Cooperation method for image forming apparatus, program, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a cooperation method for an image forming apparatus that can be achieved with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A cooperation method for an image forming apparatus is a method executed by a computer, and includes a display step, an acquisition step, a synchronization application step, an authentication step, and a cooperation step. In the display step, an authentication code including identification information on the image forming apparatus is displayed on a display of the image forming apparatus. In the acquisition step, the authentication code is read by a user terminal to acquire the identification information. In the synchronization application step, an external server and the image forming apparatus are synchronized with each other by using the acquired identification information. In the authentication step, account authentication for a user in the external server is performed on the basis of an input operation from the user. In the cooperation step, in association with the account authentication, a user account in the external server and the image forming apparatus are caused to cooperate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for linking image forming apparatuses, a program, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as working styles have diversified, with the spread of telecommuting and other trends, the use of cloud servers, which allow access to necessary information regardless of location, has increased in place of traditional local servers. As a result, image forming devices are also required to access cloud servers and output data stored on them.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication server that performs authentication for accessing a cloud server from an image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-88759 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a dedicated authentication server to be installed when accessing a cloud server from an image forming apparatus, and there is a demand for a system configuration that can be easily introduced.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a method for linking image forming apparatuses, a program, and an image forming apparatus that can be realized with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for linking an image forming device with a user account on an external server, the method being executed by a computer and including a display step, an acquisition step, a synchronization request step, an authentication step, and a linking step. In the display step, an authentication code including identification information of the image forming device is displayed on a display unit of the image forming device. In the acquisition step, a user terminal reads the authentication code and acquires the identification information. In the synchronization request step, the external server and the image forming device are synchronized using the acquired identification information. In the authentication step, an account authentication for the user on the external server is performed based on an input operation from the user. In the linking step, the user account on the external server is linked with the image forming device following the account authentication.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that is executed by a computer and links an image forming apparatus with a user account on an external server, the program causing the computer to execute an acquisition step, a synchronization request step, an authentication step, and a linking step. In the acquisition step, an authentication code including identification information of the image forming apparatus displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus is read to acquire the identification information. In the synchronization request step, the external server and the image forming apparatus are synchronized using the acquired identification information. In the authentication step, account authentication for the user on the external server is performed based on an input operation from the user. In the linking step, the user account on the external server is linked with the image forming apparatus following the account authentication.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a computer and is capable of linking with a user account on an external server. The image forming apparatus includes a display unit and a linking unit. The display unit displays an authentication code including identification information of the image forming apparatus in response to a user operation. The linking unit links with the external server in response to authentication of the user's account for the external server synchronized based on the identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the information processing apparatus and information processing method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for linking image forming apparatuses that can be realized with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an account linking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the image reading device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing account linking processing by the account linking system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a printing process using an image forming apparatus with which an account is linked. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a scan process using an image forming apparatus with which an account is linked. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen in the account linking system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen in the account linking system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third screen in the account linking system. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth screen in the account linking system. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fifth screen in the account linking system. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sixth screen in the account linking system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an account linking system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] (1) Overall configuration of account linking system 1 First, the overall configuration of an account linking system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as system 1) according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 1, the system 1 includes a user terminal U, an image forming apparatus 200, and an external server 300. The user terminal U, the image forming apparatus 200, and the external server 300 are communicatively connected via a network NW.

[0015] The system 1 provides a method for linking the image forming device 200 with a user account in the external server 300. This linking method is realized by cooperation between an application program stored in the user terminal U and an application program stored in the image forming device 200.

[0016] (1-1) User terminal U The user terminal U is an information processing terminal used by a user. The user terminal U is realized by a smartphone, desktop PC (Personal Computer), laptop PC, tablet terminal, or the like compatible with the system 1. In this embodiment, a smartphone will be described as an example of the user terminal U. In the example of FIG. 1, one user terminal U is connected to the network NW, but multiple user terminals U may be connected to the network NW. The user terminal U stores an application program that defines the collaboration method to be executed by the system 1.

[0017] (1-2) Image forming device 200 The image forming apparatus 200 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral having a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The image forming apparatus 200 may also have a facsimile function. In the example of FIG. 1, one image forming apparatus 200 is connected to the network NW, but the number of image forming apparatuses 200 connected to the network NW can be selected arbitrarily. The image forming apparatus 200 stores an application program that defines a method for linking the image forming apparatus 200 to be executed by the system 1. The specific configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described later.

[0018] (1-3) External server 300 The external server 300 is a cloud server (virtual server) that makes one or more virtualized servers available via a network. Instead of a cloud server, various computers such as a personal computer or a server computer (for example, a web server, an application server, a database server, or a combination thereof) may be used as the external server 300 of the present invention.

[0019] The external server 300 provides computer resources to users via the network NW as a cloud service provided by a third party. That is, users can access the virtual server area assigned to their own accounts from user terminals U or the like via the network NW, and store and retrieve any digital data.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the external server 300 includes a processor 310 , a memory 320 , a storage 330 , a communication IF 340 , and an input / output IF 350 .

[0021] The processor 310 is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program stored in the storage 330. The processor 310 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 310 may also include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0022] The memory 320 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0023] The storage 330 is a storage device for saving programs and data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). The programs stored in the storage 330 include, for example, the following programs. OS (Operating System) programs Applications that process information (e.g. web browsers)

[0024] The data stored in storage 330 includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0025] The communication IF 340 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the external server 300 can communicate with external devices.

[0026] The input / output IF 350 functions as an interface with an input device for accepting input operations via the user terminal U and an output device for presenting information to the user terminal U.

[0027] (2) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 200 Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 forms images by an electrophotographic method.

[0028] (2-1) Overall structure As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an image reading device 100 and an image forming unit 60. The image reading device 100 is disposed above the image forming unit 60. The image reading device 100 includes a document table 10, a cover 30, a stock cover 33, and a document transport unit 90. For ease of understanding, the document transport unit 90 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2.

[0029] The document table 10 is disposed above the image forming unit 60. The document table 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An original is placed on the document table 10.

[0030] The cover 30 has a thin, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cover 30 is placed above the platen 10. The cover 30 can be opened and closed relative to the platen 10. In this embodiment, the cover 30 is attached to the platen 10 on the rear side thereof, and can rotate freely around a rotation shaft located at the rear end of the platen 10. Alternatively, the cover 30 may be attached to the platen 10 at the left end thereof, and can rotate freely around a rotation shaft located at the left end of the platen 10.

[0031] The document transport unit 90 is disposed on the upper surface 35 of the cover 30. In this embodiment, the document transport unit 90 is configured integrally with the cover 30. The document transport unit 90 is also called an automatic document feeder or ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

[0032] The stock cover 33 is disposed on the upper surface 35 of the cover 30. The stock cover 33 faces a storage area 35a that is a part of the upper surface 35 of the cover 30. A part of the stock cover 33 is located inside the document transport unit 90.

[0033] The stock cover 33 and the storage area 35a constitute a storage tray 50. That is, the image reading device 100 is equipped with the storage tray 50. The storage tray 50 has an opening 50h. The opening 50h is located on the front side of the storage tray 50. A user can put in and take out an object to be stored through the opening 50h. That is, a user can store an object to be stored inside the storage tray 50, for example. The object to be stored is, for example, a document before or after being read, or an object other than a document (for example, the user's personal belongings).

[0034] The rear side of stock cover 33 is closed. Therefore, when cover 30 is opened relative to platen 10, the objects contained in stock cover 33 can be prevented from falling to the rear side of image forming apparatus 200.

[0035] The image reading device 100 reads an original document using, for example, an original document transport unit 90. The original document transport unit 90 transports the read original document to the upper surface 33u of the stock cover 33. In other words, the original document transported by the original document transport unit 90 is placed on the upper surface 33u of the stock cover 33.

[0036] Next, the image forming apparatus 200 will be described in further detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main components of the image forming apparatus 200 shown in Fig. 2. The image forming apparatus 200 further includes a control unit 70, a storage unit 80, an input / output unit 40, an open / close sensor 52, a human presence sensor 54, and a communication unit 55.

[0037] Typically, the control unit 70 is disposed inside the image forming apparatus 200. The control unit 70 includes an arithmetic element. The arithmetic element includes a processor. For example, the processor includes a central processing unit (CPU). The processor may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0038] The storage unit 80 stores various data, control programs, and various application programs. The storage unit 80 is configured with, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and / or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 80 may include an external memory. The external memory is removable media. The storage unit 80 may include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) memory and / or a secure digital (SD) card as the external memory.

[0039] The control unit 70 controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 200 by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 80. Specifically, in response to a selection operation received by the touch panel, the control unit 70 executes a process corresponding to the selected command item. In this way, the control unit 70 controls the image reading device 100, the input / output unit 40, the open / close sensor 52, the human presence sensor 54, the communication unit 55, the storage unit 80, the document transport unit 90, and the image forming unit 60.

[0040] The control unit 70 executes the control program, which then functions as a generating module. The generating module generates image data based on the reading result of the reading unit 20.

[0041] (2-2) Image reading device 100 Next, the image reading device 100 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the image reading device 100 shown in Fig. 2. Note that in order to avoid complicating the drawing, the document transport unit 90 and the image forming section 60 are omitted from Fig. 4.

[0042] 4, document table 10 includes contact glass 11, light-transmitting portion 12, and reading slit 13. On document table 10, contact glass 11, light-transmitting portion 12, and reading slit 13 are located apart from one another. For example, contact glass 11 is located in front of light-transmitting portion 12. Furthermore, reading slit 13 is located to the left of contact glass 11 and light-transmitting portion 12.

[0043] The contact glass 11 is disposed on the upper surface of the document table 10. The contact glass 11 is translucent. A document to be read is placed on the contact glass 11.

[0044] The light-transmitting portion 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the document table 10. The light-transmitting portion 12 has light-transmitting properties. The light-transmitting portion 12 is preferably transparent. The light-transmitting portion 12 is disposed, for example, behind the contact glass 11.

[0045] The reading slit 13 is disposed on the upper surface of the document table 10. The reading slit 13 is translucent. The reading slit 13 is used to read the document transported by the document transport unit 90. The reading slit 13 has a first scan sensor (not shown) therein that forms part of the reading section 20. The first scan sensor is an image sensor that reads the back side of the document transported by the document transport unit 90.

[0046] The reading unit 20 is disposed inside the document table 10. The reading unit 20 reads an image of a document placed on the contact glass 11 by a user. The reading unit 20 has a second scan sensor (not shown) disposed therein. The second scan sensor is disposed below the contact glass 11. The second scan sensor is an image sensor used to read the document placed on the contact glass 11.

[0047] The image sensor may be, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor.

[0048] The cover 30 can be opened and closed freely relative to the document table 10. That is, the cover 30 opens and closes relative to the contact glass 11 included in the document table 10. For example, the cover 30 may be provided with a support member that allows the cover 30 to be opened and closed. When the cover 30 is in the "open state," the top surface of the document table 10 is exposed. On the other hand, when the cover 30 is in the "closed state," the top surface of the document table 10 is covered by the cover 30.

[0049] The cover 30 has a light-shielding portion 31 and a light-transmitting portion 32. The light-shielding portion 31 blocks light. The light-shielding portion 31 is formed from, for example, a colored resin.

[0050] The light-transmitting portion 32 has light-transmitting properties. The light-transmitting portion 32 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material such as an acrylic resin. Therefore, light that enters from one side of the light-transmitting portion 32 exits from the other side. Note that the light-transmitting portion 32 may be glass or hollow as long as it has light-transmitting properties.

[0051] The input / output unit 40 is disposed on the front side of the side of the document table 10. A user inputs instructions via the input / output unit 40. The input / output unit 40 accepts the user's instructions. In this embodiment, the user's instructions include the type of job and the number of documents indicating the number of documents.

[0052] For example, when a user inputs an instruction to start a scan job via the input / output unit 40, the reading unit 20 reads an original document and captures an image of the original document.

[0053] The input / output unit 40 also outputs information to the user. For example, the input / output unit 40 notifies the user of necessary information regarding the control of the image reading device 100 and the image forming unit 60.

[0054] The input / output unit 40 includes a display unit 41 and an input unit 42. The display unit 41 displays an operation screen or the results of various processes. The display unit 41 has a display. For example, the display includes a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0055] The input unit 42 includes, for example, various keys for specifying the type and content of a job. The input unit 42 includes a keyboard and a mouse. Alternatively, the input unit 42 may include a touch sensor. Operation instructions for the image reading device 100 and the image forming unit 60 are input to the input unit 42.

[0056] The open / close sensor 52 is attached to the document table 10. In this embodiment, the open / close sensor 52 is attached to an area of ​​the top surface of the document table 10 that overlaps with the cover 30 when the cover 30 is closed. More specifically, the open / close sensor 52 is disposed on the same surface as the contact glass 11. The open / close sensor 52 detects whether the cover 30 is open or closed.

[0057] The human presence sensor 54 detects whether or not a person is present within the detection range of the human presence sensor 54. The human presence sensor 54 is attached to the platen 10. The human presence sensor 54 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 70 (see FIG. 4). For example, the human presence sensor 54 is a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and detects far infrared rays (radiant heat) emitted from the human body.

[0058] The communication unit 55 performs processing for the image forming apparatus 200 to communicate with external devices.

[0059] (2-3) Image forming unit 60 Next, the configuration of the image forming unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The image forming unit 60 performs predetermined editing by forming an image on a recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, paper such as a manuscript. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 60 includes a transfer unit 61, an image carrier 62, a charging unit 63, an exposure unit 64, a developing unit 65, a fixing unit 66, a discharge unit 67, a storage unit 68, and a conveying unit 69.

[0060] The control unit 70 controls the image forming unit 60 to form a specified toner image on the document. That is, the control unit 70 controls the transport unit 69 so that the transport unit 69 transports the document stored in the storage unit 68. The storage unit 68 stores documents before images are formed on them. The documents are, for example, plain paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, coated paper, or overhead projector (OHP) sheets.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 70 controls the image carrier 62, the charging unit 63, and the exposure unit 64 so that the charging unit 63 charges the rotating image carrier 62 and the exposure unit 64 exposes the rotating image carrier 62 to light to form an electrostatic latent image based on the image.

[0062] The control unit 70 also controls the developing unit 65 so that the developing unit 65 forms a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 62. Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the conveying unit 69 and the transfer unit 61 so that the toner image formed on the image carrier 62 is transferred to the document via the intermediate transfer body of the transfer unit 61.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the conveying unit 69 and the fixing unit 66 so as to fix the toner image transferred onto the document onto the document. The control unit 70 controls the heating roller and pressure roller of the fixing unit 66 to rotate, and also controls the heating roller to heat to a predetermined temperature.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the conveying unit 69 to discharge the document onto which the toner image has been fixed from the discharge unit 67 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 200. In this manner, the image forming unit 60 forms a predetermined image on the paper surface and outputs the paper surface on which the image has been formed.

[0065] (3) System 1 processing Next, the processing of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the account linking processing between the image forming apparatus 200 and the external server 300 in the system 1. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of the printing processing using the image forming apparatus 200 with the account linking. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of the scanning processing using the image forming apparatus 200 with the account linking.

[0066] (3-1) Account linking process First, the account linking process between image forming apparatus 200 and external server 300 in system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, in this process, image forming apparatus 200 first displays an authentication code such as a QR code (registered trademark) (step S101: display process). Specifically, image forming apparatus 200 displays the authentication code on display unit 41 in response to a user's operation on input unit 42. At this time, the authentication code includes at least the following information: The device identification number of the image forming device 200 (such as a serial number unique to the device) IP address of the image forming device 200

[0067] Next, the user terminal U acquires identification information (step S201: acquisition step). Specifically, the user terminal U acquires the identification information of the image forming device 200 by capturing and reading an authentication code with a built-in camera in response to an operation from the user. The identification information includes a device identification number and an IP address.

[0068] Next, the user terminal U uses the acquired identification information of the image forming device 200 to make a synchronization request to synchronize the image forming device 200 with the user account on the external server 300 (step S202: synchronization request process). Specifically, the user terminal U sends an API request to the external server 300 using the identification information of the image forming device 200.

[0069] Next, the external server 300 performs synchronization processing for the image forming device 200 (step S301). Specifically, the processor 310 of the external server 300 authenticates the access right using the IP address of the image forming device 200 included in the API request sent from the user terminal U. This synchronizes the image forming device 200 and the external server 300.

[0070] Next, the user terminal U applies for account authentication (step S203). Specifically, the user terminal U displays a login screen and transmits the account information entered on the login screen to the external server 300.

[0071] In the system 1, account authentication can be performed based on an input operation from the user to either the user terminal U or the image forming apparatus 200. That is, in the system 1, a login screen can be displayed on the display unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 200 synchronized with the external server 300. In this case, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits the account information input on the login screen to the external server 300. In this way, in the system 1, the user can select either the user terminal U or the image forming apparatus 200 for input operation for account authentication, thereby improving user convenience.

[0072] Next, the external server 300 performs account authentication based on the input operation from the user (step S302: authentication process). Specifically, the external server 300 checks whether the account information sent from the user terminal U is a genuine account. If the account information is genuine, the user account is authenticated. This allows the user terminal U to access the area of ​​the external server 300 that is assigned to the user account.

[0073] Next, the external server 300 associates the image forming apparatus 200 with the user account (step S302: association step). Specifically, the processor 310 of the external server 300 transmits an authentication token for the authenticated user account to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0074] Next, the image forming apparatus 200 is linked with the user account of the external server 300 (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 200 accesses the user account using the transmitted authentication token. This allows the image forming apparatus 200 to access the area of ​​the external server 300 assigned to the user account. That is, the control unit 70 links with the synchronized external server 300 in response to user account authentication. The control unit 70 is an example of the "linking unit" of the present invention. This completes the account linking process between the image forming apparatus 200 and the external server 300 in the system 1.

[0075] As described above, in the system 1, the user terminal U reads the authentication code for the image forming apparatus 200, thereby linking the image forming apparatus 200 with a user account in the external server 300. Therefore, it is possible to provide a linking method for the image forming apparatus 200 that can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0076] (3-2) Printing process of the image forming device 200 Next, a printing process using the image forming apparatus 200 with account linkage will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, in this process, the image forming apparatus 200 first displays a document list of document data stored in the external server 300 on the display unit 41 (step S111). Specifically, the control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 200 displays on the display unit 41 a document list stored in an area of ​​the external server 300 allocated to the user account.

[0077] Next, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print instruction to select print document data to be printed (step S112). Specifically, the control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 200 receives a designation of print document data from the document list displayed on the display unit 41. At this time, the user also inputs printing conditions such as the number of copies and color into the input unit 42. The communication unit 55 of the image forming apparatus 200 transmits the print instruction input by the user to the external server 300.

[0078] Next, the external server 300 receives the output instruction (step S311). Specifically, the processor 310 of the external server 300 receives the designation of print document data as the print instruction transmitted from the image forming apparatus 200.

[0079] Next, the external server 300 transmits the print document data (step S312). Specifically, the processor 310 of the external server 300 transmits the print document data designated as the print target to the user terminal U.

[0080] Next, the user terminal U acquires the print document data (step S211). Specifically, the user terminal U receives the document data to be printed, which is transmitted from the external server 300.

[0081] Next, the user terminal U transmits the print document data (step S212). Specifically, the user terminal U transmits the print document data to be printed, which has been transmitted from the external server 300, to the image forming apparatus 200. By transferring the print document data to the image forming apparatus 200 via the user terminal U in this manner, the communication function of the image forming apparatus 200 can be simplified.

[0082] Next, the image forming apparatus 200 acquires the document data (step S113). Specifically, the communication unit 55 of the image forming apparatus 200 receives the print document data transmitted from the user terminal U.

[0083] Next, the image forming apparatus 200 executes a printing process (step S114). Specifically, the image forming unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 200 forms an image on paper of the document data acquired by the communication unit 55. As a result, of the document data stored in the external server 300, the document data designated by the user as the document data to be printed is output from the image forming apparatus 200. This completes the printing process using the image forming apparatus 200, whose account is linked to the external server 300. In this way, in the system 1, document data stored in the external server 300 can be printed from the image forming apparatus 200, improving user convenience.

[0084] (3-3) Scanning process of the image forming device 200 Next, a scanning process using the image forming device 200 with which an account is linked will be described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, in this process, the image forming device 200 first scans the document to be scanned (step S121). Specifically, the reading unit 20 of the image forming device 200 reads the document set on the platen 10. The read scan data is stored in the storage unit 80.

[0085] Next, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits the read scan data to the user terminal U (step S122). Specifically, the communication unit 55 of the image forming apparatus 200 transmits the scan data to the user terminal U.

[0086] Next, the user terminal U acquires the scan data (step S221). Specifically, the user terminal U receives the scan data transmitted from the communication unit 55 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0087] Next, the user terminal U uploads the acquired scan data to the external server 300 (step S222). Specifically, the user terminal U uses the metadata of the scan data to specify a user account as the upload destination and transmits an upload request to the external server 300. The user terminal U also transmits the scan data to the external server 300. In this way, by uploading the scan data to the external server 300 via the user terminal U, the communication function of the image forming apparatus 200 can be configured simply.

[0088] Next, the external server 300 stores the scan data (step S321). Specifically, the processor 310 of the external server 300 stores the scan data in the area of ​​the user account based on the upload request sent from the user terminal U. This completes the scan process using the image forming device 200 whose account is linked to the external server 300. In this way, in the system 1, the scan data read by the image forming device 200 can be stored in the external server 300, improving user convenience.

[0089] (4) Screen example Next, an example of a screen of the system 1 will be described.

[0090] (4-1) First screen example First, the first screen example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the first screen example of the system 1. The first screen example is a screen displayed on the display unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 200 in step S101 shown in Fig. 5.

[0091] This screen displays an authentication code C1. In the illustrated example, a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed as the authentication code. Also displayed is a message urging the user to read the authentication code with the user terminal U.

[0092] (4-2) Second screen example First, the second screen example will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the second screen example of the system 1. The second screen example is a screen displayed on the user terminal U immediately before step S203 shown in Fig. 5.

[0093] This screen allows the user to select whether to perform account authentication from the user terminal U or from the image forming apparatus 200. When the first button B1 on this screen is clicked, a login screen is displayed on the user terminal U. When the second button B2 on this screen is clicked, a login screen is displayed on the display unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0094] (4-3) Third screen example First, the third screen example will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the third screen example of the system 1. The third screen example is a screen displayed on the user terminal U in step S203 shown in Fig. 5. This screen is also a screen displayed after the first button B1 is clicked on the second screen example shown in Fig. 9.

[0095] This screen displays an account input field C2 for logging in. The user can have the user terminal U perform account authentication by entering their own account information in the account input field C2 displayed on the user terminal U.

[0096] (4-4) Fourth screen example First, the fourth screen example will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the fourth screen example of the system 1. The fourth screen example is a screen that is displayed after the second button B2 is clicked on the second screen example shown in Fig. 9. That is, this is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit 41 when account information for the external server 300 is entered into the image forming apparatus 200.

[0097] This screen displays an account input field C3 for performing a login operation. The user can execute account authentication via the image forming apparatus 200 by inputting their own account information into the account input field C3 displayed on the display unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0098] (4-5) Fifth screen example First, the fifth screen example will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the fifth screen example of the system 1. The fifth screen example is a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 200 in step S111 shown in Fig. 6.

[0099] This screen displays data stored in an area of ​​the external server 300 allocated to the user account. In the illustrated example, folder F1 and PDF data D1 are displayed. By selecting folder F1, the user can display the data stored therein on the display unit 41. The user can also select PDF data D1 and designate it as the data to be printed.

[0100] (4-6) Example of 6th screen First, the sixth screen example will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the sixth screen example of the system 1. The sixth screen example is a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 200 in step S102 shown in Fig. 5.

[0101] This screen displays selection operation buttons for the image forming device 200 that has linked up with the external server 300. Specifically, by clicking selection button B3, it is possible to proceed to printing process of document data stored in the external server 300. On the other hand, by clicking selection button B4, it is possible to proceed to process of saving scan data read by the image forming device 200 in the external server 300.

[0102] (5) Variations In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a QR code (registered trademark) is used as the authentication code, but this is not limited thereto. The authentication code may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code, or may be a code other than a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, the authentication code may be affixed to, for example, the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 200 without being displayed on the display unit 41.

[0103] (6) Other variations The image forming apparatus 200 may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a multifunction machine that combines the functions of these. Also, the image forming apparatus 200 does not necessarily have to include the image reading apparatus 100.

[0104] 1, the image reading device 100 includes the document transport unit 90. However, the image reading device 100 does not necessarily have to include the document transport unit 90.

[0105] The image forming apparatus 200 may include an inkjet image forming unit. The inkjet image forming unit divides an image to be printed into pixels, charges ink particles with a voltage proportional to the position information of each pixel, and deflects them in an electrostatic field to make them reach the document, thereby forming an image.

[0106] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 13). However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention provides an information processing device and an information processing method, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Information Processing Systems 100 Image reader 200 Image forming device 300 External Server U User terminal

Claims

1. 1. An image forming device linking method executed by a computer for linking an image forming device with a user account of an external server, comprising: a display step of displaying an authentication code including identification information of the image forming apparatus on a display unit of the image forming apparatus; an acquisition step of reading the authentication code by a user terminal and acquiring the identification information; a synchronization request step of synchronizing the external server and the image forming apparatus using the acquired identification information; an authentication step of performing account authentication for the user in the external server based on an input operation from the user; a linking step of linking the user account in the external server with the image forming apparatus in response to the account authentication; A method for coordinating image forming apparatuses, comprising:

2. The method further comprises: displaying the document data stored in the external server on a display unit of the image forming apparatus; a step of accepting a selection of print document data to be printed from the displayed document data; a step of causing the image forming device to print the selected document data; The image forming apparatus cooperation method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The step of causing the image forming apparatus to print includes: acquiring the selected print document data from the external server; The image forming apparatus cooperation method according to claim 2 , further comprising: transmitting the acquired print document data to the image forming apparatus.

4. the image forming apparatus includes a reading unit, The method further comprises: a step of causing the reading unit to scan a document; storing the scan data scanned by the reading unit in the external server; The image forming apparatus cooperation method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

5. The step of storing the data in the external server includes: acquiring scan data scanned by the reading unit from the image forming device; uploading the acquired scan data to the external server; The image forming apparatus cooperation method according to claim 4 , further comprising:

6. 3. The image forming apparatus cooperation method according to claim 1, wherein the account authentication is performed based on an input operation from the user to either the user terminal or the image forming apparatus.

7. A program that is executed by a computer and links an image forming apparatus with a user account on an external server, the program including: an acquisition step of reading an authentication code including identification information of the image forming apparatus displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus and acquiring the identification information; a synchronization request step of synchronizing the external server and the image forming apparatus using the acquired identification information; an authentication step of performing account authentication for the user in the external server based on an input operation from the user; a linking step of linking the user account in the external server with the image forming apparatus in response to the account authentication; A program that executes the above.

8. An image forming apparatus including a computer and capable of linking with a user account on an external server, a display unit that displays an authentication code including identification information of the image forming apparatus in response to an operation by a user; a linking unit that links with the external server in response to the user's account authentication being performed on the external server synchronized based on the identification information; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images