JP2009033512A - Image processor, image processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To add information according to a user to print data as a watermark. <P>SOLUTION: A printing device 203 receives a user ID of the user who instructs printing and a variable data ID of variable data to be printed from a client PC 206. By doing so, the printing device 203 judges whether or not the user has printing authority over the variable data to be printed based on the user ID, the variable data ID which are received, and a record of a variable data data base 204. As a result of this judgment, when the user does not have the printing authority, the content of the watermark is changed to the content preset in the variable data data base 204 according to the user. Consequently, printing is controlled by specifying different watermarks depending on the user who performs printing even in the case of the same piece of variable data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program, and is particularly suitable for use in adding a watermark to print data.

  Traditionally, after submitting a document, designing and layout, comp (presentation by printer output), proofreading (layout correction and color correction), and proof printing (proof print), create a composition and create a large offset printing press. There are large-scale printing methods that use and print. On the other hand, recently, a printing method called “Print On Demand” (hereinafter referred to as “POD”) has been adopted as the electrophotographic printing device and the inkjet printing device have been increased in speed and quality. Has been. In POD, digital data created by desk top publishing (Desk Top Publishing, hereinafter referred to as DTP) is printed without making a plate. Therefore, a printing method using electrophotography or inkjet is suitable for printing a small lot because the time to printing is short and the cost is low compared with the printing for producing a conventional block.

  POD aims to handle small lot jobs with a short delivery time without using a large-scale apparatus or system, compared to jobs handled by an offset printing press. Specifically, in POD, electronic data is exchanged between processes via a network to process, correct, and confirm job data, and use a digital image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a digital multifunction peripheral. After printing the job data, the printed material is post-processed.

  As one form of POD, there is a technique called variable printing in which variable data representing print contents is combined with variable template data, which is predetermined design data, so that different contents are printed for each sheet with the same appearance. In variable printing, it is possible to effectively distribute information by creating and distributing a document having different contents corresponding to a printing target using user data stored in an existing database.

  Further, there is a watermark (stamp) as a technique for inserting an image or a character string as a foreground or background of a document to the extent that the readability of the document content is not impaired. For example, a watermark including a character string indicating confidentiality such as Confidential, Confidential, Copy Prohibition, or Draft is printed on the document as a background or foreground. By using such a watermark, it is possible to prevent the reader of the printed material from leaking information due to unauthorized copying or taking out of the printed material. In addition, by printing information that identifies the printer as a watermark, even if the printed material is leaked, an effect of specifying the outflow route from the content printed on the printed material can be expected. The watermark is normally printed on each page in the document, but its position is fixed on each page, and the content is the same.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example of a printed matter in which variable printing and watermark printing are simultaneously performed. In FIG. 18, a printed matter of 3 pages is shown as an example.
For the variable field 101 set in the document, a different layout can be set for each page. Further, the variable field 101 is expanded or contracted in proportion to the amount of variable data inserted into the variable field 101, and all variable data is appropriately arranged in the variable field 101. The watermark 102 set in the document has the same content for all pages regardless of the print content, and is printed at the same location on all pages.

  As a conventional technique using the above-described watermark, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing method in which additional print information corresponding to the expression content desired to be added to a printed material is designated from among a plurality of preset additional print information when printing is designated. Yes. Expression contents desired to be added to the printed matter include the urgency, importance, confidentiality, handling, and type of data to be printed as the printed matter. With the technique described in Patent Document 1, the user can set an urgency level or the like for a document at the time of printing.

  As another conventional technique using a watermark, there is a technique described in Patent Document 2. Patent Document 2 discloses a document management system in which access rights are set for each document and printing is performed according to the job title of each printer. In this document management system, the document management server authenticates the access right manager, sets the access right, authenticates the user who accesses the document, and provides document management information according to the use form of the document. Hold. The printer server authenticates the user when the user designates printing of the document, and if the authentication is successful, the printer server embeds the watermark in the document file and transmits it to the printer. When the printer successfully authenticates the recipient of the printed material, the printer prints the document file in which the watermark is embedded.

JP-A-9-305576 JP 2004-280227 A

  In conventional variable printing, when different users specify the same variable data, the document is printed with the same contents unless the variable data is changed, and further, the document is printed with the same layout unless the variable field is changed. . The user sets a watermark for such a document as described above.

  By the way, even for the same print contents, the printing purpose and how to handle the printed matter may differ depending on the user who performs printing. However, in the conventional technique described above, the same watermark is printed on all printed matter unless the user resets the setting. Therefore, the user has to set an appropriate watermark for each printing.

  For example, when printing one's own name and address registered in advance in a database, a warning by a watermark may not be necessary. In addition, if you set a fixed watermark in the variable template that restricts the range that allows browsing, such as outside secrets and outside secrets, users belonging to a department different from the department originally assumed, There is a risk of misinterpreting the watermark.

  Furthermore, when a general fixed watermark is printed, some users may ignore it. For this reason, a fixed watermark does not necessarily have an effect of preventing duplication.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that information corresponding to a user can be added to print data as a watermark.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a print right held by a user who has issued an instruction to print image data, image data identification information for identifying image data, user identification information for identifying the user, A discrimination means for discriminating based on the registered contents of the first database registered in association with printing right information relating to a certain user, and a watermark corresponding to the printing right held by the user for identifying the watermark Acquisition means for acquiring the watermark identification information and the printing right information related to the user with the printing right in association with the registered contents of the second database, and the watermark acquired by the acquisition means Is added to the print data based on the image data.

  According to the image processing method of the present invention, the print right possessed by the user who has issued the print instruction for the image data includes image data identification information for identifying the image data, user identification information for identifying the user, A discrimination step for discriminating based on the registered contents of the first database registered in association with printing right information relating to a certain user, and for identifying the watermark according to the printing right possessed by the user Acquisition step based on the registered contents of the second database in which the watermark identification information and the printing right information related to the user with the printing right are registered in association with each other, and the watermark acquired by the acquisition step Is added to the print data based on the image data.

  The computer program of the present invention has a print right possessed by a user who has instructed printing of image data, image data identification information for identifying the image data, user identification information for identifying the user, and a print right. A discrimination step for discriminating based on registered contents of the first database registered in association with printing right information related to the user, and a watermark corresponding to the printing right held by the user for identifying the watermark An acquisition step for acquiring the watermark identification information and the printing right information related to the user with the printing right in association with the registered content of the second database, and the watermark acquired by the acquisition step. And an additional step of adding to the print data based on the image data It is characterized in.

  According to the present invention, even for data with the same print content, printing can be controlled by designating different watermarks depending on the user who performs printing. In addition, by setting an appropriate watermark according to the user's authority, the print data can be browsed in an appropriate range, and an effect of suppressing the duplication of the print data can be expected.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system.
In FIG. 1, the printing system includes an operator PC 201, a print server 202, a printing device 203, a variable data database 204, a watermark database 205, a client PC 206, and a network 207.

<Overview of printing system operation>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the outline of the operation of the printing system.
First, in step S <b> 301, the operator PC 201 executes the print application program to create variable data and uploads (sends) it to the variable data database 204 according to an operation by the operator before printing processing.
Next, in step S <b> 302, the operator PC 201 executes a print application program according to an operation by the operator, creates a watermark, and uploads (transmits) it to the watermark database 205.

  Next, in step S303, the operator PC 201 executes the print application program in accordance with an operation by the operator, and sets a variable data addition area and a watermark addition area in the print data. Then, the operator PC 201 sets the watermark ID (watermark ID) designated by the operator for the watermark addition region. Then, the operator PC 201 uploads (transmits) the variable data addition area, the watermark addition area, and the print data set with the watermark ID to the print server 202 as a variable job. In the following description, the variable data addition area is referred to as a variable field, and the watermark addition area is referred to as a watermark area. As described above, in this embodiment, the data input area is realized by the variable data addition area, and the variable data is realized by the variable data.

  In step S304, the printing device 203 performs printing by inputting the variable data and the watermark into the print data based on the user ID and the variable data ID transmitted from the client PC 206.

<Variable data creation process>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining details of the variable data creation processing in step S301 of FIG. For example, in the operator PC 201, the flowchart of FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU executing the control program or the communication interface communicating with the outside.

First, in step S305, the operator PC 201 executes the print application program in accordance with an operation by the operator to create variable data.
Next, in step S306, the operator PC 201 uploads the variable data created in step S305 to the variable data database 204.
Next, in step S307, the operator PC 201 sets a data printing right and a data printing right restriction for the variable data uploaded in step S306 in accordance with an operation by the operator.

<Configuration of Variable Data Database 204>
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of the variable data database 204 that stores variable data.
In FIG. 4, each record represents one variable data. Each record has variable data ID, user ID, name, affiliation, address, data printing right, and data printing right restriction data as fields. Note that the record of the present application is composed of a set of data in the row direction. For example, in FIG. 4, the record 1 includes a variable data ID “10001”, a user ID “U0005”, and the like.
In step S307 in FIG. 3, the operator operates the operator PC 201 based on the importance of the data contents, the purpose of printing, the distribution range of the printed material, etc. Set for a record.
Individual users or group users are set in the data printing right and the data printing right restriction. In this embodiment, the user set to the data printing right includes the user set to the data printing right restriction. If the user set to the data printing right restriction is not included in the users set to the data printing right, printing by the user is not authenticated. For example, in FIG. 4, sales section 1 and sales section 2 set as data printing rights restrictions belong to the sales department set as data printing rights. For example, with respect to variable data whose variable data ID is “10001”, printing by an employee of the sales department 2 is not authenticated.
Further, the contents of the watermark added to the user set as the data printing right restriction are set in the data printing right restriction item.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the first database is realized by the variable data database 204. Further, the image data identification information is realized by the variable data ID, and the user identification information is realized by the user ID. Further, the printing right information is realized by the data printing right, the printing restriction information is realized by the data printing right restriction, and the printing restriction content information is realized by the data printing right restriction item.

<Watermark database upload>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating details of the watermark upload process in step S302 of FIG. For example, in the operator PC 201, the flowchart of FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU executing the control program or the communication interface communicating with the outside.

First, in step S308, the operator PC 201 executes a print application program in accordance with an operation by the operator to create a watermark.
Next, in step S309, the operator PC 201 uploads the watermark created in step S308 to the watermark database 205.
Next, in step S310, the operator PC 201 sets the attribute information of the watermark for the watermark uploaded in step S309 in accordance with the operation by the operator.

<Configuration of Watermark Database 205>
FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of construction of a watermark database 205 that stores watermark data.
In FIG. 6, each record represents one watermark. Each record has data of watermark ID, character string, typeface, size, color, and data printing right level as fields.

In step S310 of FIG. 5, a character string, a typeface, a size, a color, and a data printing right level are set as watermark attribute information. The data printing right level is for identifying which data printing right each record (watermark) corresponds to.
In this embodiment, information for identifying which data print right corresponds to the data print right shown in FIG. 4 for the watermark managed in the watermark database 205 is set as the data print right level. is doing. Specifically, in the present embodiment, information indicating the degree of restriction that can be expressed by a watermark is expressed as a data printing right level.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the watermark database 205 implements the second database. Also, watermark identification information is realized by the watermark ID, printing right information is realized by the data printing right level, and watermark printing form information is realized by the character string, font, size, and color of the watermark. The Note that the watermark attribute information is not limited to that described above. For example, a watermark pattern may be included as watermark attribute information. Of the watermark attribute information, information other than the watermark character string and the data printing right level includes all of the above-described information as long as at least one of the above-described information is included. It does not have to be.

<Variable job creation process>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of the variable job creation process in step S303 of FIG. For example, in the operator PC 201, the flowchart of FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU executing a control program or the communication interface communicating with the outside.

First, in step S311, the operator PC 201 executes a print application program in accordance with an operation by the operator, and sets a variable field as print data.
Next, in step S312, the operator PC 201 executes the print application program according to the operation by the operator, and sets a watermark area for the print data for which the variable field is set in step S311. At this time, the operator PC 201 sets a watermark ID for the watermark area as the initial watermark setting. As a result, a variable job is created.
Next, in step S313, the operator PC 201 uploads the variable job data created in step S312 to the print server 202.

<Initial watermark setting>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI (Graphic User Interface) displayed on the display device included in the operator PC 201 when the initial watermark is set in step S312. The operator PC 201 acquires a watermark stored in advance in the watermark database 205 and displays a screen for selecting the acquired watermark (stamp) as a GUI. The operator selects an appropriate one for the content of the document from the watermarks displayed on the GUI. Then, the operator PC 201 sets the selected watermark (watermark ID) in a storage medium such as a RAM.

<Print processing>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of the printing process in step S304 of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU executing the control program in the client PC 206 or the printing device 203, the communication interface communicating with the outside, or the printer engine operating in the printing device 203. The In FIG. 9, the description is given assuming that the printing device 203 has already acquired a variable job from the print server 202.

First, in step S <b> 701, the client PC 206 stands by until a user (printer) operates a UI to input his own user ID and a variable data ID of variable data to be printed.
In step S <b> 702, the client PC 206 transmits the user ID and variable data ID input in step S <b> 701 to the printing device 203.
Next, in step S703, the printing device 203 waits until receiving a user ID and a variable data ID.
Next, in step S704, the printing device 203 acquires a data printing right corresponding to the variable data ID determined to be received in step S703 from the variable data database 204 (see FIG. 4). The printing device 203 determines whether the user (printer) has print authority for the variable data designated by the user based on the acquired data print right and the user ID determined to be received in step S703. Determine whether. If the result of this determination is that there is no printing authority, processing proceeds to step S713. In step S713, the printing device 203 transmits to the client PC 206 a signal for notifying that there is no printing authority for variable data. The client PC 206 displays an image on the display device for notifying the user that the variable data cannot be printed because there is no print authority for the variable data.

On the other hand, if there is a print authority in step S704, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, the printing device 203 reads from the variable data database 204 the data printing right corresponding to the variable data ID determined to be received in step S703. Then, the printing device 203 obtains a watermark ID corresponding to the read data printing right from the watermark database 205.
As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the determination unit is realized by performing the process of step S704, and the acquisition unit is realized by performing the process of step S705.

  In step S <b> 706, the printing device 203 compares the user ID and variable data ID determined to be received in step S <b> 703 with the record in the variable data database 204. Then, the printing device 203 determines whether or not the user (printer) prints his / her own variable data based on the comparison result. That is, the printing device 203 determines whether or not the user (printer) and the target person of the variable data specified by the variable data ID are the same. If the result of this determination is that the user (printer) prints his or her own variable data (if the user and the variable data identified by the variable data ID are the same), the process proceeds to step S710 described later. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S707. Thus, in the present embodiment, for example, the second determination unit is realized by performing the process of step S706.

  In step S707, the printing device 203 acquires a data printing right restriction corresponding to the variable data ID determined to be received in step S703 from the variable data database 204. Then, the printing device 203 determines whether the user (printer) is restricted by the data printing right restriction based on the obtained data printing right restriction and the user ID determined to be obtained in step S703. To do. As a result of this determination, if the user (printer) is restricted by the data printing right restriction, the process proceeds to step S708; otherwise, the process skips step S708 and proceeds to step S709. As described above, in this embodiment, for example, the determination unit is realized by performing the processing in step S707.

  In step S708, the printing device 203 acquires the data printing right restriction item corresponding to the data printing right restriction acquired in step S707 from the variable data database 204. Then, the printing device 203 refers to the watermark database 205 and changes the watermark ID acquired in step S705 to the watermark ID corresponding to the acquired data printing right restriction item.

  In step S709, the printing device 203 merges the watermark image acquired from the watermark database 205 into the variable job according to the watermark ID set in the variable job. At this time, the watermark image is merged with the variable job so as to be printed according to the attribute information registered in the watermark database 205. And it progresses to step S711 mentioned later. As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the adding unit is realized by performing the process of step S709.

  If it is determined in step S706 that the user (printer) prints his / her own variable data, the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the printing device 203 transmits to the client PC 206 a signal for confirming whether or not to print the watermark. The client PC 206 displays a GUI for allowing the user (printer) to select whether or not to print the watermark on the display device.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on the display device included in the client PC 206 when the user selects whether to print the watermark. In the GUI (window) 1001, when “Yes” is selected by a user operation, a watermark is printed on the target variable field. On the other hand, if “No” is selected, the watermark is not printed.

  The client PC 206 transmits a signal indicating the result of the user (printer) operation on the GUI 1001 to the printing device 203. The printing device 203 determines whether or not to print the watermark based on the signal. As a result of the determination, if the watermark is to be printed, the process proceeds to step S709 described above. If not, the process proceeds to step S711. Thus, in the present embodiment, for example, the third determination unit is realized by performing the process of step S710.

  In step S711, the printing device 203 determines whether authentication of all the variable fields set in the print data has been completed. If the result of this determination is that authentication of all variable fields has not been completed, processing returns to step S704, and processing is performed for variable fields for which authentication has not been completed. On the other hand, if all the variable fields have been authenticated, the process advances to step S712, and the printing device 203 prints the variable job in which the watermark is set.

<Setting the viewing range of printed matter>
FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of setting a variable data viewable range. In FIG. 11, in a certain company, it is assumed that the in-house organization is divided into department units and section units. In FIG. 11, the variable data browsing range is shown for three examples.

  In the first example, the variable data is customer information. It is assumed that “confidential” is initially set as the initial watermark, and the own department (department) is set as the data printing right. Furthermore, it is assumed that a certain section belonging to the own department (department) is set as the data print right restriction, and “export prohibition” is set as the data print right restriction item. In this first example, for example, a person belonging to the range 1101 can browse (print) variable data without restriction.

  When a printer who has a data printing right but is restricted by the data printing right instructs to print this variable data, the printing system changes the watermark from, for example, “confidential” to “prohibited to carry out” and prints it. (See steps S707 and S708 in FIG. 9). If a printer who does not have the data printing right instructs printing of this variable data, authentication fails, and printing by the printing system is canceled (see step S713 in FIG. 9).

  Note that the watermark may be changed even when a printer who belongs to a department having the data printing right and is not restricted by the data printing right designates variable data. Specifically, the printing system changes the watermark from, for example, “secret” to “extra secret” and prints it so that other departments and departments that have printing rights restricted by the department do not allow browsing. You may do it. Also in the first example, when the printer designates his / her own variable data, the presence / absence of watermark printing can be selected for the user's own variable data (see step S710 in FIG. 9).

  In the second example, the variable data is in-house product information. It is assumed that “internal secret” is initially set as the initial watermark, and the company-wide department is set as the data printing right. Furthermore, it is assumed that a certain department (department) is set as the data printing right restriction, and “non-copying” is set as the data printing right restriction item. In the second example, for example, a person belonging to the range 1102 can browse (print) variable data without restriction.

When a printer who has the right to print data but is restricted by the right to print data instructs the variable data to be printed, the printing system changes the watermark from, for example, “confidential” to “unreplicatable” and prints it. . Further, when a printer who does not have the data printing right instructs printing, authentication fails and printing by the printing system is cancelled.
Also in the second example, the watermark may be changed when a printer who belongs to the department having the data printing right and is not subject to the data printing right restriction specifies the variable data to print. Specifically, the printing system may change the watermark from, for example, “confidential” to “confidential”, perform printing, and prevent other departments from browsing. Also in the second example, when the printer designates his / her own variable data, the presence / absence of watermark printing can be selected for his / her own variable data (see step S710 in FIG. 9).

  In the third example, the variable data is employee personal information. It is assumed that “internal secret” is initially set as the initial watermark, and the company-wide department is set as the data printing right. Furthermore, it is assumed that a certain department (part) is set as the data printing right restriction, and “browsing prohibition” is set as the data printing right restriction item. In the third example, for example, a person belonging to the range 1103 can browse (print) variable data without restriction.

  When a printer who has the data printing right but is restricted by the data printing right instructs printing of the variable data, the printing system changes the watermark from, for example, “internal secret” to “inhibition of browsing” and prints it. Further, when a printer who does not have the data printing right instructs printing, authentication fails and printing by the printing system is cancelled.

  Also in the third example, the watermark may be changed when a printer who belongs to a department having the data printing right and is not subject to the data printing right restriction designates the variable data to print. Specifically, the printing system may perform printing by changing the watermark from “confidential” to “confidential”. Also in the third example, when the printer designates his / her own variable data, the presence / absence of watermark printing can be selected for the user's own variable data (see step S710 in FIG. 9).

As described above, in this embodiment, the variable data database 204 that stores the variable data ID, the user ID, the user attribute, the data printing right, the data printing right restriction, and the data printing right restriction item in association with each other. Are provided on the network 207. Further, a watermark database 205 that stores a watermark ID, a watermark attribute, and a data printing right level in association with each other is provided on the network 207. The printing device 203 receives from the client PC 206 the user ID of the user who instructs printing and the variable data ID of the variable data to be printed. Then, the printing device 203 determines whether or not the user has print authority for the variable data to be printed based on the received user ID and variable data ID and the record (registered content) of the variable data database 204. If the result of this determination is that the user is not authorized to print, the contents of the watermark are changed to the contents registered in advance in the variable data database 204 according to the user. Therefore, even for the same variable data, printing can be controlled by designating different watermarks depending on the user who performs printing. In addition, by setting an appropriate watermark according to the user's authority, it is possible to expect an effect of allowing the user to browse within an appropriate range or to suppress duplication of printed matter.
In the present embodiment, the case of adding a watermark when performing variable printing performed by inputting variable data to the variable data adding area has been described as an example. However, if printing is performed with a watermark added, variable printing is not necessarily performed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the content of the character used as the watermark is changed has been described as an example. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in addition to the content of the character to be a watermark, the character attributes (typeface, size, color, density, and arrangement position) are also changed. As described above, the present embodiment and the first embodiment described above are mainly different in configuration and processing for changing the watermark. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

<Configuration of Variable Data Database 204>
FIG. 12 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the contents of the variable data database 204 that stores variable data.
The variable data database 204 of this embodiment is the same as the variable data database 204 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Also in this embodiment, when the operator operates the operator PC 201, the data printing right and the data printing right restriction are set for each record (see step S307 in FIG. 3). In addition, an individual user or a group user is set in the data print right and the data print right, and the user set in the data print right includes the user set in the data print right restriction. Further, when the user set to the data printing right restriction is not included in the users set to the data printing right, the printing by the user is not authenticated.

<Structure of watermark database>
FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the contents of a watermark database 205 that stores watermark data.
In FIG. 13, each record represents one watermark. Each record has, as fields, character string, typeface, size, color, data printing right, density, and display position setting (foreground / background) data.
The density represents the transmittance of the watermark at the time of printing. The density is printed darker as it approaches 100. The display position setting represents a setting for printing as a background or a foreground during printing. When printed as a foreground, the overlapped portion may not be visible depending on the watermark density.

<Initial watermark setting>
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on the display device included in the operator PC 201 when the initial watermark is set in step S312 of FIG.
The operator PC 201 acquires a watermark stored in advance in the watermark database 205, selects an appropriate one for the content of the document from the acquired watermarks, and designates the density and display position of the watermark. Do. Then, the operator PC 201 sets the selected watermark. Specifically, the operator PC 201 sets the selected watermark (for example, watermark ID) and the density and display position of the watermark in a storage medium such as a RAM.

<Print processing>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of the printing process. This printing process is executed in step S304 of FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment. 15 is realized by the CPU executing the control program in the client PC 206 or the printing device 203, the communication interface communicating with the outside, or the printer engine operating in the printing device 203, for example. Is done. In FIG. 15, description will be made assuming that the printing device 203 has already acquired a variable job from the print server 202.

First, in step S1301, the client PC 206 stands by until a user (printer) inputs a user ID of the user and a variable data ID of variable data to be printed.
In step S <b> 1302, the client PC 206 transmits the user ID and variable data ID input in step S <b> 1301 to the printing device 203.
Next, in step S1303, the printing device 203 waits until it receives a user ID and a variable data ID.
Next, in step S1304, the printing device 203 acquires a data printing right corresponding to the variable data ID determined to be received in step S1303 from the variable data database 204 (see FIG. 4). The printing device 203 determines whether the user (printer) has the print authority for the variable data designated by the user based on the acquired data print right and the user ID determined to be received in step S1303. Determine whether. If the result of this determination is that there is no printing authority, processing proceeds to step S1317. In step S1317, the printing device 203 transmits to the client PC 206 a signal for notifying that there is no printing authority for variable data. The client PC 206 displays an image on the display device for notifying the user that the variable data cannot be printed because there is no print authority for the variable data.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1304 that the user has print authority, the process advances to step S1305. In step S1305, the printing device 203 reads from the variable data database 204 the data printing right corresponding to the variable data ID determined to be received in step S1303. Then, the printing device 203 obtains a watermark ID corresponding to the read data printing right from the watermark database 205.

  In step S1306, the printing device 203 compares the user ID and variable data ID determined to be received in step S1303 with the record in the variable data database 204. Then, the printing device 203 determines whether or not the user (printer) prints his / her own variable data based on the comparison result. That is, the printing device 203 determines whether or not the user (printer) and the target person of the variable data specified by the variable data ID are the same. If the result of this determination is that the user (printer) prints his / her own variable data (if the user and the variable data identified by the variable data ID are the same), the process proceeds to step S1316 described later. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1307.

  In step S1307, the printing device 203 acquires the data printing right restriction corresponding to the variable data ID determined to be received in step S1303 from the variable data database 204. The printing device 203 determines whether the user (printer) is restricted by the data printing right restriction based on the acquired data printing right restriction and the user ID determined to be obtained in step S1303. To do. As a result of this determination, if the user (printer) is restricted by the data printing right restriction, the process proceeds to step S1308; otherwise, the process skips steps S1308 to S1312 and proceeds to step S1313 described later.

  In step S1308, the printing device 203 acquires the data printing right restriction item corresponding to the data printing right restriction acquired in step S1307 from the variable data database 204. Then, the printing device 203 refers to the watermark database 205 and changes the watermark ID acquired in step S1305 to the watermark ID corresponding to the acquired data printing right restriction item.

Next, in step S1309, the printing device 203 obtains the density corresponding to the watermark ID changed in step S1308 from the watermark database 205. Then, the printing device 203 changes the density at the initial setting of the watermark to the acquired density.
Next, in step S1310, the printing device 203 acquires the display position (foreground / background) corresponding to the watermark ID changed in step S1308 from the watermark database 205. Then, the printing device 203 changes the display position at the initial setting of the watermark to the acquired display position.

  Next, in step S1311, the printing device 203 adds information that identifies the user (printer) to the watermark identified by the watermark ID changed in step S1308. Specifically, the printing device 203 uses, for example, the name, affiliation, and user ID corresponding to the variable data ID determined to have been received in step S1303 as information specifying the user (printer) from the variable data database 204. get. Further, the printing device 203 acquires information for specifying the client PC 206 that has issued a print instruction for the variable job as information for specifying the user (printer), for example, from information included in the variable job. As a result, it is possible to clarify which instruction the variable job was printed by.

Next, in step S1312, the printing device 203 adds printing time information to the watermark identified by the watermark ID acquired in step S1305 or the watermark ID changed in step S1308.
As described above, the output environment of a printed matter can be confirmed by adding information specifying a user (printer) such as a printer name, a printing time, and an output device to the watermark.
In step S1313, the printing device 203 merges the watermark image into the variable job according to the watermark ID acquired in step S1305 or the watermark ID changed in step S1308. If the density and the display position are set in steps S1309 and S1310, the watermark image acquired from the watermark database 205 is merged with the variable job according to the settings.

  If it is determined in step S1308 described above that the user (printer) prints his / her own variable data, the process advances to step S1316. In step S1316, the printing device 203 transmits to the client PC 206 a signal for confirming whether or not to print the watermark. The client PC 206 displays a GUI for allowing the user (printer) to select whether or not to print the watermark on the display device (see FIG. 10).

  The client PC 206 transmits a signal indicating a result of a user (printer) operation on the displayed GUI 1001 to the printing device 203. Based on the signal, the printing device 203 determines whether to print the watermark. As a result of the determination, if the watermark is to be printed, the process proceeds to step S1313 described above. If not, the process proceeds to step S1314.

  In step S1314, the printing device 203 determines whether authentication of all variable fields set in the print data has been completed. If the result of this determination is that authentication of all variable fields has not been completed, processing returns to step S1304, and processing is performed for variable fields for which authentication has not been completed. On the other hand, if all the variable fields have been authenticated, the process advances to step S1315, and the printing device 203 prints the variable job in which the watermark is set.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the operator PC 201, the print server 202, and the client PC 206.
In FIG. 16, the CPU 2201 executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 2203 by using the RAM 2202 or the like in order to realize the functions described in this embodiment, and performs overall control of the device to which the CPU 2201 belongs. . A RAM 2202 is a storage medium for providing a work area for the CPU 2201 and temporarily storing data.

  The auxiliary storage device 2203 stores a communication program for realizing the functions described in the present embodiment, and stores data. The auxiliary storage device 2203 is realized by using at least one of a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, for example. The image display device 2204 is a device that displays an image for the purpose of notifying a message to a PC user, for example. Specifically, the image display device 2204 is, for example, a CRT display, a DSTN liquid crystal display, or the like.

  The user command input device 2205 is a user interface that can be operated by the user, and inputs a command specified by the user. The user command input device 2205 is realized by using at least one of a mouse and a keyboard, for example. A network interface card (NIC) 2206 is for bidirectionally exchanging data with other information devices via the network 207. The main bus 2209 is for connecting the CPU 2201, RAM 2202, auxiliary storage device 2203, image display device 2204, user command input device 2205, and NIC 2206 to each other.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the printing device 203.
In FIG. 17, the CPU 2301 executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 2303 by using the RAM 2302 or the like in order to realize the function described in the present embodiment, and the device to which the CPU 2301 belongs (the printing device 203). ). For example, the CPU 2301 interprets print data received from a PC and performs print control and finishing control.

  A RAM 2302 is a storage medium for providing a work area for the CPU 2301 and temporarily storing print data. The auxiliary storage device 2303 temporarily stores print data, is used as a storage medium in place of the RAM 2302 according to the determination of the CPU 2301, and stores a program. The auxiliary storage device 2303 is realized by using at least one of a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, for example.

  The image display device 2304 displays, for example, an image such as an error message or the state of the device to which the device itself (the printers 111 and 112) belongs. The image display device 2304 of this embodiment includes a touch panel. The user command input device 2305 is a user interface for the user to operate. For example, the user command input device 2305 is used to instruct the user to specify the number of copies, enlargement / reduction, print cancel, and the like. The user command input device 2305 of this embodiment includes various buttons, numeric keys, and a touch panel. A network interface card (NIC) 2306 is for bidirectionally exchanging data with other information devices via the network 207. Note that the image display device 2304 and the user command input device 2305 can be made into a single module by using a touch panel or the like.

A print control device 2307 is a device for actually outputting print data received from a PC or the like to a sheet. In the present embodiment, the finisher is also controlled by the print control device 2307. An image reading unit 2308 reads an image on a document and inputs black and white binary (or color) image data. The main bus 2309 is for connecting the CPU 2301, RAM 2302, auxiliary storage device 2303, image display device 2304, user command input device 2305, NIC 2306, print control device 2307, and image reading unit 2308 to each other.
In FIGS. 16 and 17, NICs 2206 and 2306 are used as examples of interfaces for transmitting and receiving data to and from other information devices. However, NICs include parallel interfaces, serial interfaces, USBs, and the like. It may be.

(Other embodiments of the present invention)
Each means constituting the image processing apparatus and each step of the image processing method in the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by operating a program stored in a RAM or ROM of a computer. This program and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program are included in the present invention.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 15) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is used as a system. Alternatively, supply the device directly or remotely. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the downloaded key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments is merely a specific example for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. . That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an outline of an operation of the printing system according to the first embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating details of variable data creation processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of a structure of the variable data database which stores variable data conceptually. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention and demonstrates the detail of a watermark upload process. It is a figure which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows notionally an example of construction | assembly of the watermark database which stores the data of a watermark. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of variable job creation processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of GUI displayed on the display apparatus with which operator PC is provided in the case of the setting of an initial watermark. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of a printing process according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on a display device included in a client PC when a user selects whether to print a watermark according to the first embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the setting of the browsing possible range of variable data notionally. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the content of the variable data database which stores variable data conceptually. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the content of the watermark database which stores watermark data conceptually. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of GUI displayed on the display apparatus with which operator PC is provided in the case of setting of an initial watermark. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of printing processing according to the second embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows an example of an internal structure of operator PC, a print server, and client PC. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a printing device according to a second embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a prior art and shows the printed matter with which variable printing and watermark printing were performed simultaneously.

Explanation of symbols

201 operator PC
202 Print Server 203 Printing Device 204 Variable Data Database 205 Watermark Database 206 Client PC
207 network

Claims (12)

The print right possessed by the user who issued the print instruction for the image data includes image data identification information for identifying the image data, user identification information for identifying the user, and print right information regarding the user who has the print right. A discriminating means for discriminating based on the registered contents of the first database registered in association with each other;
Registration of a second database in which watermark identification information for identifying a watermark and printing right information related to a user with printing rights are associated with each other according to the printing right held by the user. Acquisition means for acquiring based on the content;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an adding unit that adds the watermark acquired by the acquiring unit to print data based on the image data. A determination unit that determines whether or not the user who has issued an instruction to print the image data has restrictions on printing of the image data;
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a changing unit that changes a watermark acquired by the acquiring unit when the determining unit determines that there is a restriction on printing of the image data. Image processing device. The first database includes the image data identification information, the user identification information, the print right information, print restriction information indicating a user who is restricted from printing, and a print restriction indicating the contents where printing is restricted. It is registered in association with the content information,
The determination unit determines whether the user who has issued the print instruction for the image data has a restriction on printing of the image data based on the registered contents of the first database;
The change unit includes the print restriction content information registered in the first database in association with the image data identification information for identifying the image data for which the print instruction has been made, with respect to the watermark acquired by the acquisition unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is changed to a watermark having contents based on the above. The printing right information indicates a group consisting of a plurality of users having printing rights,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the user indicated by the printing restriction information is a user or a group belonging to a group indicated by the printing right information.   The changing means changes the character string of the watermark acquired by the acquiring means and at least one of the typeface, size, pattern, color, density, and display position of the watermark. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. In the second database, the watermark identification information, the printing right information, and watermark printing form information indicating a printing form of the watermark are associated and registered,
The watermark print form information includes at least one of a character string of the watermark, and a font type, size, pattern, color, density, and display position of the watermark,
The changing unit associates the watermark acquired by the acquiring unit with image data identification information for identifying the image data for which the print instruction has been made based on the registered contents of the second database. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image processing apparatus is changed to a watermark having a content based on print restriction content information registered in one database.   7. The printing right information registered in the second database includes information indicating correspondence between a watermark and printing right information registered in the first database. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print right information registered in the second database includes information indicating a degree of restriction represented by a watermark. Whether the user who instructed the printing of the image data is a user identified by the user identification information registered in the first database in association with the image data identification information for identifying the image data Second determination means for determining whether or not;
The user who gives the print instruction for the image data is a user identified by the user identification information registered in the first database in association with the image data identification information for identifying the image data. And a third determination for determining whether or not to add the watermark acquired by the acquisition means based on an instruction from the user when the determination is made by the second determination means. Means,
9. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit does not add a watermark when the third determining unit determines not to add a watermark. 10. apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is variable data input to a data input area set in print data. The print right possessed by the user who issued the print instruction for the image data includes image data identification information for identifying the image data, user identification information for identifying the user, and print right information regarding the user who has the print right. A determination step of determining based on the registered content of the first database registered in association with each other;
Registration of a second database in which watermark identification information for identifying a watermark and printing right information related to a user with printing rights are associated with each other according to the printing right held by the user. An acquisition step to acquire based on the content;
An image processing method comprising: an adding step of adding the watermark acquired in the acquiring step to print data based on the image data. The print right possessed by the user who issued the print instruction for the image data includes image data identification information for identifying the image data, user identification information for identifying the user, and print right information regarding the user who has the print right. A determination step of determining based on the registered content of the first database registered in association with each other;
Registration of a second database in which watermark identification information for identifying a watermark and printing right information related to a user with printing rights are associated with each other according to the printing right held by the user. An acquisition step to acquire based on the content;
A computer program for causing a computer to execute an adding step of adding the watermark acquired in the acquiring step to print data based on the image data.

Images