Image forming apparatus and method of transferring administrative authority of authentication print data

An image forming apparatus includes a print administration unit for printing authentication print data; a server unit for providing a service; an authentication unit for controlling the server unit; and a notification transmission unit for transmitting a notice. The authentication unit obtains individual identification information. The server unit controls the external operation unit to display the authentication print data and an input screen. The print administration unit rewrites the identification information. The notification transmission unit transmits a first notification to the authority transferred person. After the authentication print data is printed, the notification transmission unit transmits a second notification to the authority transferred person and the print data creating person.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method of transferring administrative authority of authentication print data.

In a conventional image forming apparatus or a conventional method of transferring administrative authority of authentication print data, first, a computer transmits the authentication print data, and the authentication print data is stored in the conventional image forming apparatus. Then, an ID (Identification) and a password are input in the conventional image forming apparatus. Lastly, the ID and the password are compared with identification information contained in the authentication print data, thereby performing a printing operation.

Patent Reference has disclosed the conventional image forming apparatus. According to patent Reference, an IC card reader is connected to the conventional image forming apparatus. Then, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card moves over the ID reader, so that the ID reader reads specific information from the RFID card. Lastly, the specific information is compared with the identification information contained in the authentication print data, thereby performing the printing operation.Patent Reference; Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-335282

In the conventional image forming apparatus or the conventional method of transferring the administrative authority of the authentication print data disclosed in patent Reference, after a person creates the authentication print data with the computer, it is not possible to transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data to somebody else. Accordingly, it is necessary for the person to authenticate the authentication print data to perform the printing operation.

In view of the problems described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of solving the problems of the conventional image forming apparatus or the conventional method of transferring the administrative authority of the authentication print data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to attain the objects described above, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is configured to receive authentication print data and perform a printing operation.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a print administration unit for printing the authentication print data when individual identification information matches to identification information of a print data administrator of the authentication print data; a server unit for providing a service relative to an instruction from an external operation unit through a network; an authentication unit for controlling the server unit to be capable of providing the service after a user of the external operation unit is authenticated; and a notification transmission unit for transmitting a notice through the network.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the authentication unit is configured to authenticate the user of the external operation unit and obtain the individual identification information. When the individual identification information related to the user of the external operation unit matches to the identification information of the print data administrator of the authentication print data, the server unit is configured to control the external operation unit to display the authentication print data to be selectable. Further, the server unit is configured to control the external operation unit to display a screen through which identification information of an authority transferred person, to whom administrative authority of the authentication print data is transferred, can be input.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the print administration unit is configured to rewrite the identification information of the print data administrator of the authentication print data selected through the external operation unit with the identification information of the authority transferred person. When the print data administrator of the authentication print data is rewritten, the notification transmission unit is configured to transmit a first notification to the authority transferred person rewritten to the print data administrator and a print data creating person. After the authentication print data is printed, the notification transmission unit is configured to transmit a second notification to the authority transferred person and the print data creating person.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is for transferring administrative authority of authentication print data to be printed with an image forming apparatus.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method of transferring the administrative authority of the authentication print data includes the steps of: authenticating a user of an external operation unit; obtaining individual identification information related to the user of the external operation unit; displaying the authentication print data to be selectable when the individual identification information related to the user of the external operation unit matches to identification information of a print data administrator of the authentication print data; displaying a screen through which identification information of an authority transferred person, to whom administrative authority of the authentication print data is transferred, can be input; rewriting the identification information of the print data administrator of the authentication print data selected through the external operation unit with the identification information of the authority transferred person; transmitting a first notification to the authority transferred person rewritten to the print data administrator and a print data creating person; and transmitting a second notification to the authority transferred person and the print data creating person after the authentication print data is printed.

According to the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus and the method of transferring the administrative authority of the authentication print data, it is possible to obtain the following effects.

First, after the authentication print data is printed on an upper apparatus, it is possible to safely transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data to the user thus specified.

Second, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes the server unit. Accordingly, when the external operation unit is operated through the upper apparatus, it is possible to transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data. As a result, it is possible to perform the printing operation of the authentication print data and the transfer operation of the administrative authority of the authentication print data on the single upper apparatus, thereby making it unnecessary to move to other location and improving efficiency.

Third, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes the server unit. Further, when the administrative authority of the authentication print data is transferred, the external operation unit of the upper apparatus is used to display the authentication print data stored therein and input the identification information of the authority transferred person. Accordingly, even when the image forming apparatus is provided with a small operation panel and an input unit of the image forming apparatus includes only a few buttons, it is possible to efficiently input the information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereunder, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the drawings are presented for an explanation purpose only, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus10according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, it is noted that a solid line with an arrow represents a flow of communication between apparatus and a control inside the image forming apparatus10. Further, a hidden line with an arrow represents an input or an output to or from a file or a database, and a projected line with an arrow represents an access from a web browser130of a computer100to the image forming apparatus10.

In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus10is an apparatus capable of receiving authentication print data, and of performing a printing operation.

As shown inFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus10includes a network interface unit communication unit20; an authentication print data reception unit31as a reception unit; an authentication print data analysis unit32; an authentication print data storage unit33as a storage unit; an authentication print data administration unit34as a print administration unit; a printing unit35; and a print completion mail transmission unit36for transmitting a notification, (for example, a mail) of print completion.

In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus10further includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface communication unit41; an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card information reading unit42; an authentication print authentication unit43; and an operation panel control unit44.

In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus10further includes a web server unit51as a server unit; a login authentication unit52as an authentication unit; an authentication print data display unit53; an authority transfer execution unit54; an authority transfer mail transmission unit55for transmitting a notification (for example, a mail) of authority transfer; and a log recording unit61.

In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus10is connected to an IC card reader40through USB. Further, the image forming apparatus10is connected to a plurality of computers100(=100-1to100-3), an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server200, and an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server201through a network70(described later).

In the embodiment, the network interface unit communication unit20is connected to the network70as shown inFIG. 2(described later), so that the network interface unit communication unit20is capable of communicating through the network70. More specifically, the network interface unit communication unit20is capable of communicating the computers100(=100-1to100-3), the LDAP server200, and the SMTP server201connected to the network70.

In the embodiment, the authentication print data reception unit31is connected to an output side of the network interface unit communication unit20and the authentication print data analysis unit32. The authentication print data reception unit31is configured to receive authentication print data300A transmitted from the computers100(=100-1to100-3) and having individual information of an operator through the network interface unit communication unit20, and to transmit the authentication print data300A to the authentication print data analysis unit32.

In the embodiment, the authentication print data analysis unit32is connected to an output side of the authentication print data reception unit31and the authentication print data storage unit33. The authentication print data analysis unit32is configured to analyze the authentication print data300A transmitted from the authentication print data reception unit31. Accordingly, the authentication print data analysis unit32is configured to extract print data administration information and individual identification information contained in the authentication print data300A, and to transmit the print data administration information and the individual identification information to the authentication print data storage unit33.

In the embodiment, the authentication print data storage unit33is connected to an output side of the authentication print data analysis unit32and the authentication print data administration unit34. The authentication print data storage unit33is configured to store the authentication print data300A to a print data file300B, and to transmit the print data administration information and the individual identification information to the authentication print data administration unit34.

In the embodiment, the authentication print data administration unit34is connected to an output side of the authentication print data storage unit33, the authentication print authentication unit43, the printing unit35, the log recording unit61, and the print completion mail transmission unit36. The authentication print data administration unit34is configured to administrate the print data file300B, and the print data administration information and the individual identification information related to the print data file300B using a print data administration table400. When the individual identification information matches to identification information of a print data administrator related to the print data file300B, the authentication print data administration unit34performs the printing operation of the print data file300B.

In the embodiment, the USB interface communication unit41is connected to an output side of the IC card reader40through an USB interface, and further to the RFID card information reading unit42. The USB interface communication unit41is configured to communicate with the IC card reader40through the USB interface.

In the embodiment, the RFID card information reading unit42is connected to an output side of the USB interface communication unit41and the authentication print authentication unit43. The RFID card information reading unit42is configured to read specific information contained in an RFID card through the USB interface communication unit41when the RFID card moves over the IC card reader40. The specific information may include, for example, identification information of an owner of the RFID card.

In the embodiment, the authentication print authentication unit43is connected to an output side of the RFID card information reading unit42, and further to the authentication print data administration unit34and the operation panel control unit44. The authentication print authentication unit43is configured to compare the individual identification information administered with the authentication print data administration unit34with the individual identification information generated from the information read with the RFID card information reading unit42. Accordingly, the authentication print authentication unit43is configured to determine whether the authentication print data300A is printed.

In the embodiment, the operation panel control unit44is connected to the authentication print authentication unit43. The operation panel control unit44is configured to display information on an operation panel45, and further to receive an execution instruction input from the operation panel45.

In the embodiment, the log recording unit61is connected to an output side of the authentication print data administration unit34. The log recording unit61is configured to record the individual identification information and the administration information of the authentication print data300A in a log file500after the authentication print data300A is printed.

In the embodiment, the web server unit51is connected to the network interface unit communication unit20, the login authentication unit52, the authentication print data display unit53, the authority transfer execution unit54, and the authority transfer mail transmission unit55. The web server unit51is configured to mutually communicate with the web browser130of the computers100(=100-1to100-3) as shown inFIG. 3(described later), so that a screen is displayed on the web browser130. Further, the web server unit51is configured to provide a service relative to an instruction from the web browser130.

In the embodiment, the login authentication unit52is connected to the web server unit51and the network interface unit communication unit20. The login authentication unit52is configured to receive a login command from the web browser130of the computers100(=100-1to100-3) as shown inFIG. 3(described later). Further, the login authentication unit52is configured to inquire the LDAP server200to determine whether an ID and a password related to the login command are authentic, so that the login authentication unit52determines whether the login command is received.

In the embodiment, the authentication print data display unit53is connected to the web server unit51, the output side of the network interface unit communication unit20, and an output side of the authority transfer execution unit54. The authentication print data display unit53is configured to receive the instruction from the web browser130of the computers100(=100-1to100-3) as shown inFIG. 3(described later) through the web server unit51. Further, the authentication print data display unit53is configured to display a list display screen of the authentication print data300A including the individual identification information related to the ID authenticated with the login authentication unit52, and to display an input screen through which the individual identification information of an authority transferred person, to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data is transferred, can be input. Further, the authentication print data display unit53is configured to transmit the list display screen and the input screen to the web browser130of the computers100(=100-1to100-3).

In the embodiment, the authority transfer execution unit54is connected to the web server unit51, the authentication print data display unit53, and the authority transfer mail transmission unit55. The authority transfer execution unit54is configured to receive the authentication print data300A to which the administrative authority is transferred and the input of the individual identification information of the authority transferred person, to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data is transferred from the web browser130of the computers100(=100-1to100-3) as shown inFIG. 3(described later) through the web server unit51. Further, the authority transfer execution unit54is configured to update the print data administration table400and transfer the administrative authority, so that an administrative authority transfer history table600is updated.

In the embodiment, the authority transfer mail transmission unit55is connected to an output side of the authority transfer execution unit54and the network interface unit communication unit20. The authority transfer mail transmission unit55is configured to transmit a first mail, which indicates that the administrative authority is transferred, to a print data creating person and the print data administrator as the authority transferred person, when the authority transfer execution unit54transfers the administrative authority.

In the embodiment, the print completion mail transmission unit36is connected to the output side of the authentication print data administration unit34and the network interface unit communication unit20. The print completion mail transmission unit36is configured to transmit a second mail, which indicates that the printing operation is completed, to the print data creating person and the print data administrator as the authority transferred person, when the printing operation of the authentication print data300A to which the administrative authority is transferred is completed.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing the network system of the image forming apparatus10according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 2, the network system includes the computers100(=100-1to100-3), the LDAP server200, the SMTP server201, the image forming apparatus10, and the network70. In the network system, the computers100(=100-1to100-3), the LDAP server200, the SMTP server201, and the image forming apparatus10are connected to the network70. Further, the IC card reader40is connected to the image forming apparatus10through the USB interface.

In the embodiment, a name “HOSTPC1” is assigned to the computer100-1, so that the computer100-1is identified on the network70. Further, a user of the computer100-1has the identification information “User1”. Further, a name “HOSTPC2” is assigned to the computer100-2, so that the computer100-2is identified on the network70. Further, a user of the computer100-2has the identification information “User2”. Further, a name “HOSTPC3” is assigned to the computer100-3, so that the computer100-3is identified on the network70. Further, a user of the computer100-3has the identification information “User3”.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer100according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 3, the computer100includes a print application150; a driver140; the web browser130as an external operation unit; a mail client160; and a communication unit120. The print application150is formed of document creation software, DTP software, and the like, and is provided for instructing the driver140to print a document, a drawing, and an image. When the driver140receives an instruction from the print application150, the driver140generates normal print data or the authentication print data300A. The communication unit120is configured to transmit the normal print data or the authentication print data300A generated with the driver140to the image forming apparatus10.

As shown inFIG. 3, the driver140includes an authentication print instruction unit141, an identification information generation unit142; and a print data generation unit143.

In the embodiment, the authentication print instruction unit141is configured to specify the normal print data or the authentication print data300A to be generated. When the authentication print instruction unit141specifies the authentication print data300A to be generated, the identification information generation unit142is configured to attach the individual identification information of the print data creating person to the authentication print data300A. The print data generation unit143is configured to generate the print data in a format specified with the authentication print instruction unit141.

In the embodiment, the web browser130is provided for displaying data received from the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10connected to the network70through the communication unit120. Further, the web browser130is provided for transmitting data input through a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) to the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10.

In the embodiment, the mail client160is provided for displaying mail data received from the SMTP server201connected to the network70, and for transmitting the mail data input through the keyboard and the mouse (not shown) to the SMTP server201.

FIG. 4is a schematic view showing a format of the authentication print data300A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 4, the authentication print data300A includes an authentication print mode specifying information301; a job name302; a printing person identification information303; a print data generation date and time304; a print data generation computer name305; and a print data main body306.

In the embodiment, the authentication print mode specifying information301is information indicating that the print data is authenticated. When the image forming apparatus10receives the print data, the image forming apparatus10is configured to determine whether the print data is printed right away or is stored without printing according to the authentication print mode specifying information301.

In the embodiment, the job name302is a name specified with the print application150, or a name set with the driver140according to an instruction of the print data creating person. More specifically, the print data creating person uses the job name302to differentiate each of a plurality of print data.

In the embodiment, the printing person identification information303is information capable of uniquely identifying the print data creating person who creates the print data, and the identification information generation unit142of the driver140is configured to generate the printing person identification information303. More specifically, the printing person identification information303corresponds to the information recorded in the RFID card, or the information obtained through a specific database with the information recorded in the RFID card as a key.

In the embodiment, the print data generation date and time304is information representing a date and a time when the print data creating person creates the print data, so that the operator of the image forming apparatus10uses the print data generation date and time304to identify the print data. The print data generation computer name305is information for identifying the computer100, with which the print data creating person creates the print data, on the network70, so that the operator of the image forming apparatus10uses the print data generation computer name305to identify the print data. The print data main body306is print command data generated with the driver140, and is used to form and print an image on a recording medium.

FIG. 5is a schematic view showing the print data administration table400according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 5, the print data administration table400includes a plurality of records corresponding to each print job. Each of the records corresponds to each row of the print data administration table400shown inFIG. 5. More specifically, each of the records includes a job name402; a print data creating person identification information403; a print data administrator identification information404; a print data generation date and time405; a print computer name406; a print data file name407; a print data creating person mail address408; and a print data administrator mail address409.

In the embodiment, a status401is provided for storing a current status of the authentication print data300A such as “Waiting Authentication State”, “In Printing State”, and “In Locked State”. When the IC card reader401shows “Waiting Authentication State”, it is indicated that the image forming apparatus10is in a state capable of performing the printing operation. When the IC card reader401shows “In Printing State”, it is indicated that the image forming apparatus10is performing the printing operation. When the IC card reader401shows “In Locked State”, it is indicated that the image forming apparatus10is in the transition of status, and the access to the image forming apparatus10is prohibited. An initial value of the IC card reader401is set to “Waiting Authentication State”. As shown inFIG. 5, the status “Waiting Authentication State” is stored in all of the records.

In the embodiment, the job name302related to the authentication print data300A is stored in the job name402. Further, the printing person identification information303of the authentication print data300A is stored in the print data creating person identification information403. Similarly, the printing person identification information303of the authentication print data300A is stored in the print data administrator identification information404. It is noted that an initial value of the print data creating person identification information403is always the same information as an initial value of the print data administrator identification information404.

In the embodiment, the print data generation date and time304of the authentication print data300A is stored in the print data generation date and time405. Further, the print data generation computer name305of the authentication print data300A is stored in the print computer name406. Further, the file name of the print data file300B is stored in the print data file name407. It is noted that the authentication print data storage unit33is configured to generate the print data file300B.

In the embodiment, when the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, the print data creating person mail address408obtained from the LDAP server200is stored in the print data creating person mail address408. As shown inFIG. 5, nothing is stored in the print data creating person mail address408at this moment.

In the embodiment, when the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, the mail address of the authority transferred person obtained from the LDAP server200is stored in the print data administrator mail address409. As shown inFIG. 5, nothing is stored in the print data administrator mail address409at this moment.

FIG. 6is a schematic view showing the operation panel45of the image forming apparatus10according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 6, the operation panel45includes an operation panel display portion46; a vertical and horizontal button47; an enter button48a; an online button48b; and a cancel button48c. The operation panel display portion46is provided for displaying a character, a drawing, and an image. The enter button48a, the online button48b, and the cancel button48cconstitute an operation portion for receiving an instruction of the operator of the image forming apparatus10.

FIG. 7is a schematic view showing an initial screen80of the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 7, the initial screen80includes a character string “ID”; an ID input field81arranged on the right side of the character string “ID”; a character string “Password” arranged below the character string “ID”; a password input field82arranged on the right side of the character string “Password”; and a transmission button83arranged below the character string “Password”.

FIG. 8is a schematic view showing an authentication print data list screen90of the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 8, the authentication print data list screen90is provided for displaying a list of the information of the authentication print data300A obtained from the print data administration table400. It is noted that when the operator logs in to obtain the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A, the operator can select the information of the authentication print data300A. A manual is displayed below the information of the authentication print data300A, so that the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred.

In the embodiment, the authentication print data list screen90includes a combination box93and an input field94arranged below the manual. When the operator clicks a triangular portion displayed on the right side of the combination box93, the list of the individual identification information, to which the administrative authority has been transferred before, is displayed in a pull down format, so that the individual identification information can be selected.

In the embodiment, the input field94is provided for inputting the individual identification information, to which the administrative authority is transferred. An authority transfer execution button95is arranged below the input field94.

An operation of the image forming apparatus10will be explained next with reference toFIG. 1. First, the authentication print data reception unit31receives the print data through the network70. Then, the print data thus received is transmitted to the authentication print data analysis unit32.

In the next step, referring to the authentication print mode specifying information301of the print data, the authentication print data analysis unit32determines whether the print data is the normal print data or the authentication print data300A. When the authentication print data analysis unit32determines that the print data is the normal print data, the print data thus received is transmitted to the printing unit35, so that the printing unit35starts the printing operation. When the authentication print data analysis unit32determines that the print data is the authentication print data300A, the authentication print data300A thus received is transmitted to the authentication print data storage unit33.

In the next step, the authentication print data storage unit33generates the print data file300B having a unique file name within the image forming apparatus10, so that the authentication print data storage unit33stores the authentication print data300A. Further, the authentication print data storage unit33extracts the job name302, the printing person identification information303, the print data generation date and time304, and the print data generation computer name305from the authentication print data300A. Then, the authentication print data storage unit33transmits the job name302, the printing person identification information303, the print data generation date and time304, and the print data generation computer name305together with the file name of the print data file300B thus stored to the authentication print data administration unit34. Accordingly, the authentication print data administration unit34additionally stores the records related to the information thus transmitted to the print data administration table400.

An entire operation of an authentication print system will be explained next with reference toFIG. 2. First, after the computer100generates the authentication print data300A, the authentication print data300A is transmitted to the image forming apparatus10through the network70.

In the next step, after the authentication print data300A thus transmitted is authenticated using the RFID card, the image forming apparatus10performs the printing operation of the authentication print data300A. In the embodiment, the computer100functions as the web server, to which the computers100(=100-1to100-3) can access, so that the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A can be transferred.

In the embodiment, when the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, the information of the authority transferred person and the print data creating person is obtained from the LDAP server200, and the first mail is transmitted to the SMTP server201. After the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, when the authentication print data300A is printed, the second mail is transmitted to the SMTP server201.

An operation of the software in the computer100will be explained next with reference toFIG. 3. When the print application150of the computer100detects the print instruction from the user, the print application150generates the print data with the print data generation unit143according to the setting of the authentication print instruction unit141of the driver140. Further, the print application150transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus10that is specified in advance when the driver140is installed.

In the next step, when the authentication print instruction unit141specifies the authentication print, the identification information generation unit142generates the identification information for specifying an individual, and the identification information is transmitted to the print data generation unit143. When the print data generation unit143receives the identification information, the print data generation unit143generates the authentication print data300A with the individual identification information of the print data creating person attached thereto. The individual identification information may vary depending on an administration procedure, and may include, for example, an login ID, an authentication ID set in advance, an employee number, and a mail address.

An operation of performing the authentication print will be explained next with reference toFIGS. 1 and 5. When the operator performs the authentication print, the operator moves the RFID card over the IC card reader40shown inFIG. 1. When the RFID card information reading unit42detects that the RFID card moves over the IC card reader40, the RFID card information reading unit42obtains the individual identification information from the RFID card through the USB interface communication unit41, and transmits the individual identification information to the authentication print authentication unit43.

In the next step, the authentication print authentication unit43determines whether there is the record in the print data administration table400, in which the individual identification information thus obtained matches to the print data administrator identification information404, and the IC card reader401indicates the print data file300B with the status “Waiting Authentication State”. When the authentication print authentication unit43determines that there is the record, the operation panel control unit44displays a confirmation message.

An operation of the image forming apparatus10when the image forming apparatus10receives the authentication print data300A will be explained next with reference toFIG. 6. First, as described above, the operation panel display portion46displays the job name402with the information matched. When the operation panel control unit44detects that the enter button48aindicating the print execution is pushed within a specific period of time since the operation panel display portion46displays the job name402, the operation panel control unit44notifies the authentication print data administration unit34. When the operation panel control unit44detects that the cancel button48cis pushed, or does not detect that the enter button48aor the cancel button48ais pushed within the specific period of time since the operation panel display portion46displays the job name402, the image forming apparatus10does not perform any operation and returns to the state before the RFID card moves over the IC card reader40.

In the next step, when the authentication print data administration unit34receives the notification of the printing operation from the operation panel display portion46, the authentication print data administration unit34updates the IC card reader401from “Waiting Authentication State” to “In Printing State” in the print data administration table400shown inFIG. 5. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34transmits the print data file300B with the authentication print data300A stored therein to the printing unit35.

In the next step, the printing unit35prints the authentication print data300A thus transmitted on the recording medium. After the printing unit35prints the authentication print data300A on the recording medium, the printing unit35transmits a notice that the printing operation is completed and after print information obtained through the printing operation to the authentication print data administration unit34. The after print information may include, for example, a print start date and time, a print execution sheet number, and a print sheet size.

In the next step, the authentication print data administration unit34transmits the administration information administered with the print data administration table400of the authentication print data300A thus printed and the after print information transmitted from the printing unit35to the log recording unit61and the print completion mail transmission unit36, respectively.

After the authentication print data administration unit34transmits the administration information and the after print information, the authentication print data administration unit34deletes the record, in which the information of the authentication print data300A is stored, from the print data administration table400. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34deletes the print data file300B with the authentication print data300A stored therein. In the next step, the log recording unit61stores the information received from the authentication print data administration unit34to the log file500. It is noted that the print completion mail transmission unit36does not perform any operation after the authentication print data300A, whose administrative authority is not transferred, is completely printed. Through the process described above, the operator can obtain the print result printed on the recording medium.

An operation of transferring the administrative authority will be explained next. In “Waiting Authentication State”, in which the authentication print data300A is stored in the image forming apparatus10, the operator may want to transfer the authority of printing the authentication print data300A to somebody else. For example, after the operator uses the print application150to perform the authentication printing, the operator may request a subordinate or a secretary to print on the recording medium. This is because it may take time to print on the recording medium.

First, the operator uses the web browser130of the computer100to access to the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10where the authentication print data300A is stored. As a result, the web server unit51displays the initial screen80as the login authentication screen.

An operation of the initial careen of the web server unit51will be explained with reference toFIG. 7. After the ID and the password are input in the ID input field81and the password input field82, when the operator clicks the transmission button83, the ID input in the ID input field81and the password input in the password input field82are transmitted to the login authentication unit52shown inFIG. 3.

In the next step, the login authentication unit52requests the LDAP server200to authenticate the ID and the password thus transmitted. When the LDAP server200transmits an approval response, the login authentication unit52obtains the individual identification information corresponding to the ID and the password from the LDAP server200, and transmits the individual identification information to the authentication print data display unit53.

In the next step, referring to the print data administration table400, the authentication print data display unit53obtains the information of the authentication print data300A, in which the individual identification information is equal to the print data administrator identification information404, and the IC card reader401is “Waiting Authentication Status”. Further, from the administrative authority transfer history table600, in which the individual identification information of the person whom the print data creating person has transferred the administrative authority before is stored, the authentication print data display unit53obtains the individual identification information of the person whom the print data creating person has transferred the administrative authority before, so that the authentication print data display unit53generates and transmits the authentication print data list screen900.

An operation of the authentication print data list screen900will be explained with reference toFIG. 8. When the operator clicks the authority transfer execution button95, the information of the authentication print data300A selected in a check box92and the individual identification information are transmitted to the authority transfer execution unit54through the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10. As described above, the individual identification information to which the administrative authority has been transferred before is selected in the combination box93, and the individual identification information to which the administrative authority is transferred is input through the input field94.

An operation of the image forming apparatus10for receiving the authentication print data will be explained next with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a flow chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus10for receiving the authentication print data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In step S61, the authentication print data reception unit31receives the authentication print data300A through the network interface unit communication unit20. In step S62, the authentication print data analysis unit32analyzes the authentication print data300A to obtain the print data and the individual identification information.

In step S63, the authentication print data storage unit33stores the authentication print data300A in the print data file300B. IN step S64, the authentication print data administration unit34stores the information of the authentication print data300A in the print data administration table400, thereby completing the process shown inFIG. 9.

The printing operation of the image forming apparatus10will be explained next with reference toFIG. 10. FIG.10is a flow chart showing the printing operation of the image forming apparatus10according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In step S70, the RFID card information reading unit42obtains the identification information stored in the RFID card. In step S71, the image forming apparatus10repeats the process for all data of the print data administration table400. In step S72, the authentication print authentication unit43determines whether the individual identification information of the RFID card matches to the record.

In step S73, the operation panel control unit44displays the authentication result on the operation panel display portion46. In step S74, it is determined whether the enter button48ais pushed within the specific period of time, indicating that the printing operation is allowed to be performed. When it is determined that the enter button48ais pushed within the specific period of time, the process proceeds to step S75. When it is determined that the enter button48ais not pushed or the cancel button48cis pushed within the specific period of time, the process proceeds to step S81.

In step S75, the printing unit35changes the IC card reader401of the record to “In Printing State”. In step S76, the printing unit35performs the printing operation of the authentication print data300A.

In step S77, it is determined whether the individual identification information of the RFID card is the authority transferred person. When it is determined that the individual identification information of the RFID card is the authority transferred person, the process proceeds to step S78. When it is determined that the individual identification information of the RFID card is not the authority transferred person, the process proceeds to step S80.

In step S78, the print completion mail transmission unit36transmits the mail indicating that the printing operation is completed to the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409as the authority transferred person. In step S79, the log recording unit61stores the information received from the authentication print data administration unit34in the log file500.

In step S80, the authentication print data administration unit34deletes the record from the print data administration table400. In step S81, the authentication print data administration unit34repeats the process for all records of the print data administration table400, thereby completing the process shown inFIG. 10.

An operation of the image forming apparatus10for transferring the administrative authority will be explained next with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11is a flow chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus10for transferring the administrative authority according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In step S10, when the operation starts, the image forming apparatus10receives the data of the authentication print data list screen90to obtain the information of the authentication print data300A specified in the check box92. Further, the image forming apparatus10obtains the individual identification information of the authority transferred person, to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is to be transferred, specified in the combination box93or the input field94.

In step S11, it is determined whether the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is registered in the LDAP server200. When it is determined that the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is not registered in the LDAP server200, it is considered as an input mistake, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the error response is transmitted. The error message may be “No specified user registered”. When it is determined that the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is registered in the LDAP server200, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the image forming apparatus10obtains the individual identification information of the authority transferred person from the LDAP server200. The individual identification information includes the mail address of the authority transferred person. In step S14, all of the information lists of the authentication print data300A thus specified is obtained.

In step S15, the process is repeated until all of the authentication print data300A thus specified is processed. In step S16, it is determined whether the IC card reader401related to the authentication print data300A is “Waiting Authentication State”. When it is determined that the IC card reader401related to the authentication print data300A is not “Waiting Authentication State”, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the error response is transmitted. The error message may be “the authentication print data300A is already printed or the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is already transferred”. When it is determined that the IC card reader401related to the authentication print data300A is “Waiting Authentication State”, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the image forming apparatus10obtains the information of the print data creating person identification information403of the authentication print data300A from the print data administration table400. In step S19, the image forming apparatus10obtains the mail address of the print data creating person identification information403from the LDAP server200according to the information of the print data creating person identification information403.

In step S20, the image forming apparatus10changes the print data administrator identification information404of the record to the individual identification information of the authority transferred person.

In step S21, the image forming apparatus10changes the print data creating person mail address408of the record to the mail address of the print data creating person obtained from the LDAP server200.

In step S22, the image forming apparatus10changes the print data administrator mail address409of the record to the mail address of the authority transferred person obtained from the LDAP server200.

In step S23, the image forming apparatus10stores the individual identification information of the print data creating person identification information403obtained from the LDAP server200and the individual identification information of the authority transferred person obtained from the LDAP server200to the administrative authority transfer history table600. Accordingly, when administrative authority is transferred next time, it is possible to easily input the individual identification information.

In step S24, the image forming apparatus10notifies the information of the print data administration table400to the authority transfer mail transmission unit55. When the authority transfer mail transmission unit55receives the notification, the authority transfer mail transmission unit55generates an electric mail as the first mail, and transmits the first mail to the SMTP server201. In the first mail, the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409are included in destinations “Bcc:” thereof, and the information of the authentication print data300A notified from the authority transfer execution unit54is converted in a specific format. As a result, any person having the print data administrator mail address409can access to the SMTP server201to receive the first mail.

In step S25, the process returns to step S15until all of the authentication print data300A thus specified is processed. In step S26, the authentication print data display unit53displays the authentication print data list screen90after the update, thereby completing the operation shown inFIG. 11.

In the operation shown inFIG. 11, the information of the authentication print data300A is notified through the electric mail as the first mail to the person who creates the authentication print data300A and the person to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred. The first mail is transmitted so that the person to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred is notified of the fact. Further, when the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred to the third party from the person to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, the person who creates the authentication print data300A can confirmed that the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred.

FIG. 12(a) is a schematic view showing the print data administration table400before the administrative authority is transferred according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12(b) is a schematic view showing the print data administration table400after the administrative authority is transferred according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 12(a), the print data administration table400includes the record representing the authentication print data300A in which the job name402is “JobName3”. The person who creates the print data is “User1”. It is supposed that according to the instruction of the person “User1”, the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred to a person “User3”.

FIG. 12(b) is the schematic view showing the record of the print data administration table400after the administrative authority is transferred. As shown inFIG. 12(b), after the administrative authority is transferred, the record related to the authentication print data300A is changed.

More specifically, the print data administrator identification information404of the record is changed to the individual identification information of the authority transferred person. Further, the print data creating person mail address408of the record is changed to the mail address of the print data creating person identification information403obtained from the LDAP server200. Further, the print data administrator mail address409of the record is changed to the mail address of the authority transferred person obtained from the LDAP server200.

In the embodiment, after the print data administration table400is updated, when the RFID card having the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is moved over the IC card reader40, the authentication printing is performed. After the authentication printing is performed, the information of the authority transferred person is recorded in the log file500as the person who performs the authentication printing.

Accordingly, both of the individual identification information of the print data creating person and the individual identification information of the person who performs the authentication printing are recorded in the log file500. As a result, if a security accident happens, it is possible to identify both the print data creating person and the person who performs the authentication printing through a tracking investigation.

In the embodiment, after the administrative authority is transferred, in the record, the mail addresses are stored in the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the administrative authority is transferred.

In the embodiment, when the authentication print data300A with the administrative authority thereof transferred is printed, the print completion mail transmission unit36transmits an electric mail as the second mail to the SMTP server201. In the second mail, the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409are included in the destinations “Bcc:” thereof. The information of the authentication print data300A after the authentication printing is performed and the after print information are converted in a specific format to create a main text of the second mail.

In the embodiment, when the administrative authority is not transferred, in the record, nothing is stored in the print data creating person mail address408or the print data administrator mail address409. Accordingly, the print completion mail transmission unit36does perform nothing.

As described above, the image forming apparatus10includes the web server unit51. When the operator operates the web browser130of the computer100, it is possible to transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A. In other words, the operator can perform the printing operation of the application and the transfer operation of the administrative authority after the printing operation using the same computer100. Accordingly, the operator does not need to leave from the computer100, thereby improving operation efficiency.

In the embodiment, in the image forming apparatus10, when the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, the operator operates the web browser130to display the authentication print data300A stored therein and input the individual identification information of the person to whom the administrative authority is transferred. Accordingly, even when the image forming apparatus10is provided with the operation panel display portion46having a small size and a small input unit with only a few buttons for inputting the information, it is possible to efficiently input the information.

FIG. 13is a schematic view showing the first mail to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus10when the administrative authority is transferred according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 13, “Printer” is displayed in “From:” indicating the origination address of the first mail.

Nothing is displayed in “To:” indicating the destination address of the first mail, and “Cc:” indicating the destination address of the copy. In “Bcc:” indicating the non-displayed destination address of the copy, “User1_Print data creating person<User1@XXXX.jp>” and “User3_Administrative authority transferred person<User3@XXXX.jp>” are displayed. “Administrative authority transfer notification of authentication print” is displayed in “Title:” indicating the subject of the first mail.

Further, the main text of the first mail includes “This mail is sent from Printer. The administrative authority of the following authentication print is transferred from User1 to User3 Date: 2010/10/02 17:25:37 Apparatus: Printer Document: AuthDocument.text”.

FIG. 14is a schematic view showing the second mail to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus10when the printing operation is completed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 14, “Printer” is displayed in “From:” indicating the origination address of the second mail. Nothing is displayed in “To:” indicating the destination address of the second mail, and “Cc:” indicating the destination address of the copy. In “Bcc:” indicating the non-displayed destination address of the copy, “User1_Print data creating person<User1@XXXX.jp>” and “User3_Administrative authority transferred person<User3@XXXX.jp>” are displayed. “Completion notification of authentication print” is displayed in “Title:” indicating the subject of the second mail.

Further, the main text of the second mail includes “This mail is sent from Printer. The authentication print data with the administrative authority thereof transferred from User1 to User 3 is completed Date: 2010/11/02 11:01:00 Apparatus: Printer (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) Printing person: User3 Document: AuthDocument.text Printed sheet number: 50”.

In the embodiment, with the image forming apparatus10and the method of transferring the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A, it is possible to obtain the following effects. First, after the operation of the authentication print is performed on the computer100, it is possible to safely transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A to the specific user.

Second, the image forming apparatus10includes the web server unit51. When the web browser130is operated through the computer100, it is possible to transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A. Accordingly, it is possible to perform the printing operation of the application and the transfer operation of the administrative authority after the printing operation using the same computer100. Accordingly, the operator does not need to leave from the computer100, thereby improving operation efficiency.

Third, the image forming apparatus10includes the web server unit51. When the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred, the web browser130of the computer100is used for displaying the authentication print data300A stored therein and inputting the individual identification information of the administrative authority transferred person. Accordingly, even when the image forming apparatus10is provided with the operation panel display portion46having a small size and a small input unit with only a few buttons for inputting the information, it is possible to efficiently input the information.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be explained next. In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus10has a configuration similar to that of the image forming apparatus10in the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1. In the second embodiment, the computer100has a configuration similar to that of the computer100in the first embodiment shown inFIG. 3. In the second embodiment, the authentication print data300A has a format similar to that of the authentication print data300A in the first embodiment shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 15is a schematic view showing an example of a print data administration table400A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 15, in addition to the configurations of the print data administration table400in the first embodiment, the print data administration table400A includes a print data deletion process flag410.

FIG. 16is a schematic view showing an authentication print data list screen90A of the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 16, different from the authentication print data list screen90in the first embodiment, the authentication print data list screen90A includes a plurality of combination boxes93A (=93A-1to93A-5); a plurality of input fields94A (=94A-1to94A-5); a radio button96; and a radio button97. Other configurations of the authentication print data list screen90A are similar to those of the authentication print data list screen90in the first embodiment.

In the embodiment, when the operator clicks a triangular portion displayed on the right side of each of the combination boxes93A (=93A-1to93A-5), a pull down menu is displayed. In the pull down menu, the list of the individual identification information is displayed. The operator selects the individual identification information, so that the operator can transfer the administrative authority. In the pull down menu, the individual identification information, to which the administrative authority has been transferred before, is displayed. In90a, the combination boxes93A (=93A-1to93A-5) are arranged at five locations in a vertical direction thereof, so that the operator can transfer the administrative authority to a plurality of individuals.

In the embodiment, the input fields94A (=94A-1to94A-5) are provided for inputting the individual identification information of the user, to which the administrative authority is transferred. In90a, the input fields94A (=94A-1to94A-5) are arranged at five locations in the vertical direction thereof, so that the operator can transfer the administrative authority to a plurality of individuals.

In the embodiment, the combination boxes93A (=93A-1to93A-5) and the input fields94A (=94A-1to94A-5) are arranged at the five locations in the vertical direction of the authentication print data list screen90A. Alternatively, the combination boxes93A (=93A-1to93A-5) and the input fields94A (=94A-1to94A-5) may be arranged at more than six locations or less than five locations.

In the embodiment, when the radio button96is selected, all records of the print data administration table400A related to the authentication print data300A and the print data file300B related to the authentication print data300A are deleted when one of the persons, to whom the administrative authority is transferred, completes the printing operation, indicating the deletion method information “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons completes printing operation”. In this case, the one of the persons, to whom the administrative authority is transferred, obtains the printing result, indicating the deletion method information “one of administrative authority transferred persons obtains printing result”.

In the embodiment, when the radio button97is selected, the person who prints the authentication print data300A deletes the records of the print data administration table400A described in the print data administrator identification information404every time when the person, to whom the administrative authority is transferred, completes the printing operation, indicating the deletion method information “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”. Then, when all records of the print data administration table400A related to the authentication print data300A are deleted, the print data file300B is deleted. In this case, all of the persons, to whom the administrative authority is transferred, obtain the printing result, indicating the deletion method information “all of administrative authority transferred persons obtain printing result”.

In the embodiment, when the operator clicks the authority transfer execution button95, the information of the authentication print data300A selected in the check box92and the individual identification information of the administrative authority transferred persons, to whom the administrative authority has been transferred before, are transmitted to the authority transfer execution unit54through the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10. As described above, the individual identification information of the administrative authority transferred persons is selected through the combination boxes93A (=93A-1to93A-5).

Further, the individual identification information of the persons, to whom the administrative authority is transferred, selected through the input fields94A (=94A-1to94A-5) is transmitted to the authority transfer execution unit54through the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10. Further, the information regarding which of the radio button96and the radio button97is selected as the deletion method of the print data is transmitted to the authority transfer execution unit54through the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10.

An operation of the image forming apparatus10for transferring the administrative authority to a plurality of administrative authority transferred persons will be explained next.

First, similar to the first embodiment, the print data creating person operates the print application150of the computer100to perform the printing operation. Then, the driver140generates the authentication print data300A shown inFIG. 4according to the specification of the authentication print instruction unit141. Then, the communication unit120transmits the authentication print data300A thus generated to the image forming apparatus10.

In the next step, similar to the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus10receives the authentication print data300A, the image forming apparatus10transmits the authentication print data300A to the authentication print data administration unit34through the authentication print data reception unit31, the authentication print data analysis unit32, and the authentication print data storage unit33.

In the next step, the authentication print data administration unit34generates a new record in the print data administration table400, and records the job name302, the printing person identification information303, the print data generation date and time304, the print data generation computer name305, and the print data file300B of the authentication print data300A thus received in the new record.

In the next step, similar to the first embodiment, the authentication print data administration unit34stores “Waiting Authorization State” in the IC card reader401. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34stores the job name related to the authentication print data300A in the job name302, and stores the printing person identification information303in the print data creating person identification information403. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34stores the printing person identification information303in the print data administrator identification information404, and stores the print data generation date and time304in the print data generation date and time405. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34stores the print data generation computer name305in the print computer name406, and stores the file name under which the authentication print data300A is stored in the print data file name407. It is noted that the authentication print data administration unit34stores nothing in the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409.

In the embodiment, the print data is deleted from the print data administration table400after the printing operation is completed. When only the record is deleted, “0” is stored in the print data deletion process flag410. When all records having the print data file name407are deleted, “1” is stored in the print data deletion process flag410. It is noted that the initial value of the IC card reader401is “0” when the record is generated.

In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, when the print data creating person performs the printing operation, the RFID card moves over the IC card reader40for the authentication. After the printing operation is completed, the authentication print data administration unit34determines the value of the print data deletion process flag410with reference to the record, whose printing operation is completed, from the print data administration table400.

In the embodiment, when the authentication print data administration unit34determines that “0” is stored in the print data deletion process flag410, only the record is deleted. When there is no other records having the print data file name407the same as that stored in the print data file name407of the record thus deleted, the authentication print data administration unit34deletes the print data file300B.

In the embodiment, when the authentication print data administration unit34determines that “1” is stored in the print data deletion process flag410, the authentication print data administration unit34obtains the print data file name407of the record. Then, the authentication print data administration unit34deletes all records having the print data file name407with the same contents of the print data file name407of the record thus obtained. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34deletes the print data file300B.

In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the log recording unit61stores the information received from the authentication print data administration unit34in the log file500. Further, the authentication print data administration unit34transmits the information retracted in the memory to the print completion mail transmission unit36.

In the embodiment, the print completion mail transmission unit36generates the print completion mail as the second mail from the administration information of the authentication print data300A. Then, the print completion mail transmission unit36transmits the print completion mail to the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409through the SMTP server201. It is noted that when nothing is stored in the print data creating person mail address408and the print data administrator mail address409, it is indicated that the administrative authority is not transferred. In this case, the print completion mail transmission unit36performs nothing.

An operation of transferring the administrative authority will be explained next. As described above, in the first embodiment, the print data creating person specifies one administrative authority transferred person, and transfers the administrative authority. Alternatively, the print data creating person may want to transfer the administrative authority to a plurality of persons, and further wants any one of the persons to whom the administrative authority is transferred to obtain the printing result. For example, the print data creating person may want to transfer the administrative authority to a plurality of subordinates, and later instruct one of the subordinates to perform the printing operation.

Alternatively, the print data creating person may want to transfer the administrative authority to a plurality of persons, and further wants all of the persons to whom the administrative authority is transferred to obtain the printing result. For example, the print data creating person may instruct all of participants of a meeting to perform the printing operation of a confidential document to be used in the meeting.

In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the print data creating person operates the web browser130of the computer100to access to the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10, in which the authentication print data300A is stored. Further, the print data creating person performs the login authentication through inputting in the login authentication screen shown inFIG. 7.

An operation of the image forming apparatus10for transferring the administrative authority will be explained next with reference toFIG. 17.FIG. 17is a flow chart No. 1 showing the operation of the image forming apparatus10for transferring the administrative authority according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Components inFIG. 17similar to those shown inFIG. 11in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals.

In step S10A, when the operation starts, the image forming apparatus10receives the information of the authentication print data list screen90A. Further, the image forming apparatus10obtains the information of the authentication print data300A specified in the check box92. Further, the image forming apparatus10obtains the individual identification information of the authority transferred person, to whom the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is to be transferred, specified in the combination box93or the input field94. Further, the image forming apparatus10obtains the information regarding which of the radio button96and the radio button97is selected as the authentication print data deletion method when the printing operation is completed.

In step S30, the process up to step S31is repeated until all of the authority transferred persons to whom the administrative authority is transferred are processed.

In step S11, it is determined whether the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is registered in the LDAP server200. When it is determined that the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is not registered in the LDAP server200, it is considered as an input mistake, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the error response is transmitted. The error message may be “No specified user registered”. When it is determined that the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is registered in the LDAP server200, the process proceeds to step S13A.

In step S13A, the image forming apparatus10obtains the individual identification information of the authority transferred person from the LDAP server200. The individual identification information includes the mail address of the authority transferred person. The image forming apparatus10repeats the process from step S30to step S31for all of the authority transferred persons to whom the administrative authority is to be transferred.

In step S14, all of the information lists of the authentication print data300A thus specified is obtained. In step S15, the image forming apparatus10repeats the process up to step S34for all of the authentication print data300A thus specified.

In step S16, it is determined whether the IC card reader401related to the authentication print data300A is “Waiting Authentication State”. When it is determined that the IC card reader401related to the authentication print data300A is not “Waiting Authentication State”, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the IC card reader401of the authentication print data300A is changed to “Waiting Authentication State”.

In step S17, the error response is transmitted. The error message may be “the authentication print data300A is already printed or the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is already transferred”. When it is determined that the IC card reader401related to the authentication print data300A is “Waiting Authentication State”, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the IC card reader401of the authentication print data300A is changed to “In Locked State”.

In the second embodiment, the process from step S18to step S19is similar to the process from step S18to step S19in the first embodiment. In step S34, the image forming apparatus10repeats the process from step S15for all of the authentication print data300A thus specified. Afterward, the process proceeds to the node1process shown inFIG. 18(described later).

FIG. 18is a flow chart No. 2 showing the operation of the image forming apparatus10for transferring the administrative authority according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Components inFIG. 18similar to those shown inFIG. 11in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals.

In step S40, when the node1process starts, the process up to step S51is repeated for all of the authentication print data300A. In step S41, the process up to step S49is repeated for all of the administrative authority transferred persons.

In step S42, the image forming apparatus10copies the record from the print data administration table400on the memory. In step S20A, the image forming apparatus10changes the print data administrator identification information404of the record thus copied to the individual identification information of the administrative authority transferred person.

In step S21A, the image forming apparatus10changes the print data creating person mail address408of the record thus copied to the mail address of the print data creating person obtained from the LDAP server200. In step S22A, the image forming apparatus10changes the print data administrator mail address409of the record thus copied to the mail address of the administrative authority transferred person obtained from the LDAP server200.

In step S23, similar to the process in step S23in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus10stores the individual identification information of the print data creating person identification information403obtained from the LDAP server200and the individual identification information of the authority transferred person obtained from the LDAP server200to the administrative authority transfer history table600.

In step S43, the image forming apparatus10determines the deletion method information of the authentication print data list screen90A. When the image forming apparatus10determines that the radio button97is selected, indicating the deletion method information “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the print data deletion process flag410of the record thus copied is set to “0”. When the image forming apparatus10determines that the radio button96is selected, indicating the deletion method information “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the process proceeds to step S45. In step S45, the print data deletion process flag410of the record thus copied is set to “1”.

In step S46, the IC card reader401of the record thus copied is changed to “Waiting Authentication State”.

In step S47, the image forming apparatus10determines the deletion method information of the authentication print data list screen90A. When the image forming apparatus10confirms the deletion method information “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the process proceeds to step S48.

In step S48, the authority transfer mail transmission unit55is notified so that the information of the authentication print data300A is transmitted to the print data administrator as the administrative authority transferred person and the print data creating person. Accordingly, through the SMTP server201, the authority transfer mail transmission unit55transmits the second mail having the main text obtained through forming the information of the authentication print data300A in the specific format.

When the image forming apparatus10confirms the deletion method information “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the process proceeds to step S49. In step S49, the image forming apparatus10repeats the process from step S41for all of the administrative authority transferred persons.

In step S50, the image forming apparatus10determines the deletion method information of the authentication print data list screen90A. When the image forming apparatus10confirms the deletion method information “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the process proceeds to step S51.

In step S51, the authority transfer mail transmission unit55is notified so that the information of the authentication print data300A is transmitted to all of the administrative authority transferred person and the print data creating person.

When the image forming apparatus10confirms the deletion method information “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the image forming apparatus10repeats the process from step S40for all of the authentication print data300A thus specified.

In step S26, the authentication print data display unit53displays the authentication print data list screen90after the update, thereby completing the operation shown inFIG. 18.

FIG. 19(a) is a schematic view showing the print data administration table400A before the administrative authority is transferred according to the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 19(b) is a schematic view showing the print data administration table400A after the administrative authority is transferred according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Components inFIGS. 19(a) and19(b) similar to those shown inFIGS. 12(a) and12(b) in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals.

As shown inFIG. 19(a), the print data administration table400includes one record, and the record has the job name402of “JobName3” and the print data creating person identification information403of “User1”. It is supposed that according to the instruction of the person “User1”, the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A is transferred to the person “User2” and the person “User3”.

FIG. 19(b) is the schematic view showing the print data administration table400after the administrative authority is transferred. As shown inFIG. 19(b), after the administrative authority is transferred, the record related to the authentication print data300A is copied so that the number of the records is equal to the number of the administrative authority transferred persons.

More specifically, the print data administrator identification information404of the records is changed to the individual identification information of the administrative authority transferred persons of the person “User2” and the person “User3”, respectively. Further, the print data creating person mail address408of the records is changed to the mail address of the print data creating person identification information403obtained from the LDAP server200. Further, the print data administrator mail address409of the record is changed to the mail addresses of the authority transferred person the person “User2” and the person “User3” obtained from the LDAP server200, respectively.

In the embodiment, the IC card reader401represents the print data deletion method specified when the administrative authority is transferred. When the print data deletion method is “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons completes printing operation”, “1” is stored in the IC card reader401. When the print data deletion method is “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, “0” is stored in the IC card reader401.

In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, after the print data administration table400is updated, when the RFID card having the individual identification information of the authority transferred person is moved over the IC card reader40, the authentication printing is performed. After the authentication printing is performed, the information of the authority transferred person is recorded in the log file500as the person who performs the authentication printing.

In the embodiment, when “1” is stored in the IC card reader401of the record whose administrative authority is transferred, that is, the print data deletion method is “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons completes printing operation”, the first mail is generated. In the first mail, the print data creating person and all of the administrative authority transferred persons are assigned in “Bcc:”, and the information of the authentication print data300A thus printed and the after print information are formed in the specific format.

In the embodiment, when “0” is stored in the IC card reader401of the record whose administrative authority is transferred, that is, the print data deletion method is “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the first mail is generated. In the first mail, the print data creating person and the administrative authority transferred person who performs the printing operation are assigned in “Bcc:”, and the information of the authentication print data300A thus printed and the after print information are formed in the specific format. An example of the first mail is shown inFIG. 20(described later).

In the embodiment, in the image forming apparatus10, when “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation” is selected as the print data deletion method, the print data creating person and all of the administrative authority transferred persons are notified with the first mail. After the authentication print data300A with the administrative authority thereof transferred is printed, both of the print data creating person and the administrative authority transferred person who performs the printing operation are notified with the first mail. The first mail is transmitted to the SMTP server201through the network70.

Accordingly, the print data creating person is capable of confirming that the printing operation is completed. Further, the administrative authority transferred person is capable of confirming that the print data creating person confirms that the printing operation is completed.

In the embodiment, upon transferring the administrative authority, when “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation” is selected as the print data deletion method, it is possible to confirm that the image forming apparatus10deletes the authentication print data300A after the printing operation is completed.

In the embodiment, when the IC card reader401is “0”, the first mail is transmitted to the print data creating person and all of the administrative authority transferred persons. In this case, the first mail has the configurations similar to those of the print completion mail in the first embodiment shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 20is a schematic view showing the first mail to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus10when the administrative authority is transferred according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that the first mail shown inFIG. 20is generated when the print data deletion method is “delete when one of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”.

As shown inFIG. 20, “Printer” is displayed in “From:” indicating the origination address of the first mail. Nothing is displayed in “To:” indicating the destination address of the first mail, and “Cc:” indicating the destination address of the copy. In “Bcc:” indicating the non-displayed destination address of the copy, “User1_Print data creating person<User1@XXXX.jp>”, “User2_Administrative authority transferred person 1<User2@XXXX.jp>”, and “User3_Administrative authority transferred person 2<User3@XXXX.jp>” are displayed. “Administrative authority transfer notification of authentication print” is displayed in “Title:” indicating the subject of the first mail.

Further, the main text of the first mail includes “This mail is sent from Printer. The administrative authority of the following authentication print is transferred from User1 to User 2 and User3 Date: 2010/10/02 17:25:37 Apparatus: Printer Document AuthDocument.text The accumulated authentication print data will be deleted when one of the users to whom the administrative authority is transferred performs the printing operation”.

In the embodiment, when the print data deletion method is “delete when all of administrative authority transferred persons complete printing operation”, the administrative authority transfer execution mail is generated. The administrative authority transfer execution mail is transmitted to the print data creating person and one of the administrative authority transferred persons. Accordingly, the administrative authority transfer execution mail has the configurations similar to those of the first mail shown inFIG. 13.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus10is configured to notify the information of the authentication print data300A with the administrative authority thereof transferred with the mail to the person who transfers the administrative authority and the person whom the administrative authority is transferred. Accordingly, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to notify the fact that the administrative authority is transferred to the administrative authority transferred person. As a result, even when the administrative authority transferred person transfers the administrative authority to somebody else other than the print data creating person of the authentication print data300A, it is possible for the print data creating person to confirm that the administrative authority is transferred.

FIG. 21is a schematic view showing the second mail to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus10when the printing operation is completed according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 21, “Printer” is displayed in “From:” indicating the origination address of the second mail. Nothing is displayed in “To:” indicating the destination address of the second mail, and “Cc:” indicating the destination address of the copy. In “Bcc:” indicating the non-displayed destination address of the copy, “User1_Print data creating person<User1@XXXX.jp>”, “User2_Administrative authority transferred person 1<User2@XXXX.jp>”, and “User3_Administrative authority transferred person 2<User3@XXXX.jp>” are displayed. “Completion notification of authentication print” is displayed in “Title:” indicating the subject of the second mail.

Further, the main text of the second mail includes “This mail is sent from Printer. The authentication print data with the administrative authority thereof transferred from User1 to User2 and User3 is completed, and the accumulated authentication print data is deleted Date: 2010/11/02 11:01:00 Apparatus: Printer (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX) Printing person: User3 Document: AuthDocument.text Printed sheet number: 50”.

As described above, in the second embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to transfer the administrative authority to a plurality of persons. Further, since the administrative authority is transferred to a plurality of persons, it is possible to specify the print data deletion method. More specifically, it is possible to select the method of deleting the print data when one of the specified persons performs the printing operation, or the method of deleting the print data when all of the specified persons perform the printing operation.

Accordingly, when the operator wants one of the specified persons to perform the printing operation, the operator selects the method of deleting the print data when one of the specified persons performs the printing operation. When the operator does not want for anyone to obtain the print data due to security or copyright consideration, but want the specified persons to obtain the printing result after authentication, the operator selects the method of deleting the print data when all of the specified persons perform the printing operation.

In the second embodiment, with the image forming apparatus10and the method of transferring the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A, it is possible to obtain the following effects. First, after the operation of the authentication print is performed on the computer100, it is possible to safely transfer the administrative authority of the authentication print data300A to a plurality of the specified users.

Second, when the administrative authority is transferred, it is possible to select the method of deleting the print data when one of the specified persons performs the printing operation, or the method of deleting the print data when all of the specified persons perform the printing operation. Accordingly, the operator is capable of selecting the deletion method according to a circumstance of the printing operation.

It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. The various modifications may include, for example, the following examples.

In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus10is configured such that it is possible to select the method of deleting the print data when one of the specified users performs the printing operation, or the method of deleting the print data when all of the specified users perform the printing operation. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus10may be configured such that it is possible to select a method of deleting the print data when a specific number of the specified users perform the printing operation, or the method of deleting the print data when all of the specified users perform the printing operation.

In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus10is configured such that the administrative authority the authentication print data300A is transferred from the print data creating person to the administrative authority transferred person. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the image forming apparatus10may be configured such that it is possible to select move or copy of the administrative authority when the administrative authority is transferred. When the copy of the administrative authority is selected, both the print data creating person to the administrative authority transferred person are capable of obtaining the printing result.

In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus10is configured such that the individual identification information is directly read from the RFID card. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the image forming apparatus10may be configured such that information corresponding to the individual identification information one on one such as an employee number or a membership number is read from the RFID card. Then, the information is converted to the individual identification information according to a database of the individual identification information, or a correlation chart of the individual identification information defined in advance.

In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus10is configured such that the RFID card is used for the authentication and the printing operation. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the image forming apparatus10may be configured such that other type of input device capable of being converted to the individual identification information is used. For example, an ID and a password may be input through the operation panel45for the authentication. Alternatively, a biometric authentication device such as a fingerprint authentication device, an iris authentication device, and a vein authentication device may be used for the authentication.

In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus10is configured such that the computer100transmits the authentication print data300A, and the image forming apparatus10stores the authentication print data300A. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the image forming apparatus10may be configured such that the authentication print data300A is stored in a print server, and the image forming apparatus10is capable of being connected to the print server through the network70, thereby constituting the system. Accordingly, it is not necessary to consider the installation location of the image forming apparatus10or the computer100when the administrative authority is transferred, thereby improving convenience. In this case, the authentication print data300A is encrypted, and the authentication print data300A thus encrypted is transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus10and the print server through the network70.

In the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus10is configured such that the web browser130displays the data received from the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10connected to the network70through the communication unit120. Further, the data input through the keyboard and the mouse (not shown) is transmitted to the web server unit51of the image forming apparatus10. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the external operation unit may be any operation unit capable of operating the image forming apparatus10through the network70. For example, the external operation unit may include a special application or a special terminal capable of remotely controlling the image forming apparatus10.

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-094382, filed on Apr. 20, 2011, is incorporated in the application by reference.