Image processing device and program
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ETRIA CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
Smart Images
Figure 2026125372000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image processing apparatus and a program.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as smart cards in which a digital certificate of a card owner is stored inside the card, CAC (Common Access Card), PIV (Personal Identity Verification Card), etc. are known. And, as described above, such a smart card is inserted into a card reader connected to an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) and the digital certificate is read, and is known to be used for a user authentication function and a function of digitally signing a scanned document.
[0003] According to the above-described function, for example, when the card is accidentally removed from the card reader while scanning a document with an MFP to generate a document, the logged-in user is forcibly logged out and the ongoing scan job is canceled. Therefore, when the card is accidentally removed from the card reader, the user has to read the original document from the beginning after inserting the card again and performing user authentication.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is that even if the storage medium is accidentally released from the holding means during job execution, it is not necessary to perform the file data generation process from the beginning after holding the storage medium in the holding means again, and to provide an image processing apparatus and a program capable of resuming the job from the middle.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The image processing apparatus of the embodiment includes: holding means for holding a storage medium in a manner that allows certificate information stored in the storage medium to be read; information reading means for reading the certificate information stored in the storage medium held by the holding means; file data generation means for executing a file data generation process to generate file data; signing means for adding signature information to the generated file data using the read certificate information; and communication processing means for transmitting the file data to which the signature information has been added to a management device. If the storage medium is released from the holding means while the file data generation means is generating the file data, it continues the file data generation process until it is completed, generates the file data and temporarily stores it as an incomplete job, and stores information including the path of the file data of the incomplete job in the storage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the image processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MFP. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process until user authentication is completed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the screen transitions until user authentication is complete. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a scan job until it is successfully completed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the screen transitions until a scan job is successfully completed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the conventional process when an IC card is removed while a scan job is running. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process when an IC card is removed while a scan job is running. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process after the same user logs in when the IC card is removed during the execution of a scan job. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the screen transitions after the same user logs in again, when the IC card was removed during the execution of a scan job. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image processing system according to this embodiment includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) 100 as an example of an image processing device, an authentication server 200, a file server 300, and a host computer device 500 such as a PC (Personal Computer). The authentication server 200, the file server 300, and the host computer device 500 are connected to the MFP 100 by a network 400 such as a wireless network or the Internet. In Figure 1, one MFP 100, one authentication server 200, one file server 300, and one host computer device 500 are connected, but it goes without saying that this is not the only configuration, and multiple devices may be connected.
[0008] The MFP100 is a device commonly referred to as a multifunction printer, possessing at least two functions from among copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile.
[0009] The authentication server 200 is a computer. For example, the authentication server 200 is a server that verifies the authentication certificate (certificate information) of the IC card 8 sent from the MFP 100. More specifically, the authentication server 200 performs user authentication to authorize the use of the MFP 100 by this user, according to the user information stored in the authentication certificate of the IC card 8. The authentication server 200 also sends the user authentication result to the MFP 100.
[0010] The file server 300 is composed of computers. For example, the file server 300 is a server that stores image data (file data) scanned by the MFP100.
[0011] The host computer device 500 is composed of a computer. The host computer device 500 transmits image data and other data of the image to be printed to the MFP 100.
[0012] First, let me explain the configuration of the MFP100.
[0013] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP100. As shown in Figure 2, the MFP100 includes a controller 1, an operation panel 2, an IC card interface 3, a scanner engine 4, a plotter engine 5, a modem device for facsimile (FAX modem) 6, and a network interface (NW I / F) 7.
[0014] Controller 1 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a hard disk drive (HDD) 13, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14. The HDD 13 is an example of a storage unit.
[0015] The RAM 11 serves as a so-called work area and is used, for example, for the expansion processing of image data of an image to be printed. Also, the RAM 11 is used, for example, for the loading processing of various application programs. Further, the RAM 11 is also used as a temporary storage area for data processed by each application program. The ROM 12 stores a so-called OS (Operation System) program and various data that are executed when the MFP 100 is started up.
[0016] The HDD 13 stores, in addition to the job resume program, various application programs, a UI (User Interface) control program, a FAX control program, a scanner control program, and a copy control program, etc. Also, although details will be described later, a temporary folder for storing file data, a database for managing unfinished jobs, etc. are formed in the HDD 13.
[0017] The various application programs stored in the HDD 13 include programs developed by the manufacturer side of the MFP 100 as well as programs developed by a third vendor (third party).
[0018] The job resume program is read and executed by the CPU 14, enabling the execution of a process to resume a job from the middle when an operator accidentally removes the IC card 8 from the IC card interface 3. The UI control program is read and executed by the CPU 14, enabling the display control of the operation panel 2 and the execution of information processing corresponding to touch operations.
[0019] The CPU 14 operates according to the OS stored in the ROM 12. Also, the CPU 14 loads the job resume program, various application programs, various control programs, etc. stored in the HDD 13 into the RAM 11 and executes them.
[0020] The job resumption program executed in the MFP 100 of the present embodiment may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc. in a file in an installable format or an executable format and provided.
[0021] Furthermore, the job resumption program executed in the MFP 100 of the present embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network 400 such as the Internet and downloaded via the network 400 for providing. Also, the job resumption program executed in the MFP 100 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network 400 such as the Internet.
[0022] The operation panel 2 is a display panel with a touch detection function provided with a touch panel formed of a transparent electrode or the like on a liquid crystal display panel. The operation panel 2 is connected to the controller 1 via, for example, a PCI bus line (Peripheral Component Interconnect). The user touches and operates buttons or the like displayed on the liquid crystal display panel. The CPU 14 detects a command corresponding to the button or the like displayed at the touch operation location. The CPU 14 executes processing corresponding to the detected command.
[0023] An IC card 8 with an IC chip is inserted and held in the IC card interface 3. Note that the IC card 8 is an example of a storage medium. The IC card interface 3 includes an insertion portion of the IC card 8 and a reader / writer portion that reads and writes information to and from the IC card 8 inserted and held in the insertion portion.
[0024] IC card 8 is an IC card that stores the cardholder's certificate information internally, such as a CAC (Common Access Card) or PIV (Personal Identity Verification Card). The certificate information includes an authentication certificate that stores user information (unique number, username, etc.) for logging into the MFP100, and a digital signature certificate. In other words, IC card interface 3 is a holding means that holds IC card 8 in a manner that allows the certificate information stored in IC card 8 to be read.
[0025] In Figure 2, the IC card interface 3 is shown to communicate with the controller 1 via a wired connection. However, the IC card interface 3 may also be configured to communicate with the controller 1 wirelessly.
[0026] In this embodiment, an IC card 8, which is an example of a storage medium, is inserted into and held by the IC card interface 3, but this is not the only option. For example, the IC card interface 3 may hold the IC card 8, which is an example of a storage medium, and read and write information to the held IC card 8 using short-range wireless communication technology. Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a card shape like the IC card 8, but may also be a wireless tag or the like.
[0027] The scanner engine 4 optically reads a document placed on, for example, an automatic document scanning device and generates image data.
[0028] The plotter engine 5 prints images by transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum, for example, using an electrophotographic process, to recording paper.
[0029] The FAX modem 6 receives facsimile images transmitted via the telephone line and also transmits facsimile images via the telephone line.
[0030] NW I / F7 is an interface for connecting the MFP100 to, for example, a server device (authentication server 200, file server 300) or a host computer device 500 on network 400. The MFP100 can acquire image data of images to be printed from the host computer device 500, etc., connected via NW I / F7.
[0031] Next, we will describe the characteristic functions of this embodiment that are implemented by the controller 1 of the MFP100 in accordance with the job restart program.
[0032] Here, Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MFP100.
[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the MFP100 includes an information reading means 51, an authentication means 52, a file data generation means 53, a signature means 54, and a communication processing means 55.
[0034] The information reading means 51 reads the digital certificate stored in the IC card 8 held in the IC card interface 3.
[0035] The authentication means 52 performs user authentication using the retrieved digital certificate.
[0036] If user authentication is successful, the file data generation means 53 executes a file data generation process to generate file data. The file data generation process includes processes such as document scanning, file conversion, and OCR processing. Furthermore, if the IC card 8 is released from the IC card interface 3 while the file data generation means 53 is generating file data, it continues the process until it is completed, generates the file data and temporarily stores it as an incomplete job, and stores information including the path to the file data of the incomplete job in the storage unit (e.g., HDD 13).
[0037] The signature means 54 adds signature information to the generated file data using the read digital certificate. Furthermore, if user authentication for the IC card 8 newly stored in the IC card interface 3 is successful by the authentication means 52, the signature means 54, if there is file data for an incomplete job related to the user whose user authentication was successful, executes a process to add signature information to the file data of the incomplete job using the digital certificate stored in the IC card 8.
[0038] Furthermore, the signature means 54 performs a process to add signature information if there is file data for an incomplete job relating to a user whose user authentication has been successful, and the file data for the incomplete job has not exceeded a predetermined storage period.
[0039] Furthermore, if there is file data for an incomplete job relating to a user whose user authentication has been successful, and the file data for the incomplete job has not exceeded a predetermined storage period, the signature means 54 notifies the user that there is file data for the incomplete job and allows the user to choose whether or not to resume the incomplete job.
[0040] Furthermore, after performing the process of adding signature information, the signature means 54 deletes the file data of the incomplete job that is temporarily stored, and also deletes the file data of the incomplete job that is stored in the storage unit (e.g., HDD 13).
[0041] The communication processing means 55 transmits the file data to which signature information has been added to the host computer device 500 or the like.
[0042] Next, we will explain the image reading process performed by the MFP100's controller 1 according to the job restart program. In the following, we will explain the image reading process in the MFP100 in several parts.
[0043] Here, Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process until user authentication is completed, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the screen transitions until user authentication is completed.
[0044] When the MFP100 is started up, the control panel 2 displays the user authentication waiting screen P1 (see Figure 5). While the user authentication waiting screen P1 is displayed on the control panel 2, the various functions of the MFP100 cannot be used.
[0045] As shown in Figure 4, when the information reading means 51 of the MFP 100 detects that an IC card 8 has been inserted into the IC card interface 3 (Yes in step S1), it sends the authentication certificate stored in the IC card 8 to the authentication server 200 connected via the network 400, and verifies the authentication certificate (step S2).
[0046] If the authentication method 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the authentication certificate is invalid (No. in step S3), it terminates the process and returns to step S1. Here, an invalid authentication certificate occurs when the card has expired, or when the use of IC card 8 is locked, etc.
[0047] If the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the authentication certificate is valid (Yes in step S3), it displays a PIN code input screen P2 (see Figure 5) on the operation panel 2 and verifies the PIN code entered by the user with the authentication certificate in the IC card 8 (step S4).
[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the PIN code input screen P2 accepts the input of a PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is a number used to identify an individual.
[0049] If the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the PIN code is invalid (No. in step S5), the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 displays an authentication failure screen P3 (see Figure 5) on the operation panel 2 (step S6), then terminates the process and returns to step S1.
[0050] On the other hand, if the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the PIN code is valid (Yes in step S5), it proceeds to step S7.
[0051] The information reading means 51 of the MFP100 retrieves user information (unique number, username, etc.) stored in the authentication certificate of the IC card 8 and sends the retrieved user information to the authentication server 200 (step S7).
[0052] The authentication server 200 performs user authentication to authorize the user to use the MFP100, based on the user information sent. The authentication server 200 then sends the user authentication result to the MFP100.
[0053] The authentication means 52 of the MFP100 receives the user authentication result from the authentication server 200 (step S8).
[0054] If user authentication at the authentication server 200 fails (No. in step S9), the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 terminates processing and returns to step S1.
[0055] On the other hand, if user authentication by the authentication server 200 is successful (Yes in step S9), the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 logs into the MFP100 and proceeds to the home screen P4 (see Figure 5) where various functions can be operated (step S10).
[0056] Next, we will explain what happens when the scan function, one of the various functions performed by the MFP100, is selected from the home screen P4 (see Figure 5).
[0057] Here, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process until a scan job is successfully completed, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing the screen transitions until a scan job is successfully completed.
[0058] The scanning function, for example, allows a user to scan a paper document, digitally sign it with a digital signature certificate on an IC card 8 inserted into the IC card interface 3, and save the document to a desired location (such as inside the MFP100 or on a file server 300 connected via network 400) (Scan to File function).
[0059] As shown in Figure 6, when the scan function is selected, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 displays the scan function operation screen P11 (see Figure 7) and accepts various scan settings in advance from the authenticated user (step S11).
[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the scan settings on the scan function's operation screen P11 are configured by selecting, for example, color / monochrome settings, output file format (PDF, etc.), OCR settings, and enabling / disabling digital signatures.
[0061] Next, the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 displays a PIN code input screen P12 (see Figure 7) on the operation panel 2 and verifies the PIN code entered by the user against the digital signature certificate in the IC card 8 (step S12). PIN authentication is required here because access to the digital signature certificate in the IC card 8 is necessary in order to digitally sign the document.
[0062] If the authentication method 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the PIN code is invalid (No. in step S13), it returns to step S11.
[0063] On the other hand, if the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the PIN code is valid (Yes in step S13), it proceeds to step S14.
[0064] The file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 controls the scanner engine 4 to start scanning the document placed on the automatic document reader (step S14).
[0065] The file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 controls the scanner engine 4 to complete the scanning of the document placed on the automatic document reader (step S15), and then proceeds to step S16.
[0066] When document scanning is complete, the MFP100's file data generation means 53 converts the scanned image data into a specified file format and, if OCR or similar is set, executes processing to generate file data (step S16).
[0067] Subsequently, the signing means 54 of the MFP100 digitally signs the file data generated in step S16 using the digital signature certificate in the IC card 8 (step S17).
[0068] The communication processing means 55 of the MFP100 stores the digitally signed file data in step S17 in a pre-configured storage unit (for example, HDD13) (step S18), terminates the job, and returns to step S11.
[0069] Afterward, the user may remove the IC card 8 inserted into the IC card interface 3 and log out, or they may run another job.
[0070] By the way, in the scanning function described above, if, for example, the MFP100 is scanning a document and generating file data, and the IC card 8 inserted into the IC card interface 3 is accidentally removed, the logged-in user will be forcibly logged out and the ongoing scan job will be canceled. Therefore, if the card is accidentally removed from the IC card interface 3, the user must reinsert the IC card 8 into the IC card interface 3, authenticate the user, and then start scanning the document from the beginning.
[0071] This is done because if the card is accidentally removed from the IC card interface 3, the digital signature certificate cannot be read from the IC card 8, preventing the completion of the ongoing job. From a security standpoint, this would result in the ongoing job being discarded.
[0072] Here, Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the conventional flow when IC card 8 is removed during the execution of a scan job. Note that the same steps as those explained in Figure 6 are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted.
[0073] As shown in Figure 8, after the MFP100 starts reading the document placed on the automatic document reader (step S14), if the IC card 8 inserted into the IC card interface 3 is removed (Yes in step S21), the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 reserves a user logout process (step S22), and the document reading continues until completion.
[0074] Subsequently, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 controls the scanner engine 4 to complete the scanning of the document placed on the automatic document reader (step S15), discards any ongoing jobs such as scanned data, and logs out the user (step S23).
[0075] Next, the flow of this embodiment will be described.
[0076] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process when IC card 8 is removed during the execution of a scan job. Note that the same steps described in Figure 6 are given the same step numbers, and their explanations are omitted.
[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100, after starting to read the document placed on the automatic document reader (step S14), detects that the IC card 8 inserted into the IC card interface 3 has been removed (Yes in step S21), reserves a user logout process (step S22), and continues reading the document until completion, similar to the conventional process described in Figure 8.
[0078] Subsequently, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 controls the scanner engine 4 to complete the scanning of the document placed on the automatic document reader (step S15), and then proceeds to step S16.
[0079] When document scanning is complete, the MFP100's file data generation means 53 converts the scanned image data into a specified file format and, if OCR or similar is set, executes processing to generate file data (step S16).
[0080] Subsequently, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 saves the file data to a predetermined temporary folder on the HDD13 as an incomplete job because the IC card 8 has been removed and digital signing is not possible (step S31).
[0081] Then, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 stores the path of the file data saved in the temporary folder, the owner (the user who logged in and executed the job), and the current time (the date and time the job was executed) in the database for managing incomplete jobs, which is kept inside the MFP100 HDD 13 (step S32).
[0082] Subsequently, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 logs out the user (step S33).
[0083] Next, we will explain the case where the same IC card 8 is inserted into the IC card interface 3 again for user authentication.
[0084] Here, Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process after the same user logs in when IC card 8 was removed during the execution of a scan job, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing the screen transitions after the same user logs in when IC card 8 was removed during the execution of a scan job.
[0085] As shown in Figure 10, after a user logs in, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 checks the database for managing incomplete jobs, which is kept inside the HDD13 of the MFP100, to see if there are any incomplete jobs belonging to the currently logged-in user (step S41).
[0086] If the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 has no incomplete jobs for the logged-in user (No. in step S41), it proceeds to step S11.
[0087] On the other hand, if the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 has any incomplete jobs for the logged-in user (Yes in step S41), it checks whether the incomplete jobs have exceeded a predetermined storage period (step S42).
[0088] If the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 has exceeded a predetermined storage period (No. in step S42), it proceeds to step S48, which will be described later.
[0089] On the other hand, if the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 has not exceeded a predetermined storage period for incomplete jobs (Yes in step S42), it displays a screen P21 (see Figure 11) on the operation panel 2 of the MFP100, allowing the user to choose whether or not to resume the incomplete jobs (step S43).
[0090] As shown in Figure 11, screen P21, which allows the user to make a selection, is a screen that informs the user that there are incomplete jobs and asks them to decide whether or not to resume those incomplete jobs.
[0091] If the user chooses not to resume the incomplete job (No. in step S44), the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 proceeds to step S48, which will be described later.
[0092] If the user chooses to resume an incomplete job (Yes in step S44), the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 proceeds to step S45.
[0093] The authentication means 52 of the MFP100 displays a PIN code input screen P22 (see Figure 11) on the operation panel 2 and verifies the PIN code entered by the user against the digital signature certificate in the IC card 8 (step S45). PIN authentication is required here because access to the digital signature certificate in the IC card 8 is necessary in order to digitally sign the document.
[0094] If the authentication method 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the PIN code is invalid (No. in step S46), it proceeds to step S48, which will be described later.
[0095] On the other hand, if the authentication means 52 of the MFP100 obtains a verification result that the PIN code is valid (Yes in step S46), it proceeds to step S47.
[0096] The MFP100 file data generation means 53 accesses the IC card 8, digitally signs the file data of incomplete jobs located in the temporary folder using the digital signature certificate on the IC card 8, and then saves it to a pre-configured arbitrary storage location (step S47).
[0097] Finally, the file data generation means 53 of the MFP100 deletes the file data of the incomplete job in the temporary folder, deletes the information of the incomplete job from the database for managing incomplete jobs (step S48), and proceeds to step S11.
[0098] The user may proceed to step S11 to execute another job, or they may remove IC card 8 from IC card interface 3 and log out.
[0099] As described above, according to the image processing device of this embodiment, an IC card 8 containing the cardholder's digital certificate is inserted into an IC card interface 3 connected to the MFP 100. In the function of using the digital certificate in the IC card 8 for user authentication and digital signing of scanned documents, if the IC card 8 is accidentally removed while scanning and generating a document, the ongoing job is saved as a file in the storage area inside the MFP 100, and user information such as the username of the user who logged into the MFP 100 and information such as the job execution date and time are associated with that file. When the same IC card 8 is inserted again and the user authenticates, if there is an incomplete job that is held and the user associated with that job is the same as the user who logged in again, the job is displayed and the user is asked to decide whether to continue or not.
[0100] In other words, according to the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, even if the IC card 8 is accidentally removed from the IC card interface 3 during job execution, it is not necessary to reinsert the IC card 8 into the IC card interface 3 and perform user authentication, and then start scanning the document from the beginning. The job can be resumed from where it left off using the incomplete job that has been held.
[0101] Furthermore, according to the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, from the standpoint of security protection, incomplete job files that are temporarily stored are automatically discarded after a predetermined storage period has elapsed.
[0102] In this embodiment, the MFP100 was used as an example of an image processing device, but it is not limited to this. The image processing device may be, for example, an output device such as a PJ (Projector), IWB (Interactive White Board), or digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, imaging devices, sound collection devices, medical equipment, networked home appliances, automobiles (Connected Car), notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, game consoles, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, wearable PCs, or desktop PCs.
[0103] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0104] 3 Holding means 8 Storage medium 51 Information reading means 52 Authentication methods 53 File data generation means 54 Signature means 55 Communication processing means 100 Image Processing Devices [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0105] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-241952
Claims
1. A holding means that holds the storage medium in a manner that allows the certificate information stored in the storage medium to be read, Information reading means for reading the certificate information stored in the storage medium held by the holding means, A file data generation means that generates file data by executing a file data generation process, A signing means that adds signature information to the generated file data using the read certificate information, A communication processing means that transmits the file data to which the signature information has been added to a management device, Equipped with, If the storage medium is released from the holding means while the file data generation means is generating the file data, the process continues until the file data generation process is completed, then generates the file data and temporarily stores it as an incomplete job, and stores information including the path of the file data of the incomplete job in the storage unit. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:
2. The system includes an authentication means that performs user authentication using the read certificate information, When the authentication means successfully authenticates the user of the storage medium newly held in the holding means, If the signature means has file data for an incomplete job relating to a user whose user authentication has been successful, it performs a process to add signature information to the file data of the incomplete job using the certificate information stored in the storage medium. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.
3. The signature means executes a process to add the signature information when there is file data for an incomplete job relating to a user whose user authentication has been successful, and the file data for the incomplete job has not exceeded a predetermined storage period. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.
4. The signature means, if there is file data for an incomplete job relating to a user whose user authentication has been successful, and the file data for the incomplete job has not exceeded a predetermined storage period, notifies the user that there is file data for the incomplete job and allows the user to choose whether or not to resume the incomplete job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.
5. The signature means deletes the file data of the incomplete job that is temporarily stored after the process of adding the signature information, and also deletes the file data of the incomplete job that is stored in the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.
6. Computers, Information reading means for reading certificate information stored in a storage medium held by a holding means, A file data generation means that generates file data by executing a file data generation process, A signing means that adds signature information to the generated file data using the read certificate information, A communication processing means that transmits the file data to which the signature information has been added to a management device, To make it function as, If the storage medium is released from the holding means while the file data generation means is generating the file data, the process continues until the file data generation process is completed, then generates the file data and temporarily stores it as an incomplete job, and stores information including the path of the file data of the incomplete job in the storage unit. program.