Printing method, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

The present application provides a printing method, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system capable of guaranteeing data authenticity of printed analog documents and managing printing electronically. In the printing method, an image forming apparatus performs a scanning process, a storage process, a registration process, and a printing process. The scanning process scans an analog document, which is a movable document printed on a medium, to obtain scanned data. The storage process stores authentication information of a user and a hash value of the scanned data in the scanned data and generates electronic document data. The registration process performs a commission to register the electronic document data as a transaction in a blockchain management server. The printing process, in a case where a printing execution instruction is obtained, obtains information of the transaction from the blockchain management server based on the hash value in the electronic document data, judges whether or not tampering of the first electronic document data is present based on the information, and prints the scanned data based on the judgment result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing method, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that embeds information proving the existence of a paper document and tamper detection information into image data, prints the image, and registers this information in a blockchain service in a way that establishes an association with the paper document. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 verifies the authenticity of the paper document and the presence or absence of tampering by scanning the printed material, interpreting the embedded information, and querying the information registered in the blockchain service blocks.

[0003] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot guarantee the authenticity of the data in the printed paper documents or other analog documents, and it is impossible to manage the printing history or other printing processes electronically.

[0004] Therefore, there is a desire to develop a technology that can guarantee the authenticity of the data in printed analog documents and manage printing electronically.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-76943 Summary of the Invention In one aspect of the printing method disclosed herein, the image forming apparatus performs the following processes: a scanning process, which scans a first simulated document, which is a movable document to be printed on a medium, to obtain first scan data; a storage process, which stores authentication information authenticated through user authentication processing and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates first electronic document data; a registration process, which entrusts the registration of the first electronic document data as a first transaction in a blockchain management server; and a printing process, which, upon receiving a printing execution instruction regarding the first electronic document data, obtains first transaction information representing the first transaction from the blockchain management server based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data, determines whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with based on the first transaction information, and prints the image represented by the first scan data based on the determination result.

[0006] One aspect of the image forming apparatus disclosed herein includes: a scanning processing unit that scans a first simulated document, which is a movable document printed on a medium, to obtain first scan data; a storage processing unit that stores authentication information authenticated through user authentication processing and a hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates first electronic document data; a registration processing unit that entrusts the registration of the first electronic document data as a first transaction in a blockchain management server; and a printing processing unit that, upon receiving a printing execution instruction regarding the first electronic document data, obtains first transaction information representing the first transaction from the blockchain management server based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data, determines whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with based on the first transaction information, and prints an image represented by the first scan data based on the determination result.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a blockchain management server connected to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus comprises: a scanning processing unit that scans a first simulated document, which is a movable document to be printed on a medium, to obtain first scan data; a storage processing unit that stores authentication information authenticated through user authentication processing and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates first electronic document data; a registration processing unit that entrusts the registration of the first electronic document data as a first transaction in the blockchain management server; and a printing processing unit that, upon obtaining the printing information of the first electronic document data... When a scan execution instruction is received, first transaction information representing the first transaction is obtained from the blockchain management server based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data. The first transaction information is used to determine whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with, and the image represented by the first scan data is printed based on the determined result. The blockchain management server includes: a server-side registration processing unit that registers the first electronic document data as data for the first transaction in response to the request; and an information sending unit that replies the first transaction information to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus to obtain the first transaction information. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a printing system equipped with the image forming apparatus according to the embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 To indicate Figure 1A schematic diagram of a processing example in a printing system.

[0010] Figure 3 To indicate the use Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of transactions managed by a blockchain management server in a printing system.

[0011] Figure 4 For use in the exploitation Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of a printing method performed on a printing system.

[0012] Figure 5 To indicate the use Figure 1 An example diagram of a user interface image displayed by an image forming apparatus in a printing system.

[0013] Figure 6 For use in exploitation Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the scanning process performed in a printing method on a printing system.

[0014] Figure 7 For use in exploitation Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during printing in a printing method performed on a printing system.

[0015] Figure 8 To indicate the use Figure 1 An example diagram of printed matter produced by an image forming apparatus in a printing system, and of printed matter with handwritten annotations.

[0016] Figure 9 For use in exploitation Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during the second scan in a printing method performed on a printing system.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating other structural examples of a printing system equipped with the image forming apparatus according to the embodiments.

[0018] Figure 11 To indicate the use Figure 10 An example diagram of a user interface image displayed by an image forming apparatus in a printing system.

[0019] Figure 12 For use in exploitation Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example of the scanning process performed in a printing method on a printing system.

[0020] Figure 13 For use in the exploitation Figure 10A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during printing in a printing method performed on a printing system.

[0021] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the drawings are merely examples for illustrating embodiments of the present invention. Also, not all structural elements described in the embodiments of the present invention are essential structural requirements of the present invention.

[0023] Implementation System Structure use Figure 1 Here is a structural example of a printing system equipped with the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a printing system equipped with the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 100 of this embodiment includes a blockchain management server 10, an image forming apparatus A (20) and an image forming apparatus B (40), and these apparatuses can be connected together via a network N1.

[0025] Blockchain management server 10 (hereinafter referred to as server 10) is a server computer used to manage the blockchain. Server 10 performs processing such as transaction registration.

[0026] Image forming apparatus A (20) has at least a scanning function and is an example of an image forming apparatus that performs scanning. Image forming apparatus A (20) may be referred to as a scanner or an image processing apparatus. Although details will be described later, image forming apparatus A (20) is an apparatus for registering electronic document data based on scanned data as a transaction with server 10.

[0027] Image forming apparatus B (40) has at least a printing function and is an example of an image forming apparatus that produces printed matter by printing an image scanned using image forming apparatus A (20) and the like. Image forming apparatus B (40) may be referred to as a printer. Image forming apparatus B (20) is an apparatus that receives electronic document data based on scanned data from image forming apparatus A (20), determines whether there is tampering based on transaction information representing a transaction obtained from server 10, and performs printing based on the determination result. Details of the above processing will be described later.

[0028] Image forming apparatus A (20) and image forming apparatus B (40) both have scanning and printing functions, so that both can function as a transmitting side and a receiving side. Hereinafter, examples of the structure of image forming apparatus B (40) being the same as that of image forming apparatus A (20) will be given as examples, and the explanation of the structure of image forming apparatus B (40) will be omitted.

[0029] Furthermore, although the description assumes that the printing system 100 includes two image forming apparatuses in this manner for ease of explanation, the scanning side and the printing side can also be the same image forming apparatus, as long as one or more image forming apparatuses are included. Additionally, although each image forming apparatus has a communication function for communication via network N1, it can also be a multifunction printer that has not only copying functions but also fax communication functions and other functions.

[0030] Although not shown, the printing system 100 may include one or more terminal devices. These terminal devices are information processing devices with communication capabilities, such as PCs (Personal Computers), smartphones, or tablet computers, and can be used by users who wish to scan or print. The terminal device processes the sending of scan requests and printing requests, or performs settings operations related to scanning or printing, and is connected to the image forming apparatus A (20) and image forming apparatus B (40) via network N1 or other networks. However, for the sake of simplicity, only the case where the printing system 100 does not have such a terminal device, and the settings and execution operations related to scanning and printing are performed from the image forming apparatus side, will be described.

[0031] Example of the structure of an image forming apparatus like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus A (20) may include a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a scanning unit 23, a printing unit 24, a user interface (UI) unit 25, and a storage unit 26.

[0032] The control unit 21 controls the entire image forming apparatus A (20). The control unit 21 can be configured, for example, as including a processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device for storing control programs, parameters, etc. The processing unit can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processing unit can be called a processor. The control unit 21 can also be configured as a System on a Chip (SoC). As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 21 can be configured to store the control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 21 can also be configured as a structure like an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that stores a portion of the control program as a circuit structure, or as a dedicated circuit.

[0033] The control program described above can include a program for enabling the arithmetic processing device to perform scanning and printing-related processes while cooperating with the communication unit 22, scanning unit 23, printing unit 24, UI unit 25, and storage unit 26. Although examples are given below in which at least a portion of the control program is provided in the control unit 21, it may also be stored in the storage unit 26, which is provided separately from the control unit 21.

[0034] The communication unit 22 is a component that communicates wirelessly or wiredly with external devices such as the server 10 and the image forming apparatus B (40) via the network N1 according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 22 can be configured with one or more communication interfaces capable of performing the aforementioned communication. The network N1 is typically the Internet or an intranet, including a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0035] The scanning unit 23 scans the original document placed on the document stage or automatic document feeder (ADF) provided in the image forming apparatus A (20) to generate scan data. Hereinafter, since the original document is not a digital document, it will be referred to as an analog document. Analog documents are movable documents printed on media such as paper or sheet. Furthermore, scanning can be performed optically.

[0036] The printing unit 24 performs printing by forming an image representing the data of the printing object on a medium such as paper or sheet. There are no limitations on the printing method used in the printing unit 24; for example, various printing methods such as inkjet printing and laser printing can be applied.

[0037] The UI unit 25 is mainly composed of an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit is the part that receives operations performed by the user, and can also be called an operation receiving unit. The operation unit can be implemented by any one or more of physical buttons, touch panels mounted on the display unit, etc. In the structure where the operation unit has a touch panel, the display unit and the touch panel can also be included and called an operation panel. The display unit is the part used to display UI images, and is composed of display devices such as liquid crystal displays, organic light-emitting displays, etc., wherein the UI images are images used to operate the image forming apparatus A (20). In addition, the display unit can also be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0038] Storage unit 26 may be, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or a storage device composed of other types of memory. Storage unit 26 is capable of storing various types of data, such as data related to various settings for scanning or printing, and intermediate data during scanning or printing.

[0039] Next, the details of the control unit 21 will be explained. The control unit 21 may include a scanning processing unit 27, a storage processing unit 28, a registration processing unit 29, a printing processing unit 30, and an authentication processing unit 31.

[0040] The scanning processing unit 27 controls the scanning unit 23 to scan a simulated document placed on a document tray or ADF to obtain scan data. For ease of explanation, the simulated document and the scan data are referred to as the first simulated document and the first scan data, respectively.

[0041] The storage processing unit 28 stores the authentication information, which has been authenticated through the user authentication process described later, and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates electronic document data. Therefore, the storage processing unit 28 is configured to have the function of calculating the hash value of the first scan data. For ease of explanation, the generated electronic document data is referred to as the first electronic document data. The first electronic document data can be configured, for example, to store the aforementioned authentication information and hash value in at least one of its header and footer.

[0042] Registration processing unit 29 entrusts the server 10 to register the first electronic document data as a transaction. For ease of explanation, this transaction will be referred to as the first transaction. The server 10 accepts the entrustment and registers the first electronic document data as the first transaction.

[0043] Upon receiving a printing execution instruction regarding the first electronic document data from the UI unit 25, the printing processing unit 30 retrieves first transaction information representing the first transaction from the server 10 based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data. Furthermore, the printing execution instruction regarding the first electronic document data is synonymous with the printing execution instruction specifying the first scanned data.

[0044] The aforementioned printing execution instruction can be set as an instruction from the registrant, that is, an instruction received using the UI unit 25. In this case, the subsequent processing in the printing processing unit 30 becomes the processing on the image forming apparatus A (20) side. Alternatively, the aforementioned printing execution instruction can also be a printing execution instruction from the image forming apparatus B (40), which is the destination of the first electronic document data. In this case, the subsequent processing in the printing processing unit 30 becomes the processing on the image forming apparatus B (40) side. Furthermore, the aforementioned printing execution instruction can also be a printing execution instruction from a terminal device such as a mobile terminal or PC. In this case, the terminal device sends the first electronic document data to the image forming apparatus A (20), and the subsequent processing in the printing processing unit 30 becomes the processing in the image forming apparatus A (20). Alternatively, the terminal device sends the first electronic document data to the image forming apparatus B (40), and the subsequent processing in the printing processing unit 30 becomes the processing in the image forming apparatus B (40).

[0045] Then, the printing processing unit 30 determines whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with based on the first transaction information. Here, if the hash value stored in the first electronic document data has changed from the hash value represented by the first transaction information, it can be determined that it has been tampered with.

[0046] Based on the result of this determination, the printing processing unit 30 prints the image represented by the first scan data. As a simpler example, the printing processing unit 30 may also not perform printing if the determination indicates tampering, and perform printing of the image represented by the first scan data if the determination indicates no tampering. In the case of not performing printing, notification may be given indicating tampering, or simply as an error notification. This notification can be one or both of a notification to the UI unit 25 and a notification implemented by printing an image containing information indicating tampering. The information indicating tampering can also be notified by overprinting it onto the image represented by the first scan data.

[0047] The authentication processing unit 31 performs the user authentication process described above. Authentication information such as the user ID and password can be obtained by receiving the information from the UI unit 25, or by pre-installing a card reader in the UI unit 25 and reading the user information from the user's IC card. The authentication information and the authentication information used for authentication can be stored in a manner that is only for the user performing the authentication to refer to. The authentication information can be pre-stored in the storage unit 26, or separately stored in an authentication server connected to the image forming apparatus A (20). Such an authentication system can also be configured to implement authentication in conjunction with an enterprise management system.

[0048] The authentication processing unit 31 receives the authentication information from the UI unit 25 and compares it with multiple stored authentication information to obtain the user authentication processing result. The user authentication processing result is determined by whether the information matches any one of the multiple authentication information; otherwise, the authentication fails. The authentication information stored in the first electronic document data in the storage processing unit 28 can be either the original authentication information or the successfully authenticated information.

[0049] Example of the structure of server 10 Server 10 can be configured as a management server for blockchain nodes, for example. However, the printing system 100 may not have a management server for blockchain nodes, but may only have various information processing devices (hereinafter, distributed processing devices) that implement distributed management of the blockchain. In this case, each distributed processing device functions as server 10 or as part of server 10 as described below. Furthermore, even if the printing system 100 has a management server for blockchain nodes, each distributed processing device can function as server 10 or as part of server 10 as described below.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, server 10 can include a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The control unit 11 controls the entire server 10. The control unit 11 can be configured, for example, as including an arithmetic processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device for storing control programs, parameters, etc. The aforementioned arithmetic processing unit is also called a processor. The control unit 11 can also be configured as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 11 can be configured to store the control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 11 can also be configured as a structure that stores a portion of the control program as a circuit structure, such as an FPGA, or as a dedicated circuit.

[0051] The aforementioned control program can include a program for the computing device to perform blockchain management-related processing while cooperating with the communication unit 12 and the storage unit 13. Although examples are given below in which at least a portion of the control program is located in the control unit 11, it may also be stored in the storage unit 13, which is located separately from the control unit 11.

[0052] The communication unit 12 is a part that communicates with external devices such as the image forming apparatus A (20) and the image forming apparatus B (40), and various information processing devices that implement distributed management of blockchain, according to a predetermined communication standard and via network N1. The communication unit 12 can be configured with one or more communication interfaces capable of performing the aforementioned communication.

[0053] Storage unit 13 may be, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or a storage device composed of other types of memory. Storage unit 13 is capable of storing various types of data, such as data related to various settings concerning blockchain management, including the management of blockchain nodes.

[0054] Next, the details of the control unit 11 will be explained. The control unit 11 can include a registration processing unit 14, which serves as a server-side registration processing unit, and an information transmission processing unit 15.

[0055] The registration processing unit 14 registers the first electronic document data as the data of the first transaction in response to a request from the image forming apparatus A (20). However, the registration processing unit 14 is not located in the server 10, but can be replaced by the same function on the side of each distributed processing device connected to the server 10.

[0056] The information transmission processing unit 15 receives a request from the image forming apparatus A (20) to obtain the first transaction information via the communication unit 12, and responds to the request by sending the first transaction information back to the image forming apparatus A (20) via the communication unit 12.

[0057] Processing example of printing system 100 As an example of the processing of the printing system 100, using Figures 2 to 4 Here is an example of processing when the image forming apparatus A (20) sends the first electronic document data to the image forming apparatus B (40). Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a processing example in the printing system 100. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of transactions managed using server 10 in printing system 100.

[0058] like Figure 2As shown, firstly, a first simulated document G0 is placed in an image forming apparatus A (20) (process I), and the image forming apparatus A (20) generates first electronic document data P by performing scanning and storage processes (process II). Although the electronic document data P can be set as PDF (Portable Document Format) data, it is not limited to this. For example, even if it is JPEG data or PNG data, authentication information and hash values ​​can be attached as custom information in the EXIF ​​metadata and tEXt data blocks, respectively. JPEG is short for Joint Photographic Experts Group. PNG is short for Portable Network Graphics. EXIF ​​is short for Exchangeable Image File Format.

[0059] Next, the image forming apparatus A (20) submits a request (process III) to the server 10 to register the first electronic document data P as the first transaction. The server 10 performs the registration based on this request. For example, the server 10 will... Figure 3 The scan transaction H1 shown is registered to the block as the first transaction.

[0060] Figure 3 The scan transaction H1 illustrated in the example can include, in addition to the information required for the transaction itself, a list of referenced transactions and transaction category information in the block header. In this example, the transaction category information becomes the information indicating that it is a scan.

[0061] Furthermore, the scan transaction H1, as transaction data information representing transaction data, can include a hash value of the first electronic document data P and device information of the image forming apparatus A (20), which is the device that generated the first electronic document data P. Moreover, the scan transaction H1, as transaction data information, can include information about the date and time of generation of the first electronic document data P, information about the document creator represented by authentication information authenticated through user authentication processing, and document identification information such as the file name.

[0062] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus A (20) sends the first electronic document data P (process IV) of the scanned image data to the image forming apparatus B (40) in the form of an email attachment or by file transfer. In addition, there is no restriction on the order of process IV and process III, but it is set to be completed before process V described later.

[0063] Next, upon receiving a printing execution instruction regarding the received first electronic document data P, the image forming apparatus B (40) obtains first transaction information representing the first transaction from the server 10 based on the hash value within the first electronic document data P (process V). Then, the image forming apparatus B (40) determines whether the first electronic document data P has been tampered with based on the first transaction information (process VI).

[0064] Next, if the result of the determination shows that there is no tampering, the image forming apparatus B (40) produces printed matter G1 by printing the image represented by the first scan data (process VII). In addition, in process VII, the image forming apparatus B (40) may also perform the printing of transaction identification slip T1 before or after the printing of printed matter G1.

[0065] The transaction identification slip T1 is a document used to identify whether scanning will continue under the management of server 10 in the next scan. Furthermore, this document is not limited to paper and can also be other types of media such as film. The transaction identification slip T is, for example, a document printed with code information indicating the transaction ID of the first transaction, such as a QR code (registered trademark) TQ.

[0066] A transaction ID is a unique ID for each transaction on the blockchain. Therefore, by pre-printing code information representing the transaction ID of such a first transaction, and by scanning this code information and querying the destination where the code information is stored during the next scan, it is possible to determine whether the scan is for the second transaction. Furthermore, through this determination, the next scan can be assigned the attribute that it is a scan for the second transaction registered with reference to the first transaction, and that the transaction continues.

[0067] Examples of storage destinations for this code information are given. This code information can also be stored in the image forming apparatus B (40) for verification during the next scan. In this case, the code information can be stored in a manner that allows reference via access from the image forming apparatus A (20), where the image forming apparatus A (20) only needs to pre-save the destination of the first electronic document data P. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus B (40) can reply with the code information to the image forming apparatus A (20), which is the source of the first electronic document data P, and the image forming apparatus A (20) manages the code information. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus B (40) can send the code information to the server 10, and the server 10 manages the code information. In either case, both the image forming apparatus A (20) and the image forming apparatus B (40) can access the code information.

[0068] Here, "continued management scanning" refers to scanning that ensures the authenticity of the first analog document G0 and continues management, that is, scanning to ensure the continuation of blockchain transactions. Ensuring authenticity here means ensuring the authenticity of the first analog document G0, which serves as its original basis, even if the printed document G1 is altered by adding handwritten text or marks, or by affixing a seal. Of course, even without such alteration, the scan data obtained using the printed document G1 will have very minor differences from the first scan data obtained using the first analog document G0. In all cases, transaction identification slip T1 can be used to ensure the authenticity of the first analog document G0 in the printed document G1.

[0069] Furthermore, although not illustrated, when the image forming apparatus B (40) performs printing as described above, it is similar to... Figure 3 Similarly, the scan transaction H1 illustrated in the example can be used to register a printing transaction indicating that it has been printed for server 10. Although not illustrated, the printing transaction header can contain, in addition to the information required for the transaction, a list of referenced transactions including transaction H1 and transaction category information. In this example, the transaction type information becomes the information indicating that it is a printing transaction.

[0070] Furthermore, the printed transaction contains the same content as that exemplified in the scanned transaction H1, as transaction data information. However, in the case of the printed transaction, the creation of the document in the scanned transaction H1 refers to the printing of the document, or is recorded as the printing of the document.

[0071] After process VII, printed material G1 and transaction identification slip T1 are sequentially or simultaneously placed in image forming apparatus A (20) (process VIII). In this case, image forming apparatus A (20) scans transaction identification slip T1 to obtain code information such as QR code, and compares the code information with the code information of the storage destination, thereby identifying that scanning processing should continue.

[0072] Furthermore, even if other image forming apparatuses with the same function, such as image forming apparatus B (40), are used instead of image forming apparatus A (20), it is still possible to place, scan, and verify the printed code information of the transaction identification slip T1. However, in this case, the code information, such as the QR code, will be stored in a location that can be referenced from the aforementioned other image forming apparatuses. The code information may also include information about the storage destination of the code information itself in advance.

[0073] The image forming apparatus A (20), which is identified as continuing the scanning process, generates second electronic document data based on the second scan data, which is the scan data of the printed matter G1, in the same manner as in process II, by performing scanning and storage processing on the printed matter G1. Furthermore, the printed matter G1 is a simulated document printed with the image represented by the first scan data; hereinafter, this simulated document will be referred to as the second simulated document. The second scan data is the data representing the scanning result of the second simulated document.

[0074] The aforementioned second electronic document data is generated as the following data: authentication information authenticated by user authentication processing in the image forming apparatus A (20) that performs scanning, and the hash value of the second scanned data are stored in at least one of the header and footer.

[0075] Then, as a registration process, the image forming apparatus A (20) entrusts the registration of the second electronic document data in the server 10 as a second transaction referencing the first transaction. Although this process corresponds to process III, the difference between it and process III is that it entrusts the registration as a second transaction referencing the first transaction.

[0076] If the request includes information for making such a reference, the server 10 can register the second transaction by referring to the first transaction. Alternatively, as another method, information for making such a reference can be included in advance as information stored in at least one of the header and footer of the second electronic document data. Moreover, the server 10 can also determine the reference between transactions based on this information and register the second transaction.

[0077] Although the second electronic document data differs from the first electronic document data P in that it is registered as a second transaction, the transmission and printing of the second electronic document data are the same as those of the first electronic document data P.

[0078] Next, use Figure 4 Come to Figure 2 The outline process up to the printing execution in the processing example described herein will be explained. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing method performed using the printing system 100.

[0079] First, the image forming apparatus A (20) scans the first simulated document G0 to obtain first scan data (step S11). Next, the image forming apparatus A (20) stores the authentication information that has been authenticated through user authentication processing and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates first electronic document data P (step S12).

[0080] Next, the image forming apparatus A (20) executes the request to register the first electronic document data P as the first transaction with the server 10 by sending the aforementioned request to the server 10 (step S13). As a result, the server 10 performs the registration of the first transaction.

[0081] Next, the image forming apparatus B (40) determines whether a printing execution instruction for the first electronic document data P has been obtained (step S14). If the result in step S14 is "no", the image forming apparatus B (40) waits until the result becomes "yes".

[0082] If the result in step S14 is "yes", the image forming apparatus B (40) obtains first transaction information representing the first transaction from the server 10 based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data P (step S15). Then, the image forming apparatus B (40) determines whether the first electronic document data P has been tampered with based on the first transaction information (step S16). Based on the result determined in step S16, the image forming apparatus B (40) prints the image represented by the first scan data (step S17) and ends the process.

[0083] The above uses Figures 2 to 4 An example of processing when the image forming apparatus A (20) sends the first electronic document data to the image forming apparatus B (40) is described. On the other hand, when printing the first electronic document data P registered by the image forming apparatus A (20), processing IV is not required, and processing V to VII can be performed on the image forming apparatus A (20) side.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a printing method including the scanning process, storage process, registration process, and printing process described above, performed by an image forming apparatus, can be provided. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a printing method including the scanning process, storage process, and registration process described above, performed by an image forming apparatus, can be provided. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a printing method including the printing process described above, performed by an image forming apparatus, can be provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a program for causing a computer equipped with an image forming apparatus to execute any of the printing methods can be provided.

[0085] Effects of this implementation method Before describing a more specific example of the processing in this embodiment, the effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

[0086] As explained above, since the printing system 100 can not only print the desired simulated documents but also implement transaction registration for tamper detection, it can manage printing electronically while ensuring the data authenticity of the simulated documents. Furthermore, the printing system 100 can include printing history in the managed objects by registering printing transactions.

[0087] Thus, according to this embodiment, while continuing the existing management methods for simulated documents, simulated documents with ensured data authenticity can be printed, thereby enabling the simulated documents to be effectively linked with electronic documents and managed electronically.

[0088] To supplement the above-described effects, a comparison is made between this embodiment and the printing system described in the comparative example. Hereinafter, the printing system described in the comparative example will be referred to as the comparative system. In the comparative system, it is defined as a system in which, when a document is digitized (e.g., by using a scanning device to PDF), the generated electronic document itself does not contain information such as traceability information indicating the time of its creation. This information refers to evidence indicating who, when, and using what device the document was created. Therefore, it is unclear what original document the electronic document generated using the comparative system was based on.

[0089] Furthermore, there is a possibility that these electronic documents may be subsequently processed with additional electronic signatures and seals using other software, thus enabling them to be processed and used as transaction documents. In comparison systems, even when signed or sealed documents are digitized, there is still a risk of access by other software, tampering by unauthorized individuals, or impersonation during subsequent circulation, making them insecure. Moreover, as with electronic documents processed in comparison systems, without complete evidence ensuring their authenticity, they cannot be trusted in transactions.

[0090] In contrast, the printing system 100 allows for a mechanism where, within the workflow of a comparative system capable of directly trading analog documents as originals, interaction can be achieved using electronic documents that are easily sent and received, such as email or file transfer. This is because, in the printing system 100, methods ensuring transaction security are employed in the stages of generating electronic files as digital documents from analog documents such as printed materials or handwritten documents, and in the stage of generating printed materials as analog documents from electronic documents. In this embodiment, since tracking management is possible and the authenticity of electronic documents generated from analog documents as originals can be ensured, transaction security can be guaranteed.

[0091] More specifically, in the printing system 100, during the digitization process of scanning an original document using the image forming apparatus A (20), the following information is stored in the electronic document data to be traded: Authentication information is stored in the electronic document data to indicate that the electronic document was generated by an authenticated user who directly operates the image forming apparatus A (20), i.e., the document creator. Furthermore, to ensure authenticity, the hash value of the scanned data, which serves as the original source, is stored in the electronic document data. Moreover, in the printing system 100, transactions are registered based on the electronic document data storing the authentication information and the hash value, in conjunction with management using blockchain.

[0092] In the printing system 100, through this mechanism, even if electronic documents are subsequently circulated to various places, they will be converted into printed materials in a secure manner, ensuring that they have not been tampered with or impersonated from the original. In other words, in the printing system 100, the recipient is not limited by the method of receiving electronic documents and can receive them in a form that guarantees authenticity, provided that the received documents have not been tampered with or subjected to other improper operations.

[0093] Furthermore, in the printing system 100, the side receiving the electronic document can securely convert it into printed material using an image forming apparatus equipped with a mechanism to verify the absence of improper operation. The image forming apparatus on the printing side of the printing system 100 performs printing after verifying the hash value associated with the transaction data stored in the electronic document against the transaction information registered in the server 10.

[0094] Furthermore, the recipient can use the printed material produced in this way as a reliable document and add simulated signatures such as signatures and seals. Moreover, in the printing system 100, the document can be digitized again using an image forming apparatus with scanning capabilities, such as an image forming apparatus A (20). Thus, in the printing system 100, with the authenticity of the electronic document guaranteed to the next recipient, the simulated document can be kept at hand, and transactions with high security can be conducted while maintaining the freedom of movement of the electronic document.

[0095] Thus, since the authenticity of the printed copies can be guaranteed within the printing system 100, a workflow can be established for applications involving the stamping and signing of simulated documents. In other words, since the printing system 100 allows for verification of tampering during the scanning and printing processes of a transaction, it is possible to check whether such a workflow is functioning correctly.

[0096] Regarding such re-digitization, the comparison system can be configured to use software to add electronic signatures, electronic seals, etc., to the digitized electronic documents and manage them securely, thereby enabling their use in transactions, etc. However, the comparison system cannot associate the simulated document with added signatures and seals with the electronic document obtained by scanning the original document to ensure authenticity while managing it securely.

[0097] Therefore, in this respect, it can be said that the printing system 100 is advantageous compared to the comparative system. That is, in the printing system 100, transaction security can be added using signed documents as originals, thus maintaining the integrity and authenticity of documents used for trustworthy transactions while preserving the convenience of freely circulating electronic documents. In fact, no scanning or printing device, primarily the comparative system, implements such a mechanism. Therefore, by providing an image forming device that implements such a mechanism as the printing system 100, an advanced form of secure transactions that integrates analog and digital technologies can be provided.

[0098] The first example of this embodiment use Figures 5 to 9 The first example of this embodiment will be described. In addition, although the following description will also give an example of the processing when the image forming apparatus A (20) sends the first electronic document data to the image forming apparatus B (40), it is also possible to print the first electronic document data P registered by the image forming apparatus A (20).

[0099] In the first example, an example is given of how the image forming apparatus A (20) on the scanning side can be configured to perform blockchain registration. First, using Figure 5 Here is an example of a UI image used for such a setup. Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of a UI image displayed using the image forming apparatus A (20) in the printing system 100.

[0100] Figure 5 The UI image 50 shown is an image that can be displayed on the UI unit 25 and is displayed through predetermined user operations. The UI image 50 includes a radio button 51 as an option for the print management mode. The radio button 51 is used to set whether to perform blockchain registration, i.e., historical management implemented by the blockchain. The radio button 51 is displayed in a manner that allows the user to select from the following scenarios: performing a normal scan without blockchain registration, performing the first blockchain registration, and performing subsequent blockchain registrations.

[0101] In addition, the UI image 50 may include an OK button 52, a Cancel button 53, and a Help button 54. The OK button 52 is used to save the set settings and close the UI image 50, for example, to move to the next set UI image. The Cancel button 53 is selected when the set settings are discarded and the UI image 50 is closed. The Help button 54 is selected when a UI image or website page containing information that assists the user in setting the UI image 50 is displayed.

[0102] Of course, the content displayed in UI image 50 can also be embedded in other UI images, such as UI images that set the type of processing for the scanned image, and displayed therein.

[0103] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus A (20) is installed in a public institution or similar location, a print management mode implemented using blockchain, as described in the UI image 50, that is, a print management mode that manages authenticity, can also be used as a paid option. In the case of performing a normal scan, only the scanning service or the accompanying services such as sending and printing need to be charged. Alternatively, a completely free service can be provided. In this case, for example, by changing the settings of the UI image 50, it is possible to switch between a paid mode and a free mode.

[0104] Next, use Figure 6 Let's explain the processing example during the initial scan in the first case. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during scanning in a printing method performed using a printing system 100. In the following text, for various documents, such as a first simulation file G0, etc.,... Figure 2 The symbols described in the text.

[0105] First, the image forming apparatus A (20) confirms that the user has placed the first simulated document G0 onto the document tray or ADF (step S21). If the placement has not been performed, it is sufficient to wait for the placement to complete. Hereinafter, only the case where the placement has been completed will be explained.

[0106] Next, the image forming apparatus A (20) performs user authentication processing (step S22) in the authentication processing unit 31. Hereinafter, only the case where user authentication processing is successful will be described. Of course, step S22 may also be performed before step S21.

[0107] The image forming apparatus A (20) displays a UI image (not shown) indicating the selection of a scanning mode on the UI unit 25, processes the selection operation performed by the user, and determines the scanning mode based on the selection operation (step S23). The optional scanning modes can include processing modes such as adding the scanned image as an email attachment, or processing modes for file transfer. Furthermore, the resolution of the scanned image, the destination, etc., can also be set from the same UI image.

[0108] Next, the scanning processing unit 27 of the image forming apparatus A (20) sends an instruction to the scanning unit 23 to scan the first analog document G0 to obtain the first scan data, and the scanning unit 23 performs the scanning process (step S24).

[0109] Next, the storage processing unit 28 determines whether the printing management mode set in the UI image 50 is the mode for performing blockchain (BC) registration (step S25). When the UI image 50 is set to perform normal scanning, although not shown, the first scan data is sent to the sending destination via the communication unit 22 according to the scanning mode, and the processing ends.

[0110] If "Yes" is selected in step S25, the storage processing unit 28 stores the authentication information authenticated through user authentication processing and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates the first electronic document data P as transaction data (step S26). Additionally, in Figure 6 The text explains the case where the user is set to perform the first blockchain registration via UI image 50, and describes the case where the user performs the second blockchain registration using... Figure 9 This will be described later in the text.

[0111] Next, the registration processing unit 29 executes the request to register the first electronic document data P as the first transaction in the server 10 by sending the request to the server 10 (step S27). In this case, the first transaction is a scan transaction. The request represents a transaction that creates transaction data stored in the header and footer of the first electronic document data P. Thus, the server 10 performs the registration of the scan transaction. In this way, the process of performing blockchain registration for the first scan ends.

[0112] Server 10, which manages the blockchain, can manage each transaction using a specific token. For example, server 10 registers transactions that set the aforementioned transaction data as a block. Thus, the first block is registered in server 10. Subsequently, whenever image forming apparatus A (20), which functions as a scanning device, performs scanning, or image forming apparatus B (40), which functions as a printing device, performs printing, server 10 registers the transaction and adds it to the blockchain. In this way, the printing system 100 utilizes the blockchain to manage the printing history with high security.

[0113] Next, use Figure 7 The following describes a processing example that includes transaction registration for such printing history management, and where scanned transactions have been registered in the manner described above. This processing example is the printing processing example from the first example. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during printing in a printing method performed using printing system 100.

[0114] First, the image forming apparatus B (40) performs user authentication processing (step S31) in the same authentication processing unit as the authentication processing unit 31. Hereinafter, only the case where the user authentication processing is successful will be described.

[0115] Next, the image forming apparatus B (40) performs the user's specified operation for the document to be printed and the printing execution operation in the UI unit, which is the same as the UI unit 25 (step S32). Next, the image forming apparatus B (40) confirms the transaction data information of at least one of the header and footer of the document to be printed in the printing processing unit (hereinafter referred to as printing processing unit 30B), which is the same as the printing processing unit 30 (step S33).

[0116] Next, the printing processing unit 30B determines whether transaction data information exists (step S34). If the result in step S34 is "no", the printing processing unit 30B performs the printing of the document to be printed (step S40) and ends the processing.

[0117] On the other hand, if "yes" is indicated in step S34, the data of the document to be printed that has received the printing execution instruction becomes the data corresponding to the first electronic document data P described above. Therefore, in this case, the printing processing unit 30B obtains the first transaction information from the server 10 based on the hash value stored in the data of the document to be printed (step S35). Then, the printing processing unit 30B checks the data of the document to be printed against the transaction data in the blockchain represented by the first transaction information (step S36).

[0118] This verification is used to check whether printed electronic documents have been tampered with during their transmission, i.e., whether their authenticity has been ensured. The transaction data within the blockchain represented by the first transaction information includes the hash value of the scanned data within the blockchain-formatted transaction data. In this verification, this hash value is compared with the hash value within the transaction data of at least one of the headers and footers of the data in the printed document, and a determination is made as to whether tampering has occurred.

[0119] The printing processing unit 30B determines the result of the verification, i.e., whether there is any tampering (step S37). If the result in step S37 is "no", the printing processing unit 30B notifies the user of information indicating that it is normal via the same UI unit as the UI unit 25 (step S38).

[0120] Under normal circumstances, notifications can also be delivered via printing. That is, the notification can be delivered through printing on a medium, i.e., the production of printed materials. In this case, the notification content can also be included in the transaction identification table T1 described later. Furthermore, under normal circumstances, the notification may also include at least one of the following: user information obtained from the authentication information of the scanned user, user information obtained from the authentication information of the printed user, and transaction data information. This transaction data information pertains to transaction data associated with the blockchain managed using tokens and becomes information related to the management history.

[0121] In addition, the printing processing unit 30B also performs the printing of the transaction identification slip T1 (step S39). As mentioned above, QR code and other code information are printed on the transaction identification slip T1. The code information indicates that the blockchain and the current blockchain belong to the same transaction, that is, information indicating the same specific token. In other words, the code information is information indicating a unique transaction ID for each transaction on the blockchain.

[0122] Furthermore, the additional printed transaction identification slip T1 is used in cases where the transaction continues. Transaction continuation refers to the situation where blockchain management continues during the next scan, i.e., management is performed using the same specific token as before. In fact, if the printed material is scanned again in step S40 (described later), the scan data is not entirely the same as the first scan; at least some parts will be changed, i.e., the scanned image will change. Therefore, in cases where the transaction continues, it is best to use such a transaction identification slip T1 to distinguish whether it is a continuation of the transaction or a new scan.

[0123] The above explanation assumes that the next transaction will always continue. On the other hand, the printing of the transaction identification form T1 may not always be performed. The printing processing unit 30B may also perform the printing of the transaction identification form T1 only if the next transaction also continues.

[0124] For example, the image forming apparatus A (20) can also set whether such a transaction continues through user operation. In this case, when sending the first electronic document data P, the image forming apparatus A (20) only needs to send the information on whether to continue the transaction to the image forming apparatus B (40). Thus, the image forming apparatus B (40) can determine whether to continue the transaction and decide whether to print the transaction identification form T1. Alternatively, on the image forming apparatus B (40) side, the UI unit, which is the same as the UI unit 25, can allow the user to select whether to continue the transaction next time through user operation during the normal notification stage in step S38.

[0125] After step S39, the printing processing unit 30B prints the image corresponding to the portion of the first scanned data of the printable document (step S40) and ends the processing. Alternatively, during or after printing in step S38, the same registration processing unit as registration processing unit 29 can generate a printing transaction indicating that printing has been performed and entrust server 10 to register the transaction, and server 10 will perform the registration. Furthermore, if "No" is received in step S37, the order of steps S38 to S40 is not limited.

[0126] On the other hand, if "yes" is selected in step S37, the printing processing unit 30B notifies the user of a message indicating an error via a UI unit (same as the UI unit 25) (step S41) and ends the processing. This notification can contain information indicating that the data has been tampered with. This information is equivalent to historical tampering information. The notification in the case of an error can also be executed via printing. Furthermore, similar to the notification in the case of normal operation, the notification in the case of an error can also contain at least one of the following: user information of the user who scanned the data, user information of the user who printed the data, and transaction data information.

[0127] As in this example, an error notification can be executed via at least one of the display device of the image forming apparatus B (40) and the printed material. Furthermore, the error notification can be executed overlaid on the image represented by the first scan data, or it can be executed without including the image.

[0128] Furthermore, as in this example, if the printing processing unit 30B is tampered with, it can at least invalidate normal printing processing, invalidate printing processing other than notifications, etc., thus invalidating the printing process altogether. In addition, in the event of such invalidation, the same registration processing unit as the registration processing unit 29 can also generate an invalidation transaction indicating that the transaction has been invalidated and register the transaction in the server 10.

[0129] Furthermore, in this example, a password can be set when scanning the first simulated document G0 to obtain the first scanned data. Password authentication is performed in step S32 from the user's acceptance of the specified operation for the document to be printed and during the printing execution operation. If the password authentication is successful, only the transaction data information of at least one of the header and footer of the document to be printed needs to be confirmed in step S33.

[0130] Next, use Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 Let's illustrate the processing example during the second scan in the first case. Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an example of a printed matter printed using the image forming apparatus B (40) in the printing system 100, and a printed matter with handwritten annotations. Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during the second scan in a printing method performed using printing system 100.

[0131] The following, although as Figure 8 The example shown is a scan of a printed document G1m that has a signature m added to it, but the same process applies to scanning printed document G1. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the following explanation assumes that the printing management mode is configured to perform blockchain registration for the second time or later.

[0132] First, the image forming apparatus A (20) confirms that the transaction identification form T1 performed by the user and the printed material G1m, which is a second simulated document, are placed sequentially or simultaneously on the document tray or ADF (step S41). If the above placement is not performed, it is sufficient to wait for the placement to be completed. Hereinafter, only the case where the placement is completed will be described.

[0133] Thus, in the image forming apparatus A (20), when scanning a second analog document such as a printed document G1m, a transaction identification slip T1 can be attached to the first page. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus A (20), the presence or absence of the transaction identification slip T1 determines whether a transaction should continue, and switches between storing transaction data for the second electronic document (described later) and registering the transaction with the server 10. Thus, in the printing system 100, by using the transaction identification slip T1, the scanning method for continuing a transaction or a new transaction can be switched without printing information about whether a transaction should continue on the second analog document itself or adding additional records.

[0134] Next, the image forming apparatus A (20) obtains second scan data by performing the same processing as steps S22 to S24 (steps S42 to S44). However, in step S44, scan data obtained by scanning the transaction identification form T1 is also obtained.

[0135] Of course, the confirmation in step S41 can also be a confirmation of whether the simulated documents of multiple scanned objects have been placed. In fact, through the scanning process S44, it is sufficient to confirm that the first simulated document and the transaction identification slip T1 have been placed.

[0136] Next, the scanning processing unit 27 of the image forming apparatus A (20) identifies the QR code based on the data obtained from scanning the transaction identification form T1 (step S45). Here, the scanning processing unit 27 scans the transaction identification form T1 to obtain code information such as the QR code, and checks the code information against the code information of the storage destination. Next, the scanning processing unit 27 obtains the check result and determines whether to continue the scanning process based on whether the QR code is a normal code (step S46).

[0137] If the result in step S46 is "Yes", that is, if the scan process is successfully identified as continuing the transaction, the scan processing unit 27 performs the next process. That is, the scan processing unit 27 obtains the scan data of the printed material G1m, which is the second scan data, as a result of the scan process for the printed material G1 in step S44, for the registration of the second transaction with reference to the existing first transaction.

[0138] However, the scanning processing unit 27 may, for example, first scan the transaction identification form T1, and only perform scanning processing for the printed matter G1m if the QR code is normal. In this way, second scan data for second transaction registration, which serves as scan data for the printed matter G1m, can also be obtained.

[0139] Thus, in the scanning processing unit 27, after scanning the second analog document printed with the image represented by the first scan data and the transaction identification form printed with code information representing the transaction ID of the first transaction, the next processing is performed. That is, in this case, the scanning processing unit 27 obtains the second scan data as data for registering the second transaction.

[0140] Next, the storage processing unit 28 stores the authentication information that has been authenticated through the user authentication process and the hash value of the second scan data in the second scan data, and generates the second electronic document data as transaction data (step S47).

[0141] After the processing in step S47, the registration processing unit 29 executes the request to register the generated transaction data with the server 10 as a second transaction referencing the first transaction by sending the aforementioned request to the server 10 (step S48). If the request contains information for making such a reference, the server 10 can register the second transaction in a manner that references the first transaction.

[0142] In this case, the second transaction is the second scanning transaction. Therefore, referring to the first transaction means referring to the situation where the printing transaction has been registered, and further indirectly referring to the situation of the scanning transaction with respect to the first scan.

[0143] Upon receiving such a request, server 10 performs the registration of the second scan transaction. In this way, the process of performing blockchain registration for the second scan concludes. Furthermore, since a hash value of the scan data is generated with each scan, tamper detection based on comparisons between scan data, i.e., comparisons between images, remains effective until the next scan transaction.

[0144] On the other hand, if the result in step S46 is "No", that is, if it is not recognized as continuing the scanning process, since the scanning processing unit 27 is currently set to perform the second or subsequent blockchain registration, an error notification is issued (step S49), and the process ends.

[0145] Here, further explanation is given regarding the transaction identification slip T1. The transaction identification slip T1 may also be stored in at least one of the image forming apparatus A (20) and the image forming apparatus B (40), or in server 10, or in a server that can be printed at any time.

[0146] Therefore, when a next scan is desired, the transaction identification form T1 can be printed. Furthermore, by storing the transaction identification form T1 in a way that allows it to be printed at any time, it can be used as a means to ensure the effectiveness of options for implementing authenticity management, such as the charging option described above. For example, the printing system 100 can also be constructed as a system that allows the printing of the transaction identification form T1 only when this option is selected.

[0147] The second example of this embodiment use Figures 10 to 13 Let us now describe a second example of this embodiment. First, using Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 Let's now explain the structure of the printing system in the second example. Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating other structural examples of a printing system equipped with the image forming apparatus according to the embodiments. Figure 11 To indicate the use Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI image displayed by the image forming apparatus A (20a) in the printing system 100a. Hereinafter, although this is a second example, the main focus will be on the changes from the first example; however, other points are the same as those in this various application example.

[0148] like Figure 10 As shown, the printing system 100a, as a second example of the printing system 100, includes an image forming apparatus A (20a) instead of an image forming apparatus A (20). Alternatively, the image forming apparatus B (40) may have the same structure as the image forming apparatus A (20a).

[0149] The image forming apparatus A (20a) has a control unit 21 equipped with a mode setting unit 32, and a storage unit 26 stores mode information 26a and permission information 26b.

[0150] The mode setting unit 32 sets the printing management mode through user operation from the UI unit 25, and stores the set mode as mode information 26a in the storage unit 26 so that it can be referenced during printing, including storage processing and registration processing. Furthermore, the mode information 26a is information representing the printing management mode; in the example where the printing management mode can be set in the first example, its description is omitted. Therefore, in the example where the printing management mode can be set in the first example, the control unit 21 also includes the mode setting unit 32.

[0151] In the second example, the premise is that such a printing management mode is effective, or that the image forming apparatus is capable of performing processing corresponding to the printing management mode even when such a mode setting is not possible.

[0152] Then, in the second example, the storage processing unit 28 decides whether to perform the processing based on the permissions set by the user who has been authenticated through the user authentication process to manage authenticity. Of course, the registration processing unit 29 also decides whether to perform the processing based on this decision.

[0153] As a first setting method, this permission can be set through user-performed operations from the UI unit 25. For example, the UI unit 25 can be made to display... Figure 11 UI images, such as UI image 50a, are used to handle user operations. Of course, the content displayed in UI image 50a can also be embedded in other UI images, such as UI images that set the type of processing for the scanned image, and displayed therein. Furthermore, the example described for UI image 50 can also be applied when the image forming apparatus A (20) is installed in a public institution or similar location.

[0154] UI image 50a includes radio buttons 56 and 57, the radio buttons 56 and 57 being used for... Figure 5 In UI image 50, permissions are granted for the first blockchain registration and subsequent blockchain registrations, respectively.

[0155] For example, in Figure 11 In the example shown, the first blockchain registration is performed, and the user is selected to set permissions for subsequent blockchain registrations. In this case, for subsequent blockchain registrations of the first electronic document data P already registered in the first blockchain registration, only this user is allowed, and other users are not. Furthermore, since this user was set for the first blockchain registration, this user is permitted.

[0156] Similarly, in UI image 50a, subsequent blockchain registrations can also be performed, and permissions for the next blockchain registration can be set for that user. However, for users who were not granted permissions during the last scan, radio button 57 should ideally display the UI image in a way that prevents changes from granting permissions to granting them without permission.

[0157] The control unit 21a causes the storage unit 26 to store permission information 26b that associates permissions with the users of the set objects. The permission information 26b is stored in a manner that allows it to be referenced during storage processing, or during both storage processing and registration processing.

[0158] Alternatively, the permission settings for implementing authenticity management can be set simply for each user as a second setting method. In this case, the permission can be set through operations performed by administrator users such as UI Department 25. If the user authenticated through the user authentication process is not a user with the required permissions, blockchain registration processing is not allowed; only users with the required permissions can perform blockchain registration processing.

[0159] Furthermore, regardless of whether the first or second setting method is used, if the storage processing unit 28 determines whether to perform storage processing solely by referring to the permission information 26b, it will only be effective within the set image forming apparatus A (20a).

[0160] In contrast, the storage processing unit 28 registers the settings of electronic document data for implementing authenticity management permissions in the transaction, so that permissions can be applied to image forming devices other than the image forming device A (20) during the first scan.

[0161] Therefore, the storage processing unit 28 can store permission information in the first electronic document data P based on the permissions set by the user who has been authenticated through user authentication processing to implement authenticity management. More specifically, for electronic document data of the object to which permissions are granted, the storage processing unit 28 only needs to store the user information of the user who has been granted the permissions in at least one of the header and footer.

[0162] Thus, the storage processing unit 28 can be configured such that, based on the authorization to perform authenticity management set by the user authenticated through user authentication processing, it stores authorization information representing that authorization in the first electronic document data P. Therefore, the authorization to perform authenticity management is granted to the user for the first electronic document data P. Of course, since the first electronic document data P already exists at this stage, this authorization refers to the authorization for subsequent transactions.

[0163] Regarding the first electronic document data P that has undergone such storage processing, the authorization information is also included as transaction data during transaction registration. Therefore, the storage processing unit 28 can invalidate the processing of users who do not have authorization in subsequent scans. If the storage processing is invalidated, the registration processing in the subsequent registration processing unit 29 will also be invalidated.

[0164] Furthermore, the permissions granted using the second setting method can also be simultaneously granted to users who have been authenticated through user authentication processing, as well as other users with access rights to confidential documents at the same or higher level, or other users belonging to the same group.

[0165] Next, use Figure 12 and Figure 13 Let's explain the processing in the second example. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during scanning in a printing method performed using printing system 100a. Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during printing in a printing method performed using printing system 100a.

[0166] like Figure 12 As shown, during the scan in the second example, the same procedure as in the first example was also performed. Figure 6 The processing of steps S21 to S26 is the same as that of steps S51 to S56. If "No" is received in step S55, the processing ends. In the following description, an example is given of the first electronic document data P containing permission information.

[0167] Next, in step S56, the storage processing unit 28 uses the information of the user authenticated through the user authentication process as a key and refers to the permission information 26b to determine whether to grant permissions to the first electronic document data P (step S57). If the result in step S57 is "No", the registration processing unit 29 performs the following steps: Figure 6 The same process as step S27 (step S59) is performed, and the process ends.

[0168] On the other hand, if "yes" is selected in step S57, the storage processing unit 28 modifies the first electronic document data P, for which authentication information and hash value have already been stored in step S56 (step S58). This modification involves storing user information indicating the user who has been granted permissions in at least one of the header and footer of the first electronic document data P, which was generated as transaction data in step S56.

[0169] Next, the registration processing unit 29 executes the request to register the modified first electronic document data P as the first transaction with the server 10 by sending the request to the server 10 (step S59), and then ends the processing. In this case, the first transaction is a scan transaction with attached permissions. The request becomes a request for a transaction that creates transaction data with attached permissions stored in at least one of the header and footer of the first electronic document data P.

[0170] The server 10, upon receiving the request, registers the scan transaction with accompanying permissions for subsequent scans. This completes the blockchain registration process performed for the first scan. Therefore, since such permission information is included as transaction data during transaction registration, it is beneficial to use… Figure 13 In subsequent scans, as described later, processing by users who do not have the necessary permissions during storage can be invalidated.

[0171] In addition, although Figure 12 For ease of explanation, examples of processing starting from a state of no permissions for each user are given. However, the permission information can be modified as needed so that the permission information determined in step S57 is stored in the first electronic document data P. For example, the processing in step S56 can also be performed according to the result of the determination in step S57.

[0172] Furthermore, although only an example of storing permission information in the first electronic document data P has been described, permissions are already set for each user even without such storage. Therefore, without such storage, in the case of a user without permissions, even if "yes" is set in step S55, only an error notification is needed.

[0173] Next, we will explain the procedures for subsequent scans. First, as... Figure 13 As shown, the image forming apparatus A (20) performs... Figure 9 The processing steps S41 to S45 are performed (step S61). Next, the scanning processing unit 27, in the same manner as step S46, determines whether to continue the scanning process based on whether the QR code is a normal code (step S62).

[0174] If the result in step S62 is "yes", that is, if the scan process is successfully identified as continuing the transaction, the scan processing unit 27 obtains the second scan data as data for registering the second transaction with reference to the existing first transaction, just like the process after step S45.

[0175] Next, the storage processing unit 28 determines whether permissions have been granted to the user who has been authenticated through the user authentication process in the first transaction (step S63). The storage processing unit 28 can access the server 10 in the same way as the printing processing unit 30B to obtain the first transaction information representing the first transaction, and perform the determination in step S63 based on the permission information contained in the first transaction information.

[0176] If "Yes" is selected in step S63, the storage processing unit 28 generates second electronic document data as transaction data, including the authentication information, the hash value of the second scan data, and the obtained permission information (step S64). Furthermore, if the permission information is changed for subsequent scans, only the permission information included in the transaction data needs to be corrected.

[0177] After the processing in step S64, similarly to step S48, the registration processing unit 29 makes an order to register the generated transaction data as a second transaction with the server 10 (step S65) and ends the processing.

[0178] On the other hand, if the result in step S63 is "No", the storage processing unit 28 issues an error notification (step S66) and terminates the process. In this case, it means that the storage processing unit 28 invalidates the storage process. Furthermore, if the result in step S62 is "No", the scan processing unit 27 issues an error notification (step S66) and terminates the process.

[0179] In addition, the scanning processing unit 27 in the first and second examples can include the following processing. That is, when the print management mode is active, the scanning processing unit 27 can also notify the user to perform a scan of the transaction identification form T1 if the transaction identification form T1 has not been scanned. This notification can be made using a UI image displayed on the UI unit 25. The UI image can also be an image including a button that allows the user to specify the operation as the first scan. Thus, when the user registers a transaction as the first scan, the image forming apparatus A (20) can perform the first scan without scanning the transaction identification form.

[0180] Other variations This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the matter. For example, the system structure of the printing system, the structure of each device constituting the printing system, the structure of each program included in each device, and the processing order of each device are not limited to the contents illustrated.

[0181] Furthermore, the various devices included in the printing system described in the above-described embodiments can, for example, possess the following hardware structures. Here, if listed... Figure 1 For example, the devices could include a blockchain management server, various image forming devices, or terminal devices that can be connected to the image forming devices. Figure 14 A diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the device.

[0182] Figure 14 The device 1000 shown may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 may include, for example, a communication interface or an interface for connecting to input / output devices, depending on the needs of the device.

[0183] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), also known as a microprocessor. The processor 1001 may also include multiple processors. The memory 1002 is, for example, a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The functions of each device are implemented by the processor 1001 reading programs stored in the memory 1002 and executing those programs while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003.

[0184] Furthermore, the program described above includes a set of commands (or software code) used, when read by a computer, to cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may also be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As examples, not limitingly, computer-readable media or physical storage media include RAM (random-access memory), ROM (read-only memory), cache memory, SSD (solid-state drive), or other memory technologies. Furthermore, as examples, not limitingly, computer-readable media or physical storage media include CD-ROM (read-only optical disc), DVD (digital versatile disc), Blu-ray disc, or other optical disc storage, cassette tape, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium. As examples, not limitingly, temporary computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of transmission signals.

[0185] While the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above embodiments. Of course, it includes various modifications, alterations and combinations that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of this application.

[0186] Symbol Explanation 10…Blockchain management server; 11…Control unit; 12…Communication unit; 13…Storage unit; 14…Registration processing unit; 15…Information transmission processing unit; 20, 20a…Image forming apparatus A; 21, 21a…Control unit; 22…Communication unit; 23…Scanning unit; 24…Printing unit; 25…UI unit; 26…Storage unit; 26a…Mode information; 26b…Permission information; 27…Scanning processing unit; 28…Storage processing unit; 29…Registration processing unit; 30…Printing processing unit; 31…Authentication processing unit; 32…Model… Setting unit; 40… Image forming apparatus B; 50, 50a… UI image; 51, 56, 57… Radio button; 52… OK button; 53… Cancel button; 54… Help button; 100, 100a… Printing system; 1000… Device; 1001… Processor; 1002… Memory; 1003… Interface; G0… First simulated document; G1, G1m… Printed material; H1… Scan transaction; m… Signature; N1… Network; P… First electronic document data; T1… Transaction identification form; TQ… QR code.

Claims

1. A printing method, wherein, The image forming apparatus performs the following processing: The scanning process involves scanning a first analog document, which is a movable document printed on a medium, to obtain first scan data. The storage process stores the authentication information that has been authenticated through user authentication and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates the first electronic document data. The registration process involves entrusting the registration of the first electronic document data as the first transaction in the blockchain management server. In the printing process, upon receiving a printing execution instruction for the first electronic document data, the system obtains first transaction information representing the first transaction from the blockchain management server based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data, determines whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with based on the first transaction information, and prints the image represented by the first scanned data based on the determination result.

2. The printing method as described in claim 1, wherein, In order to identify cases where a scan is to be performed again under the management of the blockchain management server, the printing process prints a transaction identification slip containing the code information of the transaction ID of the first transaction.

3. The printing method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the case where the scanning process scans a second simulated document printed with an image represented by the first scan data and a transaction identification form printed with code information representing the transaction ID of the first transaction, the second scan data, which is the scanning result of the second simulated document, is obtained as data for registering a second transaction referencing the first transaction. The storage process stores the authentication information, which has been authenticated through user authentication, and the hash value of the second scan data in the second scan data, and generates the second electronic document data. The registration process involves entrusting the registration of the second electronic document data in the blockchain management server as a second transaction that references the first transaction.

4. The printing method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The printing process executes the printing of the image represented by the first scanned data if it is determined that the data has not been tampered with, and executes an error notification if it is determined that the data has been tampered with.

5. The printing method as described in claim 4, wherein, The error notification is performed by at least one of the display device of the image forming apparatus and the printed matter being printed.

6. The printing method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The storage process and the registration process are performed when the management mode for implementing authenticity management is effective.

7. The printing method as described in claim 6, wherein, When the management mode is active, the scanning process sends a notification to prompt the scanning of the transaction identification form if the transaction identification form printed with code information representing the transaction ID of the first transaction has not been scanned.

8. The printing method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The storage process determines whether to perform the process based on the management permissions set for the user who has been authenticated through the user authentication process.

9. The printing method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The storage process stores permission information in the first electronic document data based on the permissions set according to the user who has been authenticated through the user authentication process to implement authenticity management.

10. An image forming apparatus comprising: The scanning processing unit scans a first analog document, which is a movable document printed on a medium, to obtain first scan data. The storage processing unit stores the authentication information that has been authenticated through user authentication processing and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates the first electronic document data. The registration and processing department is responsible for entrusting the registration of the first electronic document data as the first transaction in the blockchain management server. Printing Processing Department Upon receiving a printing execution instruction regarding the first electronic document data, the printing processing unit obtains first transaction information representing the first transaction from the blockchain management server based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data, determines whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with based on the first transaction information, and prints the image represented by the first scanned data based on the determination result.

11. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a blockchain management server connected to the image forming apparatus, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes: The scanning processing unit scans a first analog document, which is a movable document printed on a medium, to obtain first scan data. The storage processing unit stores the authentication information that has been authenticated through user authentication processing and the hash value of the first scan data in the first scan data, and generates the first electronic document data. The registration and processing department is responsible for entrusting the registration of the first electronic document data as the first transaction in the blockchain management server. Printing Processing Department Upon receiving a printing execution instruction regarding the first electronic document data, the printing processing unit retrieves first transaction information representing the first transaction from the blockchain management server based on the hash value stored in the first electronic document data. Based on the first transaction information, it determines whether the first electronic document data has been tampered with, and based on the determination result, it prints the image represented by the first scanned data. The blockchain management server has the following features: The server-side registration processing department, in response to the entrustment, registers the first electronic document data as the data of the first transaction; The information sending unit responds to the image forming apparatus by sending back the first transaction information in response to a request from the image forming apparatus to obtain the first transaction information.

Images