JP2008257319A - Printing system, printing apparatus, authenticated printing execution method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system for allowing an authentication mechanism to be shared among a plurality of printers for printing in an easy operation. <P>SOLUTION: A computer PC generates and sends to a printer server SV print image data in response to a print preparation command specifying a printer model name as a print destination. The printer server SV stores the received print image data in a print data storage part 52 in association with a print user name and the specified model name. An authenticating printer PRT1 with an authentication mechanism, after authentication, requests the printer server SV to send data as well as data for a slave printer PRT2 with no authentication mechanism. When the data is received from the printer server SV, the print image data specifying the own model name is printed, and the print image data specifying the model name of the slave printer PRT2 is transferred to the slave printer PRT2, for printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method for performing printing via a network.

  In recent years, with the spread of network technology, various printing systems using networks have been developed. One such printing system is, for example, an authentication printing system using a network. In this authentication printing system, a user who has issued a print command on a client such as a personal computer moves to the installation location of a printer connected to the client via a network, and inputs authentication information to an authentication device attached to the printer. By doing so, printing is executed. Therefore, the user can print a highly confidential document without being seen by others. As such an authentication printing system, for example, the one of the following Patent Document 1 is known.

  In the authentication printing system as described above, in order to execute printing at a place where authentication has been performed, each printer is basically provided with an authentication device. This is the same even when a box document is printed by designating a print execution destination using a UI (user interface) as in Patent Document 2 below, for example.

JP 2004-118232 A JP 2004-102377 A

  In the conventional authentication printing system, since an authentication device is required for each printer, there arises a problem that it is against the request for simplification and resource saving of the entire system. Even when a plurality of printers are arranged together and viewed from the position of the printer that performs authentication, the authentication device is provided for each printer even when they are close enough to manage printing on other printers. Because. In particular, if the passwords and authentication methods set in the authentication device for each printer are different, the user must remember a large number of passwords and authentication procedures, which makes the use of authentication printing worse. The problem was also pointed out.

  An object of the present application is to solve the problem of a conventional authentication printing system in which an authentication device is required for each printer.

The printing system of the present invention that solves the above problems is as follows.
A printing system that performs printing via a network,
An information terminal device that designates one of a plurality of printing devices connected to the network as a print execution destination and transmits print data that can be printed by the printing device;
A first printing device comprising: a storage device for storing the printing data sent from the information terminal device via the network; and a printing engine capable of printing using the printing data;
A second printing device capable of receiving and printing the printing data from the first printing device;
An authentication device connected to the first printing device and authenticating a user who has instructed the printing;
When the user is authenticated by the authentication device, the first printing device stores the print stored in the storage device if the print execution destination is the second printing device. The gist of the invention is that it includes a print control device that transfers the data to the second printing device to perform printing.

  In the printing system configured as described above, the information terminal device transmits printing data in which one of a plurality of printing apparatuses is designated as a printing execution destination to the first printing apparatus. On the other hand, when authentication is performed by the authentication device, the first printing device executes printing of the received printing data if the first printing device is designated as a print execution destination, and the second printing device. Is specified, the received print data is transferred to the second printing apparatus to perform printing. Therefore, the user can perform authentication printing by using the authentication mechanism among a plurality of printing apparatuses with a simple operation of simply specifying the print execution destination.

  In the printing system having such a configuration, the information terminal device may transmit the printing data after authentication is performed by the authentication device. With such a configuration, even when there are a plurality of information terminal devices and a plurality of users perform printing at substantially the same timing, the capacity of the storage device of the first printing apparatus can be kept small.

  In the printing system configured as described above, the information terminal device transmits the printing data only when the printing apparatus designated as the print execution destination is in a printable state when authentication is performed by the authentication apparatus. It may be a thing. With such a configuration, printing data can be prevented from passing to a printing apparatus that is not in a printable state. Therefore, confidential data that reflects the status of the print execution destination, since print data that has been authenticated by the authentication device but could not be printed promptly will not be printed later and touch the eyes of others. Highly reliable authentication printing can be realized.

  In the printing system configured as described above, the first printing apparatus may notify the information terminal device of a print completion notification when printing is completed at the print execution destination. With this configuration, the information terminal device can know that printing of the transmitted print data has been completed. Therefore, the information terminal device can manage the completion of printing, and the same printing data is not printed many times even when the same user authenticates a plurality of times.

  In the printing system having such a configuration, the information terminal device may designate the print execution destination by designating attribute information corresponding to one of a plurality of printing apparatuses. With such a configuration, in an environment in which a plurality of printing apparatuses have different attributes, the user can easily specify the printing apparatus based on various attribute information such as the model of the printing apparatus and the corresponding paper type. . In the present application, the above-described attribute information refers to various types of information representing the characteristics of the printing apparatus, for example, model name, color / monochrome, and compatible printing paper.

  In the printing system configured as described above, the information terminal device is connected to the client terminal that receives designation of the print execution destination and the client terminal via the network, stores the print execution destination and the print data in association with each other, and transmits the data. It may be composed of a server. With such a configuration, the functions of the information terminal device can be distributed to the client terminal and the server, and the number of each component can be set individually, so that an efficient printing system can be constructed.

  In addition to the configuration as the printing system described above, the present invention can be configured as a printing apparatus, an authentication printing execution method, and a computer program.

Examples of the present invention will be described.
A. General configuration of the printing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an authentication printing system 1000 as an embodiment of the present invention. The authentication printing system 1000 is configured by connecting a computer PC, a printer server SV, and a plurality of printers PRT1, PRT2 to a local area network LAN.

A-1. Schematic configuration of computer PC:
The computer PC is a personal computer in which a predetermined program is installed. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the computer PC includes a CPU 10, a hard disk drive 20, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, an input / output interface 34, and a network interface 36, which are connected by a bus.

  The CPU 10 controls the computer PC by deploying firmware and OS stored in the ROM 31 and the hard disk drive 20 to the RAM 32 and executing them. Further, the CPU 10 functions as the print data generation unit 11 and the data communication control unit 12 by executing a program stored in the hard disk drive 20. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 20 stores the above-described OS, program, and data to be printed, as well as all printers (in this embodiment, printers PRT1 and PRT2) connected to the computer PC via the local area network LAN. A printer driver is stored. Of course, all printer drivers of printers that may be connected to the local area network LAN may be stored.

  The hard disk drive 20 stores a printer server SV connected to the local area network LAN and IP addresses of all printers. Communication between the computer PC and the printer server SV, which will be described later, is performed by specifying a communication partner using this IP address.

  The input / output interface 34 is an input / output interface with a peripheral device, and is a USB bus in this embodiment. An input mechanism 33 and a display 35 are connected to the input / output interface 34. The input mechanism 33 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (here, a mouse). The network interface 36 is an interface for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the computer PC is connected to the local area network LAN via the network interface 36.

A-2. General configuration of the printer server SV:
The printer server SV is a server computer in which a predetermined program is installed. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the printer server SV includes a CPU 40, a hard disk drive 50, a ROM 61, a RAM 62, and a network interface 66, which are connected by a bus.

  The CPU 40 controls the printer server SV by deploying firmware and OS stored in the ROM 61 and the hard disk drive 50 to the RAM 62 and executing them. Further, the CPU 40 functions as a print data storage control unit 41 and a print data transmission unit 42 by executing a program stored in the hard disk drive 50. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 50 stores the OS and programs described above, and a print data storage unit 52 that records print image data and information such as a print user name and a printer model in association with each other. Details of the print data storage unit 52 will be described later with reference to FIG. The network interface 66 is an interface for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the printer server SV is connected to the local area network LAN via the network interface 66.

  The hard disk drive 50 stores the IP addresses of the computer PC and all printers connected to the local area network LAN. Communication between a printer server SV and a printer PRT1, which will be described later, is performed by specifying a communication partner using this IP address.

A-3. General configuration of printers PRT1 and PRT2:
The printers PRT1 and PRT2 are laser color printers of different models. In the present application, the printer PRT1 is referred to as “authentication printer PRT1” and the printer PRT2 is referred to as “subordinate printer PRT2” because of the relationship between these printers described later. First, the configuration of the authentication printer PRT1 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication printer PRT1 includes a CPU 70, a hard disk drive 80, a ROM 91, a RAM 92, a printing mechanism 93, an input / output interface 94, and a network interface 96, which are connected by a bus.

  The CPU 70 controls the authentication printer PRT1 by developing firmware and OS stored in the ROM 91 and the hard disk drive 80 in the RAM 92 and executing them. In addition, the CPU 70 executes a program stored in the hard disk drive 80, whereby a user authentication unit 71, a print data request unit 72, a status information acquisition unit 73, a print data reception unit 74, a print destination determination unit 75, and a print execution. Functions as a unit 76, a print data transfer unit 77, and a print completion notification unit 78. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The hard disk drive 80 stores the above-described program, and a storage area called an MIB storage unit 82 is secured. In the MIB storage unit 82, various types of information related to the printer PRT1, for example, the format, model, operation state, toner remaining amount, and the like are stored in the MIB (Management Information Base) format. The MIB is information on items that are preliminarily defined in the standard for the printer body and items that are uniquely defined by the manufacturer. Each of these items is an identification called an object ID (OID). Numbers are assigned and managed in a tree structure.

  Further, the hard disk drive 80 has a print data storage unit 84 as a storage area for storing print image data. Further, the hard disk drive 80 stores the IP addresses of the printer server SV and the subordinate printer PRT2 connected to the local area network LAN. Communication between an authentication printer PRT1, which will be described later, and the printer server SV or subordinate printer PRT2 is performed by specifying a communication partner using this IP address.

  The printing mechanism 93 is a laser type as described above, but may be various types instead of this. The input / output interface 94 is an input / output interface with a peripheral device, and is a USB bus in this embodiment. The authentication mechanism 100 is connected to the input / output interface 94. The authentication mechanism 100 is used by both the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2. In this embodiment, the authentication mechanism 100 is an IC card type. Of course, other authentication methods such as a magnetic card method, a password method, and a biometric method may be used. The network interface 96 is an interface for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the authentication printer PRT1 is connected to the local area network LAN via the network interface 96.

  Next, the subordinate printer PRT2 will be described. The subordinate printer PRT2 is a printer installed side by side with the authentication printer PRT1 in the vicinity of the authentication printer PRT1. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The subordinate printer PRT2 includes a CPU 110, a hard disk drive 120, a ROM 131, a RAM 132, a printing mechanism 133, and a network interface 136, which are connected by a bus. These components are configured such that the CPU 110 functions as the print execution unit 111 and the print completion notification unit 112 by executing a program stored in the hard disk drive 120, and the authentication mechanism is not connected. Since it is the same as that of the authentication printer PRT1, description thereof is omitted.

  The schematic configuration of the authentication printing system 1000 has been described above, but the above configuration is an example, and various configurations are conceivable. For example, the number of subordinate printers is not limited to one, and may be a plurality of printers of different models including the authentication printer. Of course, the number of computers and printer servers may be arbitrarily set according to the scale of the system. The computer PC and the printer server SV may be integrated. In this embodiment, the computer PC, the printer server SV, the authentication printer PRT1, and the subordinate printer PRT2 are connected via the local area network LAN. However, some or all of them use the Internet or Bluetooth. It may be connected by another network such as communication. Alternatively, a network may be constructed by partly connecting locally, for example, by connecting the subordinate printer PRT2 to the authentication printer PRT1 via USB.

B. Authentication printing procedure:
Next, the procedure of the authentication printing process using the authentication printing system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the outline of this process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the user operates the computer PC, designates the printer model of the print execution destination, and issues a print preparation instruction (step A). When there is a print preparation instruction, the computer PC generates print image data (step B) and transmits it to the printer server SV via the local area network LAN (step C). The printer server SV receives the print image data and stores it in the storage area (step D).

  On the other hand, after giving a print preparation instruction, the user moves to the installation location of the authentication printer PRT1 to which the authentication mechanism 100 is connected (step E), and issues a print execution instruction by performing authentication (step F). The authentication printer PRT1 that has received the print execution instruction transmits a print image data transmission request for the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 to the printer server SV (step G).

  On the other hand, when receiving the print image data transmission request from the authentication printer PRT1, the printer server SV transmits the print image data conforming to the request to the authentication printer PRT1 (step H).

  The authentication printer PRT1 that has received the print image data functions as a virtual printer PRTv including the subordinate printer PRT2, and executes printing of the received print image data (step I), and the printer server SV. Is notified of the completion of printing (step J).

  The printer server SV that has received the completion notification deletes the transmitted print image data (step K). In this way, the authentication printing process is completed. As described above, in the authentication printing process of this embodiment, the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 virtually function as one printer PRTv, so that the authentication mechanism 100 connected to the authentication printer PRT1 is connected to the authentication printer PRT1. This is a process for performing authentication printing also with the subordinate printer PRT2.

Next, details of the authentication printing process will be described with reference to FIGS.
B-1. Steps A to C:
In this authentication printing process, it is first necessary to register the IP address of the subordinate printer PRT2 in the authentication printer PRT1 as a preparatory work. When the user registers the IP address of the subordinate printer PRT2 in the authentication printer PRT1, the CPU 70 of the authentication printer PRT1 accesses the subordinate printer PRT2 based on the registered IP address and obtains model information from the MIB storage unit 122 of the subordinate printer PRT2. get. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the IP address of the subordinate printer PRT2 and the model name are registered in association with each other. Thus, the preparation for the authentication printing process is completed.

  When the preparation is completed and the user of the computer PC operates the input mechanism 33 to give a print preparation instruction for the print target data stored in the hard disk drive 20, the authentication printing process is started. This print preparation instruction is performed by designating the printer model of the print execution destination from among a group of printers connected to the local area network LAN (in this embodiment, the authentication printer PRT1 or the subordinate printer PRT2). Specify one of the following models). When there is a print preparation instruction, first, the CPU 10 of the computer PC accepts the instruction (step S200).

  When receiving the print preparation instruction, the CPU 10 generates print image data from the print target data using the printer driver stored in the hard disk drive 20 as processing of the print data generation unit 11 (step S210).

  When the print image data is generated, the CPU 10 assigns a print user name and a printer model name of the print execution destination to the generated print image data as processing of the data communication control unit 12 (step S220), and the print image. Data is transmitted to the printer server SV (step S230).

  In this embodiment, the print user name is a user name registered as a user of the computer PC. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modes are conceivable. For example, in step 200 described above, the user may input the print user name using the input mechanism 33 simultaneously with the print preparation instruction and accept it. Alternatively, when the computer PC has a user authentication function, the user name accepted by the user authentication may be used as the print user name. Instead of the print user name, other information such as a password that can identify the user may be used. Also, the print image data may be transmitted after being encrypted in consideration of security.

B-2. Step D:
On the other hand, in the printer server SV, the CPU 40 determines whether or not print image data has been received. If it has not been received (step S300: NO), the printer server SV stands by until it is received. If it is determined that it has been received (step S300: YES), the CPU 40 associates the received print image data with the print user name and the printer model name of the print execution destination as processing of the print data storage control unit 41, The data is stored in the print data storage unit 52 (step S310). FIG. 10 shows an example of the storage state. In this example, the print image data “Aaaa.dat” generated by the user UA specifying the model name (LP-1111) of the authentication printer PRT1 as the print execution destination is given the data ID “0001”, and the print user The name “user UA” and the model name “LP-1111” are stored in association with each other. Similarly, the print image data “Bbbb.dat” generated by the user UA specifying the model name (LP-2222) of the subordinate printer PRT2 has a data ID “0002”, a print user name “user UA”, and a model name. The print image data “Cccc.dat” generated by the print user UB specifying the model name of the authentication printer PRT1 in association with “LP-2222” has the data ID “0003” and the print user name “user UB”. ”And the model name“ LP-1111 ”.

B-3. Steps EG:
On the other hand, a user (in this case, user UA) who gives a print preparation instruction for print target data on the computer PC moves to the installation location of the authentication printer PRT1 and authenticates using the authentication mechanism 100 connected to the authentication printer PRT1. Enter information. In this embodiment, the authentication information is user attribute information stored in the IC card, but other information associated with the print user name, such as a user's fingerprint or password, is input. Also good. This authentication is authentication of whether or not there is a print execution authority in the authentication printer PRT1 or the subordinate printer PRT2, but at the same time, it has the meaning of a print execution instruction. When the authentication input is performed by the user, the CPU 70 of the printer PRT1 first receives the authentication input (step S400).

  When receiving the authentication input, the CPU 70 determines whether or not the authentication is successful as processing of the user authentication unit 71 (step S410). As a result, if the authentication fails (step S410: NO), the CPU 70 returns the process to step S400 and waits for an authentication input. On the other hand, if the authentication is successful (step S410: YES), the CPU 70 transmits a print image data transmission request to the printer server SV as a process of the print data request unit 72 (step S420). This print image data transmission request is a request for the print image data for the authentication printer PRT1 and the print image data for the subordinate printer PRT2. In this embodiment, the print user name, the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 are requested. Model name and status information. It should be noted that this print image data transmission request is preferably made by broadcast in order to reduce setting work when there are a plurality of printer servers SV.

  Note that the print user name included in the above-described print image data transmission request is the information received in step S400. The status information described above is information obtained by the CPU 70 of the authentication printer PRT1 accessing the MIB storage unit 82 and the MIB storage unit 122 of the subordinate printer PRT2 as processing of the status information acquisition unit 73. In this case, the information is whether the power is on, whether printing is in progress, and whether an error has occurred. Note that the content of the status information is not limited to the above example. Various information that can be used to determine whether or not the printer is ready for printing can be set such as the remaining amount of toner and the amount of accumulated jobs.

B-4. Step H:
On the other hand, in the printer server SV, after saving the print image data received in step S310, the CPU 40 determines whether or not a print image data transmission request is received from the authentication printer PRT1 (step S320). As a result, if not received (step S320: NO), it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if received (step S320: YES), the CPU 40 performs the processing of the print data transmission unit 42 as the print user name and model name (in this embodiment, the authentication printer PRT1) included in the received print image data transmission request. Print image data matching the model name of the subordinate printer PRT2) is retrieved from the print data storage unit 52, and the corresponding print image data is specified (step S330).

  For example, using the example of FIG. 10, the print user name “User UA”, the model name “LP-1111 (corresponding to the authentication printer PRT1)”, the print image data “Aaaa.dat”, and the print user The print image data “Bbbb.dat” having the name “user UA” and the model name “LP-2222 (corresponding to the subordinate printer PRT2)” is identified in step S330.

  In this embodiment, when specifying the print image data in step S330, the CPU 40 refers to the status information of the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 included in the print image data transmission request. If any of “Power OFF”, “Printing”, and “Error” is included, it is assumed that the printer corresponding to the information is not in a printable state, and the print image data corresponding to the printer is specified. It was decided to exclude it from the subject.

  When the print image data is specified, the CPU 40 performs processing of the print data transmission unit 42 so that the specified print image data, that is, the received print image data transmission request, the print user name and the model name are compatible, and printing is possible. The print image data corresponding to the printer in (1) is transmitted to the authentication printer PRT1 (step S340). Here, the print image data is transmitted together with the data ID and model name stored in the print data storage unit 52 in association with the print image data.

B-5. Steps I to J:
On the other hand, in the authentication printer PRT1, after the CPU 70 transmits the print image data transmission request in step S420, the print image data, data ID, and the print image data transmitted by the printer server SV in step S340 are processed as the print data reception unit 74. It is determined whether or not a model name has been received (step S430). As a result, if it is not received (step S430: NO), it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if received (step S430: YES), the CPU 70 saves the received print image data in the print data storage unit 84, and as a process of the print destination determination unit 75, the model name received together with the print image data is It is checked whether or not it matches the model name of the authentication printer PRT1 (step S440). Note that the storage destination of the above-described print image data is not limited to the print data storage unit 84, but may be another storage device such as the RAM 92.

  As a result, if the received model name matches the model name of the authentication printer PRT1 (step S440: YES), it is determined that the print execution destination designated by the user in step 200 is the authentication printer PRT1, and the CPU 70 performs printing. As the processing of the execution unit 76, the printing mechanism 93 is operated to print the received print image data (step S450). On the other hand, if the received model name does not match the model name of the authentication printer PRT1 (step S440: NO), the print execution destination designated by the user in step 200 is a printer other than the authentication printer PRT1. As processing of the print data transfer unit 77, the CPU 70 transfers the received print image data together with the data ID and the model name to a printer having the same model name (in this embodiment, the subordinate printer PRT2) (step S460).

  On the other hand, in the subordinate printer PRT2, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the print image data transferred by the authentication printer PRT1 in step S460 has been received (step S500). As a result, if not received (step S500: NO), it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if received (step S500: YES), the CPU 110 confirms that the model name received together with the print image data is that of the subordinate printer PRT2, and operates the printing mechanism 133 as processing of the print execution unit 111. The received print image data is printed (step S510).

  When the printing is completed, the CPU 110 transmits a printing completion notification indicating that the printing is completed to the authentication printer PRT1 (step S520). In this embodiment, this print completion notification includes a corresponding data ID to identify print image data that has been printed.

  On the other hand, in the authentication printer PRT1, after printing the print image data in the step S450 or after transferring the print image data to the subordinate printer PRT2 in the step S460, the CPU 70 receives all the received print image data. It is determined whether printing has been completed (step S470). Specifically, printing is completed on the authentication printer PRT1 for all print images determined that the model names match in step S440 (the print execution destination is the authentication printer PRT1), and the model is determined in step S440. It is determined that the names do not match (the print execution destination is other than the authentication printer PRT1), and it is determined whether all the print completion notifications corresponding to the print image data transferred to other printers have been received.

  As a result, if all printing has not been completed (step S470: NO), the CPU 70 returns the processing to step S440 and completes printing of print image data that has not been printed. On the other hand, if all printing has been completed (step S470: YES), the CPU 70 transmits a print completion notification indicating that printing has been completed to the printer server SV as processing of the print completion notification unit 78 (step S480). ). This print completion notification includes the data ID corresponding to the print image data for which printing has been completed, as in step S520.

B-6. Step K:
On the other hand, in the printer server SV, after transmitting the print image data to the authentication printer PRT1 in step S340, the CPU 40 determines whether or not a print completion notification has been received from the authentication printer PRT1 (step S350). As a result, if not received (step S350: NO), it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the print completion notification is received (step S350: YES), the CPU 40 deletes the print image data corresponding to the data ID included in the print completion notification from the print data storage unit 52 (step S360). Thus, the authentication printing process is completed.

  In the authentication printing system 1000 having such a configuration, the user operates the computer PC to give a print preparation instruction specifying the model name as the print execution destination, and then moves to the installation location of the authentication printer PRT1. When the user performs user authentication using the authentication mechanism 100 connected to the authentication printer PRT1, the authentication printer PRT1 includes the subordinate printer PRT2 of different models that do not have the authentication mechanism, and the printer server SV. A print image data transmission request is transmitted to. On the other hand, the printer server SV stores the print image data transmitted from the computer PC in association with the print user name and the model name of the print execution destination, and authenticates the print image data corresponding to the print image data transmission request. Send to printer PRT1. Then, the authentication printer PRT1 prints its own print image data and transfers the print image data for the subordinate printer PRT2 to the subordinate printer PRT2 to execute printing. In this way, by handling the print image data in association with the print execution destination model name, the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 can function as a single virtual printer PRTv. Therefore, authentication printing can be performed by using the authentication mechanism 100 between a plurality of printers of different models. In addition, the authentication printing also using the authentication mechanism 100 can be performed by a simple operation of simply specifying the model name as the print execution destination at the time of the print preparation instruction in the computer PC. Without using the authentication printing mechanism, it is possible to reduce the probability that an unexpected accident such as information leakage will occur.

In the authentication printing system 1000 having such a configuration, the printer server SV is
After the user authenticates the user using the authentication mechanism 100 connected to the authentication printer PRT1, the print image data is transmitted to the authentication printer PRT1. Therefore, the printer PRT1 only has to receive and store only the print image data that needs to be printed by authentication, so that the storage capacity of the storage device can be reduced.

  In the authentication printing system 1000 having such a configuration, when the authentication printer PRT1 completes printing of the print image data received from the printer server SV in the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2, a print completion notification is sent to the printer server SV. Send. On the other hand, the printer server SV receives the print completion notification and deletes the print image data corresponding to the print completion notification from the print data storage unit 52. Therefore, the same print image data is not printed many times.

  In the authentication printing system 1000 having such a configuration, the authentication printer PRT1 transmits a print image data transmission request including status information of the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 to the printer server SV. On the other hand, if the status information includes information that is not in a printable state such as “power OFF”, “printing”, or “error”, the printer server SV print image for the printer corresponding to the information. Data is not transmitted to the authentication printer PRT1. Therefore, since the print image data that was sent to the authenticated printing device but could not be printed promptly is printed later and does not touch another person's eyes, the confidentiality reflects the status of the print destination. Authentication printing can be realized.

  In this embodiment, in step S420, the authentication printer PRT1 acquires status information from the MIB storage unit 82 and the MIB storage unit 122 of the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2, and includes the status information. The print image transmission request is transmitted to the printer server SV. When the status information includes information indicating that the printer server SV is not in a printable state, in step S330, the print image data for the printer corresponding to the information is the print image. Confidentiality was ensured by excluding the data from the identification target and not sending it to the authentication printer PRT1. However, securing confidentiality using the status information is not limited to such a mode, and can be realized in various modes. For example, the status information is authenticated using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) after the printer server SV specifies the print image data in step S330, instead of being transmitted together with the print image data transmission request. It may be acquired from the printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2. Alternatively, the authentication printer PRT1 acquires status information of the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 in step S420, and when information indicating that the printer is not in a printable state is included in the status information, it corresponds to the information. The print image data may be excluded from the transmission request.

  In this embodiment, in step S200, the print preparation instruction specifying the model name of the printer that is the print execution destination is received. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be attribute information that represents the characteristics of the printer connected to the local area network LAN and can identify the printer, for example, color / monochrome, compatible print paper, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the printer server SV transmits the print image data generated from the print target data to the authentication printer PRT1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer server SV transmits the print image data as data of another mode. May be. For example, if the authentication printer PRT1 or the subordinate printer PRT2 can generate print image data, the print target data may be transmitted as it is, or may be converted into a general format data such as PDF format and transmitted.

C. Variation:
The procedure of the authentication printing process as a modification of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that, in the procedure as a modified example, the description of the same part as that of the embodiment is omitted, and only different points will be described. First, as a premise of the authentication printing system 1000, in the embodiment, the authentication printer PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2 are printers of different models, but in the modification, the models may be different.

  The authentication printing process of the embodiment is started when the user operates the computer PC and designates a model name (attribute) as a print execution destination and issues a print preparation instruction. In the modified example, the print preparation instruction is performed. Is performed by designating a printer as a printing execution destination. When the computer PC accepts this print preparation instruction (step S600) and print data is generated (step S610), the CPU 10 first determines that the printer designated as the print execution destination is a subordinate printer (in this embodiment, subordinate). It is determined whether it is a printer PRT2) (step S620).

  As a result, if the print execution destination is the subordinate printer PRT2 (step S620: YES), the CPU 10 adds the authentication location information AI and the output location information OI to the generated print image data (step S630). The authentication location information AI is an IP address representing a printer to be authenticated, and the output location information OI is an IP address representing a printer to which print image data is output.

  If the authentication location information AI and the output location information OI are given, or if the print execution destination is not the subordinate printer PRT2 (step S620: NO), the CPU 10 gives a model name and a print user name to the generated print image data. (Step S640), the print image data is transmitted to the printer server SV (S650).

  In this embodiment, the authentication location information AI and the output location information OI described above are registered in advance in the port monitor PM of the computer PC in association with the subordinate printer PRT2, and the subordinate printer PRT2 serves as the print execution destination. When designated, the CPU 10 automatically gives the authentication location information AI and the output location information OI to the print image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. When the user designates the subordinate printer PRT2 as the print execution destination, the user may input the authentication location information AI and the output location information OI by operating the input mechanism 33. This input is not limited to an IP address, and an IP address may be registered in advance and selected using an icon or the like.

  On the other hand, in the printer server SV, if the CPU 40 determines that the print image data has been received (step S700: YES), the print data storage control unit 41 processes the received print image data with the print user name and print execution. The printer is stored in the print data storage unit 52 in association with the model name of the previous printer, the authentication location information AI, and the output location information OI (step S710). FIG. 13 shows an example of the storage state. In this example, for example, the print ID 0001 is added to the print image data “Aaaa.dat” generated by the print user UA specifying the authentication printer PRT1 (model name is LP-1111) as the print execution destination. The print user name “user UA” and the model name “LP-1111” are stored in association with each other. Similarly, print image data “Bbbb.dat” generated by the print user UA specifying the subordinate printer PRT2 (model name is LP-2222) has a data ID “0002”, a print user name “user UA”, Model name “LP-2222”, authentication location information AI “099.0087.077.066 (IP address of authentication printer PRT1)”, output location information OI “011.022.033.044 (IP address of subordinate printer PRT2)” ”And stored.

  On the other hand, in the authentication printer PRT1, in step S820 (corresponding to step S420 in the embodiment) in FIG. 11, the CPU 70 sends a print image data transmission request to the print user name, the model name and IP address of the authentication printer PRT1, the authentication printer. The information is transmitted to the printer server SV as including the status information of the PRT1 and the subordinate printer PRT2.

  On the other hand, in the printer server SV, in step S730 in FIG. 11 (corresponding to step S330 in the embodiment), the CPU 40 matches the print user name and the model name of the authentication printer PRT1 included in the received print image data transmission request. The print image data and the print image data matching the print user name and the IP address of the authentication printer PRT1 are searched from the print data storage unit 52, and the corresponding print image data is specified.

  For example, referring to the example of FIG. 13, if the user who issued the print execution instruction is the user UA, the print image data whose print user name is “user UA” and whose model name is “LP-1111”. In step S730, “Aaaa.dat” and the print image data “Bbbb.dat” associated with the IP address “09.088.0077.066” having the print user name “user UA” are specified. It will be.

  In step S740 in FIG. 11 (corresponding to step S340 in the embodiment), the CPU 40 stores the print image data specified in step S730 in the print data storage unit 52 corresponding to the print image data. The data ID, model name, authentication location information AI, and output location information OI are transmitted to the authentication printer PRT1.

  On the other hand, in the authentication printer PRT1, in step S840 (corresponding to step S440 in the embodiment) in FIG. 12, the CPU 70 determines whether or not the authentication location information AI received together with the print image data matches its own IP address. Judgment is made to determine the print execution destination of the received print image data. As a result, if the received authentication location information AI matches the IP address of the authentication printer PRT1 (step S840: YES), the print execution destination designated by the user is a printer other than the authentication printer PRT1, and the CPU 70 The received print image data is transferred to the printer corresponding to the output location information OI (subordinate printer PRT2 in this embodiment) (step S860). On the other hand, if the received authentication location information AI does not match the IP address of the authentication printer PRT1 (step S840: NO), the print execution destination designated by the user is the authentication printer PRT1, and the CPU 70 93 is operated to print the received print image data (step S850).

  In the authentication printing system 1000 having such a configuration, the print image data generated in response to the print preparation instruction specifying the printer as the print execution destination of the print image data in the computer PC is the print execution destination information and the print server SV. Stored in association. On the other hand, the authentication printer PRT1 acquires print image data whose print execution destination is the authentication printer PRT1 or the subordinate printer PRT2 from the printer server SV, and causes the authentication printer PRT1 or the subordinate printer PRT2 to execute printing. Therefore, at the time of print preparation instruction in the computer PC, it is a simple operation that only designates a printer as a print execution destination, and authentication printing is performed by using the authentication mechanism 100 among a plurality of printers regardless of the type of printer. It can be performed.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such an Example, Of course, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can implement in a various aspect. For example, the printer server SV receives a print image data transmission request from the authentication printer PRT1, and when there is print image data to be printed by the subordinate printer PRT2, transmits the print image data directly to the subordinate printer PRT2. It is good also as what to do. The printing system of the present invention can also be configured as a printing apparatus, an authentication printing execution method, and a computer program.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the authentication printing system 1000 as an Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of computer PC. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of printer server SV. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of authentication printer PRT1. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the subordinate printer PRT2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic procedure of an authentication printing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the authentication printing process as an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the authentication printing process as an Example. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between an IP address of a subordinate printer PRT2 and a model name. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information of the print data storage part 52 of printer server SV as an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the authentication printing process as a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the authentication printing process as a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information of the print data storage part 52 of printer server SV as a modification.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... CPU
11 ... Print data generation unit 12 ... Data communication control unit 20 ... Hard disk drive 31 ... ROM
32 ... RAM
33 ... Input mechanism 34 ... Input / output interface 35 ... Display 36 ... Network interface 40 ... CPU
41 ... Print data storage control unit 42 ... Print data transmission unit 50 ... Hard disk drive 52 ... Print data storage unit 61 ... ROM
62 ... RAM
66 ... Network interface 70 ... CPU
71 ... User authentication unit 72 ... Print data request unit 73 ... Status information acquisition unit 74 ... Print data reception unit 75 ... Print destination determination unit 76 ... Print execution unit 77 ... Print data transfer unit 78 ... Print completion notification unit 80 ... Hard disk drive 82 ... MIB storage unit 84 ... Print data storage unit 91 ... ROM
92 ... RAM
93 ... Printing mechanism 94 ... I / O interface 96 ... Network interface 100 ... Authentication mechanism 110 ... CPU
111 ... Print execution unit 112 ... Print completion notification unit 120 ... Hard disk drive 122 ... MIB storage unit 131 ... ROM
132 ... RAM
133 ... Printing mechanism 136 ... Network interface 1000 ... Authentication printing system PC ... Computer SV ... Printer server PRT1 ... Authentication printer PRT2 ... Subordinate printer LAN ... Local area network

Claims (9)

A printing system that performs printing via a network,
An information terminal device that designates one of a plurality of printing devices connected to the network as a print execution destination and transmits print data that can be printed by the printing device;
A first printing device comprising: a storage device for storing the printing data sent from the information terminal device via the network; and a printing engine capable of printing using the printing data;
A second printing device capable of receiving and printing the printing data from the first printing device;
An authentication device connected to the first printing device and authenticating a user who has instructed the printing;
When the user is authenticated by the authentication device, the first printing device stores the print stored in the storage device if the print execution destination is the second printing device. A printing system comprising: a printing control device that transfers printing data to the second printing device to perform printing. The printing system according to claim 1,
The information terminal device is a printing system that transmits the print data after authentication by the authentication device. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The information terminal device transmits the printing data only when the printing apparatus designated as the print execution destination is in a printable state when authentication is performed by the authentication apparatus. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first printing apparatus notifies the information terminal device of a print completion notification when printing is completed at the print execution destination. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The information terminal device performs the designation of the print execution destination by designating attribute information corresponding to one of the plurality of printing apparatuses. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The information terminal device
A client terminal that accepts designation of the print execution destination;
A printing system comprising: a server connected to the client terminal via the network, and storing and transmitting the print execution destination and the print data in association with each other. A printing device that prints via a network and is connectable to an authentication device,
The one of the plurality of printing devices connected to the network is designated as a print execution destination, and the data sent from the information terminal device that transmits print data that can be printed by the printing device via the network A storage device for storing printing data;
A print engine capable of printing using the printing data;
When authentication of the user who has instructed the printing is performed by the authentication device, if the designation of the print execution destination designates a printing device other than a printing device connectable to the authentication device, the storage device A printing apparatus comprising: a printing control device that transfers printing data once stored to a printing device designated as the printing execution destination to perform printing. A print execution method for performing printing via a network,
An information terminal device designates one of a plurality of printing devices connected to the network as a print execution destination, and print data that can be printed by the printing device in a predetermined print connected to the authentication device. To the device,
When the user who has instructed the printing is authenticated by the authentication device, the predetermined printing device receives the printing data received from the information terminal device and designates the predetermined printing device as the print execution destination. If so, the printing data is printed, and if the printing data received from the information terminal device designates a printing device other than the predetermined printing device as the printing execution destination, the received data is received. A printing execution method in which printing data is transferred to a printing apparatus designated as the printing execution destination to perform printing. A computer program for performing printing using a predetermined printing apparatus via a network,
The one of the plurality of printing devices connected to the network is designated as a print execution destination, and the data sent from the information terminal device that transmits print data that can be printed by the printing device via the network A storage function for storing print data;
When authentication of a user who instructs the printing is performed by an authentication device connected to the predetermined printing device,
If the print data received from the information terminal device specifies the predetermined printing device as the print execution destination, the print data is printed.
If the printing data received from the information terminal device specifies a printing device other than the predetermined printing device as the printing execution destination, the received printing data is designated as the printing execution destination. A program that allows a computer to implement the function of transferring to a device and printing.

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