Information processing device, control method for information processing device and program

Abstract

To accurately alternate processing according to whether authentication is required.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer of an information processing device to function as: acquisition means which acquires model information on an image formation device executing jobs; control means which performs control to acquire authentication necessity information from a first image formation device and alternate whether to execute authentication based upon the authentication necessity information when the model information indicates the first image formation device capable of transmitting the authentication necessity information representing whether authentication is required to the information processing device, or control to execute the authentication processing at least once on a second image formation device when the model information indicates the second image formation device incapable of transmitting the authentication necessity information to the information processing device; and transmission means which transmits job information corresponding to a job to the image formation device when the authentication processing is successful or when the authentication processing is not required.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for transmitting a job from an information processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, high-performance mobile terminals called smartphones have become widespread. In addition, functions of the mobile terminals include a scan function or a print function in cooperation with an image forming apparatus. For example, to execute a function of sending a scanned document to a specified destination, the mobile terminal searches for an image forming apparatus on a LAN. The mobile terminal generates a transmission job using a destination email address and various scan setting information (e.g., color and double-sided) set by a user. Then, the mobile terminal transmits the generated transmission job to an image forming apparatus having a transmission function that is found by the search, and thereby a series of processes of the image forming apparatus required for transmission can be instructed to be executed from the mobile terminal. In other words, although the actual scanning process or printing process is performed by the image forming apparatus, it is possible to issue execution instructions including various settings from the mobile terminal.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a mobile terminal detects proximity to an image forming device, the mobile terminal acquires information on whether authentication is required to perform a linked operation with the image forming device. If authentication is required, the technology discloses a technology in which a message is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal to ask the user whether or not to perform authentication. Patent Document 1 is a technology premised on the assumption that the mobile terminal can acquire information on whether authentication is required from the image forming device in order to link with the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-197379 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for a technique that allows an image forming apparatus to appropriately switch processing depending on whether authentication is required. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of an information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring model information of an image forming device that executes a job, a control means for acquiring the authentication necessity information from the first image forming device and controlling whether or not to execute an authentication process based on the authentication necessity information when the model information indicates that the image forming device is a first image forming device that is capable of sending authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is required to the information processing device, and for controlling the second image forming device to execute an authentication process at least once when the model information indicates that the image forming device is a second image forming device that is not capable of sending the authentication necessity information to the information processing device, and a transmission means for transmitting job information corresponding to the job to the image forming device when the authentication process is successful or when the authentication process is not required. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately switch processing depending on whether authentication is required in an image forming apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a software configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display screen of an application running on the information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display screen of an application running on the information processing device. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process related to authentication. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display screen of an application running on the information processing device. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process related to authentication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numbers are used for the same components.

[0010] <<First embodiment>> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 101, a wireless LAN terminal 102, and an image forming device 104. These devices are connected via a network 103 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Devices other than those shown here may also be connected to the network 103.

[0011] The information processing device 101 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. In the information processing device 101, an operating system for small terminals, a program for controlling voice calls, position detection, and data communication may be running. Alternatively, the information processing device 101 may be a personal computer (PC) that does not have voice control, position detection control, mobile phone data communication, etc. The information processing device 101 is connected to a network 103 by a wireless LAN terminal 102.

[0012] The wireless LAN terminal 102 is a wireless LAN base station having a general network router function, and provides wireless network communication via a wireless LAN in a home or office.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 104 is a digital multifunction machine having various job execution functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a fax transmission function. However, the image forming apparatus 104 is not limited to this, and may be a device having a single function. The image forming apparatus 104 may be configured to include a wireless access point therein and to be able to communicate directly with the information processing apparatus 101 without going through the wireless LAN terminal 102. A user can operate the information processing apparatus 101 to instruct the image forming apparatus 104 to execute a job and output instructions to execute various functions of the image forming apparatus 104 through the information processing apparatus 101.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 104 is connected to the network 103 by wire, but like the information processing apparatus 101, the image forming apparatus 104 may be connected wirelessly using the wireless LAN terminal 102. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 are capable of short-distance wireless communication using wireless signals such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The image forming apparatus 104 has connection information (such as an IP address or a MAC address) for connecting to the image forming apparatus 104 via a wireless LAN, and can transmit the connection information to the information processing apparatus 101 via an NFC communication unit or a BLE communication unit, which will be described later. The information processing apparatus 101 can start wireless LAN communication with the image forming apparatus 104 using the acquired connection information.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 101 has a controller unit 201, an NFC communication unit 210, a BLE communication unit 211, a wireless LAN communication unit 212, a microphone / speaker 213, a display 214, and a touch panel 215. The controller unit 201 controls various communication units, such as the NFC communication unit 210, the BLE communication unit 211, and the wireless LAN communication unit 212, as well as various UI units, such as the microphone / speaker 213, the display 214, and the touch panel 215.

[0016] The controller unit 201 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a network I / F 205, a sound control unit 206, a display control unit 207, an input control unit 208, and a storage device 209. The components of the controller unit 201 are connected by a system bus 216.

[0017] The CPU 202 controls the entire system of the information processing device 101. The ROM 203 stores the operating system of the information processing device 101 and programs that control calls and data communications. The CPU 202 executes these various programs. The RAM 204 is the main memory of the CPU 202, and is used as a temporary storage area such as a work area. The storage device 209 is a non-volatile storage device, and records various operation mode settings that need to be retained even after the information processing device 101 is restarted, operation logs, and the like.

[0018] The network I / F 205 is connected to an NFC communication unit 210, a BLE communication unit 211, and a wireless LAN communication unit 212, and exchanges data with the image forming apparatus 104 through various wireless communications.

[0019] An audio control unit 206 controls input and output of audio data via a microphone / speaker 213. A display control unit 207 controls output of image data to be displayed on a display 214. An input control unit 208 controls input of information designated by a user via a button or touch panel 215. Various applications executed by the information processing device 101 utilize the audio control unit 206, display control unit 207, input control unit 208, etc.

[0020] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 104 includes a controller unit 301, an operation unit 307, an NFC communication unit 310, a BLE communication unit 311, a wireless LAN communication unit 312, a scanner 313, and a printer 314. The controller unit 301 controls various communication units, such as the NFC communication unit 310, the BLE communication unit 311, and the wireless LAN communication unit 312, as well as the operation unit 307, the scanner 313, and the printer 314.

[0021] When a user uses the copy function of the image forming apparatus 104, the controller unit 301 controls the scanner 313 to acquire image data of an original document, and controls the printer 314 to print and output the image on paper. When a user uses the "scan and send" function, the controller unit 301 controls the scanner 313 to acquire image data of an original document and convert it into code data. The controller unit 301 then transmits the converted data to the information processing apparatus 101 or the like via the network I / F 308. When a user uses the print function, the controller unit 301 receives image data (code data) from the information processing apparatus 101 via the network I / F 308. The controller unit 301 then transmits the received image data to the printer 314. The printer 314 prints and outputs an image on paper based on the received image data. The image forming apparatus 104 also has a FAX receiving function that receives and prints data from ISDN or the like, and a FAX sending function that transmits scanned data to ISDN or the like. A task to be processed that is set by the user to execute each function as described above is called a job. The image forming apparatus 104 executes a predetermined job in accordance with information including the job (called job information).

[0022] The controller unit 301 includes a CPU 302, a RAM 303, a ROM 304, a HDD 305, an operation unit I / F 306, a network I / F 308, and a device I / F 309. The components included in the controller unit 301 are connected to each other via a system bus 315.

[0023] CPU 302 controls the entire system of image forming apparatus 104. RAM 303 is a system work memory for CPU 302 to operate, and temporarily stores image data, etc. RAM 303 stores scan image data read by scanner 313 and print image data received from information processing apparatus 101 via network 103. ROM 304 stores a system boot program, applications, etc. Hard disk drive (HDD) 305 stores an operating system, system software, application software, image data, setting data, etc.

[0024] The operation unit 307 displays information to the user and accepts operations from the user. For example, an operation panel such as a touch panel display is used as the operation unit 307.

[0025] The operation unit I / F 306 outputs information to be displayed on the operation unit 307 to the operation unit 307. The operation unit I / F 306 also accepts information input by a user from the operation unit 307. The network I / F 308 is connected to an NFC communication unit 310, a BLE communication unit 311, and a wireless LAN communication unit 312, and exchanges information with the information processing device 101 and a cloud server (not shown) through various types of communication. The wireless LAN communication unit 312 performs wireless LAN with the information processing device 101 via the network 103. The NFC communication unit 310 and the BLE communication unit 311 each perform short-range wireless communication with the information processing device 101. The image forming apparatus 104 receives job information including job setting information, image data, and a job execution command from the information processing device 101 via the network I / F 308, and executes the job. A device I / F 309 connects a scanner 313 that reads image data and a printer 314 that prints image data to the controller unit 301, and inputs and outputs image data.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of software realized by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 reading out a control program (application) stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 209.

[0027] The application 401 is an application installed in the information processing apparatus 101, and is an application for operating the image forming apparatus 104. A user performs settings on the application 401, and inputs an instruction to cause the application 401 to generate print job information, scan job information, or the like. The application 401 generates job information according to this instruction. The application 401 can transmit the generated job information to the image forming apparatus 104. Various applications other than the application 401 are installed in the information processing apparatus 101, but a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the application 401 is shown below.

[0028] The application 401 includes a user interface (UI) control unit 402 , an authentication information management unit 403 , a device connection unit 404 , a network control unit 405 , a job setting management unit 406 , and a job control unit 407 .

[0029] The UI control unit 402 accepts job setting information input by the user via the touch panel 215, and transmits the accepted content to the job setting management unit 406 or the job control unit 407 via the input control unit 208. The UI control unit 402 receives a response from the job setting management unit 406 or the job control unit 407, and outputs a screen according to the received content to the display 214 via the display control unit 207. The UI control unit 402 accepts authentication information input by the user via the touch panel 215, and transmits the authentication information management unit 403 via the input control unit 208.

[0030] The authentication information management unit 403 saves and manages authentication information such as user information received from the UI control unit 402. Then, based on the saved authentication information, a process for logging in to the image forming apparatus 104 is performed. Specifically, the authentication information management unit 403 passes the authentication information to the network control unit 405. The authentication information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. The image forming apparatus 104 performs a login process using the received authentication information, and returns the result to the information processing apparatus 101. The authentication information saved and managed in this way in the image forming apparatus 104 can also be given by the application 401 when the application 401 transmits job information.

[0031] The device connection unit 404 establishes, for example, short-distance wireless communication using NFC or BLE, or wireless LAN communication via the network 103, between the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 104. For example, in the case of NFC, the user brings the NFC communication unit 210 of the information processing device 101 and the NFC communication unit 310 of the image forming device 104 close to each other, thereby starting short-distance wireless communication. In the case of BLE, the BLE communication unit 311 of the image forming device 104 transmits a BLE beacon, and the BLE communication unit 211 of the information processing device 101 receives the transmitted beacon. When the user brings the information processing device 101 close to the image forming device 104, and the information processing device 101 determines that the radio wave intensity of the received beacon is equal to or greater than a certain level, short-distance wireless communication is started. In this way, the user brings the NFC or BLE communication units of the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 close to each other, thereby causing the device connection unit 404 to perform short-distance wireless communication with the image forming device 104. Then, through short-distance wireless communication, the device connection unit 404 acquires device information including connection information necessary for wireless LAN communication from the image forming apparatus 104. For example, the connection information includes information such as an SSID and a Passkey of the wireless LAN to which the image forming apparatus 104 is connected, in addition to an IP address or a MAC address, as described above. The device connection unit 404 can start wireless LAN communication with the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103 using the connection information acquired in this manner. Note that the method of acquiring the connection information described above is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the device connection unit 404 may establish a wireless LAN connection with the image forming apparatus 104 using connection information input by a user through the touch panel 215.

[0032] The network control unit 405 transmits job information (including job setting information, a job execution instruction command, image data, user authentication information, etc.) to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the job information is sent to the image forming apparatus 104 via the wireless LAN terminal 102. For example, if the job information to be transmitted is job information for transmitting scanned image data to a set destination, the job setting information is the destination to which the data is transmitted and settings related to scanning, etc. The network control unit 405 can also receive the job setting information and the like stored in the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103.

[0033] The job setting management unit 406 stores in the RAM 204 or the storage device 209 the job setting information that is accepted by the UI control unit 402 and input by the user, and the job setting information that is received from the image forming apparatus 104 via the network control unit 405. The job setting management unit 406 may register the job setting information as "favorites" as settings that the user frequently uses. In addition, the job setting management unit 406 may register the job setting information stored in the RAM 204 or the storage device 209 when the application 401 is installed as "presets."

[0034] The job control unit 407 controls the processing executed in the image forming apparatus 104. For example, the job control unit 407 generates job information from job setting information included in “favorites” or “presets” registered in the job setting management unit 406, or from job setting information set by a user operation. The job control unit 407 then transmits the generated job information to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103, thereby transmitting a job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus 104. The job control unit 407 also acquires the job execution status or the device operation status of the scanner 313 or the printer 314 from the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103, and transmits it to the UI control unit 402.

[0035] As described above, the application 401 can generate job information and transmit the generated job information to the image forming apparatus 104. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 104 of this embodiment includes a first image forming apparatus having a first platform and a second image forming apparatus having a second platform. The platform may include, for example, both a software platform and a hardware platform. The first platform is a platform from which the application 401 can obtain authentication necessity information. The second platform is a platform from which the application 401 cannot obtain authentication necessity information. The authentication necessity information is information indicating whether or not authentication information is required in the image forming apparatus 104 when the application 401 transmits job information to the image forming apparatus 104.

[0036] When the image forming apparatus 104 to which the application 401 is connected is the first image forming apparatus, the application 401 can acquire authentication necessity information from the image forming apparatus 104. Therefore, if the application 401 transmits job information to the image forming apparatus 104 in accordance with the mode indicated by the authentication necessity information, the image forming apparatus 104 will perform processing according to the job information. For example, when the acquired authentication necessity information indicates that authentication is necessary, the application 401 transmits job information including the authentication information to the image forming apparatus 104. On the other hand, when the acquired authentication necessity information indicates that authentication is not necessary, the application 401 transmits job information not including the authentication information to the image forming apparatus 104.

[0037] On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 104 to which the application 401 connects is a second image forming apparatus, the application 401 cannot obtain authentication necessity information from the image forming apparatus 104. For this reason, in a typical application of this type, it is not possible to determine whether authentication information is necessary when transmitting job information, and it is not possible to switch the process of whether or not to add the authentication information. An example will be described in which the application 401 of this embodiment performs appropriate processing even when such a second image forming apparatus is included in the information processing system.

[0038] The authentication information management unit 403 of the application 401 manages authentication information for the first platform and authentication information for the second platform. The authentication information for the first platform can be set by the user on the application 401. This is because the application 401 can acquire authentication necessity information from the first image forming apparatus of the first platform, and it is assumed that the authentication information for the first image forming apparatus is used on the application 401. On the other hand, the authentication information for the second platform cannot be set by the user on the application 401. This is because, since the authentication necessity information cannot be acquired from the second image forming apparatus, if the user were to set authentication information for such a platform on the application 401, there is a risk of causing confusion to the user. The authentication information for the second platform is configured to be set by an internal process of the application 401, as described later.

[0039] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of software implemented by the CPU 302 reading out a control program stored in the ROM 304 or the HDD 305.

[0040] The application management unit 501 manages applications that run on the image forming apparatus 104. The application management unit 501 has a user interface (UI) control unit 502, an authentication unit 503, a device connection unit 504, a network control unit 505, a job execution management unit 506, and a job control unit 507. The job control unit 507 has a scan processing unit 511, a copy processing unit 512, a print processing unit 513, and a fax processing unit 514.

[0041] The UI control unit 502 receives job setting information and the like input by the user via the operation unit 307, and passes it to the job execution management unit 506 or the job control unit 507. In addition, the UI control unit 502 receives a response from the job execution management unit 506 or the job control unit 507, and outputs a screen based on the response to the operation unit 307.

[0042] The authentication unit 503 performs login processing based on the authentication information received from the information processing device 101, and returns the result. The device connection unit 504 establishes, for example, wireless LAN communication with the information processing device 101. The network control unit 505 receives job information including job setting information, a job execution instruction command, image data, and user authentication information from the information processing device 101 via the network 103. The network control unit 505 transmits the job setting information stored in the image forming device 104 to the information processing device 101 via the network 103.

[0043] The job execution management unit 506 manages the status of a job to be executed, etc. The job execution management unit 506 also stores job information including job setting information input by the user via the UI control unit 502 and job setting information received from the information processing device 101 via the network control unit 505 in the RAM 204 or HDD 205. The job execution management unit 506 may register these job setting information as "favorites" as settings that the user frequently uses. The job execution management unit 506 may also manage custom job settings stored in the RAM 204 or the storage device 209 when an application is installed as "presets". The job execution management unit 506 can also manage jobs executed by the image forming device 104 as "history".

[0044] The job control unit 507 controls each of the processing units, the scan processing unit 511, the copy processing unit 512, the print processing unit 513, and the fax processing unit 514, in response to the received job information, and executes various jobs. For example, the job control unit 507 executes various jobs using job setting information set by the user on the operation unit 307, or job setting information of "favorite" or "preset" registered on the job execution management unit 506. Furthermore, the job control unit 507 receives a job execution request including job information received from the information processing device 101 or the like via the network 103, and executes various jobs based on the received job setting information and job execution instruction. Furthermore, the job control unit 507 transmits the job execution status and the operating status of the device, the scanner 313 or the printer 314, to the information processing device 101 via the network 103.

[0045] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing a display screen of the application 401 that runs on the information processing device 101. The processing of the application 401 that runs on the information processing device 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] Fig. 6(a) is a menu screen of an application 401 that runs on the information processing device 101. The application 401 communicates with the image forming device 104 and can issue an instruction to execute processing to the image forming device 104 using the settings made on the application. Note that, before the menu screen of Fig. 6(a) is displayed, the information processing device 101 is in a state where communication has already been established with the image forming device 104 based on the acquired connection information. Also, when communication with a plurality of image forming devices 104 is possible, a specific image forming device 104 is selected. That is, when the menu screen of Fig. 6(a) is displayed, the image forming device 104 to which the instruction is to be sent is specified.

[0047] The UI control unit 402 displays a list of processes (function list) using the functions of the image forming apparatus 104 on a menu screen 604 of the application 401. The list of functions displayed here is, for example, a list of areas (buttons) corresponding to information registered as the above-mentioned "favorites" or "presets". As an example, a "Send to Me" button 601 for sending an image scanned by the image forming apparatus 104 to oneself (a user logged in to the image forming apparatus) by email is displayed. The "Send to Me" button 601 displays some setting information. Specifically, setting information indicating that the file format is PDF is displayed. In addition, the list displays a "Save to My Folder" button 602 for saving the scanned image scanned by the image forming apparatus 104 in one's registered folder. In addition, the list displays a "Color Copy" button 603 for making one copy of a color copy on both sides by the image forming apparatus 104. Some setting information is also displayed on these buttons.

[0048] When the user presses the "Send to Me" button 601, the screen transitions to a settings screen (FIG. 6(b)) for sending an email to oneself. In this specification, "press" is used to include touching via the touch panel 215. When the user presses the "Save to My Folder" button 602, the screen transitions to a settings screen (not shown) for saving to My Folder. When the user presses the "Color Copy" button 603, the screen opens a settings screen (not shown) for the copy function with registered settings.

[0049] The "Copy" button 605 is a button for sending copy job information to the image forming apparatus 104, and when pressed, a copy function setting screen (not shown) opens with default settings. The "Scan and Send" button 606 is a button for sending scan and send job information to the image forming apparatus 104, and when pressed, a scan and send function setting screen opens with default settings. The "Print" button 607 is a button for sending print job information to the image forming apparatus 104, and when pressed, a print function setting screen opens with default settings.

[0050] Fig. 6(b) is a setting screen for the scan and send function. Fig. 6(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "send to yourself" button 601 is pressed by the user. The "send to yourself" function is a type of "scan and send" function, and the user's own email address is set as the destination by default. Therefore, Fig. 6(b) is also an example of a setting screen when the "scan and send" button 606 is pressed.

[0051] The "scan and send" setting screen 611 is a screen for making settings for sending a scanned image by email. A title area 612 displays a title indicating the setting screen (in this example, "send to yourself"), and also has a button for canceling the settings and returning to the menu screen. An email address setting area 613 is an area in which a set email address is displayed. When this area is pressed, the user can directly input the email address of the destination using a soft keyboard. When an address book launch button 614 is pressed, an address book in the information processing device 101 is called up. When the user selects an email address from the called up address book, the selected email address is displayed in the email address setting area 613. It is possible to set multiple email addresses.

[0052] A subject field 615 for inputting a subject, a file name input field 616, and a text field 617 for inputting a text body can accept input of any character string by the user using a soft keyboard of the information processing device 101. A start button 619 is a button for transmitting job information to the image forming device 104. Note that when the start button 619 is pressed, the application 401 may transmit the job information to the image forming device 104 after confirming with the user whether the set email address is the address intended by the user.

[0053] The scan setting button 618 is a button for configuring scan settings, and when pressed, transitions to a scan setting screen 720 shown in Fig. 7(a). In the scan setting screen 720, a title area 721 displays a title, and a button for confirming the settings and returning to the "scan and send" setting screen 611 is arranged. The scan setting screen 720 includes various buttons related to scanning (e.g., a color setting button 722), and when each button is pressed by the user, the respective settings can be made. For example, when the color setting button 722 is pressed, transitions to a color setting screen (not shown) where color settings can be changed, and the color settings configured on the color setting screen are displayed on the corresponding button.

[0054] 7B shows a screen displayed by the application 401 when the application 401 needs to request authentication information from the user when transmitting job information to the image forming apparatus 104. The user inputs a password in a password input area 732. When the user presses a login button 733, the authentication information input in the password input area 732 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 104. When a cancel button 734 is pressed, the authentication information request screen 631 is closed and the screen returns to the “scan and send” setting screen 611.

[0055] As described above, the application 401 manages the authentication information input (registered) by the user in the authentication information management unit 403. FIG. 7B is a screen displayed when the authentication information is not managed in the authentication information management unit 403 under a specific condition. Specifically, this is the case when the platform of the image forming apparatus 104 is a second platform that cannot allow the application 401 to acquire authentication necessity information. Furthermore, when the authentication information for the second platform is not managed (stored) in the application 401, FIG. 7B is displayed. Details will be described later. Note that in the following case, a screen different from FIG. 7B is displayed. That is, this is the case when the platform of the image forming apparatus 104 is a first platform that can allow the application 401 to acquire authentication necessity information. Furthermore, this is the case when the authentication information for the first platform is not managed (stored) in the application 401. In this case, another screen will be displayed. Also, having the application 401 acquire authentication necessity information corresponds to having the information processing apparatus 101 having the application 401 acquire authentication necessity information. Moreover, having the information processing device 101 acquire the authentication necessity information corresponds to transmitting the authentication necessity information to the information processing device 101.

[0056] 6 and 7 show examples of the menu screen and the scan and send (send to self) screen, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, the setting screens for each function are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process related to authentication when the information processing apparatus 101 transmits job information to the image forming apparatus 104. The process shown in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 202 of the information processing apparatus 101 functioning as each functional unit shown in FIG. 4 as described above. That is, the flowchart in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 202 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 209, etc., into the RAM 204 and executing it. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 8 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the explanation of each process means a step in the flowchart (the same applies to the flowcharts in the following specification). Specifically, each operation shown in the flowchart in FIG. 8 is realized by the application 401 being executed by the CPU 202. The process shown in FIG. 8 is started when, for example, a button for a specific function is pressed on the menu screen 604 shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0058] That is, at the time when the flowchart of FIG. 8 is started, the image forming apparatus 104 to which the job information is to be transmitted has been specified, and wireless communication has been established between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 104. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a user selects a "scan and send" button 606 from a menu screen 604 of the information processing apparatus 101 and transmits "scan and send" job information. Note that the function is not limited to "scan and send", and job information of other jobs such as a FAX job or a print job may be transmitted. In addition, this flowchart assumes a case in which a user transmits job information from the information processing apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 104 while the user is not logged in to the image forming apparatus.

[0059] In S801, the UI control unit 402 displays a job execution screen and accepts job settings. For example, the "scan and send" setting screen 611 in Fig. 6(b) or the scan setting screen 620 in Fig. 6(c) is displayed to accept job settings from the user. Next, in S802, the UI control unit 402 accepts pressing of the start button 619 by the user. The UI control unit 402 accepts various settings in S801 until it detects pressing of the start button 619 by the user.

[0060] Next, in step S803, the job control unit 407 checks information about the image forming apparatus 104 connected via the device connection unit 404. In this example, the information about the image forming apparatus 104 is the platform name of a firmware controller of the image forming apparatus 104. The information about the image forming apparatus 104 is also acquired when the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 are connected via the device connection unit 404.

[0061] Next, in S804, the job control unit 407 determines whether information on whether authentication is required (referred to as authentication necessity information) can be acquired from the connected image forming apparatus 104 based on the information of the image forming apparatus 104 confirmed in S803. If the job control unit 407 determines that the authentication necessity information can be acquired, the process proceeds to S805, and if not, the process proceeds to S810. In this example, the determination of whether the authentication necessity information can be acquired from the image forming apparatus 104 is made based on the platform name of the firmware controller confirmed in S803.

[0062] The functions and costs of the image forming apparatuses vary depending on the place or purpose of use. The platforms of the firmware controllers installed in the image forming apparatuses also vary depending on the constraints of functions and costs. For example, the platforms of the firmware controllers installed in the image forming apparatuses are often different between a large image forming apparatus that can handle A3 paper size and a small image forming apparatus that cannot handle A3 paper size and can only handle A4 paper size. Compared to the image forming apparatus that can handle A3 paper size, the platform of the firmware controller installed in the image forming apparatus that can only handle A4 paper size has performance constraints. That is, from the viewpoint of cost, there are limitations on the functions that can be used and the performance of hardware such as RAM or ROM. Therefore, there is also a difference in the performance of the APIs (Application Program Interfaces) that are possessed. One of these differences is whether or not authentication necessity information can be acquired. That is, in this embodiment, there is a model of the image forming apparatus 104 that can transmit (can cause the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire) authentication necessity information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that there is a model of the image forming apparatus 104 that cannot transmit (can cause the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire) authentication necessity information. The platform names of the firmware controllers of the respective models are different. Therefore, by referring to the platform names of the firmware controllers, the job control unit 407 can determine whether or not the authentication necessity information can be acquired from the image forming apparatus 104. As described above, an image forming apparatus having a first platform capable of causing the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire the authentication necessity information is referred to as a first image forming apparatus. The first platform capable of causing the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire the authentication necessity information is, in other words, a first platform capable of providing the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus 101. An image forming apparatus having a second platform not capable of causing the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire the authentication necessity information is referred to as a second image forming apparatus. The second platform not capable of causing the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire the authentication necessity information is, in other words, a second platform not capable of providing the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus 101.

[0063] Specifically, a large image forming device that can handle A3 paper size is a model that can transmit authentication necessity information to the information processing device 101. A small image forming device that cannot handle A3 paper size and can only handle up to A4 paper size is a model that cannot transmit authentication necessity information to the information processing device 101.

[0064] Therefore, in the determination in S804, the job control unit 407 determines YES if the information of the image forming apparatus 104 confirmed in S803 includes the platform name of a firmware controller of a model capable of transmitting authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus 101. The job control unit 407 determines NO if the information of the image forming apparatus 104 confirmed in S803 includes the platform name of a firmware controller of a model not capable of transmitting authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus 101.

[0065] It is assumed that the application 401 has in advance information for identifying which platform name is the first platform or the second platform, for example, in the form of a table. Therefore, the determination in S804 is executed based on the information acquired from the image forming apparatus 104 and the information that the application 401 has in advance without acquiring from the image forming apparatus 104. It is assumed that the platform name is an example, and the determination in S804 does not have to be based on the platform name. It is sufficient if the model information can identify the type of device. That is, the platform name of the firmware controller may be referenced as the model information, or information other than the platform name may be referenced. Specifically, the model name of the image forming apparatus 104 may be referenced. In this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that there are models corresponding to the first platform and models corresponding to the second platform. It is assumed that in S804, it is determined whether the model name of the image forming apparatus 104 is a model name corresponding to the first platform or a model name corresponding to the second platform. That is, the job control unit 407 determines YSE when the information of the image forming apparatus 104 confirmed in S803 includes the model name of a model capable of transmitting authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus 101. The job control unit 407 determines NO when the information of the image forming apparatus 104 confirmed in S803 includes the model name of a model not capable of transmitting authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus 101. For example, there are a plurality of model names that use the first platform. That is, processing may be performed using a model name that is narrower than the platform name. Note that, other than the model name, for example, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 104 or capability information of the image forming apparatus 104 may be used in the determination in S804.

[0066] Returning to Fig. 8, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 104 has a first platform capable of causing the information processing apparatus 101 to acquire authentication necessity information. In S805, the job control unit 407 acquires the authentication necessity information from the image forming apparatus 104. In S806, the job control unit 407 determines whether the authentication necessity information acquired in S805 indicates that authentication is necessary. If it indicates that authentication is necessary, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S807, and if not, proceeds to S818.

[0067] In S807, the job control unit 407 transmits the authentication information managed (stored) in the authentication information management unit 403 to the image forming apparatus 104 and performs the authentication process. As described above, the authentication information management unit 403 of the application 401 manages authentication information for the first platform and authentication information for the second platform separately. In S807, the job control unit 407 performs the authentication process using the authentication information for the first platform. Next, in S808, the job control unit 407 determines whether the authentication process performed in S807 was successful. If the authentication was successful, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S818, and if the authentication was unsuccessful, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S809.

[0068] In step S809, the UI control unit 402 notifies the user of an authentication error indicating that the authentication has failed. That is, when transmitting job information, authentication is required for the image forming apparatus 104, and if the authentication has failed, an authentication error is notified.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of the application 401 running on the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of an error screen notified in S809. When authentication fails, a message 901 is displayed to prompt the user to check the stored authentication information. When an OK button 902 is pressed, the job control unit 407 returns to S801 and transitions to a job execution screen. Note that, even if authentication information for the first platform is not stored in the authentication information management unit 403, authentication is treated as having failed, and an authentication error is similarly notified in S809. As described above, the authentication information for the first platform can be set by the user on the application 401. For this reason, in FIG. 9(a), a message is displayed to prompt the user to check the contents set in the user information set in the application 401.

[0070] Next, a case will be described where the image forming apparatus 104 has a second platform from which authentication necessity information cannot be acquired. In S810, the job control unit 407 transmits the authentication information stored in the authentication information management unit 403 to the image forming apparatus 104 and attempts authentication processing. As described above, the authentication information for the second platform is not set by a user operation via the touch panel 215 or the like, but is set and managed within the application 401. In the initial processing, the authentication information for the second platform is not stored in the authentication information management unit 403.

[0071] The authentication process attempted by the job control unit 407 in S810 is performed for the purpose of checking whether the image forming apparatus 104 is set to require authentication. In other words, since authentication necessity information cannot be acquired from the destination image forming apparatus 104, it is unclear whether the image forming apparatus 104 requires authentication. Therefore, in order to check whether authentication is required, the job control unit 407 first attempts authentication processing using authentication information for the second platform stored in the authentication information management unit 403. Note that if authentication information for the second platform is not stored in the authentication information management unit 403, the job control unit 407 transmits null authentication information.

[0072] In S811, the job control unit 407 determines whether the authentication process performed in S810 was successful. If the authentication was successful, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S812, and if the authentication was unsuccessful, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S813. Here, if the image forming apparatus 104 is set to not require authentication, the authentication will be successful no matter what authentication information is sent.

[0073] In S812, the job control unit 407 overwrites and saves the successfully authenticated authentication information in the authentication information management unit 403. Then, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S818. As described above, the authentication information for the second platform is configured to be saved by internal processing of the application 401. Therefore, processing is performed to overwrite and save the successfully authenticated authentication information for the second platform saved in the authentication information management unit 403 with the authentication information for the second platform. Here, if null authentication information was sent in S810, the null authentication information will be overwritten and saved.

[0074] There are two cases in which the process proceeds to S812. The first case is when the image forming apparatus 104 is set so that authentication is not required. In this case, as described above, authentication will be successful no matter what authentication information is sent. The second case is when the image forming apparatus 104 is set so that authentication is required, and correct authentication information is sent. Thus, the cases in which the process proceeds to S812 also include a case in which a new authentication process is successful for an image forming apparatus 104 that has been determined to be an image forming apparatus 104 that requires authentication. In this second case, the successful authentication information (non-empty authentication information) is overwritten and saved as authentication information for the second platform in the authentication information management unit 403.

[0075] In S813, the job control unit 407 determines whether the authentication failure is the first time. If the authentication failure is the first time, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S815, and if the authentication failure is the second or subsequent time, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S814. The first failure is a case in which it can be estimated that the destination image forming apparatus 104 is an image forming apparatus that requires authentication. If an authentication error is notified at the first failure, which corresponds to such a so-called provisional authentication process, it will confuse the user. For this reason, at the first failure, the process of notifying the authentication error (the process of S814) is skipped. On the other hand, if the failure is the second or subsequent time, it can be estimated that the authentication information entered by the user was incorrect, and therefore, as shown below, a process of notifying the authentication error is performed.

[0076] In S814, the UI control unit 402 notifies the user that the authentication has failed. Fig. 9B shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the application 401 in S814. In Fig. 9B, a message 951 is displayed indicating that the authentication information is incorrect. When OK 952 is pressed, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S815.

[0077] 7B, and requests authentication information from the user. Then, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S816.

[0078] In S816, the UI control unit 402 determines whether it has detected the user pressing the cancel button 734. If it has detected the user pressing the cancel button 734, the job control unit 407 returns to S801. If not, the process proceeds to S817.

[0079] In S817, the job control unit 407 transmits the authentication information input by the user to the image forming apparatus 104 and performs authentication processing. Then, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S811, and determines whether the authentication has been successful, as described above.

[0080] In S818, the job control unit 407 transmits the job information to the image forming apparatus 104. If it is determined that authentication is required, the transmitted job information includes authentication information.

[0081] In the above example, a case has been described where job information is transmitted from the information processing device 101 to the image forming device 104 in a state where the user is not logged in to the image forming device 104. Here, there is a case where the user has logged in to the image forming device 104 before transmitting the job information. That is, there is a case where the user has already logged in to the image forming device 104 by inputting authentication information using the operation unit 307 of the image forming device 104 or the like. Below, a process when the user has already logged in to the image forming device 104 will be described. The process differs depending on whether the image forming device is a first image forming device having a first platform or a second image forming device having a second platform.

[0082] When the image forming apparatus is the first image forming apparatus (i.e., when YES is determined in S804 in FIG. 8), if the same authentication information is managed in the authentication information management unit 403, the authentication is successful in S808, and the job information is transmitted in S818. If authentication information different from the authentication information already logged in is managed in the authentication information management unit 403, the authentication is unsuccessful in S808, and an error notification is issued in S809.

[0083] On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus is the second platform (i.e., if S804 in FIG. 8 is NO), the application 401 displays an error message to the effect that the function cannot be used because the user is currently logged in to the image forming apparatus body. Then, the application 401 returns to the job execution screen. This is because the authentication method for logging in to the image forming apparatus body is different from the authentication method on the second platform. In this case, after the user logs out of the image forming apparatus (second image forming apparatus), it may be possible to finally send job information to the second image forming apparatus according to the process in FIG. 8 by again instructing job execution via the application 401.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately switch processing depending on whether authentication is necessary in the image forming apparatus. Specifically, even if the information processing apparatus 101 cannot acquire information on whether authentication is necessary from the image forming apparatus 104, it is possible to switch processing of the information processing apparatus 101 depending on whether authentication is necessary. That is, in this embodiment, regardless of whether authentication necessity information can be acquired, it is possible to switch between performing authentication processing depending on the authentication necessity setting on the image forming apparatus side and sending a job without performing authentication processing.

[0085] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which, in the case where an image forming apparatus of the second platform is the transmission target, if authentication is successful in S811, authentication information of the second platform is overwritten and saved in the authentication information management unit 403 in S812. If configured to be overwritten and saved uniformly in this way, it becomes an easy configuration in terms of design when implementing the application 401. However, even if authentication is successful using the authentication information saved in the authentication information management unit 403, it can be said that unnecessary processing is occurring because the processing is to overwrite and save the authentication information in the authentication information management unit 403.

[0086] In this embodiment, therefore, an example will be described in which authentication information for the second platform is overwritten and saved only when authentication has failed in the case where the image forming device of the second platform is the transmission target. The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as the example described in the first embodiment, so the differences will be mainly described.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process related to authentication when the information processing apparatus 101 transmits job information to the image forming apparatus 104. As in the example described in the first embodiment, the process shown in Fig. 10 is also realized by the CPU 202 of the information processing apparatus 101 functioning as each functional unit shown in Fig. 2 as described above. The trigger for starting the process in Fig. 10 is also the same as the example described in the first embodiment.

[0088] In Fig. 10, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 8, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, after it is determined in S811 that authentication has been successful, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S1001. In S1001, the job control unit 407 determines whether authentication has failed even once. If it is determined that authentication has failed even once, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S812, and if authentication has not failed even once, the job control unit 407 proceeds to S818.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, when authentication is successful using the stored authentication information of the second platform, only if authentication has failed at least once up to that point is the process of overwriting and saving the authentication information in the authentication information management unit 403. This makes it possible to eliminate unnecessary steps and switch the process according to the authentication necessity setting on the image forming apparatus side, regardless of whether authentication necessity information can be acquired.

[0090] <<Other embodiments>> In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which authentication information for the first platform and authentication information for the second platform are managed. When the image forming apparatus 104 to which job information is to be sent is changed to another image forming apparatus, the process shown in Fig. 8 or 10 described above is performed, and the authentication information is overwritten and saved during the process. Note that this is just one example, and authentication information for each image forming apparatus may be managed by the authentication information management unit 403, and processing may be performed using authentication information for each image forming apparatus.

[0091] Furthermore, the authentication information only needs to be managed by the authentication information management unit 403, and does not necessarily need to be stored in a storage device or the like within the information processing device 101. For example, the entity data may be stored in an external server, and the authentication information management unit 403 may be configured to read out the authentication information stored externally.

[0092] Also, in the case where the image forming device of the second platform that cannot obtain authentication necessity information is the transmission target, an example has been described in which null authentication information is transmitted once to determine whether the image forming device requires authentication processing. Here, the authentication information tried the first time is not limited to the null authentication information. Information that cannot be used for authentication in the image forming device (i.e., is never used) may be used instead of the null authentication information.

[0093] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0094] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following information processing device example, information processing device control method example, and program example.

[0095] <Configuration 1> The computer of the information processing device, An acquisition unit for acquiring model information of an image forming apparatus that executes a job; When the model information indicates that the first image forming apparatus is a first image forming apparatus capable of transmitting authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is necessary to the information processing apparatus, the authentication necessity information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and control is performed to switch whether or not to execute authentication processing based on the authentication necessity information; a control means for controlling the second image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process at least once when the model information indicates that the second image forming apparatus is a second image forming apparatus that cannot transmit the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus; and a transmission unit that transmits job information corresponding to the job to the image forming apparatus when the authentication process is successful or when the authentication process is not required; A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

[0096] <Configuration 2> the control means is configured to execute authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer; The program described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the image forming device is the second image forming device, if the authentication process performed the first time is successful, the control means determines that the second image forming device does not require authentication processing.

[0097] <Configuration 3> the control means is configured to execute authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer; The program described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the image forming device is the second image forming device and the authentication process performed the first time fails, the control means requests authentication information from the user without notifying the user of an authentication error.

[0098] <Configuration 4> 4. The program according to configuration 3, wherein the control means, if the failure in the authentication process is the second or subsequent failure, requests authentication information from the user after notifying the user of the authentication error.

[0099] <Component 5> 5. The program according to configuration 4, wherein the control means executes the authentication process again using the authentication information received in response to the request.

[0100] <Component 6> the acquiring means, the control means, and the transmission means start processing when an instruction to execute the job is accepted on a job execution screen; 6. The program according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the control means performs control to return to the job execution screen when an instruction to cancel the job is accepted in response to the request.

[0101] <Component 7> The program described in any one of configurations 2 to 6, characterized in that when the image forming device is the second image forming device and the authentication process is successful, the control means overwrites the authentication information stored in the computer with the successful authentication information.

[0102] <Component 8> The control means when the image forming apparatus is the second image forming apparatus and the authentication process is successful and there has been a previous authentication failure, overwriting the authentication information stored in the computer with the successful authentication information and storing it; The program described in any one of configurations 2 to 6, characterized in that if the image forming apparatus is the second image forming apparatus and the authentication process is successful and there have been no previous authentication failures, the authentication information stored in the computer is not overwritten with the successful authentication information.

[0103] <Component 9> 9. The program according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the authentication information managed in the computer is not changed based on a user's operation, but is changed by the overwrite saving by the control means.

[0104] <Component 10> the control means is configured to execute authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer; The program described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the image forming device is the first image forming device and the authentication necessity information indicates that authentication is required, the control means executes authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer.

[0105] <Component 11> 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the control means outputs a notification prompting a user to set the authentication information managed in the computer if the authentication process fails.

[0106] <Component 12> 12. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the job is at least one of a job for transmitting a scanned image, a copy job, a print job, and a FAX job.

[0107] <Component 13> 13. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the job is a job based on preset setting information.

[0108] <Component 14> An information processing device, An acquisition unit for acquiring model information of an image forming apparatus that executes a job; When the model information indicates that the first image forming apparatus is a first image forming apparatus capable of transmitting authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is necessary to the information processing apparatus, the authentication necessity information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and control is performed to switch whether or not to execute authentication processing based on the authentication necessity information; a control means for controlling the second image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process at least once when the model information indicates that the second image forming apparatus is a second image forming apparatus that cannot transmit the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus; and a transmission unit that transmits job information corresponding to the job to the image forming apparatus when the authentication process is successful or when the authentication process is not required; 13. An information processing device comprising:

[0109] <Component 15> A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: acquiring model information of an image forming apparatus that executes a job; When the model information indicates that the first image forming apparatus is a first image forming apparatus capable of transmitting authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is necessary to the information processing apparatus, the authentication necessity information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and control is performed to switch whether or not to execute authentication processing based on the authentication necessity information; when the model information indicates that the second image forming apparatus is a second image forming apparatus that cannot transmit the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus, controlling the second image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process at least once; if the authentication process is successful or if the authentication process is not required, transmitting job information corresponding to the job to the image forming apparatus; 13. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising the steps of: [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 101 Information processing device 104 Image forming device 201 Controller unit 202 CPU

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, An acquisition unit for acquiring model information of an image forming apparatus that executes a job; When the model information indicates that the first image forming apparatus is a first image forming apparatus capable of transmitting authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is necessary to the information processing apparatus, the first image forming apparatus acquires the authentication necessity information from the first image forming apparatus, and performs control to switch whether or not to execute authentication processing based on the authentication necessity information; a control means for controlling the second image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process at least once when the model information indicates that the second image forming apparatus is a second image forming apparatus that cannot transmit the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus; and a transmission unit that transmits job information corresponding to the job to the image forming apparatus when the authentication process is successful or when the authentication process is not required; A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

2. the control means is configured to execute authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein, when the image forming apparatus is the second image forming apparatus, if the authentication process performed the first time is successful, the control means determines that the second image forming apparatus does not require authentication process.

3. the control means is configured to execute authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer; The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the image forming device is the second image forming device and the authentication process performed the first time fails, the control means requests authentication information from the user without notifying the user of an authentication error.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein, when the failure in the authentication process is a second or subsequent failure, the control means notifies the user of the authentication error and then requests authentication information from the user.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the control means executes the authentication process again using the authentication information received in response to the request.

6. the acquiring means, the control means, and the transmission means start processing when an instruction to execute the job is accepted on a job execution screen; 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the control means performs control to return to the job execution screen when an instruction to cancel the job is accepted in response to the request.

7. The program according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, when the image forming device is the second image forming device and the authentication process is successful, the control means overwrites and saves the authentication information stored in the computer with the successful authentication information.

8. The control means when the image forming apparatus is the second image forming apparatus and the authentication process is successful and there has been a previous authentication failure, overwriting the authentication information stored in the computer with the successful authentication information and storing it; A program as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that when the image forming device is the second image forming device, if the authentication process is successful and there have been no previous authentication failures, the authentication information stored in the computer is not overwritten with the successful authentication information.

9. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the authentication information managed in the computer is not changed based on an operation by a user, but is changed by the overwriting and saving by the control means.

10. the control means is configured to execute authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer; The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the image forming apparatus is the first image forming apparatus and the authentication necessity information indicates that authentication is required, the control means executes authentication processing using authentication information managed in the computer.

11. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the control means outputs a notification prompting a user to set the authentication information managed in the computer if the authentication process fails.

12. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the job is at least one of a job for transmitting a scanned image, a copy job, a print job, and a FAX job.

13. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the job is based on preset setting information.

14. An information processing device, An acquisition unit for acquiring model information of an image forming apparatus that executes a job; When the model information indicates that the first image forming apparatus is a first image forming apparatus capable of transmitting authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is necessary to the information processing apparatus, the first image forming apparatus acquires the authentication necessity information from the first image forming apparatus, and performs control to switch whether or not to execute authentication processing based on the authentication necessity information; a control means for controlling the second image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process at least once when the model information indicates that the second image forming apparatus is a second image forming apparatus that cannot transmit the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus; and a transmission unit that transmits job information corresponding to the job to the image forming apparatus when the authentication process is successful or when the authentication process is not required; 13. An information processing device comprising:

15. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: acquiring model information of an image forming apparatus that executes a job; When the model information indicates that the first image forming apparatus is a first image forming apparatus capable of transmitting authentication necessity information indicating whether authentication is necessary to the information processing apparatus, the first image forming apparatus acquires the authentication necessity information from the first image forming apparatus, and performs control to switch whether or not to execute authentication processing based on the authentication necessity information; when the model information indicates that the second image forming apparatus is a second image forming apparatus that cannot transmit the authentication necessity information to the information processing apparatus, controlling the second image forming apparatus to execute an authentication process at least once; if the authentication process is successful or if the authentication process is not required, transmitting job information corresponding to the job to the image forming apparatus; 13. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

Images