JP2005096082A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus having both a security function and convenience. <P>SOLUTION: In the printing apparatus in which printing data obtained by reading an image or the printing data inputted through a network are recorded in a hard disk, and a printing of the image is performed based on the recorded data, when after the printing is finished (S105), scanning of another manuscript is started (S109), or a panel reset button is pushed for a short time (S111 and S113), the data recorded on the hard disk are made over-writable. On the other hand, when the panel reset button is pushed for a definite time or longer (S113) and a complete erasing is selected (S115), the data stored on the hard disk are completely erased (S117). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that stores read print data or input print data and prints the stored print data on a recording medium.

  In the field of printing devices such as MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), printers, facsimiles, etc., using a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk as a buffer, original image data obtained by scanning originals or input image data (these images) Since the data is image data used for printing, it is also known as “print data”). In such a printing apparatus, by storing data in a storage device, a copy of the original can be created with the same image quality as when the original was scanned without preparing an original original. it can.

  In recent years, interest in securing data security and protecting privacy has increased, and in printing apparatuses, there are cases where security is ensured by not storing any data including buffers. Regarding security assurance, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that can store print data in an apparatus, call data using a data number and a password, and delete the data. .

Further, in Patent Document 2 below, a printer device is disclosed in which confidentiality is maintained by deleting print data when a storage time has elapsed.
JP-A-9-244828 JP-A-10-226115

  However, if the apparatus is configured so that no data is stored in the printing apparatus as described above, when a setting change is performed during the operation (for example, a print setting change such as adding a print or stapling, 2 in 1), Each time it is necessary to scan the document again, there arises a problem that the convenience of the apparatus is impaired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus having both a security function and convenience.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads a document, a storage unit that stores print data obtained by the reading unit, and a printing that prints the print data on a recording medium. Means, an operating means for accepting an operation by the operator, a determining means for determining whether the operation of the operating means is a predetermined operation for erasing print data from the storage means, and a determining means for operating the operating means by a predetermined operation. Erasing means for erasing the print data from the storage means when it is determined that the print data is present.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus includes an input unit that inputs print data, a storage unit that stores the input print data, a print unit that prints the print data on a recording medium, and an operator. An operation unit that accepts an operation and an erasing unit that erases print data from the storage unit when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit.

  Specific examples of the input means for inputting print data include a scanner as a reading means, and a communication device such as a modem and a LAN card.

  Preferably, the predetermined operation is an operation for resetting the setting of the printing apparatus.

  Preferably, the predetermined operation is a long press of a reset button.

  Preferably, the predetermined operation is a predetermined operation different from the operation during normal use.

  Preferably, the erasing unit can perform a plurality of types of erasing processes, and selects one of the erasing processes.

  Preferably, the selection is performed based on a difference in operation method of the same operation member of the operation means.

  Preferably, the erasing unit performs an erasing process that makes it impossible to restore the print data.

  Preferably, the erasing unit erases the print data by overwriting data unrelated to the print data in an area where the print data is stored.

  Preferably, when new print data is input, the printing apparatus records it in an area on the storage unit where the print data was previously stored.

  Preferably, the operation means has an instruction means for instructing reprinting of the print data stored in the storage means.

  Specific examples of the instruction means include a printing device and an operation unit of a computer (for example, an input device such as a user panel of a printing device, a keyboard of a PC, a mouse).

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that a predetermined operation for erasing the print data from the storage means is performed in the operation means for accepting an operation by the operator, the print data is erased from the storage means. As a result, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus having both security functions and convenience.

  A printing system using a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  The printing system according to the present embodiment includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). Based on a specific operation by the user, it is determined whether or not the operation in the MFP is completed, and the operation is determined to be complete. The print data is held in the MFP only during the period.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide a printing system that can achieve both security functions and convenience.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the figure, this system includes MFP 100 (note that MFP 100 also functions as a Web server) and client PCs (personal computers) 300a and 300b connected to a network.

  Print data obtained by scanning a document set on the MFP 100, print data sent from the PCs 300a and 300b to the MFP 100 via the network, or print data sent from the outside to the MFP 100 via the public line are as follows. Once stored in a storage device such as a hard disk in MFP 100. Then, printing (printing) is performed in MFP 100 using the stored print data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, MFP 100 has a CPU 101 for controlling the entire apparatus, a modem 103 for connection to a general public line, a LAN card 105 for connection to the Internet or a LAN, and information necessary for a user. A display unit 107 for displaying the image, an input unit 109 configured with keys for inputting information necessary for the operation of the apparatus from the user, a hard disk 111 for storing print data, and a ROM 113 for storing programs. A RAM 115 for temporarily storing data, a scanner 117 for reading a document, an ADF 119 as an automatic document feeder, and a print engine 121 for printing image data.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one hardware configuration of the client PCs 300a and 300b in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, a client PC includes a CPU 301 that controls the entire apparatus, a display unit 303, a LAN card 305 for connecting to a LAN, an input unit 307 including a keyboard and a mouse, and a flexible disk. A drive 309, a CD-ROM drive 311, a hard disk 313, a ROM 315, and a RAM 317 are provided.

  Image data and programs recorded on the flexible disk (F1) can be read by the flexible disk drive 309, and image data and programs recorded on the CD-ROM (C1) by the CD-ROM drive 311. Can be read.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of MFP 100 in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, MFP 100 has, as its functional blocks, scanner 201 (reading unit, corresponding to scanner 117 in FIG. 2) and user panel 205 (operation unit, corresponding to input unit 109 in FIG. 2). , A hard disk 207 (which is a storage unit and corresponds to the hard disk 111 in FIG. 2), and a printing unit 203 (corresponding to the print engine 121 in FIG. 2).

  The hard disk 207 functions as a buffer that temporarily stores print data (scan data) read by the scanner 201 or print data (image data) input via a network or a public line.

  Even after the printing of the print data by the printing unit 203 is completed, if there is a print instruction from the user panel 205, the printing apparatus extracts the data from the hard disk 207 and sends it to the printing unit 203 to perform printing.

  The user panel 205 issues a scan instruction to the scanner 201, a print instruction to the printing unit 203, and a data deletion instruction to the hard disk 207 based on an operation performed by the user.

  If it is determined that the user has performed an operation for erasing data, the data in the hard disk 207 is erased at the instructed level (erase processing), and a standby is performed until an instruction for the next operation is received.

  The print data recorded on the hard disk 207 is basically stored only during the user's work, and is erased at the same time as the completion of the work (work completion) is detected. Thereby, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus having both security and convenience. That is, in the present embodiment, print data generated at the time of scanning or print data input via a network or public line is stored in the hard disk 207 until it is determined that the user's work is completed, and then erased. It is.

  The timing for determining that the work has been completed is the following (A) or (B).

  (A) At the time of reset operation of the user panel by the user, or at the time of auto reset that occurs when there is no operation on the printing apparatus for a certain period of time.

  (B) When there is a specific operation on the user panel, such as a long press of the reset button on the user panel by the user.

  In addition, when a predetermined operation different from the operation during normal use is performed on the user panel 205 or the like, it may be determined that the work is completed.

  The “user panel reset operation” is, for example, when a panel reset button provided on the user panel is pressed. Also, “at the time of auto reset” is when the user panel setting is automatically reset when there is no user panel operation for a certain period of time.

  Further, when the printing apparatus determines that the work is completed, data is erased from the hard disk, and the following two levels of erasure are assumed. That is, there are two levels, “simple erasure” and “complete erasure”. The former is performed at the timing (A) and the latter is performed at the timing (B).

(1) Simple erasure Simple erasure is to make it possible to overwrite the access setting to the area where the print data occupying the hard disk is stored, and to make it impossible to access the area from the user panel. This is executed when the above condition (A) determined as the completion of work is satisfied.

  That is, in simple erasing, the work area of the hard disk in which the print data is written is released. As a result, new data can be overwritten on the place where the print data is stored. Also, since the work area is released, the print data cannot be accessed in a normal operation. This erasure is not complete erasure, but has the advantage that the time required for erasure is very short.

(2) Complete erasure Complete erasure is data that is not related to printing in the area where print data is stored in the hard disk (for example, “0” only, repetition of “0” to “9”). And the access setting to the area can be overwritten by other data. This is executed when the condition (B) that is determined to be the completion of work is satisfied.

  By overwriting data unrelated to printing in the area in the hard disk where print data is stored, the print data cannot be restored. In complete erasure, the time required for erasure is longer than the time required for simple erasure, but if complete erasure is selected, for example, even if the printing device is destroyed and the hard disk is taken out, only irrelevant data can be retrieved. There are benefits.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is obtained by scanning or input only for a period until a specific operation by the user at the time of completion of work (and a specific period until the user panel is reset). By saving the printed data, the convenience of data reuse can be maintained. Further, when another user uses the printing apparatus, the past data is already deleted and cannot be accessed, so that security can be ensured at the same time.

  Limitedly stored print data can be reprinted by a reprint instruction based on the operation of the operation unit.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed in MFP 100 in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, a document scan using scanner 117 (or image data input using LAN card 105 or modem 103) is performed in step S101.

  In step S103, scan data (or input image data) is stored in a buffer area provided on the hard disk 111. MFP 100 extracts data from the buffer area and prints using print engine 121.

  After printing is completed in step S105, if there is a print request from the user panel included in the input unit 109 in step S107, printing is performed again using data in the buffer area.

  In step S109, it is determined whether scanning of another document is started. If YES, in step S121, only the management information of the data stored on the hard disk 111 is changed, and the area where the data exists is overwritten with another data. After setting to a possible state, the process returns to step S103.

  If “NO” in the step S109, it is determined whether or not a panel reset button included in the input unit 109 is pressed in a step S111. If YES, it is determined in step S113 whether or not the panel reset button has been pressed for a predetermined time.

  If “YES” in the step S113, a screen as to whether or not the print data is completely erased is displayed in a step S115, and it is determined whether or not the complete erase is selected. If NO, the process returns to step S111. If YES, the data stored in the buffer area on the hard disk 111 is overwritten with, for example, “0” in step S117, and the area in which data exists can be overwritten with another data. Set. In step S119, the next scan is awaited.

  If NO in step S111, it is determined in step S123 whether or not there is an input on the user panel included in the input unit 109 for a certain period of time.

  If “YES” in the step S123, the user panel setting is reset in a step S125, and only the management information of the data stored in the buffer area on the hard disk 111 is changed in a step S127, and the area having the data is separated. Set to allow overwriting by data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S119.

  If NO in step S123, the process returns to step S107.

  If NO in step S113, the process from step S125 is performed.

  The process in step S117 corresponds to the above-described “complete erasure”, and the process in step S121 or S127 corresponds to “simple erasure”.

  Here, when the panel reset button is pressed for a predetermined time or more in step S113, a screen as to whether or not to completely erase the print data is displayed in step S115, and it is determined whether or not complete erasure is selected. However, the process in step S115 may be omitted, and if YES in step S113, the data may be immediately erased in step S117.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the screen displayed on the display unit 107 in step S115 of FIG.

  Referring to the figure, when the panel reset button is pressed for a predetermined time or more, a selection screen as to whether or not to completely erase is displayed on the screen. The user can select whether to completely erase the data by selecting one of them.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the screen displayed on the display unit 107 in step S125 of FIG.

  If the panel reset button is pressed but the pressed time is short, or if the panel is automatically reset without any fixed time, the data is simply deleted without confirmation from the user. As shown in FIG. 7, the fact that the data has been erased is displayed on the normal screen for a certain period of time.

  In FIG. 7, (A) is a display unit for notifying the status of the device, and (B) is a display unit for displaying the setting of the device.

  As described above, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is limited to a period of time until a specific operation by the user at the time of completion of work (and a predetermined time such as until a panel reset). Etc., the convenience of data reuse can be maintained. Further, when another user uses the printing apparatus, the past data is already deleted and cannot be accessed, so that security can be ensured at the same time.

  In the above embodiment, the print data is stored in the hard disk. However, the print data is not limited to such a magnetic medium, and the print data may be stored in a semiconductor memory (RAM, flash memory, etc.). .

  In step S109 in FIG. 5, “YES” is selected when scanning of another document is started. In addition to this, even when image data is input to the MFP via the network 100. It may be determined as YES, and already recorded print data may be deleted.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing of the flowchart in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, and the like. You may decide to provide it. Further, the program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  Further, the printing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to a system connected to a network or a system not connected to a network environment. That is, the present invention can also be implemented in a copier or the like that uses only a scanner as the input source of print data.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the print data is erased based on the operation of the reset button of the MFP, but instead, it is recorded on the hard disk of the MFP based on the operation from an external personal computer or the like. The printed data may be deleted. That is, after print data is transmitted from the personal computer to the MFP, a selection screen of “complete erasure”, “simple erasure”, or “not erasure” is displayed on the screen of the personal computer to prompt the user to make a selection. . Data based on the selection is sent from the personal computer to the MFP. When “complete erasure” is selected, after printing the print data (step S105 in FIG. 5), it is determined that all of steps S111 to S115 in FIG. 5 are YES, and the process of step S117 is performed. When “simple erasure” is selected, it is assumed that after printing the print data (step S105 in FIG. 5), YES is determined in step S111 in FIG. 5 and NO is determined in step S113. It is. When “Do not erase” is selected, the print data is stored on the hard disk until a special user gives an instruction.

  As described above, the personal computer may select simple erasure or complete erasure, send a signal to the MFP, and based on that, the MFP may select either simple erasure or complete erasure to erase data. .

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to perform “simple erasure”, the head address where the print data is recorded is always fixed, and the original data is always overwritten every time the print data is input. The device may be configured in such a way that the start address of the data for which “Easy erasure” is selected is recorded in the list, and an arbitrary selection is made from the list, and the device is configured to overwrite the data. May be.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows one hardware constitutions of PC300a, 300b of FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of MFP 100 shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by MFP 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a selection screen for determining whether or not to completely erase print data. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a print data deletion screen.

Explanation of symbols

  100 MFP, 103 modem, 105 LAN card, 107 display unit, 109 input unit, 111 hard disk, 117 scanner, 121 print engine, 201 scanner (reading unit), 203 printing unit, 205 user panel (operation unit), 207 hard disk ( Storage unit), 300a, 300b personal computer.

Claims (11)

Reading means for reading a document;
Storage means for storing print data obtained by the reading means;
Printing means for printing the print data on a recording medium;
An operation means for receiving an operation by an operator;
A determination unit that determines whether the operation of the operation unit is a predetermined operation of deleting the print data from the storage unit;
A printing apparatus comprising: an erasing unit that erases the print data from the storage unit when the determination unit determines that the operation of the operation unit is the predetermined operation. An input means for inputting print data;
Storage means for storing the input print data;
Printing means for printing the print data on a recording medium;
An operation means for receiving an operation by an operator;
A printing apparatus comprising: an erasing unit that erases the print data from the storage unit when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for resetting a setting of the printing apparatus.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is a long press of a reset button.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is a predetermined operation different from an operation during normal use.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit is capable of performing a plurality of types of erasing processes, and selects any one of the erasing processes.   The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the selection is performed based on a difference in operation method of the same operation member of the operation unit.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit performs an erasing process that makes it impossible to restore the print data.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit erases the print data by overwriting data unrelated to the print data in an area where the print data is stored.   The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when new print data is input, the new print data is recorded in an area on the storage unit in which print data was previously stored.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes an instruction unit that instructs reprinting of print data stored in the storage unit.

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