Information processing device, multifunction printer, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can ensure the security of each individual using a multifunction printer. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires virtual jobs stored on a cloud server and associated with a predetermined user by using an access code to identify a predetermined multifunction device, and a login execution unit that causes the multifunction device to perform login for the user based on the acquired virtual jobs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a multifunction device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In offices, convenience stores, print shops, etc., there are devices shared by multiple users. For example, a multifunction device can be shared in an office or the like. A multifunction device is a device having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function, and is a so-called MFP. MFP is an abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for sending image data from a user to a multifunction device.

[0003] In a multifunction device installed in an office or the like, for example, a cloud service such as universal printing may be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When using such a cloud service, it is desirable to ensure the security of each individual using the multifunction device. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of ensuring the security of each individual using the multifunction device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

[0007] (1) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires virtual jobs stored on a cloud server and associated with a predetermined user by using an access code to identify a predetermined multifunction device; and a login execution unit that causes the multifunction device to perform login for the user based on the acquired virtual jobs.

[0008] (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1) above, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the user is registered with the multifunction printer; and a registration instruction unit that, when it is determined that the user is not registered with the multifunction printer, instructs the multifunction printer to register the user.

[0009] (3) The information processing device according to (2) above, further comprising a setting change unit that, when it is determined that the user is registered with the multifunction device, changes the settings of the multifunction device to the settings of the registered user.

[0010] (4) The information processing device according to (2) above, wherein the virtual job includes the user's email address information, and the determination unit determines whether or not the user is registered with the multifunction printer based on the user's email address.

[0011] (5) The information processing apparatus according to (1) above, further comprising an image forming instruction unit for instructing the multifunction printer to form an image, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to further acquire print jobs associated with the user and stored in the cloud server, and the image forming instruction unit instructs the multifunction printer to form an image based on the acquired print jobs.

[0012] (6) The information processing apparatus described in (5) above, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to acquire a group of jobs including the virtual job and the print job.

[0013] (7) When the user logs in to the multifunction printer, the image forming instruction unit instructs the multifunction printer to form an image, as described in (5) above.

[0014] (8) The information processing apparatus according to (5) above, further comprising a reception unit for receiving the selection of a print job when the user logs in to the multifunction printer, wherein the image forming instruction unit instructs the multifunction printer to form an image when the selection of a print job is received.

[0015] (9) The attributes of the virtual job are the information processing device described in (1) above, which includes a specific string.

[0016] (10) The information processing apparatus described in (1) above, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the virtual job when the access code is transmitted from the user terminal owned by the user to the cloud server.

[0017] (11) A multifunction printer that allows a predetermined user to log in, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires virtual jobs stored on a cloud server and associated with the user by using an access code to identify the multifunction printer; and a login execution unit that causes the multifunction printer to log in the user based on the acquired virtual jobs.

[0018] (12) The multifunction printer according to (11) above, further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image based on a print job associated with the user when the user logs in.

[0019] (13) An information processing method to be performed by an information processing device, the method comprising: obtaining a virtual job stored in a cloud server and associated with a predetermined user by using an access code to identify a predetermined multifunction device; and causing the multifunction device to perform the user's login based on the obtained virtual job.

[0020] (14) An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method described in (13) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] In the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present invention, a virtual job associated with a predetermined user is acquired by using an access code, and based on this virtual job, user login to the multifunction peripheral is executed. As a result, the user can use the multifunction peripheral while being authenticated by the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, the security of each individual using the multifunction peripheral can be ensured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, these are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention. [Figure 1] It is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first user terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second user terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a sequence chart illustrating the processing procedure of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit in the multifunction peripheral according to a modification. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0024] [Embodiment] <Configuration of Information Processing System 1> Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes, for example, a multifunction printer 100, a server 200, a first user terminal 300, and a second user terminal 400. These components are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another. The server 200 is a cloud server. The server 200 is connected to the multifunction printer 100, the first user terminal 300, and the second user terminal 400, for example, via the Internet.

[0025] User 5 is one of the users of the multifunction printer 100 and owns both the first user terminal 300 and the second user terminal 400. Server 200 stores the multifunction printer 100, the first user terminal 300, the second user terminal 400, and User 5 in a linked manner.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the multifunction device 100. The multifunction device 100 is, for example, an image forming apparatus that utilizes an electrophotographic process. The multifunction device 100 is used, for example, to form an image on paper, which is a recording medium, based on scanned document image data. The multifunction device 100 has multiple functions, such as a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function.

[0027] The multifunction printer 100 is used by multiple users, including, for example, user 5. Each of these users is registered with the multifunction printer 100. In the multifunction printer 100, for example, each user is registered and linked to their email address. When each user logs in to the multifunction printer 100, the print jobs and other actions associated with that user are executed.

[0028] The multifunction printer 100 includes an image reading unit 110, an image processing unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a communication unit 140, a paper feeding unit 150, an operation display unit 160, and a control unit 170. These components are connected by a bus 101. Here, the control unit 170 corresponds to one specific example of the information processing device of the present invention.

[0029] The image reading unit 110 optically reads the original document and generates an image data signal. The image processing unit 120 applies various image processing to the image data signal to generate print image data. The image forming unit 130 forms an image based on the print image data using an electrophotographic process and fixes the formed image onto paper, which serves as a recording medium. The paper with the image fixed is discharged from the output tray to the outside of the multifunction printer 100.

[0030] The communication unit 140 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network. The paper feeding unit 150 includes at least one paper tray and supplies paper to the image forming unit 130 one sheet at a time.

[0031] The operation display unit 160 includes, for example, a touch panel. The operation display unit 160 has a configuration that allows it to process input reception and information display in parallel. The operation display unit 160 displays, for example, an access code for identifying the multifunction device 100. The access code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) and a barcode.

[0032] The control unit 170 controls the image reading unit 110, image processing unit 120, image forming unit 130, communication unit 140, paper feeding unit 150, and operation display unit 160. The control unit 170 includes, for example, a CPU 171, RAM 172, ROM 173, auxiliary storage unit 174, and timing unit 175. The CPU 171, RAM 172, ROM 173, auxiliary storage unit 174, and timing unit 175 are interconnected by an internal bus. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.

[0033] The CPU 171 executes programs such as the OS and information processing programs loaded into the RAM 172, and controls the operation of the multifunction printer 100. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System. The information processing programs are pre-stored in the ROM 173 or auxiliary storage unit 174.

[0034] RAM172 stores data temporarily generated by the processing of CPU171. ROM173 stores programs executed by CPU171, data used to execute programs, or parameters.

[0035] The auxiliary storage unit 174 includes, for example, an HDD and an SSD. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. The auxiliary storage unit 174 stores, for example, the settings for each of multiple users of the multifunction printer 100. These settings are, for example, the upper limit of print usage. The settings may also be fee settings that apply to each of the multiple users.

[0036] The timekeeping unit 175 includes, for example, an RTC and has the function of outputting the current time. RTC is an abbreviation for Real-Time Clock.

[0037] The more specific functions of the control unit 170 will be described later.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of server 200. Server 200 includes a control unit 210 and a communication unit 220. These components are connected to each other via a bus 201. The control unit 210 includes, for example, a CPU 211, RAM 212, ROM 213, and auxiliary storage unit 214. Since the control unit 210 and communication unit 220 have similar functions to the control unit 170 and communication unit 140 of the multifunction printer 100, a detailed explanation is omitted. Server 200 may be, for example, Azure®, or provided by a cloud service such as Universal Print.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first user terminal 300. The first user terminal 300 includes a control unit 310, a communication unit 320, an operation display unit 330, and an imaging unit 340. These components are connected via a bus 301. The first user terminal 300 may be, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0040] The control unit 310 includes, for example, a CPU 311, RAM 312, ROM 313, and an auxiliary storage unit 314. Since the control unit 310 and the communication unit 320 have the same functions as the control unit 170 and the communication unit 140 of the multifunction printer 100, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0041] The operation display unit 330 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The input unit is used to receive character input via the keyboard and mouse, various instructions such as various settings, or input from the user 5. The output unit has, for example, a display device. The operation display unit 330 may be configured as a touch panel or the like.

[0042] The imaging unit 340 includes, for example, a camera built into the first user terminal 300. For example, the imaging unit 340 captures an access code displayed on the operation display unit 160 of the multifunction printer 100. The access code captured by the imaging unit 340 is transmitted to the server 200 via the communication unit 320.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second user terminal 400. The second user terminal 400 includes a control unit 410, a communication unit 420, and an operation display unit 430. These components are connected via a bus 401. The second user terminal 400 may be, for example, a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer.

[0044] The control unit 410 includes, for example, a CPU 411, RAM 412, ROM 413, and an auxiliary storage unit 414. The control unit 410, communication unit 420, and operation display unit 430 have the same functions as the control unit 310, communication unit 320, and operation display unit 330 of the first user terminal 300, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0045] User 5 inputs a virtual job to the second user terminal 400, for example, via the operation display unit 430. This virtual job is used for user 5 to log in to the multifunction printer 100. The job attributes of the virtual job include, for example, a specific string. This specific string may be, for example, alphabet characters, katakana, hiragana, or a combination of two or more of these. For example, the specific string may be "MFP Login". The virtual job also includes, for example, user 5's email address information. The second user terminal 400 sends the virtual job input by user 5 to the server 200, for example, via the communication unit 420.

[0046] User 5 may also input actual jobs. Actual jobs are, for example, print jobs. User 5 inputs, for example, one or more print jobs into the second user terminal 400. When user 5 inputs actual jobs, the second user terminal 400 may automatically generate virtual jobs. The second user terminal 400 may send a group of jobs, including the virtual jobs and one or more actual jobs, to the server 200. The server 200 stores the group of jobs received from the second user terminal 400 in the auxiliary storage unit 214, associating it with user 5.

[0047] <Functions of the control unit 170> Figure 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the functions of the control unit 170, more specifically the CPU 171, of the multifunction printer 100. The control unit 170 functions as an acquisition unit 1711, a login execution unit 1712, a determination unit 1713, a registration instruction unit 1714, a setting change unit 1715, and an image formation instruction unit 1716.

[0048] The acquisition unit 1711 acquires virtual jobs stored in the server 200. These virtual jobs are stored in the server 200 and are associated with user 5. The acquisition unit 1711 acquires virtual jobs using an access code to identify the multifunction printer 100. For example, when the server 200 detects an access code sent from the first user terminal 300, the virtual job stored in the server 200 is changed from a standby state to a released state. The control unit 170 polls the status of virtual jobs stored in the server 200, and the acquisition unit 1711 acquires virtual jobs that have entered the released state. At this time, the status of the virtual job is changed, for example, from a released state to a standby state.

[0049] The acquisition unit 1711 may further acquire actual jobs, such as print jobs. These print jobs, for example, are associated with user 5 and stored on the server 200. The acquisition unit 1711 may also acquire a group of jobs, including virtual jobs and print jobs. The acquisition unit 1711 may distinguish between virtual jobs and actual jobs, for example, based on whether a specific string is included in the job attributes.

[0050] The login execution unit 1712 causes the multifunction printer 100 to log in user 5 based on the virtual job acquired by the acquisition unit 1711. As a result, the multifunction printer 100 becomes capable of executing actual jobs, such as print jobs, associated with user 5.

[0051] After the acquisition unit 1711 acquires the virtual job associated with user 5, the determination unit 1713 determines whether user 5 is registered with the multifunction printer 100. The determination unit 1713 determines whether user 5 is registered with the multifunction printer 100 based, for example, on the email address of user 5 included in the virtual job. If there is an email address among the email addresses of each user registered with the multifunction printer 100 that is the same as the email address of user 5 included in the virtual job, then the determination unit 1713 determines that user 5 is registered with the multifunction printer 100. If there is no email address among the email addresses of each user registered with the multifunction printer 100 that is the same as the email address of user 5 included in the virtual job, then the determination unit 1713 determines that user 5 is not registered with the multifunction printer 100.

[0052] When the determination unit 1713 determines that user 5 is not registered with the multifunction printer 100, the registration instruction unit 1714 instructs the multifunction printer 100 to register user 5. For example, the control unit 170 registers user 5 with the multifunction printer 100 by associating it with an email address included in a virtual job.

[0053] When the determination unit 1713 determines that user 5 is registered with the multifunction printer 100, the setting change unit 1715 changes the settings of the multifunction printer 100 to the settings of user 5 that have been registered in advance. As a result, the multifunction printer 100 sets, for example, an upper limit on the amount of print usage that is appropriate for user 5.

[0054] The image forming instruction unit 1716 instructs the multifunction printer 100 to form an image when user 5 is logged in by the login execution unit 1712. The image forming instruction unit 1716 instructs the image forming unit 130 to form an image, for example. The image forming instruction unit 1716 instructs the multifunction printer 100 to form an image based on a print job acquired by the acquisition unit 1711, for example. This print job is associated with user 5.

[0055] <Overview of Information Processing System 1> Figure 7 is a sequence chart showing the procedure for processing performed in the information processing system 1. The processing shown in the sequence chart of Figure 7 is stored as a program in the storage of each component, and is executed by the control unit of each component controlling each part.

[0056] (Step S401) First, user 5 inputs a virtual job into the second user terminal 400. This allows the second user terminal 400 to accept the input of the virtual job. The second user terminal 400 then sends the virtual job input in step S401 to the server 200. User 5 then inputs, for example, a real job such as a print job along with the virtual job into the second user terminal 400. The second user terminal 400 then sends, for example, a group of jobs including the virtual job and the print job to the server 200.

[0057] (Step S201) Server 200 receives virtual jobs sent from the second user terminal 400, associates them with user 5, and stores them in the auxiliary storage unit 214, etc. The virtual jobs are stored, for example, in a standby state. Server 200 also receives print jobs sent from the second user terminal 400, along with the virtual jobs, associates them with user 5, and stores them in the auxiliary storage unit 214, etc. The multifunction printer 100 polls the status of the virtual jobs stored in Server 200.

[0058] (Step S301) After user 5 sends a virtual job from the second user terminal 400 to the server 200, user 5 moves to the vicinity of the multifunction printer 100, for example. Then, user 5 uses the first user terminal 300 to photograph an access code, such as a QR code, displayed on the operation display unit 160 of the multifunction printer 100. The first user terminal 300 reads the URL embedded in this QR code and sends an HTTP request to the server 200. If the access code is a barcode, the first user terminal 300 sends the information such as numbers and letters contained in this barcode to the server 200.

[0059] (Step S202) When the server 200 detects an HTTP request or the like sent from the first user terminal 300, it changes the state of the virtual job stored in the auxiliary storage unit 214, etc., from standby to release. After this, the server 200 sends the virtual job to the multifunction printer 100. At this time, for example, the state of the virtual job is changed from release to standby.

[0060] <Control method for multifunction printer 100> Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for controlling the multifunction printer 100. The processing shown in the figure is stored as a program in the auxiliary storage unit 214 of the multifunction printer 100 and is executed by the CPU 171 controlling each part.

[0061] (Step S101) The multifunction printer 100 first displays an access code on the operation display unit 160.

[0062] (Step S102) Next, the multifunction printer 100 starts polling the status of virtual jobs stored on the server 200.

[0063] (Step S103) Next, the multifunction printer 100 determines whether there are any virtual jobs in a released state on the server 200. If there are no virtual jobs in a released state on the server 200 (step S103: NO), the multifunction printer 100 repeats the process in step S103.

[0064] (Step S104) When there is a virtual job in a released state on server 200 (step S103: YES), the multifunction printer 100 retrieves this virtual job or a group of jobs that includes the virtual job and real jobs.

[0065] (Step S105) Next, the multifunction printer 100 determines whether or not user 5, who is associated with the virtual job acquired in step S104, is registered with the multifunction printer 100.

[0066] (Step S106) When user 5, who is associated with a virtual job, is registered with the multifunction printer 100 (step S105: YES), the multifunction printer 100 performs user 5 login.

[0067] (Step S110) If user 5, who is associated with the virtual job, is not registered with the multifunction printer 100 (step S105: NO), the multifunction printer 100 registers user 5 with the multifunction printer 100 (step S110) and proceeds to step S106.

[0068] (Step S107) After user 5 logs in, the multifunction printer 100 determines whether or not it has acquired a print job. If it has not acquired a print job (step S107: NO), the multifunction printer 100 terminates processing.

[0069] (Steps S108, S109) When a print job is acquired (step S107: YES), the multifunction printer 100 changes its settings to match user 5. Subsequently, the multifunction printer 100 performs image formation and terminates the process.

[0070] <Effects of the multifunction printer 100 and information processing system 1> In the multifunction printer 100 and information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the multifunction printer 100 obtains a virtual job associated with user 5 by using an access code, and based on this virtual job, the multifunction printer 100 performs login for user 5. As a result, user 5 can use the multifunction printer 100 while being authenticated by the multifunction printer 100. Therefore, the security of each individual using the multifunction printer 100 can be guaranteed. The effects of this will be explained below.

[0071] For example, a multifunction printer may be linked to a cloud server, and the printer may retrieve and execute print jobs from the cloud server. In this case, since the printer executes print jobs without each user being authenticated, there is a risk that print data may be inadvertently exposed to others.

[0072] In contrast, with the multifunction printer 100, after user 5 logs in, the actual jobs associated with user 5, such as print jobs, are executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent user 5's print jobs from being executed on the multifunction printer 100 without authorization by others. Thus, the security of print data can be guaranteed.

[0073] Furthermore, user 5's login is performed, for example, based on the submission of a virtual job from the second user terminal 400 and the submission of an access code from the first user terminal 300. Therefore, an IC card or the like is not required to log in to the multifunction printer. In addition, it is not necessary to enter a username and password into the multifunction printer 100. Thus, user 5 can log in to the multifunction printer 100 more easily.

[0074] The following describes modifications of the above embodiment, but explanations of points similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0075] <Variation> Figure 9 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 170 of the modified multifunction printer 100. In addition to the acquisition unit 1711, login execution unit 1712, determination unit 1713, registration instruction unit 1714, setting change unit 1715, and image formation instruction unit 1716, this control unit 170 also functions as a reception unit 1717. Except for this point, the modified multifunction printer 100 has the same configuration as the multifunction printer 100 according to the above embodiment and provides the same effects and advantages.

[0076] The reception unit 1717 accepts the selection of an actual job, such as a print job, when user 5 logs in to the multifunction printer 100. The reception unit 1717 may, for example, accept the selection of some print jobs from among multiple print jobs. The reception unit 1717 may also accept the selection of one print job from among a single print job.

[0077] For example, when user 5 logs in, the multifunction printer 100 displays a list of print jobs acquired by the acquisition unit 1711 on the operation display unit 160. User 5 selects some print jobs from this list. The reception unit 1717 then accepts the selection of print jobs.

[0078] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for the control method of the multifunction printer 100 according to a modified example. The processing shown in the figure is stored as a program in the auxiliary storage unit 214 of the multifunction printer 100 and is executed by the CPU 171 controlling each part.

[0079] (Steps S111~S114) The multifunction printer 100 executes the processes of steps S111 to S114 in the same manner as the processes of steps S101 to S104 described in the above embodiment.

[0080] (Step S115) Next, the multifunction printer 100 determines whether or not user 5, who is associated with the virtual job acquired in step S114, is registered with the multifunction printer 100.

[0081] (Step S116) When user 5, who is associated with a virtual job, is registered with the multifunction printer 100 (step S115: YES), the multifunction printer 100 performs user 5 login.

[0082] (Step S122) If user 5, who is associated with the virtual job, is not registered with the multifunction printer 100 (step S115: NO), the multifunction printer 100 registers user 5 with the multifunction printer 100 and proceeds to step S116.

[0083] (Step S117) Next, the multifunction printer 100 determines whether or not it has acquired a print job. If it has not acquired a print job (step S117: NO), the multifunction printer 100 terminates the process.

[0084] (Step S118) When a print job is acquired (step S117: YES), the multifunction printer 100 displays a list of print jobs on the operation display unit 160.

[0085] (Step S119) Next, the multifunction printer 100 accepts the selection of some print jobs from the list of print jobs displayed on the operation display unit 160. Some of the print jobs are selected, for example, by user 5.

[0086] (Steps S120, S121) Next, the multifunction printer 100 changes its settings to match user 5. Subsequently, the multifunction printer 100 performs image formation and terminates the process.

[0087] In this multifunction printer 100, when user 5 logs in, the selection of a print job is accepted. This allows user 5 to freely choose the timing of execution for each print job. For example, user 5 may decide whether to execute a print job immediately or to select a print job before executing it. For example, user 5 inputs this decision via the operation display unit 160.

[0088] The configuration of the information processing system 1 described above is intended to illustrate the main features of the embodiments and modified examples described above, and is not limited to the above configuration. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it does not preclude configurations that are common to general information processing systems.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which user 5 sends a virtual job to server 200 from second user terminal 400 and sends an access code to server 200 from first user terminal 300. User 5 may use either the first user terminal 300 or the second user terminal 400 to send the virtual job and the access code to server 200.

[0090] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 100, the server 200, the first user terminal 300, and the second user terminal 400 may each be composed of multiple devices, or they may be configured as a single device. For example, some of the functions of the control unit 170 may be provided in the first user terminal 300 or the second user terminal 400.

[0091] Furthermore, the functions of each configuration may be realized by other configurations.

[0092] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained an example where the actual job was a print job, the actual job may also be a scan or facsimile job, etc.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the access code is displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction printer, a printed copy of the access code may also be provided near the multifunction printer.

[0094] Furthermore, the flowchart described above may omit some steps, and other steps may be added. Also, some steps may be executed simultaneously, and one step may be divided into multiple steps for execution.

[0095] Furthermore, the means and methods for performing the various processing tasks in the information processing system 1 described above can be implemented using either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory stick or DVD-ROM, or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as a standalone application software, or it may be incorporated as a function into the software of a device such as a multifunction printer 100.

[0096] Furthermore, in the embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the information processing program may be replaced and executed by hardware such as circuits.

[0097] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 100 multifunction devices, 110 Image reading unit, 120 Image processing unit, 130 Image forming unit, 140 Communications Department, 150 Paper feed section, 160 Operation display section, 170 Control unit, 200 servers, 210 Control unit, 220 Communications Department, 300 First user terminal, 310 Control unit, 320 Communications Department, 330 Operation display section, 340 Imaging unit, 400 Second user terminal, 410 Control unit, 420 Communications Department, 430 Operation display section, 440 Imaging Unit.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that retrieves virtual jobs stored on a cloud server and associated with a designated user by using an access code to identify a designated multifunction printer, A login execution unit that causes the multifunction device to perform the user login based on the acquired virtual job, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. A determination unit that determines whether the user is registered with the multifunction printer, When it is determined that the user is not registered with the multifunction printer, a registration instruction unit instructs the multifunction printer to register the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a setting change unit that, when it is determined that the user is registered with the multifunction device, changes the settings of the multifunction device to the settings of the registered user.

4. The virtual job includes the user's email address information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the user is registered with the multifunction printer based on the user's email address.

5. The aforementioned multifunction device further includes an image forming instruction unit that instructs image formation, The acquisition unit is configured to further acquire print jobs that are associated with the user and stored in the cloud server. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming instruction unit instructs the multifunction printer to form an image based on the acquired print job.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to acquire a group of jobs including the virtual job and the print job.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the user logs in to the multifunction device, the image forming instruction unit instructs the multifunction device to form an image.

8. When the user logs in to the multifunction device, the device further includes a reception unit that accepts the selection of the print job. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming instruction unit instructs the multifunction device to form an image when the selection of the print job is received.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attributes of the virtual job include a specific string.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the virtual job when the access code is transmitted from the user terminal owned by the user to the cloud server.

11. A multifunction printer that allows login by a designated user, An acquisition unit that acquires virtual jobs stored on a cloud server associated with the aforementioned user by using an access code to identify the multifunction device, A login execution unit that causes the multifunction device to perform the user login based on the acquired virtual job, A multifunction printer equipped with the following features.

12. The multifunction printer according to claim 11, further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image based on a print job associated with the user when the user logs in.

13. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, This involves retrieving virtual jobs stored on a cloud server and associated with a specific user, using an access code to identify a specific multifunction printer, and Based on the acquired virtual job, the multifunction device is instructed to perform the user login. Information processing methods including

14. An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 13.

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