JP2005266977A - Printer server device, client device, print management method, program making computer execute the method, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system allowing management of print history information in each participant in a conference, and printing one copy of material of the conference in each the participant then and there when the participant arrives at a conference room. <P>SOLUTION: When the participant in the conference carries an RFID tag 1010 and is present inside the conference room, an RFID reader 1020 reads information of the RFID tag 1010 in a non-contact state. A printer server 1030 receives the read identification information about the RFID tag 1010, decides whether one is the participant or not, and decides whether a print request is made to the participant or not. It is decided whether printing is already performed or not from a print history, print data are acquired when the printing is not performed, and the print data are transmitted to a printer 1050. According as the print request is made, the print history is stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer server device and a client for transmitting a print instruction which is an image information output instruction to an image forming apparatus which outputs an image based on the user identification information without contact with a portable information storage medium. The present invention relates to an image forming system including an apparatus, a print management method, a program, and a printer server apparatus having a print management function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a computer (hereinafter referred to as “printer server device”) that shares a printer connected to the computer itself with other computers on a network and makes it available from the outside is generally known. The printer server device receives a print instruction issued from another computer by a user and sequentially prints using a printer managed by the user.

  In such an image forming apparatus connected to the printer server apparatus, when a user switches between a plurality of image forming apparatuses, it is necessary to designate a specific image forming apparatus. In order to solve such a problem, the following are generally known as techniques for allowing a user to easily designate a specific image forming apparatus and print image information. The document that the user wants to print and the identification information of the user are registered in the server database in advance. When a user wants to print a document on a specific image forming apparatus, a user carrying a wireless device having a transmitting / receiving antenna approaches the image forming apparatus having the transmitting / receiving antenna. As a result, the image forming apparatus obtains the identification information of the user from the wireless device, and transmits the identification information to the server, so that the server sends the print data to the document registered in advance in the server. Is transmitted to the received image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus prints the transmitted document (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-150358 A

  However, since such a conventional technique prints a document for each user, when printing materials for the number of participants in a meeting or the like, identification information and print data for the number of participants are stored in the server. Must be registered on the hard disk. In addition, it is necessary for the document creator to copy the documents for the number of participants in advance. In such a case, the number of participants increases or decreases, resulting in excess or deficiency in the materials. In addition, when the material includes confidential matters, problems such as leakage of confidential matters occur if the extra copied material is not properly managed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and manages print history information for each participant of a conference, and when a participant arrives at a conference room, a part of the conference material for each participant at that location. Printer server device, client device, print management method, program for executing the method on a computer, and image forming system capable of easily managing print data and preventing leakage of confidential information by printing The purpose is to obtain.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is the user identification information acquired in a non-contact manner with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user. In the printer server device that transmits a print instruction that is an image information output instruction to an image forming apparatus that outputs image information, the user identification information of the user who has issued the print instruction, A history storage unit that stores print history information that is recorded in association with print information indicating that a print instruction has been issued, and the user identification information of the user who has issued the print instruction are already included in the print history information. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the print instruction is determined. And the user identification information corresponding, characterized by comprising a printing history management means for recording the print history information in association with the print information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printer server device according to the first aspect, the user identification information is recorded in association with the document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information. Request storage means for storing print request information, and whether or not a print request is made by searching whether or not the user identification information and the document information of the user who issued the print instruction are recorded. A print request management unit for determining, and when the print history management unit determines that the print request is made for the user identification information, the print request management unit It is determined whether or not the user identification information has already been recorded in the print history information, and only when the user identification information has not been recorded in the print history information. Transmitting the print instruction to the image forming apparatus, and said user identification information corresponding to the printing instruction, and recording the print history information in association with the print information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printer server device according to the second aspect, the management storage unit storing the user identification information and the portable information storage medium acquired from the portable information storage medium are provided. A user detecting unit that determines whether the identification information to be identified is the user identification information, and the print request management unit further determines that the identification information is the user identification information. Determining whether or not a print request is made by searching whether or not the user identification information and the document information of the user who issued the print instruction are recorded, Further, when it is determined that the print request is made with respect to the user identification information, the user identification information of the user who issued the print instruction is included in the print history information. It is determined whether or not it is recorded, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the print instruction is supported The user identification information to be recorded and the print information are associated with each other and recorded in the print history information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer server device according to the third aspect, the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and image information of the document The condition storage means for storing the printing condition information recorded in association with the printing condition that is the output condition of the output condition, the printing condition information corresponding to the user identification information or the group information is retrieved, and the retrieved printing Print data shaping means for shaping and transmitting the image information of the document based on the condition information is further provided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printer server device according to the third aspect, the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and image information of the document And additional storage means for storing additional print information that is recorded in association with additional information that is information to be added to the user, and the print additional information corresponding to the user identification information or the group information is retrieved, and the retrieved Print data shaping means for shaping and transmitting the image information of the document based on the print additional information is further provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printer server device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the user identification information is associated with the user's email address of the user identification information. An address storage means for storing the mail address information to be recorded, and a non-participant mail transmission for transmitting the mail with the document attached to the electronic mail address corresponding to the user identification information for which the print instruction has not been made And a means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided image formation for outputting image information based on the user identification information acquired in a non-contact manner with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user. In a printer server device that transmits a print instruction that is an image information output instruction to the device, a management storage unit that stores the user identification information, and the portable information storage medium acquired from the portable information storage medium. User detection means for determining whether or not the identification information to be identified is the user identification information, the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction, and print information indicating that the print instruction has been given; And history storage means for storing print history information that is recorded in association with each other, and when the identification information is determined to be the user identification information, the user who has issued the print instruction further It is determined whether or not the user identification information is already recorded in the print history information, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is sent to the image forming apparatus. Print history management means for associating and recording the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction and the print information in the print history information, the user identification information, and the user In place of performing the print instruction to the print forming apparatus, the address storage means for storing the mail address information that is recorded in association with the electronic mail address of the user of the identification information. The present invention is characterized by comprising a mail sending means for all members to send a mail with a document attached.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the client device, the print request information for storing the user identification information for identifying the user in association with the document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information in association with each other. A print request input means for inputting and transmitting to a server apparatus on the network is provided.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the client device of the eighth aspect, the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group, and an output condition of the image information of the document The printing apparatus further includes printing condition input means for inputting printing condition information recorded in association with the printing conditions and transmitting the printing condition information to a server apparatus on the network.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the client device of the eighth aspect, the user identification information or the group identification information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and the image information of the document are added. Print additional information input means for inputting print additional information recorded in association with additional information as information and transmitting it to a server device on the network is further provided.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided image formation for outputting image information based on the user identification information acquired in a non-contact manner with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user. In the print management method for transmitting a print instruction, which is an instruction to output image information, to the apparatus, the user identification information of the user who issued the print instruction is the user identification of the user who issued the print instruction. It is determined whether or not the information is already recorded in the print history information that is recorded in association with the print information indicating that the print instruction has been issued, and the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information Only when the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction is associated with the print information and recorded in the print history information. Characterized by comprising a history management step.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a program for causing a computer to execute the print management method according to claim 11.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information reading device for acquiring a portable information storage medium carried by a user and user identification information for identifying the user recorded in the portable information storage medium in a non-contact manner. A printer server apparatus that transmits a print instruction that is an instruction to output image information to the image forming apparatus; an image forming apparatus that outputs image information based on the print instruction connected to the printer server via a network; In the image forming system including a client device that inputs information to be input in advance connected to the printer server via a network, the printer server device stores management identification means for storing user identification information for identifying a user And whether the identification information for identifying the portable information storage medium acquired from the portable information storage medium is the user identification information A request storage unit for storing print request information for recording the user identification information in association with the user identification information and the document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information; Print request management means for determining whether or not a print request is made by searching whether or not the user identification information and the document information of the user who issued the instruction are recorded; and performing the print instruction History storage means for storing print history information for recording the user identification information of the user who has been associated with the print information indicating that the print instruction has been performed, and the user of the user who has issued the print instruction It is determined whether or not user identification information is already recorded in the print history information, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the image forming apparatus A print history management unit that transmits the print instruction and records the print identification information in association with the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction and the print history information; A print request for inputting print request information for storing user identification information for identifying a user and document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information in association with each other, and transmitting the print request information to the printer server device An input means is provided.

  In the printer server device according to the present invention (Claim 1), the history storage means associates the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction with the print information indicating that the print instruction has been given. Print history information to be recorded, and the print history management means determines whether or not the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction has already been recorded in the print history information. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction, the print information, Are associated with each other and recorded in the print history information, print data can be easily managed, and leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

  In the printer server device according to the present invention (claim 2), the request storage unit records the user identification information and the document information that is the user's print target of the user identification information in association with each other. Whether or not a print request is made by storing print request information and searching whether or not the user identification information and the document information of the user who issued the print instruction are recorded by the print request management unit When the print history management means further determines that the print request is made for the user identification information, the print history management means stores the user identification information of the user who has issued the print instruction. Determining whether or not already recorded in the print history information and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information By transmitting the print instruction and recording the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction and the print information in association with the print history information, it is possible to easily manage print data, This has the effect of preventing leakage of confidential information.

  The printer server device according to the present invention (Claim 3) stores the user identification information by a management storage means, and the portable information storage acquired from the portable information storage medium by a user detection means. It is determined whether or not the identification information for identifying the medium is the user identification information, and the print request management unit performs the print instruction when it is further determined that the identification information is the user identification information. It is determined whether or not a print request is made by searching whether or not the user identification information and the document information of the user are recorded, and the print history management means further includes the user identification information If it is determined that the print request is made for the user, the user identification information of the user who issued the print instruction is already recorded in the print history information. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction is transmitted. And recording the print information in association with the print information, it is possible to easily manage print data and to prevent leakage of confidential information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer server device, wherein the user storage information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and image information of the document by the condition storage unit. The printing condition information recorded in association with the printing condition that is the output condition is stored, the printing data shaping unit searches the printing condition information corresponding to the user identification information or the group information, and By shaping and transmitting the image information of the document based on the printing condition information, print data can be easily managed, and the leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer server device comprising: the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group by the additional storage unit; and image information of the document. Print additional information that is recorded in association with additional information that is information to be added to the user, and the print additional information corresponding to the user identification information or the group information is retrieved by a print data shaping unit. In addition, by shaping and transmitting the image information of the document based on the print additional information, it is possible to easily manage print data and to prevent leakage of confidential information.

  In the printer server device according to the present invention (claim 6), the address storage unit associates and records the user identification information and the user's email address of the user identification information. The non-participant email transmission means manages the print data by sending an email with the document attached to the email address corresponding to the user identification information for which the print instruction has not been issued. It is easy to perform and has the effect of preventing leakage of confidential information.

  The printer server device according to the present invention (invention 7) stores the user identification information by a management storage means, and the portable information storage acquired from the portable information storage medium by a user detection means. It is determined whether or not the identification information for identifying the medium is the user identification information, and the history storage means prints the user identification information of the user who has given the printing instruction and the fact that the printing instruction has been made. Print history information to be recorded in association with the information, and when the print history management means determines that the identification information is the user identification information, the user who has further issued the print instruction It is determined whether or not user identification information is already recorded in the print history information, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the image forming apparatus The print instruction is transmitted, and the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction is associated with the print information and recorded in the print history information, and the user identification information is recorded by the address storage means. And mail address information to be recorded in association with the user's e-mail address of the user identification information, and instead of giving the print instruction to the print forming apparatus by all mail sending means, By sending an e-mail with the document attached to an e-mail address, print data can be easily managed and the leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

  In the client device according to the present invention (claim 8), the print request input means associates the user identification information for identifying the user with the document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information. By inputting the print request information to be stored and transmitting it to the server device on the network, it is possible to easily manage the print data and to prevent the leakage of confidential information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention (claim 9), the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group by the printing condition input unit, and image information of the document are provided. The print condition information recorded in association with the print condition that is the output condition of the print data is input and transmitted to the server device on the network, so that the print data can be easily managed and the leakage of confidential information is prevented. There is an effect.

  According to another aspect of the present invention (claim 10), the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group by a print additional information input unit, and an image of the document are provided. Print additional information that is recorded in association with additional information, which is information added to information, is sent to a server device on the network, making it easy to manage print data and preventing leakage of confidential information The effect of doing.

  In the print history management method according to the present invention (claim 11), in the print history management step, the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction is the use of the user who has given the print instruction. It is determined whether or not the user identification information and the print information indicating that the print instruction has been issued are recorded in association with each other, and the user identification information is recorded in the print history information. The print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus only when the user identification information is not printed, and the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction is associated with the print information and recorded in the print history information. As a result, it is possible to easily manage print data and to prevent leakage of confidential information.

  A print history management program according to the present invention (Claim 12) allows a computer to execute the print management method according to Claim 11 to easily manage print data and to leak confidential information. It has the effect of preventing.

  In the image forming system according to the present invention (Claim 13), the printer server device stores user identification information for identifying a user by a management storage unit, and the portable information storage unit by a user detection unit. It is determined whether or not the identification information for identifying the portable information storage medium acquired from the medium is the user identification information, and the user identification information and the user printing of the user identification information are printed by the request storage means Whether print request information to be recorded in association with the target document information is stored, and whether the user identification information and the document information of the user who issued the print instruction are recorded by the print request management unit Whether or not a print request has been made by searching for the user identification information of the user who made the print instruction and Print history information recorded in association with print information indicating that a print instruction has been issued is stored, and the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction by the print history management means is the print history information. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the print instruction The user identification information corresponding to the print information and the print information are recorded in the print history information in association with each other, and the client device uses the print request input means to identify the user identification information and the user Management of print data is facilitated by inputting print request information stored in association with document information to be printed by the user of the identification information and transmitting it to the printer server device. Together obtain an effect of preventing leakage of confidential information.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming system according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an RFID tag 1010, an RFID reader 1020, a printer server 1030, a client terminal 1040, and a printer 1050.

  Here, the RFID tag and the RFID reader are elements constituting the RFID technology. RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology identifies information recorded on a tag by a tag (RFID tag) that has electronic information inside it communicates with a reader (RFID reader) by radio waves. It is a device.

  The RFID tag 1010 holds an ID unique to the tag. The RFID tag 1010 includes an IC chip and an antenna, and is an active tag that can control a communication distance of several meters without contact. The user carries the RFID tag 1010 for each user. The active method is an RFID tag with a battery, and communication of several tens of meters is possible. Here, the RFID tag 1010 constitutes a portable information recording medium according to the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, information held by the RFID tag is referred to as ID (which constitutes identification information of a portable information recording medium referred to in the present invention), and a user ID described later (user identification referred to in the present invention). Information). The RFID tag may be attached to other than the user (for example, a device such as a notebook personal computer or a printer), and therefore, the ID and the user ID are defined separately.

  The RFID reader 1020 recognizes an RFID tag 1010 existing within a communication distance and reads information from the RFID tag 1010 in a non-contact manner. By setting the communication distance of the RFID reader in the conference room, the RFID reader can read the information of each RFID tag 1010 in a non-contact manner from the RFID tag 1010 carried by the user who has entered the conference room.

  The RFID reader 1020 uses an anti-collision function. The anti-collision function refers to a function of identifying information held by a plurality of RFID tags at a time without collision of information. That is, even when a plurality of RFID tags 1010 are present in the vicinity of the RFID reader 1020 at the same time, information held by the RFID tags 1010 can be simultaneously read. Therefore, even if a plurality of participants arrive at the conference room at the same time, information on the RFID tags 1010 of the participants can be read. Here, the RFID reader 1020 constitutes an information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

  The printer server 1030 is a printer server apparatus that transmits a print instruction that is an instruction to output image information to the image forming apparatus. The printer server 1030 is connected to an RFID reader 1020, a client terminal 1040, and a printer 1050, and includes an ID detection unit 1031, a print management unit 1032, and a print data shaping unit 1033.

  The ID detection unit 1031 receives the ID of the RFID tag 1010 read by the RFID reader 1020, and searches whether the ID of the RFID tag 1010 is a registered user ID. Thus, it is determined whether the RFID tag owner is a user.

  The print management unit 1032 includes a print request management unit 10321 and a print history management unit 10322. The print request management unit 10321 determines whether a print request is made for the user ID determined to be a user. The print history management unit 10322 searches the print history information to determine whether printing has already been performed for the user ID. Furthermore, when a document is printed for a user ID, the user ID and print information are associated with each other and stored as a print history.

  The print data shaping unit 1033 acquires print data of a document to be printed and transmits the print data to the printer 1050.

  Here, the printer server 1030 is a printer server apparatus according to the present invention, the ID detection unit 1031 is a user detection unit according to the present invention, the print request management unit 10321 is a print request management unit according to the present invention, and the print history management unit 10322 is Each of the print history management means referred to in the present invention is configured.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user ID database 600. The user ID database 600 records a user ID and user information (name, job title, etc.) in association with each other. Note that if the user ID database 600 records only the user ID, the process of the ID detection unit can be realized. The user ID registered in the user ID database 600 is a user who can be a participant in the conference. By searching the user ID database 600, the ID can be identified as a user ID and an ID other than the user. Here, the user ID database 600 constitutes the user identification information referred to in the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the print request database 700. The print request database 700 records user IDs and document names that are participants of the conference in association with each other. Here, the print request database 700 constitutes print request information referred to in the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the print history database 800. The print history database 800 records the user ID on which the document is printed and the print date and time in association with each other. Here, the print history database 800 constitutes print history information in the present invention. The printing date and time constitutes printing information as used in the present invention. The print data means any data that can be output by the image forming apparatus, such as document data, table data, and image data.

  The client terminal 1040 is connected to the printer server device directly or via a network, and includes a print information registration unit 1041. The print information registration unit 1041 requests a specific user to print a document by inputting a user ID for printing the document and document information to be printed. Here, the client terminal 1040 constitutes a client device referred to in the present invention, and the print information registration unit 1041 constitutes a print request input means referred to in the present invention. Note that the client terminal 1040 can be configured as one of the functions of the printer server 1030.

  In this manner, a document print request can be input from a client terminal to a conference participant before the conference. In addition, the document creator can input a print request from anywhere on the network before the conference.

  The printer 1050 is connected to the printer server 1030 and prints a document in accordance with a print instruction sent from the printer server 1030. Here, the printer 1050 constitutes an image forming apparatus referred to in the present invention.

  Next, processing performed by the printer server 1030 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the printer server 1030.

  The ID detection unit 1031 receives the ID from the RFID reader 1020, and determines whether or not the RFID reader 1020 has detected the ID (step S1001). If the RFID reader 1020 does not detect the ID (step S1001: No), the process ends. When the RFID reader 1020 detects the ID (step S1001: Yes), it is searched whether or not the detected ID matches the user ID registered in the user ID database 600 (step S1002). . Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the ID is a user ID registered in the user ID database 600 (step S1003). If the ID is not a user ID (step S1003: No), the process returns to the ID detection unit 1031 and determines whether the RFID reader has detected the ID (step S1001).

  In addition, the ID detection unit 1031 can operate only when a user ID is detected continuously for a certain period or longer so that the printing process is not executed for the owner of the RFID tag 1010 that has passed by chance. To do. Furthermore, the ID detection unit 1031 can end the detection of the ID after a certain period of time has elapsed, or can end the detection at the request of the operator.

  If the ID is a user ID (step S1003: Yes), the print request management unit 10321 determines whether a print request has been made, and the user whose user ID is registered in the print request database 700 is determined. It is searched whether or not it matches the ID (step S1004). At the same time, it is searched whether or not the document name is registered in association with the user ID (step S1004). It is determined whether a user ID is registered and a document name is registered in association with the user ID (step S1005). Here, if a document name is registered in the print request database 700 in association with a user ID and a user ID, it is determined that a print request has been made. On the other hand, if the user ID is not registered, or if the document name is not registered in association with the user ID, it is determined that no print request has been made.

  If no print request has been made (step S1005: No), no new print instruction is sent to the printer 1050. In this case, the process returns to the ID detection unit 1031 and further determines whether or not the RFID reader has detected an ID (step S1001).

  When a print request is made (step S1005: Yes), the print history management unit 10322 searches whether the user ID matches the user ID registered in the print history database 800 (step S1006). ). Here, if the user ID and the printing date / time are registered in the printing history database 800, it is determined that printing is being performed. In this case (step S1007: No), since printing has already been performed, a print instruction is not transmitted to the printer 1050. Returning to the ID detection unit 1031, it is determined whether or not the RFID reader has detected an ID (step S 1001).

  On the other hand, if the user ID and the print information are not registered in the print history database 800, it is determined that printing has not been performed. In this case (step S1007: Yes), since the document for the user ID is not printed, a print instruction is sent to the printer 1050.

  If printing has not been performed (step S1007: YES), the print data shaping unit 1033 acquires the print data of the document requested to be printed (step S1008). A print instruction and document print data are transmitted to the printer 1050.

  When the document is printed, the print history management unit 10322 writes the user ID and the print date / time of printing the document in the print history database 800 (step S1009).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printer server apparatus according to the first embodiment. The printer server device has, as a hardware configuration, an ID detection program for executing ID detection processing, print request management processing, print history management processing, and print data shaping processing in the printer server device, print request management program, print history management program, printing A ROM 6052 that stores a data shaping program, a CPU 6051 that causes each part of the printer server apparatus to execute an ID detection process, a print request management process, a print history management process, and a print data shaping process according to the program in the ROM 6052, and a work area are formed. A RAM 6053 for storing various data necessary for controlling the printer server device, a communication I / F 6057 for communicating by connecting to a network, and a bus 6062 for connecting the respective units are provided.

  The above-described ID detection program, print request management program, print history management program, and print data shaping program in the printer server apparatus are files in an installable format or an executable format, such as CD-ROM, floppy (R) disk ( FD), DVD, etc. may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  In this case, the ID detection program, the print request management program, the print history management program, and the print data shaping program are loaded onto the main storage device by being read from the recording medium and executed by the printer server device, and the software configuration Each unit described in (1) is generated on the main storage device.

  Also, the ID detection program, print request management program, print history management program, and print data shaping program of the present embodiment are provided by storing them on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloading them via the network. You may comprise as follows. As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiment, but various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment.

  In this way, in this embodiment, if the person who entered the conference room is a participant in the conference, a part of the conference material is printed for each participant, and the participant can use the conference material without excess or deficiency. Available. In addition, since only the materials of the participants who actually participated in the conference are printed, there is no other material containing confidential information, and confidential management can be performed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an RFID tag 1010, an RFID reader 1020, a printer server 2030, a client terminal 2040, and a printer 1050. Here, components having the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform processing. Details of the contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The printer server 2030 is connected to the RFID reader 1020, the client terminal 2040, and the printer 1050, and includes an ID detection unit 1031, a print management unit 1032, and a print data shaping unit 2033. Further, the print management unit 1032 includes a print request management unit 10321 and a print history management unit 10322. Here, components having the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform processing. Details of the contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The print data shaping unit 2033 acquires the print data of the document to be printed when printing is not performed, and processes the print data according to the print conditions set for each user ID or for each group name. Then, the processed print data is transmitted to the printer 1050. Here, the print data shaping unit 2033 constitutes print data shaping means in the present invention.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of an example of the data configuration of the printing condition database 900 (for each user ID). The printing condition database 900 records printing conditions such as user ID, single-sided / double-sided, and color / monochrome in association with each other.

  FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of an example of the data configuration of the printing condition database 900 (for each group name). The printing condition database 900 records a group name that classifies users and a printing condition in association with each other. An example of a group name that classifies users is a title. If printing conditions are set for each job title such as general manager or section manager, the quality of printing for each job can be controlled, and costs can be reduced. Here, the printing condition database 900 constitutes printing condition information referred to in the present invention.

  The client terminal 2040 is connected to the printer server device directly or via a network, and includes a print information registration unit 2041. The print information registration unit 2041 inputs a print request for a user ID or group name, and inputs print conditions for each user ID or group name. Here, the client terminal 2040 constitutes a client device referred to in the present invention, and the print information registration unit 2041 constitutes a print condition input means referred to in the present invention. Note that the client terminal 2040 can also be configured as one of the functions of the printer server 2030.

  Next, processing performed by the printer server 2030 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the printer server 2030.

  The processing from step S2001 to step S2007 is performed in the same manner as the processing in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

  The print data shaping unit 2033 acquires the print data of the document to be printed (step S2008). The printing conditions already set for each user ID or for each group name that classifies users are acquired from the printing condition database 900 (step S2009). The print data is processed according to the printing conditions (step S2010). A print instruction and document print data are sent to the printer 1050.

  When a print request is made to the printer 1050, the print history management unit 10322 writes the requested user ID and print date and time in the print history database 800 (step S2011).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, printing conditions can be set for each user or for each group name, so that there is an effect that a document suitable for the user's preference can be obtained. Also, if the printing conditions are set for each group such as job title, the printing conditions can be unified, resulting in an effect such as cost reduction.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system according to this embodiment includes an RFID tag 1010, an RFID reader 1020, a printer server 3030, a client terminal 3040, and a printer 1050. Here, components having the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform processing. Details of the contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The printer server 3030 is connected to the RFID reader 1020, the client terminal 3040, and the printer 1050, and includes an ID detection unit 1031, a print management unit 1032, and a print data shaping unit 3033. Further, the print management unit 1032 includes a print request management unit 10321 and a print history management unit 10322. Here, components having the same reference numerals as the components of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform the same processing.

  The print data shaping unit 3033 acquires the print data of the document to be printed when the document is not printed for the user ID, and according to the print additional information set for each user ID or each group name. Then, the print data is processed, and the processed print data is transmitted to the printer 1050. Here, the print data shaping unit 3033 constitutes the image information processing means referred to in the present invention.

  FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of an example of the data configuration of the additional information database 1000 (for each user ID). For example, the content includes information added when printing a cover ID, a name, a watermark and the like corresponding to the user ID and the user ID on a one-to-one basis.

  FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of an example of the data configuration of the additional information database 1000 (for each group name). For example, information to be added at the time of printing such as a group name (for example, title), a cover, a name, and a watermark is recorded in association with each other. Here, the additional information database 1000 constitutes the additional printing information referred to in the present invention.

  The client terminal 3040 is connected to the printer server device directly or via a network, and includes a print information registration unit 3041. The print information registration unit 3041 receives a print request for a user ID or group name, and also receives print additional information for each user ID or group name. Here, the client terminal 3040 constitutes a client device referred to in the present invention, and the print information registration unit 3041 constitutes print additional information input means referred to in the present invention. Note that the client terminal 3040 can also be configured as one of the functions of the printer server 3030.

  Next, processing performed by the printer server 3030 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the printer server 3030.

  The processing from step S3001 to step S3007 is the same as the processing of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

  The print data shaping unit 3033 acquires the print data of the document to be printed (step S3008). Print additional information already set for each user ID or group name is acquired from the additional information database 1000 (step S3009). The print data is processed according to the print additional information (step S3010). A print request and document print data are sent to the printer 1050.

  When a print request is made to the printer 1050, the print history management unit 10322 writes the requested user ID and print date and time in the print history database 800 (step S3011).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, print additional information can be set for each user or group, and a document to which various information is added can be obtained according to the security level for each user or group.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The system according to this embodiment includes an RFID tag 1010, an RFID reader 1020, a printer server 4030, and client terminals 4040 and 4060. Here, components having the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform processing. Details of the contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The printer server 4030 is connected to the client terminal 4060 via the RFID reader 1020, the client terminal 4040, and the network, and includes an ID detection unit 1031, a print management unit 1032, and a mail transmission unit 4034. Further, the print management unit 1032 includes a print request management unit 10321 and a print history management unit 10322. Here, components having the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform processing. Details of the contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The mail transmission unit 4034 retrieves the print request information and the print history information, and extracts the user ID that has not been printed although the print request has been made. Further, the electronic mail address corresponding to the user ID is searched. A mail is sent with the print data of a document that has not been printed attached to the e-mail address searched by the user. Here, the mail transmitting unit 4034 constitutes a non-participating mail transmitting means in the present invention.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the mail address database 1100. For example, a user ID and a mail address are recorded in association with each other. Here, the mail address database 1100 constitutes mail address information as used in the present invention.

  In the client terminal 4060, the user receives a document attached to the mail.

  The client terminal 4040 is connected to the printer server device directly or via a network, and includes a print information registration unit 4041. The print information registration unit 4041 receives a print request for a user ID or group name, and an e-mail address for each user ID. Note that the client terminal 4040 can also be configured as one of the functions of the printer server 4030.

  Next, processing performed by the printer server 4030 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the printer server 4030.

  The mail transmission unit 4034 searches the print request database 700 for the user ID and document name to be printed (step S4001). It is determined whether reading of the user ID registered in the print request database 700 has been completed (step S4002). If the user ID has been read (step S4002: No), it is searched whether the user ID is registered in the print history database 800 (step S4003). Thereby, it is determined whether or not a print request for the user ID has not been executed (step S4004). Here, the case where the printing is not performed is a case where the user ID or the user ID and the printing date / time are not registered in the print history database 800, and the case where the printing is performed. This is a case where the user ID and the printing date / time are registered in the printing history database 800.

  If printing has not been performed (step S4004: Yes), the e-mail address corresponding to the user ID is searched from the e-mail address database 1100 (step S4005). Further, the print data of the document to be printed is attached to the mail to the user and transmitted (step S4006).

  On the other hand, if printing is being performed (step S4004: No), no mail is transmitted to the user. Returning to step S4001, the print request database 700 is searched for the user ID and document name to be printed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the first to third embodiments, the person who was scheduled to participate in the meeting, but did not actually participate in the meeting, the meeting by e-mail after the meeting. The document can be sent, and the document can be surely distributed to those who plan to attend the meeting who did not receive the document at the meeting.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system according to this embodiment includes an RFID tag 1010, an RFID reader 1020, a printer server 5030, and client terminals 5040 and 5060. Here, the configuration with the same reference numerals as the configuration of the first embodiment has the same function as the configuration of the first embodiment and performs processing. Details of the contents are the same as described in the first embodiment.

  The RFID tag 1010 holds a tag-specific ID or information and is attached to a notebook personal computer possessed by a user.

  The RFID reader 1020 reads the ID of the RFID tag 1010 attached to the notebook personal computer without contact.

  The ID detection unit 1031 receives information on the client terminal wearing the RFID tag 1010 read by the RFID reader 1020, and determines whether the client terminal wearing the RFID tag is a user.

  The printer server 5030 is connected to the client terminal 5060 via the RFID reader 1020, the client terminal 5040, and the network, and includes an ID detection unit 1031, a print management unit 5032, and a mail transmission unit 5034. Here, components having the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same functions as the components of the first embodiment and perform processing. Details of the contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The print management unit 5032 includes a print history management unit 50322. The print history management unit 50322 determines whether or not an email has already been transmitted to the user from the print history information. Further, when an e-mail is sent, the user ID and the printing date are stored as a printing history.

  The mail transmitting unit 5034 searches the mail address information for the mail address corresponding to the client terminal when the mail is not transmitted. Further, the print data of the document to be transmitted is acquired, the print data is attached to the mail, and is transmitted to the mail address of the client terminal.

  Here, the printer server 5030 constitutes a printer server device according to the present invention, and the mail transmission unit 5034 constitutes a mail transmission means for all members according to the present invention.

  The client terminal 5040 is previously input with an e-mail address corresponding to the user ID. The client terminal 5060 receives a mail with a document attached.

  Next, processing performed by the mail server 5030 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the printer server 5030.

  The processing from step S5001 to step S5003 is the same as the processing from step S1001 to S1003 of the processing in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

  It is searched whether or not the user ID matches the user ID registered in the print history database (step S5004). Here, if the user ID and the mail transmission date / time are registered in the print history database 800, it is determined that the mail transmission is performed. In this case (step S5005: No), since mail transmission has already been performed, no mail is transmitted. Returning to the ID detection unit 1031, it is determined whether or not the RFID reader detects an ID (step S 5001).

  On the other hand, if the user ID and the mail transmission information are not registered in the print history database 800, it is determined that mail transmission is not performed. In this case (step S5005: Yes), no mail is transmitted to the user ID. If mail transmission has not been carried out (step S5005: Yes), an e-mail address corresponding to the user ID is searched from the mail address database 1100 (step S5006). Further, the print data of the document to be printed is attached to the mail to the user and transmitted (step S5007).

  When the mail transmission is performed, the print history management unit 50322 writes the user ID and the print date / time transmitted to the print history database 800 (step S5008).

  As described above, in this embodiment, if a client terminal (for example, a notebook personal computer) 5060 equipped with the RFID tag 1010 exists in the conference room without registering a mail transmission target in advance, mail is transmitted. You can share information with people on the spot without having to identify members. Further, in the first to third embodiments, the conference material is not printed and delivered to the conference participants, but can be delivered as electronic data attached to the mail, and paper can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is electronic data, subsequent processing becomes easy.

  By setting a shared file that can be referred to the client terminal 5060 existing in the conference room instead of mail transmission, it is possible to improve confidentiality.

  As described above, the image forming system according to the present invention is useful when printing a part of the same material to a plurality of users, and in particular, a meeting support system for printing a material in a meeting for each user. Suitable for use as.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the user ID database. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a print request database 700. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a print history database 800. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the printer server 1030. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printer server apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the printing condition database 900 (for every user ID). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the printing condition database 900 (for every group name). 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the printer server 2030. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the additional information database 1000 (for every user ID). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the additional information database 1000 (for every group name). 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the printer server 3030. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the mail address database 1100. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the printer server 4030. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the printer server 5030.

Explanation of symbols

1010 RFID tag 1020 RFID reader 1030, 2030, 3030, 4030, 5030 Printer server 1031 ID detection unit 1032, 5032 Print management unit 10321, 50321 Print request management unit 10322, 50322 Print history management unit 1033, 2033, 3033 Print data shaping unit 4034, 5034 Mail transmission unit 1040, 2040, 3040, 4040, 5040 Client terminal 1041, 2041, 3041, 4041, 5041 Print information registration unit 1050 Printer 4060, 5060 Client terminal 6051 CPU
6052 ROM
6053 RAM
6057 Communication I / F
6062 Bus 600 User ID database 700 Print request database 800 Print history database 900 Print condition database 1000 Additional information database 1100 Mail address database

Claims (13)

Based on the user identification information acquired in a non-contact manner with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user, an image information output instruction is issued to an image forming apparatus that outputs image information. In a printer server device that transmits a print instruction,
A history storage unit that stores print history information that records the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction in association with the print information indicating that the print instruction has been given;
It is determined whether or not the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction is already recorded in the print history information, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information A print history management unit that transmits the print instruction to the image forming apparatus and records the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction in association with the print information in the print history information; ,
A printer server device comprising: Request storage means for storing print request information for recording the user identification information in association with document information that is a print target of the user of the user identification information;
A print request management means for determining whether or not a print request is made by searching whether or not the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction and the document information are recorded;
Further comprising
When it is determined that the print request has been made for the user identification information, the print history management unit is configured to display the print history information as the user identification information of the user who has issued the print instruction. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the print instruction Recording the user identification information corresponding to the print history information in association with the print information,
The printer server device according to claim 1. Management storage means for storing the user identification information;
User detection means for determining whether or not the identification information for identifying the portable information storage medium acquired from the portable information storage medium is the user identification information;
Further comprising
The print request management means further determines whether the user identification information and the document information of the user who has issued the print instruction are recorded when the identification information is determined to be the user identification information. To determine whether a print request has been made,
When it is determined that the print request has been made for the user identification information, the print history management unit is configured to display the print history information as the user identification information of the user who has issued the print instruction. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the print instruction Recording the user identification information corresponding to the print history information in association with the print information,
The printer server device according to claim 2. Conditions for storing printing condition information in which the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and printing conditions that are output conditions of image information of the document are recorded in association with each other Storage means;
Print data shaping means for searching the printing condition information corresponding to the user identification information or the group information, shaping the image information of the document based on the searched printing condition information, and transmitting the information;
The printer server device according to claim 3, further comprising: Print additional information recorded by associating the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and additional information that is information added to image information of the document is stored. Additional storage means;
Print data shaping means for retrieving the print additional information corresponding to the user identification information or the group information, shaping the image information of the document based on the searched print additional information, and transmitting the information.
The printer server device according to claim 3, further comprising: Address storage means for storing e-mail address information for recording the user identification information and the user e-mail address of the user identification information in association with each other;
Non-participant email transmission means for sending an email with the document attached to an email address corresponding to the user identification information for which the print instruction has not been made,
The printer server device according to claim 3, further comprising: Based on the user identification information acquired in a non-contact manner with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user, an image information output instruction is issued to an image forming apparatus that outputs image information. In a printer server device that transmits a print instruction,
Management storage means for storing the user identification information;
User detection means for determining whether or not the identification information for identifying the portable information storage medium acquired from the portable information storage medium is the user identification information;
A history storage unit that stores print history information that records the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction in association with the print information indicating that the print instruction has been given;
When it is determined that the identification information is the user identification information, it is further determined whether or not the user identification information of the user who has issued the print instruction is already recorded in the print history information. Only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction, Print history management means for associating print information with each other and recording the print history information;
Address storage means for storing e-mail address information for recording the user identification information and the user e-mail address of the user identification information in association with each other;
Instead of giving the print instruction to the print forming apparatus, a mail sending means for all members to send an email with the document attached to the email address;
A printer server device comprising: Print request input for inputting user identification information for identifying a user and print request information for storing the document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information in association with each other, and transmitting the print request information to a server device on the network A client device comprising: means. Input the printing condition information in which the user identification information or the group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and the printing conditions that are output conditions of the image information of the document are associated with each other, 9. The client apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a printing condition input means for transmitting to a server apparatus on a network. Printing additional information in which the user identification information or group information obtained by classifying the user identification information into a predetermined group and additional information that is information added to the image information of the document in association with each other is input. 9. The client apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising print additional information input means for transmitting to a server apparatus on the network. Based on the user identification information acquired in a non-contact manner with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user, an image information output instruction is issued to an image forming apparatus that outputs image information. In a print management method for sending a print instruction,
Printing in which the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction is recorded in association with the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction and print information indicating that the print instruction has been given It is determined whether or not already recorded in the history information, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information, the print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and A print history management step for associating the user identification information corresponding to a print instruction with the print information and recording it in the print history information;
A print management method comprising:   A print management program for causing a computer to execute the print management method according to claim 11. A portable information storage medium carried by the user, an information reading device for acquiring user identification information for identifying the user recorded in the portable information storage medium in a non-contact manner, and image information for the image forming apparatus A printer server apparatus that transmits a print instruction that is an output instruction, an image forming apparatus that outputs image information based on the print instruction connected to the printer server via a network, and a printer server connected to the printer server via a network in advance In an image forming system including a client device that inputs information to be input to
The printer server device
Management storage means for storing user identification information for identifying a user;
User detection means for determining whether or not the identification information for identifying the portable information storage medium acquired from the portable information storage medium is the user identification information;
Request storage means for storing print request information for recording the user identification information in association with document information that is a print target of the user of the user identification information;
A print request management means for determining whether or not a print request is made by searching whether or not the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction and the document information are recorded;
A history storage unit that stores print history information that records the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction in association with the print information indicating that the print instruction has been given;
It is determined whether or not the user identification information of the user who has given the print instruction is already recorded in the print history information, and only when the user identification information is not recorded in the print history information A print history management unit that transmits the print instruction to the image forming apparatus and records the user identification information corresponding to the print instruction in association with the print information in the print history information; ,
The client device comprises
Print request input for inputting print request information for storing user identification information for identifying a user in association with document information to be printed by the user of the user identification information, and transmitting the print request information to the printer server device An image forming system comprising: means.

Images