JP2016218514A - Printing system, printing device, printing management device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system capable of, when downloading and printing a receipt or a document or the like from the Web, guaranteeing the completion of printing, and inhibiting illegal additional printing or duplication.SOLUTION: A printing management device is configured to, when receiving a print request for a receipt or the like whose print destination has been designated from the terminal of a user (P1), confirm whether or not a designated printing device (MFP) has both an output guarantee function and a duplication inhibition function (P2, P3), and to, only when a confirmation result is positive, transmit the print data of the pertinent receipt for print to a printing device (P4), and to perform processing for inhibiting the duplicate printing of the same receipt (P8). The printing device is configured to, even when an obstacle such as powering-off occurs, print the requested receipt, and to inhibit duplication by synthesizing ground patterns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, a print management apparatus, and a program thereof suitable for downloading a receipt, a form, and the like from a Web page and printing them.

  In recent years, with the development of the Internet, there are Web pages on which receipts and forms can be downloaded and printed. Since the receipt is a document that proves receipt of the price, it is necessary to prohibit the same thing from being issued repeatedly.

  As a method for preventing unauthorized printing, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for strictly managing a print history of a form such as the number of times of printing and time.

JP 2004-213344 A

  When printing a receipt or a form from a Web page, it is necessary to prohibit the same item from being issued repeatedly as described above. Therefore, in general, printing of receipts and the like from Web pages is permitted only once. However, if the printing is not completed normally, there is a problem that the reissue cannot be performed and the printed material does not reach the user.

  In addition, it is necessary to prevent the issued receipt from being illegally copied.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when printing a receipt, a form, or the like from the Web, printing is guaranteed and unauthorized reprinting or copying is prohibited. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a printing apparatus, a print management apparatus, and a program for the same.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A print instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction for a predetermined printed matter and a print destination printer,
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the printing device designated as the printing destination has an output guarantee function for guaranteeing completion of printing and a copy prohibition function for outputting a copy-prohibitable print product;
Only when the confirmation unit confirms that the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has both the output guarantee function and the duplication prohibition function, print data of the predetermined printed matter is transmitted to the printing apparatus. A control unit that causes the printing apparatus to print the predetermined printed matter;
A print management apparatus characterized by comprising:

  In the above invention and the invention described in [5] below, print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus only when it is confirmed that the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function. To execute printing.

[2] The print management apparatus according to [1], wherein the predetermined printed matter is a receipt or a form.

  In the above-described invention and the invention described in [6] below, when the object to be printed is a receipt or a form, the control according to [1] is performed. Receipts and forms are printed materials that guarantee reliable printing and prohibit unauthorized reprinting and copying.

[3] When the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination does not have both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, a printing apparatus having both the output guarantee function and the duplication prohibition function is placed on the network. The print management apparatus according to [1] or [2], further including: a notification unit that performs a search and notifies the search result to a terminal that has transmitted the print instruction.

  In the above invention and the invention described in [7] below, the print management apparatus searches the network for an alternative printing apparatus having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, and notifies the transmission source of the print instruction. .

[4] The print management apparatus according to [3], wherein the print instruction receiving unit receives re-designation of a print destination printer from the terminals notified by the search result from the terminal.

  In the above invention and the invention described in [8] below, the print management apparatus searches the network for an alternative printing apparatus having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, and notifies the print instruction transmission source. Then, re-designation of the printing device as the printing destination from the notified printing devices is accepted from the user.

[5] A server connected to the network
A print instruction receiving unit for receiving a print instruction for a predetermined printed matter and a print destination printer;
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has an output guarantee function for guaranteeing completion of printing and a copy prohibition function for outputting a copy prohibitible print;
Only when the confirmation unit confirms that the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has both the output guarantee function and the duplication prohibition function, print data of the predetermined printed matter is transmitted to the printing apparatus. A control unit that causes the printing apparatus to print the predetermined printed matter;
A program characterized in that it functions as a print management apparatus having

[6] The program according to [5], wherein the predetermined printed matter is a receipt or a form.

[7] The server is
When the printing device designated as the printing destination does not have both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the printer is searched for on the network a printer having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function. The program according to [5] or [6], further causing the search result to function as a notification unit that notifies the terminal that is the transmission source of the print instruction.

[8] The program according to [7], wherein the printing instruction receiving unit receives re-designation of a printing device as a printing destination from the printing devices notified by the search result from the terminal.

[9] A receiving unit that receives print data from the print management apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4];
A non-volatile storage unit that stores the print data received by the receiving unit in a non-volatile manner;
A printing section;
A copy prohibition unit for causing the printing unit to output a printable copy prohibition; and
The copy prohibition unit is operated to cause the printing unit to execute printing based on the print data, and when an error occurs during execution of printing based on the print data, the error is canceled. A control unit that ensures the completion of printing based on the print data by causing the printing unit to re-execute printing based on the print data later;
A function notifying unit for notifying the print management apparatus that it has a copy prohibiting function for outputting a copy prohibited copy and an output guarantee function for guaranteeing completion of printing;
A printing apparatus comprising:

  In the above invention, the printing apparatus has an output guarantee function and a copy prohibition function, and also has a function of notifying the print management apparatus that these functions are provided.

[10] The printing apparatus according to [9], wherein the control unit deletes the print data from the nonvolatile storage unit when printing based on the print data is completed.

  In the above-described invention, unauthorized printing is prohibited by deleting the print data from the nonvolatile memory when printing is completed.

[11] The printing apparatus according to [9] or [10], wherein the copy prohibiting unit synthesizes a background pattern with an image to be printed by the printing unit.

  In the above invention, copying is prohibited by synthesizing the background pattern.

[12] The printing apparatus according to any one of [9] to [11], wherein a predetermined storage function that enables repeated printing of an image based on the print data is prohibited.

  In the above invention, for example, if print data or a print result image is stored in a box, it can be read out from the box and reprinted, so such a function is prohibited.

[13] A reading unit that optically reads the document is further provided.
When a paper jam occurs in the printing unit, the control unit causes the reading unit to read the printed material collected from the printing unit, and the image and the print data of the collected printed material read by the reading unit. [9] to [12], wherein whether or not the collected printed matter is to be reprinted by the printing unit after the cancellation of the error is determined based on a result of comparison with an image based on [9] to [12] The printing apparatus as described in any one of.

  In the above invention, when a paper jam occurs, the image of the paper removed from the conveyance path is read and compared with the original image to determine whether the removed paper is reusable (reusable if reusable). No need to print).

[14] When the printed matter collected from the printing unit is read by the reading unit, the image read by the reading unit and the image based on the print data are added to the collected printed matter so that they differ by a certain amount or more. The printing apparatus according to [13], wherein a display prompting the user to perform the operation is performed.

  In the above invention, when a paper jam occurs, if the paper collected after removing from the conveyance path is read by adding an X mark or the like, the read image always has a certain difference from the original image. Therefore, it can be surely reprinted. Therefore, a message that prompts the user to add such information is displayed.

[15] When a paper jam has occurred in the printing unit, the control unit, for a page that is scheduled to be printed on paper that is stopped before the image drawing position of the printing unit, The printing apparatus according to [13] or [14], wherein the printing unit is automatically reprinted.

  In the above invention, since the image is not formed on the paper stopped before the image drawing position, the page scheduled to be printed is always reprinted on the paper. There is no need to read by the reading unit.

[16] The print management apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4];
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, which is connected to the print management apparatus through a network;
A printing system characterized by comprising:

  According to the printing system, the printing apparatus, the printing management apparatus, and the program according to the present invention, when a receipt, a form, or the like is downloaded from the Web and printed, the completion of printing is guaranteed, and unauthorized reprinting or Copying can be prohibited.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the general | schematic flow in the case of printing a receipt with a printing system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print management apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a receipt selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing destination designation | designated screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the printing management apparatus which received the receipt issue request. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing destination re-designation screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a print management apparatus when searching for an alternative printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an error handling process. It is a figure which shows an example of a reading recommendation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the reprint notification screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd reading recommendation screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a printing system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 2 includes a print management apparatus 30 connected to a wide area network 7 such as the Internet. The printing system 2 includes a plurality of printing apparatuses 10 connected to a local area network (LAN) 3 connected to a wide area network 7, a personal computer (PC) 4, and a LAN 3 by wireless communication via an access point 5. The mobile terminal 6 is configured to be connected to the mobile phone.

  The portable terminal 6 and the PC 4 are information processing terminal devices that can be used by the user.

  The printing apparatus 10 has a copy function for optically reading a document and printing a duplicate image on a recording paper, and scanning for storing image data of the read document as a file or transmitting it to an external terminal via the networks 3 and 7. This is a so-called multi-function machine having a function, a print function for printing a document or an image on a recording sheet based on print data downloaded from the print management apparatus 30 through the networks 7 and 3 and the like. Hereinafter, the printing apparatus 10 is also referred to as an MFP.

  The print management apparatus 30 functions as a Web server. The print management apparatus 30 stores print data such as receipts and forms, or has a function of generating print data such as receipts and forms from a purchase history of products. In the following description, it is assumed that print data such as a receipt or a form is stored in the print management apparatus 30. In the printing system 2, the web page provided by the print management apparatus 30 functioning as a web server is accessed from the mobile terminal 6 or the like, and the print target and the printing apparatus 10 are specified. Receipts, forms, and the like can be printed out by the printing apparatus 10 designated by the user.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow when a receipt is printed by the printing system 2. The user accesses a Web page provided by the print management apparatus 30 from the portable terminal 6 or the like, and issues a receipt issuance request and designates the printing apparatus 10 (MFP) as a printing destination (P1).

  In response to this, the print management apparatus 30 inquires of the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination, and the printing apparatus 10 outputs an output guarantee function for guaranteeing the completion of printing and a copy for which copying can be prohibited. It is confirmed whether or not it has a prohibition function (hereinafter, these are designated functions together) (P2).

  Even if an error such as a paper jam occurs or the power of the printing apparatus 10 is turned off before the printing of the printing target is completed, the output guarantee function prints the printing target after the failure is removed. This is a function for completing the printing by continuing or re-executing. This function includes not only the completion of printing to be printed but also the function of prohibiting unnecessary printing. For example, printing exceeding the specified number of copies is prohibited. Also, when a paper jam occurs, if the image is printed correctly on the paper removed (collected) from the transport path and the paper can be used as it is, the page of the page is released after the paper jam is cleared. Reprinting is prohibited only when reprinting is prohibited and the page cannot be reused.

  The copy prohibiting function is a function that prohibits unauthorized copying of printed matter. Here, illegal copying is prohibited by synthesizing the background pattern. The tint block is not visible on the printed matter output by the printing apparatus 10, but is a pattern or the like that appears visibly on the copied matter when copied.

  Upon receiving an inquiry as to whether or not it has the designated function, the printing apparatus 10 transmits a response (function response) indicating whether or not the own apparatus has the designated function to the inquiring source print management apparatus 30 (P3). When the printing device 10 designated as the printing destination has a designated function, the print management device 30 transmits a print command (including print data) of the receipt for which the issuance request has been received to the printing device 10, and The receipt is printed (P4).

  On the other hand, if the printing device 10 designated as the printing destination does not have the designated function, printing of the receipt on the printing device 10 is prohibited, and the user is notified of the printing failure (P5).

  The printing apparatus 10 that has received the print command returns a print acceptance response to the print management apparatus 30 (P6), and then executes print processing (P7). This printing process is performed with the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function enabled.

  The print management apparatus 30 that has received the print acceptance response performs a setting for prohibiting duplicate printing of the receipt instructed by the print command of P3 (P8). For example, “printed” information is added to the corresponding print data. The print management apparatus 30 prohibits receipt of a receipt issuance request for print data to which “printed” information is added.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 10. The printing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the printing apparatus 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like as main components. Connected to the control unit 11 are a storage unit 12, an image processing unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an operation panel 15, a printing unit 18, a network communication unit 19, a copy prohibition unit 21, a function notification unit 22, and the like.

  The CPU of the control unit 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes programs such as middleware and application programs.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory 12a, and the like, and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 12 stores a program for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, a program for controlling an operation related to the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, and the like. The function of the printing apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 11 executing various processes according to these programs. When the output guarantee function is valid, the received print command (including print data) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12a.

  The image processing unit 13 performs processes such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation, as well as rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The image reading unit (reading device) 14 functions to optically read a document and acquire image data. The image reading unit 14 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and sequentially reads the reading position in line units in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on.

  The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 16 and an operation unit 17. The display unit 16 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 17 includes various operation switches such as a start button and a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 16. The touch panel detects a coordinate position pressed with a touch pen or a finger.

  The printing unit 18 has a function of forming an image corresponding to print data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. The printing unit 18 may use other methods.

  The network communication unit 19 performs a function of communicating with the print management apparatus 30, the PC 4, the portable terminal 6, and other external apparatuses through the networks 3 and 7.

  The copy prohibition unit 21 performs processing related to the copy prohibition function. Here, the image data delivered to the printing unit 18 is processed so that a background pattern is added to the printed matter output by the printing unit 18.

  When the function notification unit 22 receives the designated function confirmation (confirmation of whether or not it has the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function) from the print management apparatus 30, the function notification unit 22 determines whether or not the own apparatus has the designated function. Answer 30.

  The control unit 11 further functions as a comparison / determination unit 23. When a paper jam occurs, the comparison determination unit 23 compares an image obtained by reading the paper removed from the conveyance path with the image reading unit 14 and the original image formed on the paper, It fulfills the function of determining whether or not the collected paper can be reused.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the print management apparatus 30. The print management apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 36, a network communication unit 37, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU that controls the operation of the print management apparatus 30. The CPU of the control unit 31 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like.

  The storage unit 36 includes a RAM, a nonvolatile flash ROM, a hard disk device, and the like. Various programs are stored in the storage unit 36, and the function of the print management apparatus 30 is realized by the control unit 31 executing various processes according to these programs. The storage unit 36 stores print data for receipts and forms, or basic data for generating print data.

  More specifically, the control unit 31 executes a program stored in the storage unit 36 to receive a print instruction including a designation of a printing target or a printing apparatus 10 that is a printing destination from the mobile terminal 6 or the like. 32, fulfills the function of the confirmation unit 33 for confirming whether the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination has an output guarantee function and a copy prohibition function. In addition, when it is confirmed that the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the control unit 31 transmits the print data to be printed to the printing apparatus and performs printing. When the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination does not have at least one of the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the function of prohibiting printing by the printing apparatus is achieved.

  Further, when the printing device 10 designated as the printing destination does not have both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the control unit 31 has both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function. Functions of a search unit 34 for searching a predetermined network and a notification unit 35 for notifying a search source terminal of a search result of the search unit 34. The print instruction receiving unit 32 further receives re-designation of the printing destination from the printing apparatuses notified by the notification unit 35.

  The storage unit 36 stores data for displaying various web pages.

  The network communication unit 37 functions to communicate with the PC 4, the portable terminal 6, the printing device 10, and other external devices via the networks 3 and 7.

  Next, the operation when the user accesses the Web page provided by the print management apparatus 30 from the portable terminal 6 or the like and makes a receipt issue request will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a receipt selection screen 41 displayed on the mobile terminal 6 when the user transmits a receipt issuance request from the mobile terminal 6 to the print management apparatus 30. The receipt selection screen 41 is a part of a Web page provided by the print management apparatus 30. Here, a case will be described as an example in which a Web page at the time of product purchase is accessed to display a purchase item list and a receipt issuance request is made from there.

  The receipt selection screen 41 displays a list of products that the user has purchased in the past. When the user selects a product for which a receipt is to be issued and presses a “receipt print” button 42, the screen shifts to a print destination designation screen 44 shown in FIG. Information relating to the product selected on the receipt selection screen 41 is displayed in the display column for the print target.

  The printing device designation field displays the IP address and name of the printing device designated by the user. The user can directly input such information in the designation field of the printing apparatus. Further, when an operation such as a click is performed in the printing device designation column, a list of printing devices 10 in the same network (LAN 3) as the mobile terminal 6 is displayed. The user can designate a printing device as a printing destination from the list. When the “print start” button 45 is pressed after designating the printing destination printing apparatus, a receipt issuance request is transmitted from the portable terminal 6 to the print management apparatus 30.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the print management apparatus 30 that has received a receipt issuance request. When the print management apparatus 30 receives a receipt issuance request from the mobile terminal 6 or the like (step S101; Yes), the print management apparatus 30 makes an inquiry to the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination in the receipt issuance request, and the printing apparatus 10 It is confirmed whether or not both an output guarantee function and a copy prohibition function are provided (step S102).

  If the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination in the received receipt issuance request does not have at least one of the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function (step S103; No), the printing apparatus 10 prints a receipt. The fact that it is not possible is notified to the sender of the receipt issuance request (step S104), and this process ends.

  When the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination in the received receipt issuance request has both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function (step S103; Yes), the receipt is sent to the printing apparatus 10. The receipt print data and the print instruction specified in the issue request are transmitted (step S105).

  Thereafter, when a print acceptance response indicating that the print data and the print instruction have been received normally and received the print instruction is received (step S106; Yes), duplicate printing of the same receipt is prohibited. Processing is performed (step S108), and this processing ends. For example, printing is registered in the receipt data, and thereafter, the receipt issuance request for the receipt is rejected.

  If a print acceptance response is not received from the printing apparatus 10 to which the print data and print instruction are transmitted (step S106; No), a print error is transmitted to the terminal that has sent the receipt issuance request (step S107). This process ends.

  In the case where the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination in the received receipt issuance request does not have at least one of the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the same network as the terminal that has sent the receipt issuance request The print management device 30 remotely retrieves the printing device 10 existing in the (LAN) 3 and notifies the terminal that is the transmission source of the receipt issuance request of the printing device 10 having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function. The re-designation of the printing device 10 to be the printing destination may be received from the notified printing devices 10.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the print destination redesignation screen 47 displayed on the terminal that is the transmission source of the receipt issuance request when the above operation is performed. On the print destination redesignation screen 47, a list of printing apparatuses 10 searched and found by the print management apparatus 30 is displayed. The user may select any printing device 10 from the list and press the “print start” button 48. When the “Cancel” button 49 is pressed, printing is stopped.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing of the print management apparatus 30 that performs the above operation. The same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. When the printing apparatus 10 designated as the printing destination in the receipt issuance request received in step S101 does not include at least one of the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function (step S103; No), the print management apparatus 30 The printer 10 that exists in the same network as the terminal that has sent the receipt issuance request is searched (step S111). Then, it is inquired of each printing apparatus 10 to confirm whether or not there is any printing apparatus 10 having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function in the searched printing apparatuses 10 (step S112).

  If there is no printing apparatus 10 having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function in the searched printing apparatus 10 (step S113; No), the process proceeds to step S107, and the sender of the receipt issuance request is sent. Notify the terminal of a printing error.

  If there is a printing apparatus 10 having both an output guarantee function and a copy inhibition function in the searched printing apparatus 10 (step S113; Yes), a printing apparatus having both an output guarantee function and a copy inhibition function. Is transmitted to the terminal that is the transmission source of the receipt issuance request, the printing destination redesignation screen 47 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and the printing apparatus 10 that is the printing destination is redesignated from the list (step S114).

  When one of the printing apparatuses 10 is selected (step S115: selection), the receipt print data and the print instruction specified in the receipt issuance request are transmitted to the selected printing apparatus 10 (step S115). S105). When the operation of the “cancel” button 49 is received on the printing destination re-designation screen 47 (step S115: cancel), this process ends.

  FIG. 10 shows the flow of processing performed by the printing apparatus 10 that has received the print data and print instruction transmitted by the print management apparatus 30 in step S105 of FIGS. Upon receiving the receipt print data and the print instruction from the print management apparatus 30 (step S201; Yes), the printing apparatus 10 generates a print job (including print data) corresponding to the print data and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 12a. (Step S202).

  If a job end instruction to be described later is not received (step S203; No), the print processing related to the print job is executed (step S204). This printing process is performed with the copy prohibition function enabled. Here, the background pattern is synthesized. In the printing process in step S204, even if an error occurs during printing, printing is continued after the error is cleared, and printing is performed until printing of all pages is completed.

For example, when the power of the printing apparatus 10 is turned off midway, after the power is restored, the printing is resumed to complete the printing. In addition, when a paper jam occurs, it is clear that an image is not formed on the paper before the image forming position (for example, the transfer position) among the papers stopped on the conveyance path. For pages scheduled to be printed on this paper, printing is automatically performed after the paper jam is cleared.

  If any error occurs before the printing is completed (step S205; Yes), an error handling process is performed (step S206), and the process proceeds to step S203. The return value of the error handling process may be a “job end instruction”.

  When printing is completed (step S205; No), this print job is deleted from the nonvolatile memory 12a (step S207), and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 11 shows details of the error handling process. Waiting for the error to be cleared (step S221; No), and when the error is cleared (step S221; Yes), it is determined whether or not the content of the cleared error is a paper jam (step S222).

  If the canceled error is not a paper jam (Step S222; No), this process is terminated. If the canceled error is a paper jam (step S222; Yes), a reading recommendation screen 51 including a message for prompting the user to set the read paper in the image reading unit 14 (reading device) to be read (see FIG. 12) is displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 (step S223).

  The user sets the removed paper in the image reading unit 14 and presses a “read start” button 52 on the read recommendation screen 51 shown in FIG. In response to the operation, the printing apparatus 10 reads the image of the paper set in the image reading unit 14 (step S224). Then, the comparison / determination unit 23 of the control unit 11 compares the read image with the image (output image) formed on the sheet (step S225).

  If there is a certain difference or more between the read image and the output image (step S226; Yes), this process is terminated. In this case, the page corresponding to the read image (paper jammed page) is reprinted in step S204 in FIG.

  If there is no certain difference between the read image and the output image (step S226; No), “job end instruction” is returned as a return value (step S227), and this process is ended. In this case, a page corresponding to the read image (a page jammed) is not reprinted. In other words, if there is no certain difference between the read image and the output image, the image is normally formed on the read image, that is, the paper collected after removing from the transport path after the paper jam, It is determined that it can be used as it is, and reprinting is not performed.

  If there is a certain difference or more, it is determined that the paper removed from the conveyance path after the paper jam and recovered cannot be used as it is due to a missing image or the like, and is reprinted.

  Note that the determination in step S226 assumes that the read image has a certain level of identity with the output image. That is, when the read image has a portion that matches the output image, and there is a certain difference between the read image and the output image, to the extent that it can be determined that the read paper is recovered from the paper jam. In step S226, Yes is determined. As a result, for example, when a blank sheet or the like other than the removed sheet is read in order to increase the number of prints illegally, it is determined that there is no difference even if there is a certain difference or more, and reprinting is not performed. (Step S226; No).

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a reprint notification screen 54 displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation panel 15 when it is determined by image comparison that reprinting of the removed paper is necessary (step S226; Yes). Is shown.

  Instead of the reading recommendation screen 51 shown in FIG. 12, a second reading recommendation screen 57 shown in FIG. 14 may be displayed. The second reading recommendation screen 57 prompts the user to set the image reading unit 14 after the user himself / herself has written a large “x” mark or the like on the removed paper. By making the “X” mark or the like darker and larger, a difference of a certain level or more is surely generated between the read image and the output image, so that the corresponding page can always be reprinted. Further, since the removed paper itself is filled with a large “x” mark or the like, it can be ensured that this paper cannot be reused.

  As described above, in the printing system 2, even when the print data of the receipt or the form is transmitted from the print management apparatus 30 (Web server) to the printing apparatus 10 to be printed, an unauthorized reprinting or Copying can be prohibited. Thereby, even if a failure occurs during printing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a printed matter such as a receipt cannot be received. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent counterfeits from being illegally reprinted or copied.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  Although the embodiment has been described with the printing apparatus 10 as a multifunction peripheral, the present invention is not limited to this. There may be no facsimile function or the like.

2 ... Printing system 3 ... LAN
4 ... PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Access point 6 ... Portable terminal 7 ... Wide area network 10 ... Printing apparatus 11 ... Control part 12 ... Memory | storage part 12a ... Nonvolatile memory 13 ... Image processing part 14 ... Image reading part 15 ... Operation panel 16 ... Display part 17 ... Operation part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Printing part 19 ... Network communication part 21 ... Copy prohibition part 22 ... Function notification part 23 ... Comparison determination part 30 ... Print management apparatus 31 ... Control part 32 ... Print instruction | indication reception part 33 ... Confirmation part 34 ... Search part 35 ... Notification Section 36 ... Storage section 37 ... Network communication section 41 ... Receipt selection screen 42 ... "Receipt print" button 44 ... Print destination designation screen 45 ... "Print start" button 47 ... Print destination re-designation screen 48 ... "Start printing" Button 49 ... "Cancel" button 51 ... Read recommendation screen 52 ... "Read start" button 54 ... Reprint notification screen 57 ... Second read recommendation Surface

Claims (16)

A print instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction for a predetermined printed matter and a print destination printer;
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the printing device designated as the printing destination has an output guarantee function for guaranteeing completion of printing and a copy prohibition function for outputting a copy-prohibitable print product;
Only when the confirmation unit confirms that the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has both the output guarantee function and the duplication prohibition function, print data of the predetermined printed matter is transmitted to the printing apparatus. A control unit that causes the printing apparatus to print the predetermined printed matter;
A print management apparatus characterized by comprising: The print management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined printed matter is a receipt or a form. When the printing device designated as the printing destination does not have both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the printer is searched for on the network a printer having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function. The print management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the search result to a terminal that is a transmission source of the print instruction. The print management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the print instruction receiving unit receives re-designation of a printing apparatus as a printing destination from the printing apparatuses notified by the search result from the terminal. A server connected to the network
A print instruction receiving unit for receiving a print instruction for a predetermined printed matter and a print destination printer;
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has an output guarantee function for guaranteeing completion of printing and a copy prohibition function for outputting a copy prohibitible print;
Only when the confirmation unit confirms that the printing apparatus designated as the printing destination has both the output guarantee function and the duplication prohibition function, print data of the predetermined printed matter is transmitted to the printing apparatus. A control unit that causes the printing apparatus to print the predetermined printed matter;
A program characterized in that it functions as a print management apparatus having The program according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined printed matter is a receipt or a form. The server,
When the printing device designated as the printing destination does not have both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function, the printer is searched for on the network a printer having both the output guarantee function and the copy prohibition function. The program according to claim 5, further causing a function to function as a notification unit that notifies the search result to a terminal that is a transmission source of the print instruction. The program according to claim 7, wherein the printing instruction receiving unit receives re-designation of a printing device as a printing destination from printing devices notified by the search result from the terminal. A receiving unit that receives print data from the print management apparatus according to claim 1;
A non-volatile storage unit that stores the print data received by the receiving unit in a non-volatile manner;
A printing section;
A copy prohibition unit for causing the printing unit to output a printable copy prohibition; and
The copy prohibition unit is operated to cause the printing unit to execute printing based on the print data, and when an error occurs during execution of printing based on the print data, the error is canceled. A control unit that ensures the completion of printing based on the print data by causing the printing unit to re-execute printing based on the print data later;
A function notifying unit for notifying the print management apparatus that it has a copy prohibiting function for outputting a copy prohibited copy and an output guarantee function for guaranteeing completion of printing;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit deletes the print data from the nonvolatile storage unit when printing based on the print data is completed. The printing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the copy prohibiting unit synthesizes a background pattern with an image to be printed by the printing unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a predetermined storage function that makes it possible to repeatedly print an image based on the print data is prohibited. A reading unit that optically reads the document;
When a paper jam occurs in the printing unit, the control unit causes the reading unit to read the printed material collected from the printing unit, and the image and the print data of the collected printed material read by the reading unit. 13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: determining whether the collected printed matter is to be reprinted by the printing unit after the error is canceled based on a result of comparison with an image based on the method. The printing apparatus as described in any one. When the printed matter collected from the printing unit is read by the reading unit, the image read by the reading unit and the image based on the print data are added to the collected printed matter so that they differ by a certain amount or more. The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a prompting display is performed. When a paper jam occurs in the printing unit, the control unit prints the page that is scheduled to be printed on the paper that is stopped before the image drawing position of the printing unit after the paper jam is cleared. The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the printing unit is automatically reprinted. A print management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, which is connected to the print management apparatus through a network;
A printing system characterized by comprising:

Images