System, mobile terminal, image processing apparatus, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a data processing system that, when an image forming apparatus receives a job from a mobile terminal and executes a job after receiving an instruction to execute processing on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, performs user operation in both the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: In a data processing system, when an image forming apparatus receives a job from a mobile terminal (S901), an image processing apparatus displays authentication information on an operation panel (S910), and the mobile terminal receives input of the authentication information and transmits the authentication information to the image processing apparatus to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the job (S913).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing system that executes a job by wireless communication between a data processing device and an image forming device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of high-performance mobile terminals called smartphones, the number of image forming devices that cooperate with such mobile terminals has also increased. For example, a print instruction can be issued from a mobile terminal to an image forming device using wireless communication. The mobile terminal receives an operation from a user, creates a print job based on the selected print data and various set print setting information (for example, color setting, number of copies information), and causes the MFP to execute print processing by transmitting the print job to the MFP. At this time, the network communication between the mobile terminal and the image forming device is established according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc., and can be realized by known techniques. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for improving operability when giving instructions such as copy processing and scan data transmission processing from a mobile terminal to an image forming device. When it is possible to instruct the image forming device to perform scan data transmission processing from the terminal, problems may occur due to incorrect operations by the user or the like. For example, if user B who is away from the image forming device erroneously instructs the terminal to perform scan data transmission processing on the paper placed on the platen of the image forming device by user A who is in front of the image forming device, scan data can be obtained illegally. Therefore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of transmitting scan data when a predetermined operation is received on the operation panel of the image forming device after giving a scan data transmission instruction on the terminal. By this method, the user can transmit scan data after performing a confirmation operation on the image processing device, and can prevent incorrect operations and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-207875 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-145493 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, when scanning data is transmitted when a predetermined operation is received on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus as in Patent Document 2, the user must also operate the operation panel of the image forming apparatus after performing an operation to instruct the execution of processing on the terminal. That is, operations must be performed on two devices, resulting in a decrease in user operability. It would be better if the operation could be completed on the user's terminal.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a method that can appropriately confirm the execution of processing by the user while reducing the user's operability when it is possible to instruct the transmission process of scan data from a terminal to an image forming apparatus. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] A data processing system including a data processing device and an image forming apparatus, wherein the data processing device includes a transmission unit that transmits an execution instruction for a job of transmitting an image generated by scanning to the image processing apparatus, a reception unit that receives an authentication code, and an authentication code transmission unit that transmits the authentication code received by the reception unit to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a display control unit that generates an authentication code based on receiving the instruction transmitted by the transmission unit and displays the authentication code or information obtained by encrypting the authentication code on a display unit of the image processing apparatus, and an execution unit that executes a job corresponding to the execution instruction transmitted by the transmission unit when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the authentication code transmitted by the authentication code transmission unit and the generated authentication code. A data processing system characterized by having the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] When it is possible to instruct the image forming apparatus to perform the transmission process of scan data from the terminal, while appropriately confirming the execution of the process to the user, the operability of the user is not degraded.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0010] (Example 1) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The data processing system 100 is composed of a data processing device 101, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) terminal 102, an image forming device 104, and a cloud server 105, and these devices are connected via a network 103.

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

[0012] The wireless terminal 102 is a parent device of a wireless LAN having a general network router function, and provides a wireless LAN in a home, an office, etc.

[0013] The image forming device 104 is a digital multifunction device having various job execution functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a fax transmission function. The user can instruct the image forming device 104 to execute a job by operating the data processing device 101, and execute various functions of the image forming device 104.

[0014] The cloud server 105 manages the data used by the data processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 via the network 103, and performs extension processing of various functions, etc. In this embodiment, the image forming device 104 and the cloud server 105 are in a form of being wired-connected to the network 103, but they may be wirelessly connected using the wireless LAN terminal 102 in the same manner as the data processing device 101.

[0015] Furthermore, the data processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 are capable of short-range wireless communication via wireless signals such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The image forming device 104 has connection information (such as an IP address and a MAC address) for wireless LAN connection to the image forming device 104 in an NFC communication unit and a BLE communication unit described later, and the data processing device 101 acquires the connection information by short-range wireless communication. Then, based on the acquired connection information, the data processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 start wireless LAN communication. That is, the wireless LAN communication between the data processing device 101 and the image forming device 104 is established by switching from short-range wireless communication such as NFC communication and BLE communication between the devices to wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi (referred to as handover).

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the data processing device 101 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The data processing device 101 has a controller unit 201. The controller unit 201 controls various communication units such as an NFC communication unit 210, a BLE communication unit 211, and a wireless LAN communication unit 212, and various UI units such as a microphone / speaker 213, a display 214, and a touch panel 215.

[0018] The controller unit 201 is composed of a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a network I / F 205, an audio control unit 206, a display control unit 207, an input control unit 208, and a storage device 209, and they are connected by a system bus 216.

[0019] The CPU 202 controls the entire system of the data processing device 101. The ROM 203 stores the operating system of the data processing device 101 and applications for controlling calls and data communication, and the CPU 202 executes various programs. The RAM 204 is a memory for the CPU 202 to execute various programs, and is a work memory area for applications to execute programs.

[0020] The storage device 209 is a non-volatile storage device, and records various operation mode settings and operation logs that need to be retained even after the data processing device 101 restarts. In particular, in this embodiment, the storage device 209 stores setting information used when giving an execution instruction to the image forming apparatus 104, setting information acquired from the image forming apparatus 104, and the like.

[0021] The network I / F 205 is connected to the NFC communication unit 210, the BLE communication unit 211, and the wireless LAN communication unit 212, and performs various wireless communication controls with the image forming apparatus 104 and the cloud server 105.

[0022] The audio control unit 206 controls the input and output of audio data via the microphone / speaker 213. The display control unit 207 controls the output of image data to be displayed on the display 214. The input control unit 208 controls the input of information instructed by the user via buttons or the touch panel 215. Using these, the audio control unit 206, the display control unit 207, and the input control unit 208, various applications executed on the data processing device 101 are provided to the user.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 according to this embodiment.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 104 has a controller unit 301, and the controller unit 301 controls various communication units such as an NFC communication unit 310, a BLE communication unit 311, and a wireless LAN communication unit 312, a display / operation unit 307, a scanner 313, and a printer 314. When the user uses the copy function, the controller unit 301 controls the scanner 313 to acquire image data of the document, and controls the printer 314 to print and output the image on paper. Also, when the user uses the scan function, the controller unit 301 controls the scanner 313 to acquire image data of the document, converts it into code data, and transmits it to the data processing apparatus 101, the cloud server 105, etc. via the network 103. Further, when the user uses the print function, the controller unit 301 receives image data (code data) from the data processing apparatus 101 or the cloud server 105 via the network 103. Then, the controller unit 301 converts the received print data into image data and transmits it to the printer 314. The printer 314 prints and outputs the image on paper based on the received image data. Also, the image forming apparatus 104 has a FAX reception function of receiving data from ISDN, etc. and printing it, and a FAX transmission function of transmitting data scanned to ISDN, etc. The work for executing each of these functions is called a job, and the image forming apparatus 104 executes predetermined processing according to the job corresponding to each function.

[0025] The controller unit 301 is composed of a CPU 302, a RAM 303, a ROM 304, an HDD 305, a display / operation unit I / F 306, a network I / F 308, and a device I / F 309, and they are connected by a system bus 312.

[0026] The CPU 302 controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 104. The RAM 303 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 302 and also an image memory for temporarily storing image data and setting data. Further, programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software are also arranged in the RAM 303. Also, it stores the scanned image data read by the scanner 312 and stores the print image data received from the data processing apparatus 101 via the network 103. The ROM 304 stores a system boot program and the like. The hard disk drive (HDD) 305 stores an operating system, system software, application software, image data, setting data, and the like.

[0027] The display / operation I / F 306 is an interface unit with the display / operation unit 307, and outputs the information to be displayed on the display / operation unit 307 to the display / operation unit 307. Also, it receives the information input by the user from the display / operation unit 307.

[0028] The display / operation unit 307 displays information provided to the user and receives operations from the user. For example, it includes an operation panel such as a touch panel display and a hardware keyboard.

[0029] The network I / F 308 is connected to the NFC communication unit 310, the BLE communication unit 311, and the wireless LAN communication unit 312, and performs various wireless communication controls with the data processing device 101 and the cloud server 105. The wireless LAN communication unit 312 forms a wireless LAN with the data processing device 101 via the network 103. Also, the NFC communication unit and the BLE communication unit 311 perform short-range wireless communication with the data processing device 101 via a wireless signal. The image forming apparatus 104 transmits and receives job setting information and image data to and from the data processing device 101 via the network I / F 308, and executes the job received from the data processing device 101. Hereinafter, the setting information assigned to the job is referred to as job setting information. For example, in the case of a print job, the setting information such as the number of copies assigned to the print job: 1, color setting: monochrome, size: A4 is used as the job setting information.

[0030] The device I / F 309 connects the scanner 313 and the printer 314 that execute reading and printing of image data, respectively, to the controller unit 301, and performs input / output of image data.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the data processing device 101 according to the present embodiment.

[0032] The application 401 is software executed by the CPU 202 of the data processing device 101, and is stored in the RAM 203, the storage device 209, and the like.

[0033] The user interface (UI) control unit 402 receives the settings (job setting information) input by the user on the touch panel 215, and transmits them to the job setting management unit 406 via the input control unit 208. Also, the UI control unit 402 receives responses from the job setting management unit 406 and the job control unit 407, and outputs information to the display unit, that is, the display 214 via the display control unit 207. Further, the UI control unit 402 receives the authentication information input by the user on the touch panel 215, and transmits the received authentication information to the authentication setting management unit 403 via the input control unit 208.

[0034] The authentication setting management unit 403 transmits authentication information such as user information received from the UI control unit 402 to the network control unit 405. The authentication information is used in the authentication process in the image processing apparatus 104 described later via the network 103. Further, the authentication information such as user information may be stored in the authentication setting management unit 403.

[0035] The device connection unit 404 establishes short-range wireless communication using NFC or BLE between the data processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104, or wireless LAN communication via the network 103. For example, in the case of NFC, when the user brings the NFC communication unit 210 of the data processing device 101 close to the NFC communication unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 104, short-range wireless communication is started. Also, in the case of BLE, the user brings the distance between the BLE communication unit 211 of the data processing device 101 and the BLE communication unit 311 of the image forming apparatus 104 closer. Then, when the radio field intensity of the BLE beacon received from the image forming apparatus 104 by the device connection unit 404 becomes equal to or higher than a certain value, two-way short-range wireless communication is started. In this way, by performing an operation (referred to as a touch operation) in which the user brings the NFC or BLE communication units of the data processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 closer, the device connection unit 404 acquires connection information (such as an IP address) necessary for wireless LAN communication from the image forming apparatus 104. Then, the data processing device 101 starts a wireless LAN connection with the image forming apparatus 104 using the acquired connection information. Also, even without performing short-range wireless communication, the data processing device 101 may read a QR code (registered trademark) indicating the connection information displayed on the image forming apparatus 104 so that the image forming apparatus 104 and the data processing device 101 establish wireless LAN communication.

[0036] The network control unit 405 transmits a job (including job setting information, execution instruction commands, image data, etc.) and user authentication information, etc. to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. Further, the network control unit 405 receives the job setting information stored in the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103.

[0037] The job setting management unit 406 stores the job setting information input by the user via the UI control unit 402 and the job setting information received from the image forming apparatus 104 or the cloud server 105 by the network control unit 405 in the RAM 204 and the storage device 209. At this time, the job setting management unit 406 manages these job setting information as "favorite", which are settings often used by the user. In addition, the job setting management unit 406 manages the job setting information previously stored in the RAM 204 and the storage device 209 at the time of installation of the application 401 as "preset".

[0038] The job control unit 407 generates information for instructing job execution from the "favorite" and "preset" job setting information registered by the job setting management unit 406, etc., and transmits a job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. In addition, the job control unit 407 acquires the job execution status and the operation status of devices such as the scanner 313 and the printer 314 from the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103, and transmits them to the UI control unit 402.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment.

[0040] The application 501 is software executed by the CPU 302 of the image forming apparatus 104, and is stored in the RAM 303, the HDD 305, etc.

[0041] The user interface (UI) control unit 502 receives job setting information etc. input by the user at the display / operation unit 307, and transmits it to the job setting management unit 506. In addition, the UI control unit 502 receives responses from the job setting management unit 506 and the job control unit 507, and outputs information to the display / operation unit 307.

[0042] The authentication control unit 503 performs user identification and user authentication processing based on the authentication information received from the data processing apparatus 101, and returns the result.

[0043] The device connection unit 504 performs short-range wireless communication between the data processing device 101 and the image forming device 104, or establishes wireless LAN communication via the network 103.

[0044] The network control unit 505 receives jobs (job setting information, job execution instruction commands, image data), user authentication information, etc. from the data processing device 101 via the network 103. Further, the network control unit 505 transmits the job setting information stored in the image forming device 104 to the data processing device 101 via the network 104.

[0045] The job setting management unit 506 stores the job setting information input by the user through the UI control unit 502 and the job setting information received from the data processing device 101 or the cloud server 105 by the network control unit 505 in the RAM 303 and the HDD 305. At this time, the job setting management unit 506 manages these job setting information as "favorite" settings that the user often uses. Also, the job setting management unit 406 manages the job setting information stored in the RAM 303 and the HDD 305 at the time of installation of the application 501 as "preset". Further, the job setting information included in the jobs executed by the image processing device 104 is managed as "history".

[0046] The job control unit 507 controls the respective processing units of the scan processing unit 511, copy processing unit 512, print processing unit 513, and fax processing unit 514 according to the received job, and executes various jobs. At this time, the job control unit 507 executes the job based on the job setting information set by the user on the display / operation unit 307 and the "favorite" and "preset" job setting information registered in the job setting management unit 506. Further, the job control unit 507 receives a job execution request received from the data processing device 101 via the network 103, and executes various jobs according to the job setting information of the received job. Also, the job control unit 507 transmits the job execution status and the operation status of the devices such as the scanner 313 and the printer 314 to the data processing device 101 via the network 103.

[0047] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the connection process to the image forming apparatus 104 of the data processing apparatus 101 of this embodiment. The flowchart of Figure 6 is realized by the CPU 202 of the data processing apparatus 101 reading out, to the RAM 204, and executing a program for realizing each control module stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 209.

[0048] In step S601, the UI control unit 402 detects a search instruction for the image forming apparatus from the user.

[0049] In step S602, the device connection unit 404 searches for the image forming apparatus 104 supported by the application 401 existing on the network 103 via the wireless LAN terminal 102 using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

[0050] In step S603, if the image forming apparatus cannot be detected as a result of the search in step S602, the device connection unit 404 ends the process. If the image forming apparatus is detected, the device information is acquired (S604). Alternatively, it is also possible to perform short-range wireless communication with NFC or BLE provided in the image forming apparatus 104 to acquire connection information such as an IP address, and search for the image forming apparatus 104 based on the acquired connection information to acquire the device information. Here, the device information is, for example, identification information such as the MAC address and device name of the image forming apparatus, but may also include capability information such as color information and supported format information.

[0051] In step S605, the device connection unit 404 starts the connection to the image forming apparatus 104 based on the acquired device information and ends the process.

[0052] The data processing device 101 that has started connection with the image forming device 104 can use the application 401 to issue instructions for jobs such as copying, printing, and transmitting scanned images to the image forming device. For example, the data processing device 101 receives from the user the settings for scanning and the destination for transmitting the scanned image on the touch panel 215, generates a job, and transmits the job to the image forming device. The image forming device executes scanning based on the received job and transmits the generated image data to the set destination. That is, the user can remotely give instructions to the image forming device to scan and transmit. However, when a user who is located away from the image forming device gives instructions to the image forming device to scan and transmit, there is a risk that due to incorrect operations or the like, another person's original document set on the image forming device may be scanned and transmitted. Also, a malicious user may observe the timing when another person sets an original document on the image forming device and remotely give instructions to scan and transmit on the data processing device, thereby illegally obtaining and transmitting the original document image of others. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the data processing device 101 can instruct the image forming device to execute a job, a method for preventing incorrect operations and illegal job executions by the user will be described. Specifically, when the data processing device transmits a job to the image forming device, the image forming device displays an authentication code on its own display, and the user inputs the authentication code displayed on the mobile terminal and transmits the code to the image forming device. If the received code is correct, the image forming device will execute the job. As a result, the user can execute the job after performing the confirmation operation of inputting the authentication code. Also, it is ensured that the user operating the data processing device is in front of the image forming device, and it is also possible to prevent illegal job instructions from being executed.

[0053] The job execution process executed by the data processing apparatus 101 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the job execution process, which is realized by the CPU 202 of the data processing apparatus 101 reading a program for realizing each control module stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 209 into the RAM 204 and executing it. FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed by the application 401 of the data processing apparatus 101.

[0054] The function list screen 801 in FIG. 8(a) is the menu screen of the application 401. For example, it is the screen displayed when the application 401 is launched. By the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 6, when communication with the image forming apparatus has been established, the name of the apparatus to which the job is to be transmitted is displayed as shown in the apparatus name 808. Also, a copy button 805 for instructing a copy to the image forming apparatus, a print button 806 for instructing printing, and a "scan and transmit" button 807 for scanning and instructing transmission are displayed. When any of these buttons is pressed, a job setting screen is displayed. Also, on the function list screen 801, a favorite button 804 and preset buttons (803, 804) that the user has set the setting values of a desired job and registered as favorites are displayed. When these buttons are pressed, a job setting screen reflecting the desired setting values is displayed. Here, as an example, the following flowchart will be described taking the case where the user selects a "send to self" button 802 for instructing to transmit the image data generated by scanning to the user's own address.

[0055] In step S701, the UI control unit 402 receives the selection operation of the "send to self" button 802 from the user and displays a job setting screen (FIG. 8(b)).

[0056] In step S702, the UI control unit 402 accepts a change in job settings from the user on the self-mail sending screen 811 in FIG. 8(b). On the self-mail sending screen 811 in FIG. 8(b), the title bar 812 displays the title of the screen and arranges a button for canceling the settings and returning to the previous screen. The mail address setting area 813 is an area for inputting the destination mail address using the soft keyboard. Pressing the address book activation button 814 activates the address book of the data processing device 101. When the user selects a mail address in the address book, the selected mail address is displayed in the mail address setting area 813. Multiple mail addresses can be set. Pressing the open button 815 switches to a screen display where CC, BCC, subject, text, and file name can be set, and input for each item becomes possible. The scan setting area 816 has buttons for performing scan settings when the image forming apparatus 104 scans, such as color setting and resolution, and setting changes can be made by pressing each button.

[0057] In step S703, the UI control unit 402 determines whether it has received a job execution instruction from the user. When the job execution button 817 in FIG. 8(b) is pressed, it is determined that a job execution instruction has been received, and the process proceeds to S704. If not received, the process returns to S702.

[0058] In step S704, the device connection unit 404 acquires user information such as the user name and password stored in the RAM 204 or the storage device 209 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 104. That is, a remote authentication request is made to the image forming apparatus 104 here. The image forming apparatus 104 for which the remote authentication request is made is the image forming apparatus that has been connected in the connection process of FIG. 6. Remote authentication is authentication for permitting the start of communication between the data processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104, and is different from the local authentication described later.

[0059] In step S705, the device connection unit 404 determines whether the remote authentication has succeeded. The determination is based on the response from the image forming apparatus 104 to the authentication request in S704. If the remote authentication fails, the UI control unit 402 displays an error screen on the display 214 (S706) and ends the process. If the remote authentication succeeds, the job control unit 407 acquires operation control information (S707). The operation control information is information for enabling the image forming apparatus 104 to accept only instructions from the data processing apparatus 101. When the image forming apparatus 104 receives a job including operation control information from the data processing apparatus 101, it is information for preventing the execution of jobs other than the received job.

[0060] In step S708, the job control unit 407 generates a job based on the job setting information, user information, password, operation control information, etc. set in step S702, and transmits the job to the connected image forming apparatus 104 to request the execution of the job.

[0061] In step S709, if the job control unit 407 determines that the job execution request has failed as a result of the job execution request in step S708, the UI control unit 402 displays an error screen on the display 214 (S706) and ends the process. For example, when the image forming apparatus 104 that has received the job attempts local authentication using the user information included in the job, fails the authentication, and cannot perform the login process, it is determined that the job execution request has failed. If the job execution request succeeds, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0062] In step S710, the job control unit 407 determines whether it has received an instruction to display a screen prompting for the placement of the original document from the image forming apparatus 104 based on the transmission of the job in S708. If the display instruction is received, the process proceeds to S711; otherwise, the process proceeds to S713.

[0063] In S711, the UI control unit 402 displays a screen on the display 214 prompting for the placement of the document. The screen prompting for the placement of the document is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(c), and there is a message prompting for the placement of the document, a cancel button 822, and a set completion button 823 in the message area 821. Pressing the cancel button 822 can cancel the job execution request. By pressing the set completion button 823, the next process can be advanced. In S712, the UI control unit 402 determines whether the set completion button 823 has been pressed on the screen prompting for the placement of the document. If it is determined that it has been pressed, the process proceeds to S710. Otherwise, that is, if the cancel button 822 has been pressed, the process ends.

[0064] In step S713, the job control unit 407 determines whether it has received a request for an authentication code for the job transmitted in S708 from the image forming apparatus 104. If it has received the request, the process proceeds to S714. Otherwise, the process ends.

[0065] In S714, the UI control unit 402 displays an authentication code input screen and receives the input of the authentication code from the user. The authentication code input screen is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(d), and there is an input field where the authentication code can be input, a cancel button 832, and an OK button 833 in the message area 831. In this embodiment, the authentication code displayed on the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 104 is input into the input field in the message area 831, and the authentication code is transmitted by pressing the OK button 833. Pressing the cancel button 832 can cancel the job execution request. Instead of the authentication code, a QR code may be displayed on the image forming apparatus 104, and the authentication code obtained by reading the QR code with the camera 216 provided in the data processing apparatus 101 may be transmitted. When the QR code is displayed on the image forming apparatus 104, the data processing apparatus 101 may automatically start the camera.

[0066] At S715, the device connection unit 404 transmits the authentication code received at S714 to the image forming apparatus 104. Here, the device connection unit 404 may transmit the authentication code when the OK button 833 is pressed on the screen shown in Fig. 8(d), or may automatically transmit the authentication code when the input of a predetermined number of codes is received. When a QR code is read, the information extracted from the acquired QR code is transmitted.

[0067] At step S716, the job control unit 407 determines whether the authentication was successful using the authentication code transmitted at S715. Specifically, it makes a determination based on the response from the image forming apparatus 104 regarding the transmission of the authentication code at S715. If the authentication is successful, the process ends; otherwise, it proceeds to S706 to display an error screen, or returns to S714. Through the processing of the above flowchart, the data processing apparatus 101 cannot cause the image forming apparatus to execute a job unless it inputs the authentication code displayed on the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 104 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the execution of jobs due to user's incorrect operations and the execution of unauthorized jobs.

[0068] The job execution process of the image forming apparatus 104 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the job execution process, and is realized by the CPU 302 of the image forming apparatus 104 reading out and executing a program for realizing each control module stored in the ROM 304 or the HDD 305 into the RAM 303. It is assumed that the following flow starts when the image forming apparatus 104 receives the job transmitted at S708 in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is an example of a screen displayed by the system software 501 of the image forming apparatus 104.

[0069] At step S901, the network control unit 505 receives the job transmitted from the data processing apparatus 101 via the network 103 and accepts the job execution request. The job received here is, for example, the job transmitted at step S708.

[0070] In step S902, the authentication control unit 503 extracts the operation control information included in the received job and stores it in the RAM 303. At this time, although not shown in the figure, if other job execution requests have already been received and there is operation control information, the job execution request may not be accepted, and error information may be notified to the data processing device 101 to end the process.

[0071] In step S903, the authentication control unit 503 performs local authentication using the user information and the like included in the job. When the local authentication is successful, the user corresponding to the user information included in the job can log in to the image forming apparatus 104. The login here is a local login for occupying the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 104.

[0072] In step S904, the authentication control unit 503 determines whether the local authentication has been successful. If the local authentication is successful, the login process is performed and the process proceeds to step S907. If the local authentication is not successful, the operation control information stored in step S902 is discarded (S905), error information is transmitted to the data processing device 101 via the network control unit 505 (S906), and the process ends.

[0073] In S907, the job control unit 506 determines whether the job received in S901 is a "scan and send" job. If it is determined that it is a "scan and send" job, the process proceeds to S908; otherwise, the process proceeds to S912.

[0074] In step S908, the job control unit 506 determines whether a scan document is placed on the scanner 313. If the placement of the scan document cannot be detected, the UI control unit 502 displays a screen prompting for document placement on the display / operation unit 307, and the network control unit 505 sends an instruction for the screen prompting for document placement to the data processing device 101 (S909). The screen prompting for document placement is, for example, as shown in 1001 of Fig. 10(a), and there is a message prompting for document placement, a cancel button 1002, and a set completion button 1003. Pressing the cancel button 1002 cancels the job execution request. The set completion button 1003 is a button for notifying the image forming apparatus that the document has been placed when the user places the scan document on the image forming apparatus 104 but the document cannot be automatically detected. By pressing the set completion button 1003, the process can transition to the next process. Here, an example of displaying the screen prompting for document placement on both the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus and the data processing device 101 has been shown, but it may be displayed on only one of them.

[0075] If the placement of the scanner document can be detected in S908, in S910, the job control unit 506 generates an authentication code, and the UI control unit 502 displays a screen showing information corresponding to the generated authentication code on the display / operation unit 307. The screen showing information corresponding to the authentication code is, for example, as shown in 1011 of Fig. 10(b), and there is a message showing the authentication code and a cancel button 1012. Pressing the cancel button 1012 cancels the execution of the job. In the example of Fig. 10(b), the authentication code is displayed numerically, but it may be displayed in characters, or the information corresponding to the authentication code may be displayed in the form of a QR code. That is, the generated authentication code is encrypted to generate a QR code and displayed.

[0076] In step S911, the job control unit 506 determines whether it has received an authentication code from the data processing device 101 via the network 103. If the authentication code has been received, the process proceeds to S912; otherwise, the process of S911 is repeated. In S912, the job control unit 506 determines whether the authentication code received in S911 is correct. Specifically, it is determined that the authentication code is correct when the authentication code received from the data processing device 101 matches the authentication code displayed on the display / operation unit 307. At this time, even if an authentication code displayed on the display / operation unit 307 is received from a device other than the data processing device 101 that sent the job, it is to be regarded as an error.

[0077] If the authentication code is correct in S912, the process proceeds to step S913; if it is incorrect, an error is notified to the data processing device 101 and the process proceeds to S914. At this time, it may return to S911 or it may proceed to S905.

[0078] In step S913, the job control unit 506 executes the job based on the job setting information and the like obtained in step S901. In this embodiment, the job setting information includes scan settings for performing a scan, destinations for sending scanned images by email, etc. Based on that information, a scan is performed and an email is sent to the specified destination. After the execution of the job is completed, information indicating completion may be notified to the data processing device 101. In this embodiment, the function of email sending has been described, but this is just an example, and it may be implemented with functions such as copy, fax, etc.

[0079] In step S913, the authentication control unit 503 discards the operation control information saved in step S902 and ends the process.

[0080] Through the processing of the flowchart above, the image forming apparatus scans and executes a transmission job only when it receives correct authentication information from the data processing apparatus, thereby preventing incorrect execution of jobs or unauthorized job execution due to user's incorrect operations. In the above flowchart, an example of requesting an authentication code from the data processing apparatus when executing a "scan and transmit" job is shown. However, the job that requests an authentication code is not limited to "scan and transmit", and can be other jobs such as a print job or a copy job. If it is a job other than the "scan and transmit" job, the process proceeds to No at S907 and the input of the authentication code etc. is not required. This is because there is no possibility that the original document will be transmitted illegally in the case of a print job or a copy job.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the data processing apparatus 101 sends a job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus 104 to request job execution, the image forming apparatus 104 displays an authentication code, and the data processing apparatus 101 inputs and transmits the authentication code to execute the job. At this time, the job is executed only when the authentication code transmitted by the data processing apparatus 101 satisfies a predetermined condition. Thereby, while preventing incorrect execution or unauthorized execution of the user's job, the operation is completed only by the data processing apparatus, so the user's operability is improved. For a user who shows a sense of aversion to operating a device shared by multiple users such as an image forming apparatus, the processing can be executed only by operating the user's data processing apparatus, improving the usability.

[0082] (Embodiment 2) In Example 1, when a job execution request is sent from a data processing device to an image forming device, the image forming device automatically performs local authentication using user information etc. included in the job. After displaying an authentication code, the method of performing job execution after receiving the authentication code from the data processing device was explained. In this method, it is necessary to display an authentication code every time a job is executed. Therefore, in Example 2, an example is shown where the user is not required to input an authentication code if the user has already logged in to the image forming device before sending a job from the data processing device. Since the basic configuration of Example 2 is the same as that of Example 1, only the differences are shown.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining job execution processing executed by the image forming apparatus 104 of Example 2. Since the basic processing is the same as that of FIG. 9, only the differences are shown.

[0084] In S1101, the authentication control unit 503 determines whether a user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 104. If not logged in, the process proceeds to step 903. If logged in, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0085] In step S1102, the authentication control unit 503 determines whether the user information extracted from the job is the same as the logged-in user. If it is determined that they are the same user, the process proceeds to step S907. If it is determined that they are not the same user, the process proceeds to step S905. When proceeding to S907, the image forming apparatus 104 executes the job in S913 without performing the process of displaying the authentication code on the screen. That is, when the user who sent the job and the user who is already logged in are the same, the user is not required to input a code for job execution. When the user who instructed the execution of the job at the terminal and the user who is already logged in to the image forming apparatus are the same, the image forming apparatus does not require the input of an authentication code for job execution, so the user does not need to perform an unnecessary code input operation.

[0086] (Example 3) In this embodiment, an example is shown in which when the job is received from the data processing device and the display of the image forming apparatus is remotely operated by another device, the authentication code is not displayed. If the authentication code is displayed when the operation panel of the image forming apparatus is remotely operated, there is a risk that the authentication code may be illegally acquired. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a method will be described in which the process is switched as to whether or not to display the authentication code according to whether or not the operation panel of the image forming apparatus is remotely operated. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the differences are shown.

[0087] A flowchart showing the process of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. Since the basic configuration of the flowchart in FIG. 12 is the same as that of the flowchart in FIG. 9, only the differences are shown.

[0088] When it is determined in S907 that the job received by the job control unit 506 is a "scan and send" job, instead of proceeding to S908, in S1202, the network control unit 505 determines whether the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 104 is being remotely operated by another device. Being remotely operated means, for example, a case where the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 104 is remotely operated from an external device using VNC (Virtual Network Computing) using the RFB protocol. If it is not being remotely operated, the process proceeds to S908. If it is being remotely operated, the process proceeds to S905 and S906 to notify the data processing device 101 of an error.

[0089] Here, after S907, the network control unit 505 is configured to determine whether the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 104 is being remotely operated by another device, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, after S902, in S1201, the network control unit 505 determines whether the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 104 is being remotely operated by another device. If it is being remotely operated, the process proceeds to S905. If not, the process may proceed to S903. FIG. 12 shows an example in which two steps are provided for the network control unit 505 to determine whether the display / operation unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 104 is being remotely operated by another device, but only one of them may be sufficient.

[0090] When the operation panel of the image processing apparatus is remotely operated by the above processing, even if the image processing apparatus receives a job to be scanned and transmitted from the data processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus does not display the authentication code on the operation panel and does not execute the job, thus ensuring security.

[0091] (Example 4) In Example 1, when the data processing apparatus 101 requests the image forming apparatus 104 to execute a job, the image forming apparatus automatically performs a login process using user information and the like included in the job, and then determines whether the original document has been placed and displays the authentication code. In this method, after the login process, the user is prompted to place the original document or enter the authentication code, so there is a problem that the time for the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 104 and occupy the operation panel becomes long. Therefore, in this example, a method in which the image forming apparatus 104 performs a login process after determining whether the original document has been placed and displaying the authentication code after receiving the job will be described. Since the basic configuration of Example 4 is the same as that of Example 1, only the differences are shown.

[0092] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the job execution process executed by the image forming apparatus 104 of Example 4. Since the basic process is the same as that of FIG. 9, only the differences are shown.

[0093] In step S1301, the authentication control unit 503 acquires the user information included in the received job, and checks whether the acquired user information matches the information within the user information managed by the image forming apparatus 104 and is correct.

[0094] In step S1302, if the user information matches the user information managed by the image forming apparatus 104, the process proceeds to step S907; otherwise, since the authentication information is NG, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0095] In step S1303, the authentication control unit 503 performs local authentication using the user information acquired in step S1301, and executes the local login process for the user. Here, it is determined whether the authentication code received from the data processing device 101 in S912 is correct, and the local login process is performed only when it is correct. Since the check of the user information is performed in step S1301, it basically does not fail in local authentication in this step.

[0096] As described above, when the data processing device requests the image forming device to execute a job, the image forming device performs a determination as to whether the original is set and checks the authentication code, and then executes the login process. By doing so, the time during which the operation panel of the image forming device 104 is occupied by the login process can be minimized as much as possible. Also, since it is determined in S1301 whether the user information is correct before performing the determination as to whether the original is set and checking the authentication code, it is possible to prevent a user who cannot execute the job from entering the authentication code in the first place.

[0097] Here, as a modification example of the first embodiment, a configuration in which the login process is performed after determining whether the original is set and displaying the authentication code is shown. This configuration can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

[0098] (Other Embodiments) The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. A data processing system including a data processing device and an image forming device, wherein the data processing device has a transmitting means for transmitting an execution instruction for a job of transmitting an image generated by scanning the image processing device, a receiving means for receiving an authentication code, and an authentication code transmitting means for transmitting the authentication code received by the receiving means to the image forming device, and the image forming device has a display control means for generating an authentication code based on receiving the instruction transmitted by the transmitting means and displaying the authentication code or information obtained by encrypting the authentication code on a display unit of the image processing device, and an execution means for executing a job corresponding to the execution instruction transmitted by the transmitting means when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the authentication code transmitted by the authentication code transmitting means and the generated authentication code, characterized in that it has the above. A data processing system.

2. The data processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the authentication code transmitted by the authentication code transmitting means matches the information corresponding to the authentication code displayed by the display control means, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

3. The transmitting means transmits user information of a user of the data processing device to the image forming device, and the image forming device that has received the user information performs a login process using the user information. The data processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The image forming device displays an authentication code on the display unit of the image processing device if the job transmitted by the transmitting means is a job of transmitting an image generated by scanning, and does not display an authentication code on the display unit of the image processing device if the job transmitted by the transmitting means is not a job of transmitting an image generated by scanning. The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display control means displays the authentication code as a numerical value.

6. The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display control means displays information obtained by encrypting the authentication code in the form of a QR code.

7. When the display control means receives the instruction transmitted by the transmission means, if no document is placed on the scanner of the image forming apparatus, it displays a screen indicating an error, the data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. When the display control means receives the instruction transmitted by the transmission means, if a document is placed on the scanner, it displays an authentication code or information obtained by encrypting the authentication code, the data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. When the display control means receives the instruction transmitted by the transmission means, if no document is placed on the scanner, it does not display an authentication code or information obtained by encrypting the authentication code, the data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When the display control means receives the instruction transmitted by the transmission means, if the user of the data processing apparatus is logged in to the image forming apparatus, it does not display an authentication code on the display unit of the image processing apparatus, the data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. When the image forming apparatus receives the instruction transmitted by the transmission means, if the display unit of the image forming apparatus is remotely operated, it does not execute the job corresponding to the execution instruction transmitted by the transmission means, the data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An image forming apparatus that communicates with a data processing apparatus, Display control means that generates an authentication code based on receiving an execution instruction for a job of transmitting an image generated by scanning from the data processing apparatus, and displays the authentication code or information obtained by encrypting the authentication code on the display unit of the image processing apparatus; Execution means that executes the job corresponding to the execution instruction when it determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the authentication code transmitted from the data processing apparatus and the generated authentication code; An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising.

13. A control method executed by an image forming apparatus that communicates with a data processing apparatus, Based on receiving an execution instruction for a job to transmit an image generated by scanning from the data processing device, a display control step of generating an authentication code and displaying the authentication code or information obtained by encrypting the authentication code on a display unit of the image processing device; An execution step of executing a job corresponding to the execution instruction when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the authentication code transmitted from the data processing device and the generated authentication code; A control method characterized by comprising the above.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each means according to claim 12.

Images