Any of the aforementioned devices can also be composed of multiple distributed parts.

[0086] (2) Specific examples of the structure of the processing system:

[0087] exist Figure 1The diagram illustrates, as a specific example, the structure of a system including a processing system SY1. This system includes: an authentication print server 100, an image forming apparatus 200, a card reader 300, a facial authentication server 400, a camera 500, and a terminal 600. Here, the authentication print server 100 is an example of an information processing apparatus, the card reader 300 is an example of a receiving unit U4, and the facial authentication server 400 is an example of a second authentication unit U2. The processing system SY1 includes: the authentication print server 100, the image forming apparatus 200, and the card reader 300. Furthermore, the processing system SY1 may include the terminal 600, the facial authentication server 400, or the camera 500. The authentication print server 100, the image forming apparatus 200, the facial authentication server 400, the camera 500, and the terminal 600 are connected to a network NE1, including the Internet. The network NE1 may also include a LAN. Here, LAN is short for Local Area Network. The connection to the NE1 network can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a connection that combines both wired and wireless methods.

[0088] User US0 can register printing task J0 in the authentication printing server 100 by using terminal 600. Based on this, user US0 can perform a proximity operation by bringing ID card 350 into contact with or covering the card reader 300, thereby successfully authenticating the card and causing image forming apparatus 200 to execute printing based on printing task J0 registered in the authentication printing server 100. Here, the operation of covering ID card 350 includes not only bringing ID card 350 into contact with card reader 300, but also placing ID card 350 at close range so that the first authentication information IN1 can be read from card reader 300. Furthermore, user US0 can also successfully achieve facial authentication by having its facial image captured by imaging device 500, thereby causing image forming apparatus 200 to execute printing based on printing task J0 registered in the authentication printing server 100.

[0089] Furthermore, the combination of the image forming apparatus 200, the card reader 300, and the imaging device 500 is not limited to one in the processing system SY1; two or more may also exist in the processing system SY1. Additionally, two or more terminals 600 may also exist in the processing system SY1.

[0090] The authentication print server 100 is a server computer comprising a first authentication unit U1 that performs first authentication based on first authentication information IN1 read from ID card 350, and a processing unit U3 that enables the image forming apparatus 200 to perform printing based on print job J0. The first authentication unit U1 can obtain the first authentication information IN1, which includes information specifically designated for user US0, from ID card 350. The first authentication unit U1 has an authentication database DB1 that stores information that allows authentication, and allows user US0 to log in when the first authentication information IN1 received from the image forming apparatus 200 via network NE1 is registered in the authentication database DB1. This is how the first authentication is performed. When a print job registration request RE1 is received from terminal 600 via network NE1, the processing unit U3 generates print job J0 according to the print job registration request RE1 and stores it in a manner associated with user US0. Furthermore, the processing unit U3 maintains a connection for displaying the image on the display unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 200. Figure 5 The example shown is the pre-login screen D1. Figure 6 The printing instruction screen D2 shown in the example Figure 7 The printing screen D3 illustrated in Figure 8 The screen information D0 is shown in the example screen D4, which is a list of functions. When the processing unit U3 performs authentication such as card authentication or facial authentication and the authentication is successful, the processing unit U3 can send the scene-related screen information D0 to the image forming apparatus 200 and send the printing task J0 associated with the user US0 to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0091] The image forming apparatus 200 includes an input unit 205, a display unit 206, a printing unit 208, and an I / F 210 for a card reader 300. The image forming apparatus 200 can be used as... Figure 3 The example shown is a multifunction printer, but it can also be a dedicated printing machine. A multifunction printer can be considered a printing device that includes functions other than printing. These functions include original document reading, copying, and faxing.

[0092] When the image forming apparatus 200 obtains the first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300, it sends the first authentication information IN1 to the authentication print server 100 via the network NE1. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 200 receives screen information D0 from the authentication print server 100 via the network NE1, it displays the screen according to the screen information D0 on the display unit 206. Further, when the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job J0 from the authentication print server 100 via the network NE1, it performs printing according to the print job J0 in the printing unit 208.

[0093] For the card reader 300, when an ID card 350, on which the first authentication information IN1 is recorded in a computer-readable manner, comes into contact or is positioned at close range, the first authentication information IN1 is read from the ID card 350 and sent to the image forming apparatus 200. The first authentication information IN1 recorded in the ID card 350 is associated with the user US0 who owns the ID card 350. Therefore, the card reader 300 accepts the proximity of the user US0. The ID card 350 can be an IC card, a magnetic stripe card, or a card printed with an identification code containing the first authentication information IN1. Here, IC stands for Integrated Circuit. Identification codes include barcodes, QR codes, etc. The card reader 300 includes IC card readers, magnetic stripe card readers, identification code readers, etc. The card reader 300 may also have a writer function capable of writing information. In addition, the card reader 300 can be directly connected to the authentication printing server 100 instead of the image forming apparatus 200, or it can be connected to the network NE1 if it has the function of acting as a network server.

[0094] The face authentication server 400, serving as the second authentication unit U2, is a server computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage unit, and I / F for connecting to the network NE1. Here, CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, ROM for Read Only Memory, and RAM for Random Access Memory. The storage unit of the face authentication server 400 continuously stores a face image database DB2, which associates the feature data of the facial image of the user US0 who is eligible for authentication with the user US0.

[0095] Facial authentication is implemented by comparing the feature values ​​of pre-registered facial images with the feature values ​​of the applicant's facial image during authentication to determine the legitimacy of the applicant. Various processing methods can be considered in facial authentication. For example, the facial authentication server 400, as the facial authentication processor, only needs to perform facial local detection on the captured facial image of user US0 and each registered facial image, detect various facial features based on the detected facial localities, and calculate the similarity of the detected facial localities. If the calculated similarity is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that user US0 in the captured facial image and the person in the registered facial images are the same person.

[0096] Facial localization can be detected, for example, by using a support vector machine to distinguish between the face and areas outside the face, based on the captured facial image of user US0 and various registered facial images. Alternatively, facial localization can also be detected using methods that distinguish between the face and areas outside the face, such as deep neural networks or general learning vector quantization methods.

[0097] Facial feature points can be detected by extracting feature points such as eyes, nose, and mouth from local facial features and calculating and setting them as feature vectors based on the positional relationships of these feature points or the defined characteristics of their vicinity. Examples of defined characteristics include color intensity and color distribution. Clearly, facial feature points can also be detected using other methods.

[0098] For calculating facial similarity, methods such as chi-square distance or Euclidean distance between feature vectors can be used, for example, to calculate the similarity between a captured image of the user's face and various registered facial images. Clearly, facial similarity can also be calculated using other methods.

[0099] When a feature quantity with a similarity greater than a threshold to the feature quantity of a facial image contained in an image IM1 captured from the capturing device 500 via network NE1 is registered in the facial image database DB2, the facial authentication server 400 generates authentication success information IN3 containing information specifically designated for user US0. The image IM1 of user US0's face is an example of second authentication information IN2 obtained by detecting user US0 in a non-contact manner. Facial authentication as a second authentication is implemented in this manner, thereby generating authentication success information IN3. Authentication success information IN3 indicates that a second authentication based on the second authentication information IN2 obtained by detecting user US0 in a non-contact manner has been implemented. When generating authentication success information IN3, the facial authentication server 400 sends authentication success information IN3 to the authentication printing server 100 via network NE1. In addition, if no feature quantity with a similarity greater than a threshold to the feature quantity of the facial image contained in the captured image IM1 is registered in the facial image database DB2, the facial authentication server 400 also sends an authentication failure message to the authentication printing server 100 indicating that the second authentication has not been implemented.

[0100] Figure 1The imaging device 500 shown is a network camera that functions as a network server, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage unit, imaging unit, and I / F for connecting to the network NE1. Therefore, the imaging device 500 can also be considered a server computer. When the imaging device 500 takes a non-contact photograph of the user US0's face, it sends the captured image IM1 to the face authentication server 400 via the network NE1. Alternatively, the imaging device 500 may not be a network camera, but may be directly connected to the face authentication server 400.

[0101] Figure 2 The structure of an authentication print server 100, as an example of an information processing device, is schematically illustrated. The authentication print server 100 includes: a CPU 101 as a processor, a ROM 102 as semiconductor memory, a RAM 103 as semiconductor memory, a storage device 104, an input device 105, a display device 106, a network I / F 107, a clock circuit 108, etc. These elements are electrically connected, enabling them to input and output information to each other. The network I / F 107 is an example of a transmitting unit that sends image information D0 to the image forming apparatus 200, and is included in the processing unit U3. Therefore, the processing unit U3 and the image forming apparatus 200 are connected together via the network NE1.

[0102] Storage device 104 continuously stores an OS (not shown), control program PR1, authentication database DB1, screen information D0, print job J0, etc. Here, OS is short for Operating System. Storage device 104 is a computer-readable medium that records the control program PR1. The control program PR1 can also be recorded on an external computer-readable recording medium. The control program PR1 enables the authentication print server 100, which functions as a computer, to perform the first authentication function FU1 corresponding to the first authentication unit U1, and the processing function FU3 corresponding to the processing unit U3. Print job J0 is stored in storage device 104 in a manner that establishes an association with user US0. Figure 2 The example shown illustrates a situation where storage device 104 stores printing tasks "J11", "J12" and "J13" associated with user "US1", printing task "J21" associated with user "US2", and printing tasks "J41" and "J42" associated with user "US4".

[0103] For storage device 104, magnetic storage devices such as hard disks and non-volatile semiconductor memories such as flash memory can be used.

[0104] For input device 105, pointing devices such as physical keys on a keyboard or a touch panel attached to the surface of the display panel can be used. For display device 106, liquid crystal display panels can be used. Network I / F 107 is connected to network NE1 and communicates with the other device connected to network NE1 according to a prescribed communication standard. For example, network I / F 107 receives print job registration request RE1, first authentication information IN1, authentication success information IN3, etc. from the other device, and sends image information D0, print job J0, etc. to image forming apparatus 200, which is the other device. Clock circuit 108 can output the current date and time.

[0105] CPU 101 executes control program PR read from storage device 104 into RAM 103, thereby implementing first authentication processing corresponding to first authentication function FU1 and control processing corresponding to processing function FU3. Control program PR1 enables authentication printing server 100, which is a computer, to function as first authentication unit U1 and processing unit U3. Authentication printing server 100, executing control program PR1, implements the first authentication process corresponding to first authentication function FU1 and the control process corresponding to processing function FU3.

[0106] Figure 3 The structure of the image forming apparatus 200 is schematically illustrated. The image forming apparatus 200 includes: a CPU 201 as a processor, a ROM 202 as a semiconductor memory, a RAM 203 as a semiconductor memory, a storage unit 204, an input unit 205, a display unit 206, a reading unit 207, a printing unit 208, a fax unit 209, an I / F 210 for a card reader 300, a network I / F 211, a clock circuit 212, etc. These elements are electrically connected, enabling them to input and output information to each other.

[0107] The storage unit 204 stores firmware and other components. The CPU 201 executes the firmware read from the storage unit 204 into the RAM 203, thereby enabling the image forming apparatus 200 to perform multiple functions. These functions include printing, reading, copying, and faxing. The storage unit 204 can be equipped with non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, magnetic storage devices such as hard disks, etc.

[0108] For the input unit 205, a touch panel or hard keys attached to the surface of the display panel can be used. For the display unit 206, a liquid crystal display panel or the like can be used. The reading unit 207 reads the original document and generates scan data representing the read image. The printing unit 208 performs printing on printing paper based on printing task J0. The image forming apparatus 200 performs a copying function by reading the original document in the reading unit 207 and printing the read image in the printing unit 208. The fax unit 209 faxes the read image read by the reading unit 207 to the destination via a telephone line, or faxes the image from the sending source via a telephone line. The image forming apparatus 200 can print the image received by the fax unit 209 in the printing unit 208. The I / F 210 is connected to the card reader 300 and can receive the first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300. Network I / F 211 is connected to network NE1 and communicates with the authentication print server 100 connected to network NE1 according to a prescribed communication standard. For example, network I / F 211 sends first authentication information IN1 to the authentication print server 100 and receives screen information D0, print job J0, etc. from the authentication print server 100. Clock circuit 212 can output the current date and time.

[0109] (3) Specific examples of system processing:

[0110] Figure 4 The schematic illustration illustrates the processing flow implemented in the processing system SY1 when card authentication as the first authentication is performed. Here, step S114 corresponds to the first authentication unit U1 and the first authentication function FU1. Steps S116, S120, S122, and S128 correspond to the processing unit U3 and the processing function FU3. Hereinafter, the description of "step" will sometimes be omitted, and the symbol of the step will be shown in parentheses.

[0111] First, terminal 600 receives the registration request for printing task J0 from user US0, and sends the registration request for printing task J0, that is... Figure 1 The print job registration request RE1 shown is sent to the authentication print server 100 (S102). When the authentication print server 100 receives the print job registration request RE1 from the terminal 600, it generates a print job J0 based on the print job registration request RE1 and performs storage processing to store the print job J0 in the storage device 104 in a manner that establishes an association with the user US0 (S104). As a result, the processing unit U3 maintains the print job J0 that has been associated with the user US0.

[0112] Furthermore, when user US0 does not log in, the authentication printing server 100 sends a command to the image forming apparatus 200 to cause the display unit 206 to display the image. Figure 5 The login screen information for login screen D1, as illustrated in the example, is shown in S106. When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the login screen information from the authentication printing server 100, it performs display processing to display the login screen D1 on the display unit 206 (S108).

[0113] Figure 5 The login screen D1 shown prompts user US0 to authenticate a card or input a user ID and password. When user US0 brings the ID card 350 into contact with the card reader 300 or covers it during a proximity operation, the card reader 300 reads first authentication information IN1 containing information specifically designated for user US0 from the ID card 350 and sends the first authentication information IN1 to the image forming apparatus 200 (S110). Furthermore, when user US0 touches the "User ID and Password" button 811 on the login screen D1, the image forming apparatus 200 accepts the input of the user ID and password from user US0 and sends the input user ID and password as the first authentication information IN1 to the authentication printing server 100. Additionally, in Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the process in the case where user US0 performs a proximity operation by contacting or covering the ID card 350 with the card reader 300.

[0114] When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300, it sends the first authentication information IN1 to the authentication printing server 100 and requests the user US0 to log in (S112). Upon receiving the first authentication information IN1 from the image forming apparatus 200, the authentication printing server 100 performs a first authentication process based on the first authentication information IN1 (S114). When the first authentication information IN1 has been registered in the authentication database DB1, the authentication printing server 100 allows the user US0 to log in. In this way, the first authentication unit U1 performs a first authentication based on the first authentication information IN1 when it obtains the first authentication information IN1 associated with the user US0.

[0115] When performing the first authentication while maintaining a print job J0 associated with user US0, the authentication print server 100 sends (S116) to the image forming apparatus 200 to cause the display unit 206 to display. Figure 6The printing instruction screen information is shown in the example of printing instruction screen D2. Printing instruction screen D2 is a screen for receiving execution instructions for printing based on printing task J0. When the image forming apparatus 200 receives printing instruction screen information from the certified printing server 100, it performs display processing (S118) to display printing instruction screen D2 on the display unit 206.

[0116] Figure 6 The printing instruction screen D2 shown has a list L1 of printing tasks J0 and a printing button 824. Figure 2 In the example shown, when the first authentication is performed for user "US1", the print jobs "J11", "J12", and "J13" associated with user "US1" are displayed as a list L1 along with checkboxes 821-823. The input unit 205 accepts selections regarding whether to mark checkboxes 821-823 with checkmarks. When the input unit 205 receives a touch operation from user US0 on the print button 824, the image forming apparatus 200 executes printing based on the print jobs corresponding to the checkboxes marked with checkmarks in checkboxes 821-823. Figure 6 In the example shown, the image forming apparatus 200 performs printing based on printing tasks "J11", "J12", and "J13" because check marks are marked in checkbox 821 corresponding to printing task "J11", checkbox 822 corresponding to printing task "J12", and checkbox 823 corresponding to printing task "J13".

[0117] In addition, in such Figure 2 In the case where there is only one print job J0 associated with user US0, as shown in the example of user "US2", only one print job J0 will be displayed in the format of list L1 on the print instruction screen D2. In this case, the image forming apparatus 200 accepts the option to perform printing based on print job J0.

[0118] When the print button 824 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 200 sends selection information indicating the selected print job J0 to the authentication print server 100 (S120). Upon receiving the selection information for print job J0, the authentication print server 100 sends a command to the image forming apparatus 200 to instruct the display unit 206 to display the print job J0. Figure 7The printing screen information of the printing screen D3, as illustrated in the example, and the printing data (S122). In S122, the certified printing server 100 generates printing data for executing printing based on the printing task J0 represented by the selection information, and sends the printing data to the image forming apparatus 200. When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the printing screen information from the certified printing server 100, it performs display processing to display the printing screen D3 on the display unit 206 (S124). In S124, when the image forming apparatus 200 receives the printing data from the certified printing server 100, it performs printing according to the printing data. Thus, printing based on printing task J0 is performed.

[0119] exist Figure 7 The printing process shown in screen D3 illustrates the processing status 831-833 of printing task J0. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when checkboxes 821-823 are marked with a checkmark, the image forming apparatus 200 displays the processing status 831 of printing task "J11", the processing status 832 of printing task "J12", and the processing status 833 of printing task "J13" on the display unit 206. Here, processing status 831 "Printing in progress" means that printing based on printing task "J11" is in progress, while processing statuses 832 and 833 "Waiting for printing" means that printing based on printing tasks "J12" and "J13" is pending. Clearly, when printing based on printing task "J11" finishes, printing based on printing task "J12" and then printing based on printing task "J13" will be executed sequentially.

[0120] When printing based on printing task J0 ends, the image forming apparatus 200 sends a printing end notification to the authentication printing server 100 (S126). Upon receiving the printing end notification from the image forming apparatus 200, the authentication printing server 100 sends a command to the image forming apparatus 200 to instruct the display unit 206 to display the image. Figure 8 The function list screen information of the function list screen D4 as illustrated in the example (S128). When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the function list screen information from the certified printing server 100, it performs display processing on the display unit 206 to display the function list screen D4 (S130).

[0121] Figure 8The function list screen D4 shown includes a print button 841 for using the printing function, a copy button 842 for using the copying function, a fax button 843 for using the faxing function, and a scan button 844 for using the reading function. User US0 can use various functions of the image forming apparatus 200 by touching the function list screen D4 while logged into the authentication print server 100. Furthermore, user US0 can log out of the authentication print server 100 by touching the logout button (not shown) on the image forming apparatus 200.

[0122] In practice, even when the processing unit U3 does not maintain a connection with the printing task J0 associated with user US0, it may sometimes perform card authentication and successfully authenticate. In this case, since user US0 is more likely to use functions other than printing, the authentication printing server 100 is configured to display a function overview screen D4 on the display unit 206. The processing performed for this purpose is illustrated in... Figure 9 middle.

[0123] Figure 9 The illustration schematically illustrates the processes performed in the first authentication unit U1 and the processing unit U3 when the first authentication is performed. Figure 9 In the middle, to and Figure 4 The elements shown are labeled with the same symbols. Figure 9 The processing shown in Figure 4 The process begins in S112 when user US0 is requested to log in. The authentication printing server 100 performs multiple processes in parallel through multitasking. Here, S114 corresponds to the first authentication unit U1 and the first authentication function FU1. S140, S116, S120, S122, and S128 correspond to the processing unit U3 and the processing function FU3.

[0124] First, the authentication print server 100 performs a first authentication process based on the received first authentication information IN1 (S114). Next, the authentication print server 100 branches the process depending on whether the print task J0 associated with user US0 is maintained (S140).

[0125] While maintaining the print job J0 associated with user US0, the certified print server 100 causes the display unit 206 to display... Figure 6 The printing instruction screen D2 shown is displayed (S116), and the selection information for printing task J0 is received (S120). Further, the authentication printing server 100 causes the display unit 206 to display... Figure 7The printing screen D3 shown is displayed, and the printing task J0 shown in the selection information is sent to the image forming apparatus 200 (S122). Afterwards, the authentication printing server 100 causes the display unit 206 to display... Figure 8 The function overview screen shown is D4 (S128).

[0126] The certified print server 100 initiates processing S128 without maintaining a print job J0 associated with user US0, and the display unit 206 displays the output. Figure 8 The function overview screen shown is D4.

[0127] Based on the above, when performing the first authentication while maintaining the association between the printing task J0 and the user US0, the processing unit U3 causes the display unit 206 to display the printing instruction screen D2, which includes a list L1 of printing tasks J0. On this basis, the processing unit U3 accepts the selection of printing task J0 from the list L1 and causes the image forming apparatus 200 to perform printing based on the selected printing task J0.

[0128] On the other hand, when the first authentication is performed without maintaining an association with the user US0 in the printing task J0, the processing unit U3 causes the display unit 206 to display the function overview screen D4 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0129] However, even when facial recognition is implemented instead of card authentication... Figure 4 The image forming apparatus 200 can also perform printing based on printing task J0 through the processing steps S116 to S130. However, when the processing unit U3 accepts the selection of printing task J0 from the list L1, the user US0 needs to perform contact operations such as contacting the printing instruction screen D2 for printing. This reduces the advantage of facial recognition, which can be performed in a contactless manner.

[0130] Therefore, the processing system SY1 in this specific example is configured such that, in the case of facial authentication, printing based on printing task J0 will be performed even if no contact operation for printing instruction is performed.

[0131] Figure 10 This schematically illustrates the processing flow implemented in a system containing processing system SY1 when facial authentication is implemented as a second authentication. Figure 10 In the middle, to and Figure 4 The elements shown are labeled with the same symbols. Figure 11 The illustration schematically illustrates the process performed in processing unit U3 when a second authentication is performed. Figure 11 In the middle, to and Figure 10The same elements shown are marked with the same symbols. Here, S240, S242, S208, and S214 correspond to the processing unit U3 and the processing function FU3. Figure 12 This schematically illustrates how to... Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 The card authentication process shown is as follows Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The process shown is switched after facial authentication and implemented in the authentication printing server 100.

[0132] First of all, Figure 12 The processing shown will be explained.

[0133] When the authentication printing server 100 receives the printing job registration request RE1 from the terminal 600 (S302), it implements... Figure 4 and Figure 10 The storage processing of printing task J0 in S104 shown is performed, and the process continues. Figure 12 The processing shown is shown.

[0134] Furthermore, when the authentication printing server 100 receives a login request along with the first authentication information IN1 from the image forming apparatus 200 (S304), it will initiate processing. Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 As shown in S114, the first authentication process is performed. While maintaining the print job J0 associated with user US0, the authentication print server 100 displays the print instruction screen D2 on the display unit 206, and then... Figure 4 The processes shown in S120 to S128 continue to be performed. Figure 12 The processing shown is shown.

[0135] Furthermore, when the authentication printing server 100 receives the authentication success information IN3 from the face authentication server 400 (S306), the processing begins. Figure 11 S240 is shown in the diagram. While maintaining the printing task J0 associated with user US0, the authentication printing server 100 displays the printing screen D3 on the display unit 206 and sends printing data to the image forming apparatus 200. The authentication printing server 100 then... Figure 10 The processes shown in S212 and S214 continue to proceed. Figure 12 The processing shown is shown.

[0136] Based on the above, when card authentication is performed while a print job J0 associated with user US0 is maintained, user US0 can instruct the execution of printing based on print job J0 on the print instruction screen D2. When facial authentication is performed while a print job J0 associated with user US0 is maintained, the print instruction screen D2 is not displayed, and the image forming apparatus 200 performs printing based on print job J0. In this case, user US0 does not need to contact the device when seeking user authentication, nor does user US0 need to contact the image forming apparatus 200 when instructing the image forming apparatus 200 to perform printing based on print job J0. Therefore, the processing system SY1 of this embodiment can perform authentication to printing in a contactless manner as needed.

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 10 An example of the processing flow implemented in the system, including processing system SY1, when facial authentication is implemented is described. Furthermore, the processing in S102 to S108 is related to... Figure 4 The processes S102 to S108 shown are the same, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0138] When the capturing device 500 captures the face of user US0 in a non-contact manner, it sends the captured image IM1 to the face authentication server 400 (S202). Upon receiving the captured image IM1 from the capturing device 500, the face authentication server 400 performs a second authentication process based on the captured image IM1 as second authentication information IN2 (S204). When a feature quantity with a similarity greater than a threshold to the feature quantity of the facial image contained in the captured image IM1 is registered in the face image database DB2, the face authentication server 400 generates authentication success information IN3 including information specifically designated for user US0, and sends the authentication success information IN3 to the authentication printing server 100 (S206).

[0139] When an authentication success message IN3 containing information specifically designating the aforementioned user US0 is obtained while maintaining a print job J0 associated with user US0, the authentication print server 100 sends a message to the image forming apparatus 200 instructing the display unit 206 to display the image. Figure 7 The printing screen information of the printing screen D3, as illustrated in the example, and the printing data (S208). In S208, the certified printing server 100 generates printing data for executing printing based on all printing tasks J0 associated with user US0, and sends the printing data to the image forming apparatus 200. Figure 2In the example shown, when the authentication printing server 100 receives the authentication success information IN3 corresponding to user "US1", it generates printing data based on the printing tasks "J11", "J12", and "J13" associated with user "US1" to execute the printing. The image forming apparatus 200, upon receiving the printing screen information from the authentication printing server 100, performs display processing (S210) to display the printing screen D3 on the display unit 206. In S210, when the image forming apparatus 200 receives the printing data from the authentication printing server 100, it performs printing according to that printing data. Thus, printing based on printing task J0 is performed.

[0140] When printing based on printing task J0 is completed, the image forming apparatus 200 sends a printing completion notification to the authentication printing server 100 (S212). Upon receiving the printing completion notification from the image forming apparatus 200, the authentication printing server 100 performs a logout process that terminates the login status of user US0 (S214). Then, in S106, the authentication printing server 100 sends pre-login screen information to the image forming apparatus 200. Upon receiving the pre-login screen information from the authentication printing server 100, the image forming apparatus 200 performs a display process that displays the pre-login screen D1 on the display unit 206 (S108).

[0141] In practice, even when the processing unit U3 does not maintain a connection with the print job J0 associated with user US0, sometimes the processing unit U3 will perform facial recognition or similar authentication, and the authentication will be successful. In this case, since user US0 is more likely to use functions other than printing, the authentication print server 100 will cause the display unit 206 to display the function overview screen D4. The processing performed for this purpose is... Figure 11 is exemplified in . Figure 11 The processing shown in Figure 10 In S206, the authentication printing server 100 begins when it receives the authentication success information IN3 from the face authentication server 400.

[0142] First, the authentication print server 100 branches the processing based on whether the print task J0 associated with user US0 is maintained (S240).

[0143] While maintaining the print job J0 associated with user US0, the certified print server 100 causes the display unit 206 to display... Figure 7 The printing screen D3 shown is sent to the image forming apparatus 200, and printing data for executing printing is sent based on all printing tasks J0 associated with user US0 (S208). Afterwards, the authentication printing server 100 performs a logout process (S214).

[0144] The certified print server 100 causes the display unit 206 to display even when there is no print job J0 associated with user US0. Figure 8 The function overview screen D4 (S242) shown is shown.

[0145] Based on the above, when the authentication success information IN3 is obtained from the face authentication server 400, which is the second authentication unit U2, while maintaining the printing task J0 associated with the user US0, the processing unit U3 does not cause the display unit 206 to display the printing instruction screen D2, but instead causes the image forming apparatus 200 to perform printing based on the printing task J0.

[0146] On the other hand, when authentication success information IN3 is obtained without maintaining a connection with user US0 for printing task J0, the processing unit U3 will cause the display unit 206 to display the function overview screen D4 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0147] As explained above, when a first authentication, such as card authentication, is performed while the print job J0 associated with user US0 is held in the processing unit U3, a print instruction screen D2, which accepts the execution instruction for printing based on print job J0, is displayed on the display unit 206. In this case, user US0 can instruct the execution of printing based on print job J0 from the print instruction screen D2. When a second authentication, such as facial authentication, which is a contactless operation, is performed while the print job J0 associated with user US0 is held in the processing unit U3, the print instruction screen D2 is not displayed on the display unit 206, and printing based on print job J0 is executed. In this case, user US0 does not need to contact the device when seeking user authentication, nor does he / she need to contact the image forming apparatus 200 when performing printing based on print job J0. Therefore, the processing system SY1 of this embodiment can perform authentication to printing in a contactless manner as needed.

[0148] (4) Modified example:

[0149] Various modifications can be considered for this invention.

[0150] For example, the authentication printing server 100 may include a first authentication unit U1 and a second authentication unit U2. Furthermore, the processing system SY1 may include a third authentication unit that implements a third authentication different from the first and second authentications.

[0151] The first authentication method is not limited to card authentication or authentication achieved through the input of a user ID and password; it can also be fingerprint authentication, etc. The second authentication method is not limited to facial recognition; it can also be iris recognition, etc.

[0152] The processes described above can be appropriately modified, such as by changing the order of operations. Furthermore, the processes described above are not limited to examples executed by a CPU; they can also be executed by electronic components such as ASICs. Here, ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. Moreover, the processes described above can be processed separately by multiple CPUs, or they can be executed collaboratively by a CPU and electronic components such as ASICs.

[0153] like Figure 13 As illustrated, the processing system SY1 may not have an authentication print server 100, but the image forming apparatus 200 may include a first authentication unit U1 and a processing unit U3. Figure 13 Another structure of a system including processing system SY1 is illustrated schematically. This system includes: an image forming apparatus 200, a card reader 300, a facial authentication server 400, a camera 500, and a terminal 600. Processing system SY1 includes the image forming apparatus 200 and the card reader 300. The image forming apparatus 200 includes: a display unit 206, a printing unit 208, a first authentication unit U1, and a processing unit U3. When the first authentication unit U1 obtains first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300, it allows user US0 to log in if the first authentication information IN1 has been registered in the authentication database DB1. First authentication is implemented in this manner. When the processing unit U3 receives a print job registration request RE1 from the terminal 600 via network NE1, it generates a print job J0 according to the print job registration request RE1 and stores it in a manner that establishes an association with user US0. When the facial authentication server 400 generates authentication success information IN3, it sends the authentication success information IN3 to the image forming apparatus 200 via network NE1.

[0154] When performing the first authentication, such as card authentication, while maintaining the association with user US0 in printing task J0, the processing unit U3 causes the display unit 206 to display... Figure 6 The printing instruction screen D2 is shown in the figure. In addition, when the authentication success information IN3 is received from the face authentication server 400 while the printing task J0 is associated with the user US0, the processing unit U3 does not cause the display unit 206 to display the printing instruction screen D2, but instead causes the printing unit 208 to perform printing based on the printing task J0.

[0155] Based on the above, Figure 13The processing system SY1 shown can also perform the process from authentication to printing in a contactless manner as needed. Clearly, the image forming apparatus 200 may include either a second authentication unit U2 or a third authentication unit, etc.

[0156] like Figure 14 As illustrated in the example, it would be more convenient if secondary authentication, such as facial recognition, could be switched to primary authentication, such as card authentication. Figure 14 This schematically illustrates another process performed in processing unit U3 when a second authentication is performed. Figure 14 In the middle, to and Figure 11 The elements shown are labeled with the same symbols. Figure 14 The processing shown in Figure 10 In step S206, the authentication printing server 100 begins processing when it receives the authentication success information IN3 from the facial authentication server 400. Here, S240, S242, S244, S246, S208, and S214 correspond to the processing unit U3 and the processing function FU3.

[0157] First, the authentication print server 100 branches the processing based on whether the print task J0 associated with user US0 is maintained (S240).

[0158] While maintaining the print job J0 associated with user US0, the authentication print server 100 branches the processing based on whether the first authentication corresponding to user US0 has been performed (S244). The authentication print server 100 executes multiple processes in parallel through multitasking. For example, if the authentication print server 100 is in conjunction with... Figure 14 If user US0's card authentication is implemented in different processes, then the first authentication will be performed. In the case of first authentication, the authentication print server 100 initiates processing. Figure 4 S116, thereby causing the display unit 206 to display. Figure 6 The printed instruction screen D2 is shown.

[0159] If the first authentication is not performed, the authentication printing server 100 will branch its processing (S246) depending on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the authentication success information IN3. The predetermined time is not specifically limited; it can be set according to usage conditions, such as 10 to 30 seconds. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the authentication printing server 100 will repeat the processes S244 to S246. Therefore, when the first authentication corresponding to user US0 is performed within the predetermined time after receiving the authentication success information IN3 corresponding to user US0, the authentication printing server 100 will not cause the image forming apparatus 200 to perform printing, but instead will cause the display unit 206 to display the printing instruction screen D2.

[0160] After the specified time has elapsed, the authentication printing server 100 will cause the display unit 206 to display. Figure 7 The printing screen D3 shown in the image is displayed, and printing data for executing printing based on all printing tasks J0 associated with user US0 is sent to image forming apparatus 200 (S208). Afterwards, authentication printing server 100 performs logout processing (S214).

[0161] Additionally, the certified print server 100 displays the information on the display unit 206 even when there is no print job J0 associated with user US0. Figure 8 The function overview screen D4 (S242) shown is shown.

[0162] Figure 14 The example shown demonstrates that convenience is enhanced because if printing is instructed to proceed within a specified timeframe after a second authentication, such as facial recognition, is performed via the operation of the printing instruction screen D2.

[0163] (5) Summary:

[0164] As explained above, according to the present invention, a technology for implementing authentication and printing, etc., in a non-basic manner as needed can be provided in various ways. Clearly, even a technology consisting solely of the structural elements covered by the independent claims can achieve the aforementioned basic functions and effects.

[0165] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement structures obtained by substituting or changing the various structures disclosed in the above examples, as well as structures obtained by substituting or changing the various structures disclosed in the prior art and the above examples. This invention also includes these structures.

[0166] Symbol Explanation

[0167] 100…Authentication print server; 104…Storage device; 107…Network I / F; 200…Image forming apparatus; 205…Input unit; 206…Display unit; 208…Printing unit; 300…Card reader; 350…ID card; 400…Face authentication server; 500…Image capturing device; 600…Terminal; D0…Screen information; D1…Pre-login screen; D2…Printing instruction screen; D3…Printing in progress screen; D4…Function overview screen; DB1…Authentication database DB2…Facial image database; FU1…First authentication function; FU3…Processing function; IM1…Image capture; IN1…First authentication information; IN2…Second authentication information; IN3…Authentication success information; J0…Printing task; L1…List; NE1…Network; PR1…Control program; RE1…Printing task registration request; SY1…Processing system; U1…First authentication department; U2…Second authentication department; U3…Processing department; U4…Receiving department; US0…User.

Claims

1. A processing system comprising an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing, the processing system comprising: The first authentication department, upon obtaining first authentication information associated with a user, performs first authentication based on the first authentication information. The processing unit is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user. The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner. When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit causes the display unit to display a printing instruction screen that accepts the execution instruction for printing based on the printing task, and upon receiving the execution instruction from the printing instruction screen, causes the image forming apparatus to perform the printing based on the printing task. When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the processing unit does not cause the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the image forming apparatus to perform the printing based on the printing task.

2. The processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The first authentication unit obtains the first authentication information from the receiving unit that accepts the user's proximity operation.

3. The processing system as described in claim 2, wherein, The first authentication unit is able to obtain the first authentication information from the card in which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner. The second authentication information is a photograph of the user's face. The authentication success information is generated by the second authentication unit by performing facial authentication based on the captured image as the second authentication. The processing unit can obtain the authentication success information from the second authentication unit.

4. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit causes the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, which includes a list of printing tasks, and accepts the selection of the printing task from the list, and causes the image forming apparatus to perform the printing based on the selected printing task.

5. The processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, When the first authentication is performed or the authentication success information is obtained without maintaining an association with the user for the printing task, the processing unit causes the display unit to display a function overview screen of the image forming apparatus.

6. The processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the first authentication corresponding to the user is performed within a specified time after obtaining the authentication success information corresponding to the user, the processing unit does not cause the image forming apparatus to perform the printing, but instead causes the display unit to display the printing instruction screen.

7. The processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit is included in the image forming apparatus.

8. The processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit and the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. The processing unit includes a transmission unit that transmits image information to the image forming apparatus via the network, causing the display unit to display the image.

9. An information processing apparatus, which is connected to an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing, the information processing apparatus comprising: The first authentication department, upon receiving first authentication information associated with a user, performs first authentication based on the first authentication information. The processing unit is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user. The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner. When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit sends a printing instruction screen to the image forming apparatus, causing the display unit to display an execution instruction to accept printing based on the printing task. Upon receiving the execution instruction from the printing instruction screen, the processing unit causes the image forming apparatus to perform printing based on the printing task. When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the processing unit does not cause the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the image forming apparatus to perform the printing based on the printing task.

10. A recording medium having a control program recorded thereon for controlling an image forming apparatus having a display section and capable of printing, the control program causing a computer to perform the following functions: The first authentication function, upon obtaining the first authentication information associated with the user, performs the first authentication based on the first authentication information. The processing function is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user, wherein... The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner. In the processing function, When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the display unit shows a printing instruction screen indicating acceptance of the printing execution instruction based on the printing task. Upon receiving the execution instruction from the printing instruction screen, the image forming apparatus performs the printing based on the printing task. When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the image forming apparatus does not display the printing instruction screen on the display unit, but instead performs the printing based on the printing task.

11. An image forming apparatus, comprising: Display section; Printing Department; The first authentication department, upon obtaining first authentication information associated with a user, performs first authentication based on the first authentication information. The processing unit is capable of obtaining authentication success information indicating that a second authentication based on the second authentication information has been performed, and maintaining the printing task associated with the user. The second authentication information is different from the first authentication information and is obtained by detecting the user in a non-contact manner. When the first authentication is performed while maintaining the association between the printing task and the user, the processing unit causes the display unit to display a printing instruction screen that accepts the execution instruction for printing based on the printing task, and upon receiving the execution instruction from the printing instruction screen, causes the printing unit to perform the printing based on the printing task. When the authentication success information is obtained while maintaining the printing task associated with the user, the processing unit does not cause the display unit to display the printing instruction screen, but instead causes the printing unit to perform the printing based on the printing task.

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