Printer driver, printer driver processing method, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a printer driver that enables safer printing than before even when a document filing function is set to be valid due to printing function restrictions, a printer driver processing method, and an image forming system.SOLUTION: There is provided a printer driver that can set various settings related to printing of image data for an image forming apparatus. The various settings include a setting for a document filing function for temporarily storing the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and executing the printing of the image data by inputting predetermined code information in the image forming apparatus. If the document filing function is set to be valid by an administrative user with predetermined administrator authority, while hiding the setting for the document filing function on a settings screen for a non-administrative user who does not have the predetermined administrator authority, a print job to which code information for the print job is set and provided is sent to the image forming apparatus when the print job of the image data is received from the non-administrative user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printer driver, a method for processing a printer driver, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), in order to prevent a document to be printed from being viewed by others or being mixed with other documents, print data is temporarily stored in a storage area such as a memory or a hard disk drive (HDD) in the MFP, and then a printer driver having a document filing (parent exhibition printing) function for calling and outputting the stored print data on the operation panel of the MFP can be set is known.

[0003] As an invention of a printer driver capable of setting such a document filing function, conventionally, the usage status of print settings using each setting item on the user interface screen is compared with a predetermined usage condition for each setting item, and the display / non-display of each setting item is controlled. A printer driver invention characterized by this is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in order to force non-administrative users (regular users) who do not have the necessary administrator privileges to use a secure document filing function, administrators may hide the settings screen for the document filing function on the printer driver settings screen (restricting printing functionality) so that users cannot change the setting for that function.

[0006] However, if an administrator enables the document filing function by restricting the printing function, the document filing function setting item will be hidden in the printer driver settings screen for regular users.

[0007] Therefore, even if ordinary users wanted to set a PIN code for the document filing function to enhance security, they could not set it from the printer driver settings screen, resulting in the problem that they were forced to save print data to folders within the MFP without a PIN code.

[0008] This disclosure was made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and provides a printer driver, a printer driver processing method, and an image forming system that enable safer printing than before, even when the document filing function is enabled due to limitations on the printing function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The printer driver disclosed herein is a printer driver capable of setting various settings related to printing image data to an image forming apparatus, wherein the various settings include a setting for a document filing function that temporarily stores the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and prints the image data by inputting predetermined code information into the image forming apparatus, and when the document filing function is enabled by the administrator user, the setting for the document filing function is hidden on the settings screen for non-administrator users, while when a print job for image data is received from the non-administrator user, the printer driver sends the print job to the image forming apparatus with the code information for the print job set and attached. Furthermore, the printer driver processing method disclosed herein is a printer driver processing method that can set various settings related to printing image data to an image forming apparatus, wherein the various settings include a setting for a document filing function that temporarily stores the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and prints the image data by inputting predetermined code information in the image forming apparatus, and the method is characterized by including a document filing setting hiding step that hides the setting for the document filing function in the settings screen of a non-administrator user who does not have predetermined administrator privileges when the document filing function is enabled by an administrator user who has predetermined administrator privileges, a code information assignment step that sets code information for the print job and assigns it to the print job when an image data print job is received from the non-administrator user, and a print job transmission step that sends the print job to which the code information has been assigned to the print job to the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the image forming system disclosed herein is an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a user terminal on which a printer driver capable of setting various settings related to printing image data to the image forming apparatus is installed, wherein the various settings include a setting for a document filing function that temporarily stores the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and prints the image data by inputting predetermined code information into the image forming apparatus, wherein, in the user terminal, if the document filing function is enabled by an administrator user with predetermined administrator privileges, the setting for the document filing function is hidden on the settings screen for non-administrator users who do not have predetermined administrator privileges, while when a print job for image data is received from the non-administrator user, the print job with an automatic setting flag for the code information for the print job is sent to the image forming apparatus, and when the image forming apparatus receives the print job with the automatic setting flag for the code information for the print job is set, the code information for the print job is set. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, even when the document filing function is enabled due to restrictions on the printing function, and a non-administrator user without prescribed administrator privileges cannot set code information such as a PIN code from the user terminal, the system provides a printer driver, a printer driver processing method, and an image forming system that enable more secure printing than before by setting and automatically assigning code information for each print job. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system disclosed here. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the user terminal. [Figure 4]Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the settings screen for limiting the printing function of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print settings screen of a digital multifunction printer in Figure 1, when the document filing function is not enabled in the print function restriction settings. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the settings screen when the document filing function is enabled in the settings for limiting the printing function of the digital multifunction printer. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print settings screen of a digital multifunction printer when the document filing function is enabled. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is sent from the user terminal to the digital multifunction printer. [Figure 9] Figure 1 shows an example of a message box that informs the user of the PIN code set in the printer driver when a print command is sent from the user terminal to the digital multifunction printer. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the process of assigning a PIN code in the printer driver when a print command is sent from the user terminal to the digital multifunction device in the image forming system of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This is an example of an email that notifies the user of the PIN code set on the digital multifunction printer in the image forming system of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the process of assigning a PIN code in the printer driver when a print command is sent from the user terminal to the digital multifunction device in the image forming system of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Figure 13] This block diagram shows the schematic configuration of a digital multifunction printer in the image forming system of Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. [Figure 14]In the image forming system according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure, in the process of assigning a PIN code to a digital multi-functional device when transmitting a print instruction from a user terminal to the digital multi-functional device, it is a flowchart showing the processing on the user terminal side. [Figure 15] In the image forming system according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure, in the process of assigning a PIN code to a digital multi-functional device when transmitting a print instruction from a user terminal to the digital multi-functional device, it is a flowchart showing the processing on the digital multi-functional device 1 side.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] In this disclosure, an "image forming apparatus" is an apparatus that forms and outputs an image, such as a copying machine or a multi-functional device having a copying (copying function) function like a printer, or an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) including functions other than copying. A "printer driver" is, for example, a printer driver that operates on a user terminal capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus. The "document filing function" is a function that temporarily stores print data in a storage area such as a memory or a hard disk drive (HDD) in the image forming apparatus so that the document to be printed cannot be seen by others or mixed with other documents, and then calls and outputs the stored print data on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. A "management user" is a user having predetermined administrator authority regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus, and has the authority to set the validity or invalidity of the document filing function. A "non-management user" is a general user of an image forming apparatus who does not have predetermined administrator authority regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus, and does not have the authority to set the validity or invalidity of the document filing function.

[0013] Furthermore, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0014] If the document filing function is enabled by the administrator user, when a print job of image data is received from the non-administrator user, the system may set code information for the print job and assign it to the print job, and also notify the non-administrator user of the code information through a predetermined message box.

[0015] A "predefined message box" is a message box that appears on the user's terminal screen to inform the user of messages related to printer driver settings.

[0016] In this way, a printer driver can be implemented that notifies only the non-administrative user who accepted the print job of the code information automatically assigned to each print job via a message box.

[0017] If the document filing function is enabled by the administrator user, when a print job of image data is received from the non-administrator user, the system may set code information for the print job and assign it to the print job. Additionally, if the system can access user information pre-stored in the image forming apparatus and obtain the email address of the non-administrator user, it may notify the email address of the code information.

[0018] "User information pre-held in the image forming apparatus" refers to user information such as an address book pre-held in the image forming apparatus, but it may also refer to information pre-held in a predetermined server or the like.

[0019] In this way, by notifying the email address of an unmanaged user obtained from the image forming apparatus, a printer driver can be implemented that informs only the unmanaged user who issued the print job execution command of the code information automatically assigned to each print job.

[0020] The various settings mentioned above may include a setting for inputting a user's email address. If the document filing function is enabled by the administrator, when a print job of image data is received from the non-administrator, the system may set code information for the print job and assign it to the print job. Furthermore, if the non-administrator's email address is entered in the email address input setting, the system may notify the email address of the code information.

[0021] "User email address" refers to the email address of all users of the image forming apparatus, including administrators and non-administrators.

[0022] In this way, by sending a notification to the email address entered by the non-administrator, it is possible to create a printer driver that informs only the non-administrator user who issued the print job execution command of the code information automatically assigned to each print job.

[0023] The following details of this disclosure will be illustrated with drawings. The following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] [Embodiment 1] Based on Figures 1 to 3, a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100, including a digital multifunction printer 1 which is one embodiment of the image forming apparatus disclosed herein, will be described.

[0025] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 100 disclosed herein. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Figure 1.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 disclosed herein consists of a digital multifunction printer 1 and user terminals 2A to 2C connected via a network 3.

[0027] In the example in Figure 1, user terminal 2A is used by an administrator with the prescribed administrator privileges, user terminal 2B is used by a non-administrator user (general user) who does not have the prescribed administrator privileges, and user terminal 2C is used by general user 2.

[0028] In the following explanation, user terminals 2A to 2C will be collectively referred to as user terminal 2.

[0029] Digital multifunction device 1 is a device such as a multifunction printer or MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that digitally processes image data and has copy, printer, scanner, and facsimile functions.

[0030] User terminal 2 sends image data to digital multifunction printer 1 and executes jobs such as printing.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the digital multifunction printer 1 comprises a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, an operation panel 16, a user authentication unit 17, and a PIN code verification unit 18.

[0032] The following describes each component of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0033] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the digital multifunction printer 1 and consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), various interface circuits, and the like.

[0034] The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads, including detection by each sensor, motor, clutch, and operation panel 16, in order to control the operation of the entire digital multifunction printer 1.

[0035] The image data acquisition unit 11 detects and reads documents placed on the document glass or documents transported from the document tray, and sets the image data. It also acquires image data set by an information processing device such as a user terminal 2 or a facsimile machine (not shown), etc.

[0036] The image forming unit 12 is the part that prints the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto paper.

[0037] The memory unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize the various functions of the digital multifunction device 1. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, storage media such as hard disks, flash memory units, and SSDs (Solid State Drives) are used.

[0038] The memory unit 13 stores data necessary for job execution, such as information related to printing jobs and image data. The memory unit 13 temporarily stores the print data received from the user terminal 2. Furthermore, the memory unit 13 stores information such as the user's login name and password, which are stored for user authentication.

[0039] Furthermore, the data may be stored in different devices, such as a hard disk drive for the data storage area and a flash memory unit for the program storage area.

[0040] The image processing unit 14 is the part that converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 into appropriate electrical signals and processes them to make them suitable for output such as enlargement and reduction.

[0041] The communication unit 15 communicates with the user terminal 2 via the network 3 and acquires job commands such as printing and original image data.

[0042] Furthermore, the communication unit 15 communicates with external devices such as the user terminal 2, other image forming apparatuses, mobile information terminals, information processing devices, and facsimile machines, and sends and receives various types of information such as emails and faxes with these external devices.

[0043] The operation panel 16 consists of a display panel made of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel, such as a capacitive type, which is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position where a finger is touched, and includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 162.

[0044] The display unit 161 is the part that displays various types of information. The display unit 161 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display for displaying electronic data such as processing status by the operating system or application software.

[0045] The display unit 161 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0046] The control unit 162 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction printer 1 and is the part that receives commands from the user.

[0047] The user authentication unit 17 is responsible for authenticating whether a user is a legitimate user by comparing information such as the login name and password entered from the operation unit 162 with corresponding information pre-recorded in the storage unit 13.

[0048] The PIN code verification unit 18 is the part that verifies the PIN code assigned by the printer drive of the user terminal 2 against the PIN code entered by the user. If the PIN code matches as a result of the verification, the image forming unit 12 prints the print data related to the PIN code that has been temporarily stored in the storage unit 13.

[0049] <Outline configuration of user terminal 2> Next, the general configuration of user terminal 2 will be explained based on Figure 3.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of user terminal 2 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation unit 25.

[0051] The following describes each component of user terminal 2.

[0052] The control unit 20 provides integrated control for the user terminal 2 and consists of a CPU, RAM, ROM, various interface circuits, and the like.

[0053] The control unit 20 monitors and controls all loads, including detection by each sensor and operation unit 25, in order to control the operation of the entire user terminal 2.

[0054] The memory unit 21 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize various functions of the user terminal 2. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, or storage media such as hard disks, flash memory units, and SSDs are used.

[0055] The storage unit 21 stores data necessary for executing a printer driver that can configure various settings related to printing image data to the digital multifunction device 1. These various settings include a document filing function that temporarily saves image data in the storage unit 13 of the digital multifunction printer 1 without printing it, and then prints the image data by entering a predetermined PIN code on the operation unit 162 of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the data may be stored in different devices, such as a hard disk drive for the data storage area and a flash memory unit for the program storage area.

[0057] The image processing unit 22 is the part that converts image data into appropriate electrical signals and processes them to make them suitable for output such as enlargement and reduction.

[0058] The communication unit 23 communicates with the digital multifunction printer 1 via the network 3 and sends and receives job commands such as printing, as well as original image data.

[0059] Furthermore, the communication unit 23 communicates with external devices such as the digital multifunction printer 1, portable information terminals, information processing devices, and facsimile machines via the network 3, and sends and receives various types of information such as emails and faxes with these devices.

[0060] The display unit 24 is the part that displays various types of information. The display unit 24 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display for displaying electronic data such as processing status by the operating system or application software.

[0061] The display unit 24 displays the operation and status of the user terminal 2. Furthermore, the display unit 24 displays to the user the PIN code that has been set by the printer drive and assigned to the print job.

[0062] The control unit 25 is an interface for operating the user terminal 2 and is the part that receives commands from the user.

[0063] The display unit 24 and the operation unit 25 may consist of a display panel made of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel, such as a capacitive touch panel, which is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position where a finger is touched.

[0064] <In the image forming system 100 of this embodiment of disclosure, a process is performed in the printer driver to assign a PIN code when a print command is sent from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1.> Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 9, the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment 1 of the disclosure will be described.

[0065] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the settings screen for limiting the printing function of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the "Print Function Restrictions" settings screen displays a list of functions that can be enabled or disabled, along with the message, "Enabling the checkbox for the following function will always enable that function."

[0067] In the example in Figure 4, the functions "Print Release," "Document Filing," "User Authentication," "Use Windows Login Name for Login Name," "Use Login Name for Username," and "Billing Code" are displayed along with checkboxes.

[0068] Administrators with administrator privileges can enable a feature by checking the checkbox next to the feature they want to enable and then clicking the "OK" button.

[0069] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print settings screen of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1 when the document filing function is not enabled in the print function restriction settings.

[0070] If the document filing function is not enabled, as shown in Figure 5, the settings screen will appear on the user terminal 2 of a general user, allowing them to configure document filing.

[0071] In the document filing settings, you can configure the following items: "Save location," "Password," and "PDF for PC viewing."

[0072] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the settings screen when the document filing function is enabled in the settings for the limitations of the printing function of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print settings screen of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1 when the document filing function is enabled.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, when the document filing function is checked in the settings screen for the limitations of the printing function of the digital multifunction printer 1, the document filing setting will no longer be displayed on the settings screen of the user terminal 2 for general users, as shown in Figure 7.

[0074] In this way, it is possible to prevent regular users from changing the document filing function on the printer driver settings screen, allowing administrators to enforce a secure document filing function on regular users.

[0075] On the other hand, if the document filing settings were no longer displayed on the settings screen, a problem arose where, even if a regular user wanted to set a PIN code for the document filing function for enhanced security, they could not do so from the printer driver settings screen on user terminal 2. This forced them to save print data to a folder on the digital multifunction device 1 without a PIN code.

[0076] <Process of assigning a PIN code in the printer driver when sending a print command to the digital multifunction device 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure> Next, based on Figure 8, the process of assigning a PIN code in the printer driver when sending a print command to the digital multifunction device 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described.

[0077] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is sent from the user terminal 2 in Figure 1 to the digital multifunction device 1.

[0078] In step S1 of Figure 8, the control unit 20 of the user terminal 2 determines whether the document filing function is enabled due to the print function restriction (step S1).

[0079] If the document filing function is not enabled due to printing function restrictions (if the determination in step S1 is No), in step S2, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the document filing function is set in the printer driver's print settings (step S2).

[0080] If the document filing function is set in the printer driver's print settings (if the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S3, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a PIN code is set in the print settings (step S3).

[0081] If a PIN code is set in the print settings (if the determination in step S3 is Yes), in step S4, the control unit 20 assigns the set PIN code to the print job (step S4).

[0082] Subsequently, in step S6, the control unit 20 causes the digital multifunction printer 1 to transmit the print job data to the communication unit 23 (step S6).

[0083] On the other hand, if the document filing function is not set in the printer driver's print settings in step S2 (if the determination in step S2 is No), or if the PIN code is not set in the print settings in step S3 (if the determination in step S3 is No), then in step S6, the control unit 20 causes the digital multifunction device 1 to send the print job data to the communication unit 23 (step S6).

[0084] Furthermore, in step S1, if the document filing function is enabled due to the print function restriction (if the determination in step S1 is Yes), in step S5, the control unit 20 sets a PIN code and assigns it to the print job (step S5).

[0085] Subsequently, in step S6, the control unit 20 causes the digital multifunction printer 1 to transmit the print job data to the communication unit 23 (step S6).

[0086] Next, in step S7, the control unit 20 determines whether the document filing function is enabled or disabled by the print function restriction (step S7).

[0087] If the document filing function is enabled due to the print function restriction (if the determination in step S7 is Yes), in step S8, the control unit 20 displays the PIN code set in step S5 in a message box on the display unit 24 (step S8), and then terminates the process.

[0088] On the other hand, if the document filing function is not enabled due to printing restrictions (i.e., the determination in step S7 is No), the process is terminated.

[0089] Figure 9 is an example of a message box that informs the user of the PIN code set in the printer driver when a print command is sent from the user terminal 2 in Figure 1 to the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 9, a message indicating that a PIN code has been assigned to the print job is displayed in a message box along with the set PIN code.

[0091] The user can execute the retrieval and printing of image data related to the print job by entering the PIN code displayed in the message box using the operation unit 162 of the digital multifunction device 1.

[0092] In this way, even when the document filing function is enabled due to limitations on the printing function, and general users cannot set a PIN code from user terminal 2, a digital multifunction device 1 can be realized that enables more secure printing than before by setting and automatically assigning a PIN code for each print job.

[0093] [Embodiment 2] Next, with reference to Figures 10 and 11, the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment 2 of the disclosure will be described.

[0094] In Embodiment 1, when the document filing function was enabled due to limitations on the printing function, a PIN code was set on the user terminal 2 and assigned to the print job, which was then sent to the digital multifunction printer 1. The user was then notified of the PIN code by displaying it on the display unit 24.

[0095] On the other hand, Embodiment 2 is characterized by obtaining the user's email address from the address book stored in the storage unit 13 of the digital multifunction printer 1 and informing the user of the PIN code.

[0096] The schematic configuration of the image forming system 100 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure is the same as that of Embodiment 1 (Figures 1 to 3), so a description will be omitted.

[0097] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is sent from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0098] The processes in steps S11 to S17 in Figure 10 are the same as steps S1 to S7 in Figure 8 (Embodiment 1), so their explanation is omitted. Here, we will explain the processes in steps S18 to S21 of Figure 10.

[0099] In step S17, if the document filing function is not enabled due to print function restrictions (i.e., the determination in step S17 is No), the process is terminated.

[0100] On the other hand, if the document filing function is enabled due to the printing function restriction (if the determination in step S17 is Yes), in step S18, the control unit 20 causes the communication unit 23 to obtain the user's address book, which is previously stored in the storage unit 13 of the digital multifunction printer 1 (step S18).

[0101] Alternatively, the system may retrieve an address book stored on a predetermined server or similar device via network 3.

[0102] In the following step S19, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the acquired address book contains the email address of the user who issued the print command (step S19).

[0103] If the user's email address is in the address book (if the determination in step S19 is Yes), in step S20, the control unit 20 has the communication unit 23 send the PIN code created in step S15 to the user's email address (step S20), and then terminates the process.

[0104] Figure 11 shows an example of an email sent to the user notifying them of the PIN code set by the digital multifunction printer 1 in the image forming system 100 of the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 11, the set PIN code is displayed in the email along with a message indicating that a PIN code has been assigned to the print job.

[0106] On the other hand, if the determination in step S19 is that the user's email address is not in the address book (the determination in step S19 is No), then in step S21, the control unit 20 displays the PIN code created in step S15 in a message box on the display unit 24 (step S21), and then terminates the process.

[0107] In this way, even when the document filing function is enabled due to limitations on the printing function, and a general user cannot set a PIN code from the user terminal 2, the digital multifunction device 1 can be realized that enables more secure printing than before by setting and automatically assigning a PIN code for each print job, and by sending the set PIN code to the user's email address obtained from the address book.

[0108] [Embodiment 3] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the process of assigning a PIN code by the printer driver when sending a print command from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment 3 of the disclosure will be described.

[0109] In Embodiment 2, the user's email address was obtained from the address book stored in the storage unit 13 of the digital multifunction printer 1, and the PIN code was then communicated to the user.

[0110] On the other hand, Embodiment 3 is characterized in that if the user's email address is entered in the print settings, a PIN code is sent to that email address.

[0111] The schematic configuration of the image forming system 100 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure is the same as that of Embodiment 1 (Figures 1 to 3), so a description will be omitted.

[0112] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is sent from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0113] The processes in steps S31 to S37 in Figure 12 are the same as steps S1 to S7 in Figure 8 (Embodiment 1), so their explanation is omitted. Here, we will explain the processes in steps S38 to S40 of Figure 12.

[0114] In step S37, if the document filing function is not enabled due to print function restrictions (i.e., the determination in step S37 is No), the process is terminated.

[0115] On the other hand, if the document filing function is enabled due to print function restrictions (if the determination in step S37 is Yes), in step S38, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the email address of the user who received the print command is entered in the print settings (step S38).

[0116] If the user's email address is entered in the print settings (if the determination in step S38 is Yes), in step S39, the control unit 20 has the communication unit 23 send the PIN code created in step S35 to the user's email address (step S39), and then terminates the process.

[0117] On the other hand, if the user's email address is not entered in the print settings (if the determination in step S38 is No), in step S40, the control unit 20 displays the PIN code created in step S35 in a message box on the display unit 24 (step S40), and then terminates the process.

[0118] In this way, even when the document filing function is enabled due to limitations on the printing function and a general user cannot set a PIN code from the user terminal 2, the digital multifunction device 1 can be realized that enables more secure printing than before by setting and automatically assigning a PIN code for each print job, and by sending the set PIN code to the user's email address entered in the print settings.

[0119] [Embodiment 4] Next, based on Figures 13 to 15, the process by which the printer driver assigns a PIN code when a print command is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment of disclosure will be described.

[0120] In embodiments 1 to 3, when the document filing function was enabled due to limitations on the printing function, a PIN code was set on the user terminal 2, assigned to the print job, and sent to the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0121] On the other hand, Embodiment 4 is characterized in that, when the document filing function is enabled due to limitations on the printing function, the PIN code is set on the digital multifunction device 1 rather than the user terminal 2.

[0122] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 in the image forming system 100 of Embodiment 4 of this disclosure.

[0123] In Figure 13, the schematic configuration of the image forming system 100 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure is the same as that of Embodiment 1 (Figures 1 to 3), except that it further includes a PIN code setting unit 19.

[0124] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process on the user terminal 2 side in the image forming system 100 of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, in which the digital multifunction device 1 assigns a PIN code when a print instruction is sent from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1.

[0125] The processes in steps S41-S44 and S46 of Figure 14 are the same as steps S1-S4 and S6 of Figure 8 (Embodiment 1), respectively, so their explanation is omitted. Here, we will explain the process in step S45 of Figure 14.

[0126] In step S41, if the document filing function is enabled due to print function restrictions (if the determination in step S41 is Yes), in step S45, the control unit 20 assigns a PIN code automatic setting flag to the print job (step S45).

[0127] In the following step S46, the control unit 20 causes the digital multifunction printer 1 to send data for a print job with the PIN code automatic setting flag attached to it to the communication unit 23 (step S46).

[0128] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the process on the digital multifunction device 1 side when a PIN code is assigned by the digital multifunction device 1 when a print instruction is sent from the user terminal 2 to the digital multifunction device 1 in the image forming system 100 of the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0129] In step S17 of Figure 15, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 determines whether or not the print job has an automatic PIN code setting flag (step S47).

[0130] If the print job has the PIN code automatic setting flag set (if the determination in step S47 is Yes), in step S48, the control unit 10 sets the PIN code (step S48).

[0131] In the following step S49, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the email address of the user who received the print command is entered in the print settings (step S49).

[0132] If the user's email address is entered in the print settings (if the determination in step S49 is Yes), in step S50, the control unit 10 has the communication unit 15 send the PIN code created in step S48 to the user's email address (step S50), and then terminates the process.

[0133] On the other hand, if the user's email address is not entered in the print settings (if the determination in step S49 is No), in step S51, the control unit 10 has the user terminal 2 send the PIN code created in step S48 to the communication unit 15, and then terminates the process (step S51).

[0134] Furthermore, if the print job does not have the PIN code automatic setting flag set in step S47 (i.e., the determination in step S47 is No), the process is terminated.

[0135] In this way, even when the document filing function is enabled due to limitations on the printing function, and general users cannot set a PIN code from user terminal 2, a digital multifunction device 1 can be realized that enables more secure printing than before by setting and automatically assigning a PIN code for each print job.

[0136] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure include combinations of any of the embodiments described above.

[0137] In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be construed as being outside the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include the meaning of equivalents to the claims and all variations within that scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1: Digital multifunction printer, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C: User terminals, 3: Network, 10, 20: Control unit, 11: Image data acquisition unit, 12: Image forming unit, 13, 21: Storage unit, 14, 22: Image processing unit, 15, 23: Communication unit, 16: Operation panel, 17: User authentication unit, 18: PIN code verification unit, 24, 161: Display unit, 25, 162: Operation unit, 100: Image forming system

Claims

1. A printer driver that allows setting various settings related to printing image data to an image forming apparatus, The various settings mentioned above include a setting for a document filing function that temporarily stores the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and then prints the image data by inputting predetermined code information into the image forming apparatus. If the document filing function is enabled by an administrator user with predetermined administrator privileges, the setting for the document filing function is hidden from the settings screen of a non-administrator user who does not have predetermined administrator privileges. At the same time, when a print job of the image data is received from the non-administrator user, the print job with the code information for the print job set and attached is sent to the image forming apparatus. A printer driver characterized in that, if the document filing function is disabled by the administrator user, the non-administrator user can accept the setting of the code information for the print job from the setting screen of the document filing function, and when the code information is accepted, the printer driver sends the print job with the code information attached to it to the image forming apparatus.

2. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein, when the document filing function is enabled by the administrator user, when the printer driver receives a print job of the image data from the non-administrator user, it sets the code information for the print job and assigns it to the print job, and notifies the non-administrator user of the code information through a predetermined message box.

3. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein, when the document filing function is enabled by the administrator user, when a print job of the image data is received from the non-administrator user, the code information for the print job is set and assigned to the print job, and if the email address of the non-administrator user can be obtained by accessing user information previously held in the image forming apparatus, the code information is notified to the email address, and if the email address does not exist, the code information is displayed in a predetermined message box.

4. The aforementioned settings include the user's email address input setting. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein, when the document filing function is enabled by the administrator user, when a print job of the image data is received from the non-administrator user, the code information for the print job is set and assigned to the print job, and when the email address of the non-administrator user is entered in the email address input setting, the code information is notified to the email address, and if the email address is not available, the code information is displayed in a predetermined message box.

5. A printer driver processing method that allows setting various settings related to printing image data to an image forming apparatus, The various settings mentioned above include a setting for a document filing function that temporarily stores the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and then prints the image data by inputting predetermined code information into the image forming apparatus. If the document filing function is enabled by an administrator user with predetermined administrator privileges, the system includes a document filing setting hiding step that hides the document filing function settings on the settings screen for non-administrator users who do not have predetermined administrator privileges; a code information assignment step that sets the code information for the print job and assigns it to the print job when a print job of the image data is received from the non-administrator user; and a print job transmission step that transmits the print job to which the code information has been assigned to the image forming apparatus. A printer driver processing method characterized in that, if the document filing function is disabled by the administrator user, the non-administrator user is allowed to set the code information for the print job from the settings screen of the document filing function, and when the code information is received, the printer driver sends the print job with the code information attached to it to the image forming apparatus in the print job transmission step.

6. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a user terminal on which a printer driver capable of setting various settings related to printing image data to the image forming apparatus is installed, The various settings mentioned above include a setting for a document filing function that temporarily stores the image data in the image forming apparatus without printing it, and then prints the image data by inputting predetermined code information into the image forming apparatus. If the document filing function is enabled on the user terminal by an administrator with predetermined administrator privileges, the settings for the document filing function are hidden on the settings screen for non-administrator users who do not have predetermined administrator privileges. At the same time, when a print job for the image data is received from the non-administrator user, the print job with the automatic setting flag for the code information for the print job is added is sent to the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus, when a print job is received to which the automatic setting flag for the code information for the print job has been assigned, the code information for the print job is set, An image forming system characterized in that, if the document filing function is disabled by the administrator user, the system allows the non-administrator user to set the code information for the print job from the settings screen of the document filing function, and when the code information is received, the system transmits the print job with the code information attached to it to the image forming apparatus.

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