Image forming apparatus and printing method

Abstract

To provide, for example, an image forming apparatus that can output appropriate content corresponding to a person who outputs content.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming unit; an acquisition unit that acquires first individual information; a receiving unit that receives a request for content; a communication unit that transmits the request to a server device and receives content data corresponding to the requested content; an extraction unit that extracts character information of the content data; and a print control unit that performs control of printing the content data with the image forming unit when second individual information included in the character information matches the first individual information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a certificate issuing system that includes an image forming device or the like that requests a user to present an identification card and has a reading means for reading the card and an identity verification means for verifying the identity of the user based on the information read by the reading means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-242279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide, for example, an image forming apparatus or the like that can output appropriate content corresponding to a person who outputs the content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes an image forming unit, an acquisition unit that acquires first personal information, a reception unit that accepts a request for content, a communication unit that transmits the request to a server device and receives content data corresponding to the requested content, an extraction unit that extracts character information from the content data, and a printing control unit that controls printing of the content data by the image forming unit when second personal information included in the character information matches the first personal information.

[0006] The printing method disclosed herein is a printing method for printing content in an image forming device having an image forming unit, and includes the steps of acquiring first personal information, accepting a request for content, sending the request to a server device and receiving content data corresponding to the requested content, extracting character information from the content data, and printing the content data by the image forming unit when second personal information included in the character information matches the first personal information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to output appropriate content corresponding to the person outputting the content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining an outline of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10]1A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment; [Figure 12] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an image forming apparatus in a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is one embodiment of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description.

[0010] There are systems that output a variety of content (documents). For example, government agencies provide systems that output certificates such as resident registration cards and seal certificates as a single piece of content. When a user outputs such certificate content, for example, an authentication system using a My Number card (personal authentication card) can be used to automatically issue various certificates such as resident registration cards and seal certificates by themselves using an image forming device such as a multi-copy machine installed in a convenience store or an administrative kiosk terminal device installed by a local government.

[0011] In such systems, when personal information managed and operated by each local government is transferred via the system to image forming devices such as multi-copy machines and automatic certificate issuing machines, there is a risk of the certificate being mistakenly issued to someone who requested it at the same time. If a certificate is issued to a user other than the one who applied, a serious information leak will occur. This is a major social issue, even in a country that is currently strongly promoting digitalization based on the My Number Card.

[0012] In order to solve such new problems, the following embodiment describes a system that can prevent information leakage, for example, by outputting content such as an appropriate certificate.

[0013] [1. First embodiment] [1.1 Overall System] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1. The system 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 that outputs content.

[0014] The system 1 includes an image forming device 10 that can receive a content output instruction from a user and output the content, and a server device 20 that stores the content. The image forming device 10 and the server device 20 are connected via a network NW.

[0015] The image forming device 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction peripheral or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product). For example, when the image forming device 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on a recording medium, such as paper. The image forming device 10 can execute multiple functions, such as a copy function, a fax function, a scan function, and a printer function.

[0016] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus used by a user of the system 1. The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with, for example, a display device (display) equipped with a touch panel. The user can input a desired operation to the system 1 by selecting an operation button or the like displayed on the screen. The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is provided with a display unit 140 and an operation unit 150 as a touch panel.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 10 may also include a card reading unit 170 that is a card reader. The image forming apparatus 10 may acquire information from a card (such as a credit card, a transportation card, a membership card, or a My Number card) using, for example, near field communication (NFC). The image forming apparatus 10 may also acquire information by reading an identification code such as a two-dimensional code using an optical reading device.

[0018] The network NW is a general network, and is configured, for example, by a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The network NW may be either wired or wireless, and may be connected using, for example, a mobile communication network, etc.

[0019] Here, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to the server apparatus 20 via a secure communication path (network) having closed-area properties, such as a dedicated line. The image forming apparatus 10 and the server apparatus 20 may be connected via a secure network, preferably a dedicated line, but may also be connected via a virtual communication path (dedicated line) by constructing, for example, a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0020] The server device 20 is a device that provides content. Here, in this embodiment, a case where the system 1 is applied to administrative services will be described as an example. For example, the server device 20 is a server device 20 installed by a so-called administration (local government). For example, it is a server device that stores information managed by an existing resident registration system and information required for certificate issuance as content.

[0021] (Server device configuration) Here, the server device 20 is a device or service that provides content. For simplicity, the system 1 in Fig. 1 is depicted with the server device 20 as a single device, but it may be a service that provides content that is configured from multiple server devices, etc. Furthermore, content may be provided using a distributed model such as a blockchain.

[0022] In this embodiment, a system used by a local government when issuing a certificate will be described as an example of a system 1 using the server device 20.

[0023] For example, server device 20 may be configured to include a J-LIS-compliant issuing server and a certificate issuing server of a local government that provides certificate data, which is one of the contents. More specifically, server device 20 is a system that issues certificates based on general administrative services, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] For example, each local government installs a certificate issuing server, and the certificate issuing server uses a certificate issuing center to provide information that enables the image forming apparatus 10 to issue a certificate.

[0025] The certificate issuing center may have, for example, a wide-area issuing server that relays communication between the image forming device 10 and the certificate issuing server. It may also have a relay encryption server to prevent forgery and tampering of data used in the certificate.

[0026] The certificate issuing center may also manage statistical information such as the number of certificates issued and the issuing locations.

[0027] Here, a dedicated line that ensures closedness is used as the network between the certificate issuing center and image forming device 10 to prevent access from third parties. Also, the network between the certificate issuing center and local government entities may use an LGWAN (Local Government Wide Area Network), which is a closed network within an administrative agency.

[0028] In addition, a public personal authentication service center may be used to authenticate users. For example, in the case of the JPKI authentication method, the certificate issuing center system queries the OCSP server (OCSP responder) of the public personal authentication service center (JPKI center) to check the revocation of the electronic certificate for user authentication stored in an identification card (e.g., My Number card). The OCSP server (OCSP responder) returns the revocation check result to the certificate issuing center system.

[0029] In this way, in this embodiment, the server device 20 is described, but the certificate issuance service may include multiple server devices or services. Note that, as an overview of the service, for example, the mechanism disclosed by the Japan Agency for Local Government Information Systems (https: / / www.j-lis.go.jp / rdd / card / convinikoufu / cms_93097920214.html, https: / / www.j-lis.go.jp / rdd / card / convinikoufu / cms_93099520.html) or the like can be used.

[0030] In the following embodiments, an My Number card (individual number card) will be described as an example of an identification card, but any card on which identification information that can uniquely identify an individual, corporation, etc. is recorded may be used. In addition, My Number cards include not only cards in the shape of ordinary cards but also cards on which identification information is recorded, for example, on a smartphone, a smartphone watch, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, a person who issues content (certificates) using this system is called a user. The user is an operator who operates the image forming apparatus 10, and is the person who authenticates when authentication is performed using a My Number card (personal identification number card). Furthermore, the personal information described in the content (personal information included in the content data) is the user's personal information if the content is correct. If the content is incorrect, the personal information described is that of a person other than the user (someone else).

[0032] The personal information includes, for example, one or more pieces of information such as name, address, date of birth, and registered domicile. In this embodiment, the personal information is preferably information obtainable from a My Number card (personal identification number card) or from the server device 20 at the time of authentication, but may also be other information such as a personal identification number or telephone number. Furthermore, as long as the information is obtainable by the image forming device 10, it may also be information such as an impression of a registered seal or a photographed image of the individual.

[0033] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of each device will be described below with reference to the drawings: Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming device 10, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 20.

[0034] [1.2.1 Image forming device] As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 100, storage 110, ROM 120, and RAM 130 as storage devices, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, a card reading unit 170, and a communication unit 180.

[0035] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage 110 and the ROM 120, and may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)).

[0036] The storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 110 may be configured as a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage 110 may also be configured as an externally connectable USB memory. The storage 110 may also be, for example, a storage area on the cloud.

[0037] The ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0038] The RAM 130 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 100 executes processing. The RAM 130 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 110 or the ROM 120, and data including execution results.

[0039] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various types of information and execution screens. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display, or other display device. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, the display unit 140 may be configured as an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or a Display Port.

[0040] The operation unit 150 is an operation device that allows a user to input operations. For example, it may be an operation device such as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140 or operation buttons. The operation unit 150 may also be an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 150 may also include an interface (for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)) to which an operation device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to a different operation device (an operation device having a touch panel).

[0041] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, and forms a toner image on the image carrier and transfers the image on the image carrier onto recording paper to form an image. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. The image forming unit 160 may also form an image electronically as an image file.

[0042] Image reading unit 165 reads an original (image) and outputs it as image data. Image reading unit 165 is, for example, a scanner, and may be a reading device that uses a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0043] The card reading unit 170 is a device that reads information for identifying personal information, for example, from various cards. For example, it is possible to read user identification information stored on an identification card. The card reading unit 170 may be a reader that reads an IC card (NFC, etc.), or a reader that reads magnetic data. It may also be a device that optically reads a two-dimensional code (a barcode reader, etc.). The card reading unit 170 may also acquire personal information.

[0044] The communication unit 180 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface that can provide a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, communication with the server device 20 and other devices is possible via the network NW.

[0045] [1.2.2 Server device] As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 20 includes a control unit 200, a storage 210 as a storage device, a ROM 220, and a RAM 230, and a communication unit 280.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, a single server device is described, but functions and data may be arranged in the required server devices as needed.

[0047] The control unit 200 is a functional unit for controlling the entire server device 20. The control unit 200 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage 210 and the ROM 220, and may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)).

[0048] The storage 210 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 210 may be configured as a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage 210 may also be configured as an externally connectable USB memory, CD-ROM drive, or BD drive. The storage 210 may also be a storage area on the cloud, for example.

[0049] The ROM 220 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0050] The RAM 230 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 200 executes processing. The RAM 230 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 210 or the ROM 220, and data including execution results.

[0051] The communication unit 280 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface that can provide a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, the communication unit 280 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a dedicated line.

[0052] 4, the server device 20 may further include components such as a display unit and an operation unit. Furthermore, the server device 20 may achieve the same functions as the components such as the display unit and the operation unit by connecting a display device or an operation device. Furthermore, the server device 20 may provide a user interface for operating and managing other devices, as will be described later.

[0053] [1.3 Software Configuration] The software configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 and the server apparatus 20.

[0054] [1.3.1 Image forming device] The control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes a program (application) stored in the storage 110 or the ROM 120, thereby functioning as each of the following components.

[0055] The content acquisition unit 102 acquires content from the server device 20. The content acquisition unit 102 stores the acquired content in the content storage area 112. Here, the content stored in the content storage area 112 may be deleted after a predetermined process is executed. For example, when print job data based on the content is generated, the control unit 100 deletes the content included in the print job data from the content storage area 112. The control unit 100 may also delete content after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0056] The content acquired by the content acquisition unit 102 relates to, for example, certificates issued by a local government, which is an administrative body in this embodiment. If the server device 20 is established by a local government, the certificates may be, for example, a resident card (copy), a certificate of registered matters in a resident card, a seal certificate, a family register certificate, a tax certificate, etc. Furthermore, the certificates may be certificates issued by other administrative bodies besides a local government (a certified copy of a corporate registry (certificate of all historical matters / certificate of registered matters), a vehicle inspection certificate, a fixed asset appraisal report, etc.). In this embodiment, the content is preferably one in which personal information is described, and the content in which personal information is described is referred to as a certificate, etc.

[0057] The authentication unit 104 authenticates the legitimacy of the user. For example, the authentication unit 104 acquires user identification information (e.g., My Number card information, electronic certificate, etc.) stored in the My Number card via the card reading unit 170. Then, the authentication unit 104 verifies the identity of the user by querying a national certification authority (e.g., J-LIS) using the electronic certificate and a password entered by the user. If the legitimacy of the user can be authenticated, the user can be issued a certificate for the content, for example. If the legitimacy of the user cannot be authenticated, the content cannot be acquired. In other words, the user cannot be issued a certificate for the content, for example.

[0058] Here, the legitimacy of a user refers to whether the user performing the procedure is the person in question. For example, when personal authentication is performed using a My Number card and the legitimacy of the user is confirmed, it can be confirmed that the user performing the procedure is the person listed on the My Number card. Furthermore, the authentication unit 104 can authenticate the legitimacy of a user by checking whether the electronic certificate is valid. If the electronic certificate is not valid, the authentication unit 104 cannot authenticate the legitimacy of the user in the first place. Furthermore, the authentication unit 104 can authenticate the legitimacy using an electronic certificate and a password. If the password corresponding to the electronic certificate matches, the authentication unit 104 determines that it has authenticated the legitimacy of the user.

[0059] The authentication unit 104 may also use other mechanisms for authenticating individuals, such as authentication using user information from a mobile phone company, authentication via another site, authentication using a card that can identify an individual, biometric authentication, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the authentication unit 104 can also acquire personal information of the user at the time of authentication. The authentication unit 104 may acquire personal information from, for example, a My Number card or the like, or may acquire personal information from the server device 20 at the time of authentication. The authentication unit 104 can acquire personal information of the user operating the image forming device 10 as first personal information. Furthermore, instead of the authentication unit 104, for example, an external server (for example, a public personal authentication service center) may perform identity verification, and the personal information may be acquired based on the results.

[0061] The character recognition unit 106 performs character recognition from an image or the like. The character recognition unit 106 recognizes characters contained in an image by executing a general character recognition process (OCR process) and outputs the characters as characters. Here, the character recognition unit 106 may perform character recognition from image data (JPG data, TIFF data), for example, or from PDF data or document data (DOCX format data, etc.). It may also recognize character information added to a file, such as metadata.

[0062] The character recognition unit 106 may also perform character recognition by dividing the image into predetermined regions. The character recognition unit 106 may also analyze the image and output characters corresponding to the content and items stored in the image. For example, the character recognition unit 106 may output characters or character strings corresponding to names, addresses, etc. included in the content.

[0063] That is, the character recognition unit 106 of this embodiment can recognize personal information written on a certificate or the like, which is content. For example, it can perform character recognition on a PDF file or an image file as content data on a certificate or the like, and acquire personal information. The character recognition unit 106 can acquire the personal information written on the certificate or the like as second personal information.

[0064] The print control unit 108 generates print job data and executes printing. The print control unit 108 forms an image from the image forming unit 160 based on the print job data.

[0065] For example, the print control unit 108 generates print job data based on the acquired content. The print job data includes data indicating the content (e.g., image data) and setting information including print settings and other information. The print control unit 108 may store the print job data related to the generated print job in the print job data storage area 114.

[0066] Furthermore, the print control unit 108 may add a PJL (Printer Job Language) header to content (such as a multi-TIFF file or PDF file as an image file) acquired from the server device 20 (J-LIS service), for example.

[0067] Furthermore, the print control unit 108 forms an image based on the print job data in the image forming unit 160. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to print the acquired content onto recording paper.

[0068] The content storage area 112 stores content acquired from the server device 20. In this embodiment, certificates and the like are stored as content data acquired from the server device 20. The print job data storage area 114 stores print job data generated by the print control unit 108. The print control unit 108 executes the print job data, causing the certificates and the like to be printed.

[0069] [1.3.3 Server device] The control unit 200 of the server device 20 executes a program (application) stored in the storage 210 or the ROM 220 to function as each of the following components.

[0070] The content management unit 202 realizes a function for managing content. For example, in this embodiment, the content management unit 202 manages certificates and the like as content, and acquires certificates and the like from the server of a local government as needed.

[0071] Furthermore, the content management unit 202 transmits content (certificates, etc.) to the image forming apparatus 10 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 10, for example. The content management unit 202 extracts necessary content (certificates, etc.) from the content database 212 based on the content request transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the content management unit 202 transmits the extracted content (image data) to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0072] The content management unit 202 may also manage whether or not the content has actually been output to the user. For example, when the content has actually been printed by the image forming apparatus 10, the content management unit 202 updates the content management information stored in the content management information storage area 214 based on a print completion notification sent from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0073] The content management information may include, for example, the serial number (inquiry number) for which a certificate was issued for the content, the date and time the content was sent to the image forming device 10, the fee for the issuance, and the print status of the content. The content management information may also include information such as the region and location where the content was printed. The content management information may also include status information about the image forming device 10 itself at the time the certificate was printed (such as the device condition, remaining consumables, and the image correction status at the time of printing). The issued certificate requires sophisticated printing control to ensure security, such as the inclusion of a watermark to prevent copying and a marker to determine the authenticity of the document. Therefore, the information about the image forming device 10 included in the content management information can be useful for checking the device status when analyzing after printing to determine whether print quality conformed to regulations was maintained.

[0074] The content management unit 202 may manage the print status of the content as "outputted" when the image forming device 10 actually prints the content. The content management unit 202 may also manage the print status of the content as "outputted" when the image forming device 10 saves the content.

[0075] Note that content management may be performed by, for example, a certificate issuing center if the content is related to a government service. Furthermore, the content management information may store the reason why content (such as a certificate) was not printed. For example, the content management information may store the reason why the content was not printed as "name mismatch." This allows the administrator of each content (such as a server administrator of a local government) to identify registration errors in certificates, etc.

[0076] The authentication unit 204 authenticates the user. The authentication unit 204 is substantially the same as the authentication unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 10, and the functions may be provided in either one of them. The authentication unit 204 may perform personal authentication as needed. Furthermore, the authentication unit 204 may transmit personal information of the user to the image forming apparatus 10 as needed.

[0077] [1.4 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. The following processing is preferably executed by each component explained in Fig. 5 as needed, but for the sake of convenience, it will be explained as being executed by the control unit.

[0078] [1.4.1 Overall flow] First, an overview of the overall flow of the system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] For example, a citizen (user) desiring to be issued a certificate performs an issuance operation on the image forming apparatus 10 (S1002). At this time, the user has the image forming apparatus 10 read an identification card (e.g., My Number card) to perform authentication processing (S1004). The image forming apparatus 10 then executes the authentication processing (S1006). Note that the authentication processing is not performed by the image forming apparatus 10 alone, but queries the server apparatus 20 as necessary. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the authentication processing using a server apparatus (OCSP server) of the Public Personal Authentication Service Center.

[0080] If the user is authenticated correctly, the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the user's personal information (first personal information). The user then operates the image forming apparatus 10 to request the content that the user desires to print (S1008). Specifically, the user specifies the type of content (e.g., resident certificate, tax payment certificate, seal registration certificate, etc.), the attributes of the content (e.g., whether or not the registered domicile is stated), and the number of copies (e.g., "2 copies"), and inputs the specified details as a content request to the image forming apparatus 10 (S1008).

[0081] The image forming apparatus 10 transmits a request for content data corresponding to the input content request to the server apparatus 20 (S1012). The server apparatus 20 acquires the content data by coordinating the processing of an appropriate server apparatus among the server apparatuses shown in FIG. 2, and transmits the content data to the image forming apparatus 10 as a content response (S1014).

[0082] Here, when the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the content data, it generates a print job based on the content data and executes the print job. When the print job is executed, the image forming apparatus 10 outputs the content, and the user can receive the content (for example, a paper with a resident registration card printed on it) (S1022).

[0083] Here, if printing is performed correctly, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a print completion notice to the server apparatus 20 (S1024). On the other hand, if printing is not performed correctly, the image forming apparatus 10 may transmit a print incomplete notice to the server apparatus 20 (S1026).

[0084] The image forming apparatus 10 does not need to notify the server apparatus 20 whether printing is complete or not.

[0085] Furthermore, the image forming device 10 may notify the server device 20 of the status (for example, an error notification) including whether printing is complete or not. The server device 20 may also receive notifications from other image forming devices 10, and may determine whether a problem is occurring in the entire system based on the content of more error notifications, rather than just individual errors. Furthermore, the server device 20 may simultaneously stop the delivery service itself depending on the frequency and content of error notifications.

[0086] Furthermore, if the content of the error notification indicates a failure in an individual image forming apparatus 10, the server apparatus 20 may guide the user to another image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, if the content of the error notification indicates a failure or malfunction in the entire system, the server apparatus 20 may notify a service person or the like to inspect the necessary parts.

[0087] The server device 20 can determine whether to stop the system, stop printing on the image forming device, display mismatch information on the screen, display instructions for the next steps, etc., and provide optimal guidance according to the circumstances. Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming device 10 accurately transmits to the server device 20 various pieces of information at the time of issuance as detailed as possible, as material for the server device 20 to determine how to respond. For example, the notification may include various log information such as an operation log, a system log, an error log, and a history log, or may include the current status of the image forming device 10 when transmitted to the server device 20.

[0088] [1.4.2 Processing of image forming devices] Next, the processing flow of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. First, the image forming apparatus 10 executes personal authentication processing (S102). Here, the image forming apparatus 10 executes personal authentication by, for example, reading personal identification information from a My Number card presented by the user and querying the server apparatus 20. In the personal authentication processing, the image forming apparatus 10 may, for example, have the user input a PIN code and a password. If authentication fails in the personal authentication processing, the image forming apparatus 10 may abort this processing.

[0089] In addition, in the personal authentication process, the control unit 100 acquires personal information of the user. Here, the personal information of the user is acquired from the user's My Number card or from the server device 20. The personal information may also be input by the user using other methods.

[0090] When the personal authentication process is completed without any problems, the control unit 100 allows the user to select the content to be printed, that is, the certificate to be issued, etc. (S104).

[0091] Here, when the user selects the certificate to be issued and issues an issuance instruction (S106; Yes), the control unit 100 transmits an issuance request to the server device 20 (S108). That is, the control unit 100 requests content data corresponding to the certificate, etc. from the local government, etc. specified by the My Number card (S108).

[0092] Then, when the control unit 100 receives content data (such as a certificate) from the server device 20 (S110), it executes a content data confirmation process (S112). Here, the content data confirmation process determines whether the personal information of the user authenticated in the personal authentication process matches the personal information described in the received content data.

[0093] For example, the control unit 100 recognizes characters and character strings included in the content data using the character recognition unit 106. Then, from the characters included in the content data, the control unit 100 recognizes a character string corresponding to, for example, a name as second personal information. Then, the control unit 100 determines whether the user's name, among the user's personal information acquired in S102, matches the name included in the content data (certificate, etc.) (S114).

[0094] That is, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the first personal information and the second personal information match.

[0095] Then, when the first personal information, which is the user's personal information, matches the second personal information listed in the content (certificate, etc.), the control unit 100 prints the content (S114; Yes → S116). On the other hand, when the first personal information and the second personal information do not match, that is, when the user does not match the person listed in the certificate, etc., the control unit 100 does not print the content (S114; No). The control unit 100 performs a process to cancel the content data (for example, a process to delete the acquired content data) (S118).

[0096] Then, when the control unit 100 does not print the content, it may display to the user what to do when printing is not performed (S120). For example, the control unit 100 may display to the user that printing was not possible. The control unit 100 may also display information about the contact point that corresponds to the user. The control unit 100 may also display to the user information about an image forming device that can print. For example, the information about the image forming device may display information about the installation location of the image forming device that can print (for example, the location of a store, public facility, etc.).

[0097] [1.5 Example of operation] An example of the operation will be described using an example of a display screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 10.

[0098] For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a function selection screen is displayed on the display screen. "Certificate Issuance" is displayed in area R100 on the display screen. When the user selects "Certificate Issuance," the certificate issuance service is initiated. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the display screen may display information to the user, such as consent terms and precautions, in area R110. Furthermore, when button B110 is selected, control unit 100 transitions the display screen to the next display screen (FIG. 9(a)). Furthermore, when button B120 is selected, control unit 100 transitions the display screen to the previous display screen (FIG. 8(a)).

[0099] Next, the image forming apparatus 10 displays a guidance screen on the display screen to prompt the user to insert their My Number card (for example, FIG. 9(a)). On the display screen of FIG. 9(a), a message saying "Please insert your My Number card" is displayed in area R120.

[0100] When the user sets the My Number card in the card reader, the image forming apparatus 10 prompts the user to select a certificate.

[0101] For example, as shown in area R130 of the display screen in Fig. 9(b), the user can select the type of certificate, the details to be included in the certificate, etc. The user can also select the number of certificates to be issued.

[0102] For the document selected by the user, the image forming apparatus 10 displays a confirmation of the contents on the display screen. For example, the type of certificate, the details to be written on the certificate, and the number of copies are displayed in an area R140 on the display screen in FIG. 10(a).

[0103] The user also inputs a personal identification number at some point. Area R150 of the display screen in Fig. 10(b) can accept input of a personal identification number. For example, Fig. 10(b) is a display screen that accepts input of a personal identification number for user authentication or electronic certificate.

[0104] The image forming apparatus 10 transmits data requesting the content to the server apparatus 20 and receives the content (certificate). While the image forming apparatus 10 is executing the processing, it may display a display screen showing the progress of the process, as shown in Fig. 11(a), for example. Area R160 of the display screen in Fig. 11(a) uses a progress bar to show the user how far the processing has progressed.

[0105] The image forming apparatus 10 then displays a final application screen to the user. The display screen in Fig. 11(b) displays the type and number of copies of the certificate to be output in area R170. The amount of the certificate issuance fee is also displayed in area R170 of the display screen.

[0106] When the user selects "Apply" on button B170 in FIG. 11(b), a deposit screen is displayed as shown on the display screen in FIG. 11(c). When the user deposits the amount indicated as the delivery fee, the image forming device 10 prints the content. The user may deposit the delivery fee in cash into a coin vending machine provided in the image forming device 10, or may deposit the fee using electronic payment (for example, payment using a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, payment using NFC, etc.).

[0107] 12(a) shows the screen displayed when the personal information (personal information recognized from the content data) listed in the acquired content, such as a certificate, does not match the user's personal information. Area R180 displays a message indicating that the "person listed in the acquired certificate" does not match the "person who authenticated."

[0108] Additionally, the response to the user is also displayed. For example, in area R180 of Fig. 12(a), a telephone number and an email address are displayed as contact information. Area R180 may also display an inquiry number.

[0109] 12(b), a message specifying a location where the certificate, which is the appropriate content, can be obtained may be displayed. For example, a message such as "try again on the terminal device at XX government office" or "use the terminal at XXX store" may be displayed. In this way, information on the installation location of the image forming device 10 where the certificate can be obtained is displayed.

[0110] Furthermore, an example of an inappropriate certificate is one in which the personal information and the information in the certificate do not match. Even in the case of such an inappropriate certificate, the image forming device 10 can display information including how to deal with the issue. For example, if the acquired personal information of the user does not match the personal information on the certificate to be printed, the image forming device 10 may guide the user through the issuance procedure with a staff member at the issuing local government counter. Furthermore, when comparing the acquired personal information of the user with the personal information on the certificate to be printed, if the name matches but some of the information, such as address information, differs, the image forming device 10 may guide the user that a procedure to change the original information (e.g., a procedure to change the resident registration) is required before issuing (printing) the certificate.

[0111] [1.6 Application Examples] The system of this embodiment has been described as being applied to administrative services. That is, the user uses a My Number card as a method of personal authentication, and the content is a certificate issued by a local government. However, the above-described system can also be used in other systems.

[0112] For example, while the above-described embodiment describes a document such as a certificate issued by a local government, the content may also be applied to, for example, a "garbage disposal ticket" or the like set by each local government. Garbage disposal tickets are generally sold as labels to be attached to garbage bags at convenience stores and home improvement centers. Such garbage disposal tickets can be printed using an image forming device with a sticker printing function and sold instead. Garbage disposal tickets are also required to be linked to personal information so that the person who removed the garbage can be tracked later. Garbage disposal tickets are generally operated by handwriting the user's name, a reception number provided in advance, or a reception number provided by the user afterward. When printing garbage disposal tickets, the image forming device 10 of this embodiment can also print the user's name, which is acquired as personal information, and the reception number issued in advance at the time of garbage disposal reception.

[0113] For example, the server device may be a seat reservation system managed by an airline or a railway operator. In this case, a user inputs necessary seat information (e.g., flight to be used, seat type, location, etc.) using image forming device 10. Image forming device 10 transmits the seat information to server device 20 that provides a seat reservation management service.

[0114] When a seat reservation is confirmed, the server device 20 transmits image data of the ticket or airline ticket as content to the image forming device 10. The image forming device 10 generates print job data based on the image data of the ticket or airline ticket, and prints the ticket or airline ticket in response to an operation by the user.

[0115] In this way, the system of this embodiment can also be applied to seat reservation systems, etc. In addition to seat reservation systems, the system can also be applied to, for example, movie theater reservation systems and hotel reservation systems.

[0116] The system may also provide simple content in response to user operations, such as newspapers, pictures, and photographs.

[0117] [1.7 Effects] As described above, according to this embodiment, when content is printed in the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to prevent a certificate of a different user from being printed.

[0118] For example, in automatic certificate issuing machines installed in convenience stores or local governments for administrative procedures, it is possible to determine whether the certificate or issue is for the operator or certifier before issuing (printing) it on the output terminal device and switch the output process. If the certificate is not for the operator or certifier, it is possible to prevent the leakage of personal information by not printing the certificate.

[0119] Furthermore, in the past, when certificates were handed over to applicants by government officials at the counter, a final visual check by a human could prevent incorrect issuance. However, when users obtain certificates themselves through automated issuing machines, if there is a system malfunction or an error in the registration of the management ledger, another person's certificate may be mistakenly sent to the automated issuing machine and printed out.

[0120] According to the image forming device of this embodiment, even if there is a system malfunction, a registration error in the management ledger, or incorrect certificate content data is sent to the image forming device (for example, an automatic certificate issuing machine), the issuance can be stopped immediately before the certificate is issued (printed) to the user. Furthermore, the image forming device notifies the issuing source that printing has been stopped, allowing the cause to be identified and corrected.

[0121] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a process will be described in which the user checks whether the personal information included in the content (certificate, etc.) matches the personal information of the user by displaying the personal information on a screen.

[0122] In this embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the same functional configurations and processes will be omitted.

[0123] In this embodiment, in the content data confirmation process of S112 in Fig. 7, the control unit 100 displays personal information acquired from the content (certificate) and the user's personal information. This allows the user to visually confirm the two pieces of personal information and determine whether or not the content can be printed.

[0124] 13(a), for example, a name is displayed as personal information acquired from the content. That is, the control unit 100 performs character recognition and area recognition on the content data. Then, a character string corresponding to "name" is acquired and displayed on the display screen R200.

[0125] If the name displayed on the display screen R200 matches the name of the currently authenticated person or the name of the person operating the device, the user can issue an instruction to print the content. If the name included in the content data differs from the name of the currently authenticated person or the name of the operator, the user can cancel printing.

[0126] FIG. 13(b) is an example of a display area R210 in which not only personal information (name) acquired from the content but also personal information (name) of the user acquired from the My Number card is displayed.

[0127] In this case, the user can easily determine whether the two pieces of personal information match by checking the message displayed on the display screen.

[0128] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the content of the error is transmitted to the server device 20.

[0129] In this embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the similarities in functional configuration and processing will be omitted. This embodiment is an embodiment in which the processing flow of Fig. 7 of the first embodiment is replaced with the processing flow of Fig. 14. The same processes will be assigned the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the personal information of the user does not match the personal information written in the content (certificate, etc.), the control unit 100 transmits the content of the error to the server device 20 (S302).

[0131] Here, the control unit 100 may send, for example, the print incompletion notification of S1026 described with reference to FIG. 6, including the error content that is the cause of the mismatch in the personal information.

[0132] Here, the control unit 100 may consider the following as the error content. - Printing was not possible. This was simply because the personal information of the person printing (operator) did not match the personal information obtained from the content data.

[0133] · Unmatched items: For example, the control unit 100 transmits to the server device 20 unmatched items of personal information such as "name," "address," and "registered domicile."

[0134] When the server device 20 is notified of the error content, it executes processing to address the error as necessary. At this time, the server device 20 notifies the local government, for example, if the cause of the error is in the registration information registered with the certificate issuing server corresponding to the local government. Based on the error content, the local government can confirm whether the personal information data is correct or correct it.

[0135] [4. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0136] Although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0137] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0138] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0139] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is of course included in the present invention.

[0140] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a network attached storage (NAS) or on the cloud.

[0141] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or situations, even if they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

[0143] Furthermore, the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, the patent also discloses configurations in which some processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the patent holder intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0144] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by one device or may further utilize an external server.

[0145] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 System 10 Image forming device 100 control section 110 Storage 120 ROM 130 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image reading unit 170 Card reader 180 Communications Department 20 Server device 200 control section 210 Storage 220 ROM 230 RAM 280 Communications Department

Claims

1. an image forming unit; an acquisition unit that acquires first personal information; a reception unit that receives a request for content; a communication unit that transmits the request to a server device and receives content data corresponding to the requested content; an extraction unit that extracts character information from the content data; a print control unit that controls the image forming unit to print the content data when the second personal information included in the character information matches the first personal information; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The extraction unit extracts the character information by performing character recognition processing on the content data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. When the second personal information does not match the first personal information, the print control unit does not print the content data from the image forming unit and notifies the server device of that fact. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a message when the content data is not printed by the image forming unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the message includes contact information or information about the location of an image forming apparatus that can perform correct printing.

6. A printing method for printing content in an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit, comprising: obtaining first personal information; accepting a request for content; sending the request to a server device and receiving content data corresponding to the requested content; extracting character information from the content data; printing the content data by the image forming unit when the second personal information included in the character information matches the first personal information; A printing method including:

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