JP6822383B2 - Image forming device and image forming system including it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints based on a document file. The present invention also relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus.

There are image forming devices such as printers, multifunction devices, copiers, and facsimile machines. Printing with an image forming apparatus consumes coloring materials (toner and ink) and paper. If too much printing is performed, the operating cost of the image forming apparatus becomes high. Therefore, the use of the image forming apparatus may be restricted. For example, printing may be restricted so that the number of printed sheets is a certain number or less. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a technique relating to restrictions on the use of such an image forming apparatus.

Specifically, Patent Document 1 stores identification information of other printing devices, groups the identification information, and stores restriction information with restrictions on the use of functions of printing devices belonging to the same group. The identification information and the restriction information are shared with the printing devices in the same group, and based on the mutually shared identification information, the updated restriction information is transmitted to other printing devices in the same group, and the restrictions transmitted to the other printing devices. A printing device that limits the use of functions based on information is described. With this configuration, an attempt is made to uniformly limit the number of prints in the entire plurality of image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0004], etc.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-143043

Multiple image forming devices may be installed in the office. The document file printer operates the PC and selects an image forming apparatus for sending the document file. The PC sends the document file to the selected image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus that has received the document file prints based on the received file. That is, a desired document file can be printed by a desired image forming apparatus.

However, there are times when you want a document file to be printable only on a particular image forming apparatus. For example, there is a case where it is desired that the document file can be printed only by an image forming apparatus close to the creator of the document file or the user. In this way, it may be desired to limit (limit) the image forming apparatus capable of printing the document file for each document file.

Normally, the image forming apparatus prints all the received document files. On the other hand, the PC can be set to select the image forming apparatus to be used. For example, if the printer driver software is deleted, the image forming apparatus corresponding to the deleted driver software can be disabled. However, printing using the image forming apparatus cannot be performed at all. There is a problem that it is not possible to impose print restrictions that limit the image forming apparatus that can print on a document file basis.

The technique described in Patent Document 1 relates to a limitation on the number of printed sheets. There is no description about limiting the image forming apparatus capable of printing. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

In view of the above problems of the prior art, the present invention makes it possible to easily limit the image forming apparatus capable of printing in units of document files.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit, a printing unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an operation panel . The acquisition unit acquires a document file. The printing unit prints. The storage unit stores a first character string for determining whether or not printability is possible. The control unit controls the printing unit. The operation panel accepts an input of a second character string as a candidate for the first character string. The control unit determines whether or not specific metadata including a predetermined specific tag is embedded in an acquisition file which is the document file acquired by the acquisition unit. When the specific metadata is embedded in the acquisition file, the control unit confirms whether or not the element content of the element including the specific tag matches the first character string. When the element content matches the first character string, the control unit causes the printing unit to print based on the acquired file including the specific metadata. When the element content does not match the first character string, the control unit does not allow the printing unit to print based on the acquired file containing the specific metadata. The control unit stores the input second character string in the storage unit. The operation panel accepts an operation of selecting the first character string from the second character string stored in the storage unit. The control unit confirms whether or not the selected first character string matches the element content.

According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus capable of printing can be easily limited for each document file.

It is a figure which shows an example of the multifunction device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printer driver screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the element content selection screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the generation of the document file by the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific metadata which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print control setting screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print control setting screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print control setting screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print control setting screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print control setting screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the synchronous processing of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the acquisition of the element content candidate of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the process flow at the time of acquisition of the document file of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the floor plan of an office.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. The image forming system 100 according to the embodiment includes an image forming device 1 and an information processing device 2. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 1 may be an image forming apparatus 1 other than a multifunction device such as a printer. The information processing device 2 is a computer. The information processing device 2 is, for example, a PC (personal computer). The information processing device 2 may be a computer other than a PC such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The following elements such as the configuration and the arrangement described in the present embodiment do not limit the scope of the invention and are merely explanatory examples.

(Image forming apparatus 1)
An example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.

A plurality of image forming devices 1 may be used. In FIG. 1, for convenience, only one image forming apparatus 1 is shown. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a first storage unit 12, an image reading unit 13, an operation panel 14, a printing unit 15, a memory communication unit 16 (corresponding to an acquisition unit), and a communication unit 17 (corresponding to an acquisition unit). ..

The control unit 11 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 11 is a substrate including a CPU 11a and an image processing circuit 11b. The CPU 11a controls and calculates the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 11a controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 and performs various arithmetic processes based on the programs and data stored in the first storage unit 12. The image processing circuit 11b analyzes the file and data received by the communication unit 17. The image processing circuit 11b generates image data to be used for a job (print) based on the received file and data.

The first storage unit 12 includes a ROM 12a, a RAM 12b, and a storage 12c. The first storage unit 12 can store setting data for control of the image forming apparatus 1, image data, a program for control, and a file. The storage 12c is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage 12c is an HDD or SSD.

In the case of a job involving reading a document, the control unit 11 causes the image reading unit 13 to read the document. The image reading unit 13 generates image data of the original. The image reading unit 13 includes a light source (lamp), a lens, and an image sensor (line sensor) for reading a document.

The operation panel 14 includes a display panel 14a, a touch panel 14b, and a hard key 14c. The display panel 14a displays a screen and an image. The control unit 11 controls the display of the display panel 14a. The control unit 11 causes the display panel 14a to display an operation image used for setting the job. The operation image is, for example, a button or a key. The touch panel 14b accepts the user's operation. The touch panel 14b is provided on the upper surface of the display panel 14a. The touch panel 14b recognizes the touch position. Based on the output of the touch panel 14b, the control unit 11 recognizes the operated operation image. The control unit 11 recognizes the operation content of the user based on the operated operation image. The hard key 14c also accepts user operations.

The printing unit 15 includes a paper feeding unit 15a, a paper conveying unit 15b, an image forming unit 15c, and a fixing unit 15d. The control unit 11 controls the operation of these parts. The control unit 11 controls, for example, paper feeding, paper transport, toner image formation, transfer, and fixing. At the time of a print job, the control unit 11 supplies the paper to the paper feed unit 15a one by one. The control unit 11 conveys the supplied paper to the paper conveying unit 15b. The control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 15c to form a toner image based on the image data. The control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 15c to transfer the toner image to the conveyed paper. The control unit 11 fixes the toner image of the paper to the fixing unit 15d. The control unit 11 causes the paper transport unit 15b to discharge the paper after fixing to the outside of the machine.

The memory communication unit 16 is a portion for connecting a portable memory. The portable memory is, for example, a USB memory. The portable memory may be a memory card. The memory communication unit 16 includes communication hardware (various sockets, communication circuits). Further, the communication unit 17 includes communication software. The memory communication unit 16 reads and writes data in the connected portable memory.

The communication unit 17 includes communication hardware (various sockets, communication circuits) and communication software. The communication unit 17 is communicably connected to the network. The communication unit 17 communicates with the information processing device 2 via the network. The communication unit 17 receives a file from the information processing device 2. The control unit 11 causes the printing unit 15 to print based on the received file.

(Information processing device 2)
Next, an example of the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing device 2 according to the embodiment.

A plurality of information processing devices 2 may be used. In FIG. 2, for convenience, only one information processing device 2 is shown. The information processing device 2 is communicably connected to the image forming device 1. The image forming system 100 includes at least one image forming apparatus 1 and at least one information processing apparatus 2. The information processing device 2 includes a processing unit 21, a second storage unit 22, a display 23, an input device 24, and a network communication unit 25.

The processing unit 21 controls the operation of the information processing device 2. For example, the processing unit 21 is a substrate including the CPU 21a. The second storage unit 22 non-volatilely stores the OS, data, programs, and software 26. The processing unit 21 controls the operation of the information processing device 2 based on the OS, data, program, and software 26. The second storage unit 22 includes a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD. The processing unit 21 controls each unit of the information processing device 2 according to the stored contents of the second storage unit 22.

The processing unit 21 displays various information on the display 23. The display 23 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The input device 24 is a device that accepts user operations. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The input device 24 may be a touch panel 14b. Based on the output of the input device 24, the processing unit 21 recognizes the operation content. The network communication unit 25 includes a communication circuit and communication software. The network communication unit 25 communicates with the communication unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 1 in response to an instruction from the processing unit 21.

The software 26 is installed in the second storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. For example, word processing software, spreadsheet software, image data editing software, and browser software are installed. For example, software 26 such as Word or Excel is installed. The user operates the software 26 and creates, edits, and saves a file using the input device 24. The input device 24 accepts a user's command input.

Further, the driver software 27 of the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in the second storage unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2. The driver software 27 includes a program that converts a file into a document file (electronic document). The document file is, for example, a PDF file. The driver software 27 can be used to convert the file created by the software 26 toward the image forming apparatus 1 into a document file (details will be described later).

(Generation of document file)
Next, an example of generating a document file in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the printer driver screen 3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the element content 42 selection screen 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of generating a document file by the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the specific metadata 4 according to the embodiment.

In the information processing device 2 of the image forming system 100, the driver software 27 can be used to generate a document file in which the specific metadata 4 is embedded. It is also possible to generate a document file in which the specific metadata 4 is not embedded.

The specific metadata 4 is data for a document file. The specific metadata 4 is data added to the document file. The specific metadata 4 is data used for limiting (restricting) the image forming apparatus 1 capable of printing a document file. The specific metadata 4 is embedded in the document file. The specific metadata 4 does not interfere with the reading and output of the document file.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the printer driver screen 3. When a print command is input to the input device 24, the processing unit 21 displays the printer driver screen 3 on the display 23. A document file can be generated as a form of output using the driver software 27. In other words, the generation and output of the document file is one of the extended functions of the driver software 27.

Note that on the printer driver screen 3, printing can be performed without generating a document file. When the input device 24 accepts a setting for printing without generating a document file, the processing unit 21 converts the contents of the file for which the print command is given into data described in the page description language. The processing unit 21 causes the communication unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 1 to transmit the data described in the page description language to the network communication unit 25. The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 analyzes the data described in the page description language to generate image data for printing. The control unit 11 causes the printing unit 15 to perform printing based on the image data for printing.

When the input device 24 receives the operation of the advance area 31, the processing unit 21 displays a button for generating a document file on the display 23. In FIG. 3, the first generation button B1 and the second generation button B2 are buttons for generating a document file. The first generation button B1 is a button for generating a document file that does not include the specific metadata 4. The second generation button B2 is a button for generating a document file in which the specific metadata 4 is embedded. The operated button is highlighted. When highlighting, the processing unit 21 sets the characters in the button to white. Further, the processing unit 21 sets the portion of the button other than the characters to be black, gray, or chromatic.

When the input device 24 receives the operation of the second generation button B2, the processing unit 21 causes the element content 42 selection screen 30 to be displayed on the display 23. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the element content 42 selection screen 30. The element content 42 selection screen 30 includes an element content 42 selection field 32. A drop-down button 33 is provided at the end of the element content 42 selection field 32. When the input device 24 accepts the operation of the drop-down button 33, the processing unit 21 displays the drop-down list 34 on the display 23. The processing unit 21 displays the element content candidate 5 in the drop-down list 34.

The second storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 stores the element content candidate 5 (see FIG. 2). The element content candidate 5 is a character string (element content 42) that can be included in the specific metadata 4. The details of registration (memory) of the element content candidate 5 will be described later. The processing unit 21 causes the display panel 14a to display a list of element content candidates 5 stored in the second storage unit 22. In the example of FIG. 4, the element content candidates 5 are Administration, Finance, HR, SQA, and SD. FIG. 4 shows a state in which Administration is about to be selected. The character strings as the element content 42 and the element content candidate 5 may include numbers and symbols. In other words, the element content 42 and the element content candidate 5 may be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. The input device 24 accepts an operation of selecting the element content 42 from the element content candidates 5.

When the OK button B3 is operated while the first generation button B1 or the second generation button B2 is selected, the processing unit 21 starts generating a document file. An example of the flow of generating a document file will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 5 is when the OK button B3 is operated while the first generation button B1 or the second generation button B2 is selected. First, the processing unit 21 confirms whether or not to generate a document file with the specific metadata 4 (step # 11). In other words, it is confirmed whether the first generation button B1 or the second generation button B2 is selected.

When the document file with the specific metadata 4 is not generated (when the first generation button B1 is operated, No in step # 11), the processing unit 21 converts the file and creates the document file without the specific metadata 4. Is generated (step # 12).

On the other hand, when a document file with the specific metadata 4 is generated (when the second generation button B2 is operated, Yes in step # 11), the processing unit 21 contains the specific metadata including the selected element content 42. 4 is generated (step # 13). Then, the processing unit 21 converts the file and generates a document file in which the specific metadata 4 is embedded (step # 14). When the document file is generated in step # 12 or step # 14, the processing unit 21 non-volatilely stores the generated document file in the second storage unit 22 (step # 15). When the document file is generated, the processing unit 21 may cause the image forming apparatus 1 (communication unit 17) to transmit the generated document file to the network communication unit 25. Then, this flow ends (end).

The specific metadata 4 includes a specific tag 41 and an element content 42. The specific tag 41 is used to determine whether or not printing is possible. The specific tag 41 is a tag that sandwiches the selected element content 42. The element name (tag name) of the specific tag 41 is predetermined. FIG. 6 shows an example of the specific metadata 4. For example, the processing unit 21 generates specific metadata 4 conforming to the standard of Extensible Metadata Platform. The start tag and end tag surrounding the selected element content 42 are the specific tag 41. In FIG. 6, the element content 42 in which the Administrator is selected. <MFPcontrol> is a start tag among the specific tags 41. </ MFPcontrol> is the end tag of the specific tags 41. The tag name of the specific tag 41 is not limited to MFP control. The tag name of the specific tag 41 can be appropriately determined.

(Registration of the first character string 7 and the second character string 8 in the image forming apparatus 1)
Next, an example of registering a character string in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12. 7 to 11 are views showing an example of the print control setting screen 6 according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of synchronous processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

The first storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 non-volatilely stores the first character string 7 and the second character string 8 (see FIG. 1). The first character string 7 is a character string for determining whether or not the document file can be printed. The first character string 7 is a character string for comparison with the element content 42. The second character string 8 is a character string as a candidate for the first character string 7. The first character string 7 and the second character string 8 may include numbers and symbols, or may be a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

The operation panel 14 accepts settings related to selection of the first character string 7, addition and deletion of the first character string 7 and the second character string 8. Settings related to each character string can be made on the print control setting screen 6. When the operation panel 14 receives an operation for displaying the print control setting screen 6, the control unit 11 causes the print control setting screen 6 to be displayed on the display panel 14a.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, five buttons are arranged on the left side of the print control setting screen 6. The five buttons are a list button B4, a main setting button B5, an add button B6, a delete button B7, and a synchronization setting button B8. The touch panel 14b accepts operations for each button. Based on the output of the touch panel 14b, the control unit 11 recognizes the operated button. The control unit 11 changes the display content on the right side of the print control setting screen 6 according to the operated button.

When the display of the print control setting screen 6 is started, the control unit 11 causes the display panel 14a to display the state in which the list button B4 is selected (operated). FIG. 7 shows an example of the print control setting screen 6 in a state where the list button B4 is selected (operated). When the list button B4 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the character string list L1 on the display panel 14a. The character string list L1 is a list of the second character string 8 stored in the first storage unit 12. As a result, the registered second character string 8 can be known.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the print control setting screen 6 in a state where the main setting button B5 is selected (operated). When the main setting button B5 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the selection image 61 on the display panel 14a. The control unit 11 includes the selection button B10 in the selection image 61. The control unit 11 includes any one of the second character strings 8 in the selection button B10. The operation panel 14 (touch panel 14b) accepts the operation of the selection button B10. The control unit 11 highlights the operated non-highlighted selection button B10. The control unit 11 sets the operated highlight state selection button B10 into a non-highlight state.

In the highlighted state, the control unit 11 sets the character string as white and the portion other than the character string as black, gray, or chromatic color in the selection button B10. Further, in the non-highlighted state, the control unit 11 sets the character string as black and the portion other than the character string as white in the selection button B10.

When the OK button B9 in the print control setting screen 6 is pressed, the control unit 11 recognizes the highlight state selection button B10. The control unit 11 stores the second character string 8 included in the highlight state selection button B10 in the first storage unit 12 as the first character string 7. In this way, the operation panel 14 accepts an operation of selecting the first character string 7 from the second character string 8 stored in the first storage unit 12. The control unit 11 stores the second character string 8 selected by the selection button B10 as the first character string 7 in the first storage unit 12. As a result, the desired second character string 8 can be changed to the first character string 7.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the print control setting screen 6 in a state where the additional button B6 is selected (operated). When the add button B6 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the additional image 62 on the display panel 14a. The control unit 11 includes the character string input field L2 and the end button B11 in the additional image 62. When the character string input field L2 is operated, the control unit 11 causes the software keyboard screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display panel 14a. The touch panel 14b accepts input of characters, numbers, and symbols using the software keyboard screen. The control unit 11 displays the content input on the software keyboard screen in the character string input field L2. When the end button B11 is operated, the control unit 11 stores the contents in the character string input field L2 as the second character string 8 in the first storage unit 12. In this way, the operation panel 14 accepts the input of the second character string 8 as a candidate for the first character string 7. The control unit 11 stores the input second character string 8 in the first storage unit 12.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the print control setting screen 6 in a state where the delete button B7 is selected (operated). When the delete button B7 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the delete image 63 on the display panel 14a. The control unit 11 includes the character string list L1 in the deletion image 63. The control unit 11 displays the second character string 8 that is not set in the first character string 7 in the character string list L1 in a non-highlighted state. On the other hand, the control unit 11 displays the second character string 8 set in the first character string 7 in the character string list L1 in the highlighted state.

The control unit 11 displays the erase button B12 on the display panel 14a. The erase button B12 is arranged on the right side of each second character string 8 of the character string list L1. When the erase button B12 is operated, the control unit 11 causes the first storage unit 12 to erase the second character string 8 corresponding to the operated erase button B12. When the second character string 8 corresponding to the operated erase button B12 is also the first character string 7, the control unit 11 causes the first storage unit 12 to erase the corresponding first character string 7. In this way, the operation panel 14 accepts the erasing operation of the first character string 7 or the second character string 8. The control unit 11 causes the first storage unit 12 to erase the first character string 7 or the second character string 8 that has been erased. As a result, unnecessary first character string 7 and second character string 8 can be erased.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the print control setting screen 6 in a state where the synchronization setting button B8 is selected (operated). When the synchronization setting button B8 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the synchronization image 64 on the display panel 14a. The control unit 11 includes the address input field L3, the acceptance button B13, and the automatic synchronization button B14 in the synchronization image 64. By operating the synchronization setting button B8, it is possible to set the synchronization processing of the second character string 8 between the other image forming apparatus 1a and the own machine. It has the same configuration as the other image forming apparatus 1a and the image forming apparatus 1. The other image forming apparatus 1a can communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1).

The address input field L3 is an address input field for the other image forming apparatus 1a. The address of another image forming apparatus 1a that stores the second character string 8 is input to the address input field L3. For example, the address of another image forming apparatus 1a in the local area network is set. FIG. 11 shows an example of setting an IP address. The address may be an address other than the IP address. When the address input field L3 is operated, the control unit 11 causes the software keyboard screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display panel 14a. The user operates the software keyboard screen and sets the address.

The automatic synchronization button B14 is a button for setting whether or not to automatically perform synchronization processing at a predetermined automatic synchronization start time point. The automatic synchronization start time may be the time when the start of the image forming apparatus 1 is completed after the power is turned on. A time point other than the start time may be set as the automatic synchronization start time. Each time the automatic synchronization button B14 is also operated, the highlight state and the non-highlight state are switched. The operation of highlighting the automatic synchronization button B14 is an operation of permitting automatic synchronization processing. In this way, the operation panel 14 accepts the automatic synchronization permission operation. When the automatic synchronization permission operation is performed, the control unit 11 automatically performs the synchronization process at the start of the automatic synchronization.

Next, an example of the flow of synchronous processing will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 12 is the time when the synchronization process is started. First, the control unit 11 establishes communication with the device at the set address (step # 21). At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 and the other image forming apparatus 1a exchange packets via the network.

Next, the control unit 11 causes the communication unit 17 to transmit the transmission request of the second character string 8 toward the other image forming apparatus 1a (set address) (step # 22). The transmission request of the second character string 8 is a signal requesting transmission of all (list) of the second character string 8 stored in the other image forming apparatus 1a. The other image forming apparatus 1a transmits all the data of the second character string 8 based on the transmission request of the second character string 8. In other words, the other image forming apparatus 1a transmits the list data of the second character string 8. The communication unit 17 receives the second character string 8 (list data) transmitted from the other image forming apparatus 1a (step # 23). Based on the list data, the control unit 11 updates the second character string 8 of the first storage unit 12 (step # 24 → end).

In step # 24, the control unit 11 may newly store only the difference between the received second character string 8 and the stored second character string 8 in the first storage unit 12. In this case, the control unit 11 extracts an unmemorized character string from each of the received second character strings 8. Then, the control unit 11 stores only the extracted character string as the second character string 8 in the first storage unit 12.

Further, in step # 24, the control unit 11 may replace the second character string 8 of the first storage unit 12 with the received second character string 8. In this case, the control unit 11 temporarily erases all the second character strings 8 of the first storage unit 12. Then, the control unit 11 stores the received second character string 8 (list data) in the first storage unit 12 as a new second character string 8.

(Acquisition of element content candidate 5)
Next, an example of acquiring the element content candidate 5 of the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of acquisition of the element content candidate 5 of the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

The information processing device 2 acquires the second character string 8 stored in the image forming device 1 as the element content candidate 5. The information processing device 2 automatically acquires the second character string 8 by communication. As a result, it is not necessary to manually input the element content candidate 5 into each information processing device 2 by using the input device 24.

The start of FIG. 13 is the time when the acquisition of the second character string 8 is started. The acquisition start time of the second character string 8 may be, for example, the time when the second generation button B2 is operated by the information processing device 2. Further, the acquisition start time of the second character string 8 may be the time when the start-up of the information processing apparatus 2 is completed after the main power is turned on. When a plurality of image forming devices 1 are provided in the local area network, the processing unit 21 may execute the flowchart of FIG. 13 for each image forming device 1.

First, the processing unit 21 causes the network communication unit 25 to establish communication with the image forming apparatus 1 (step # 31). At this time, the information processing device 2 and the image forming device 1 exchange packets via the network.

After the communication is established, the processing unit 21 causes the communication unit 17 (image forming apparatus 1) to transmit the transmission request of the second character string 8 to the network communication unit 25 (step # 32). The transmission request of the second character string 8 is a signal requesting the transmission of all (list) of the second character string 8 stored in the image forming apparatus 1. Based on the transmission request from the information processing device 2, the control unit 11 of the image forming device 1 causes the communication unit 17 to transmit all the data of the second character string 8 (step # 33). In other words, the control unit 11 transmits the list data of the second character string 8. The control unit 11 causes the information processing device 2 (network communication unit 25) to transmit list data. The information processing device 2 (network communication unit 25) receives the second character string 8 (list data) transmitted from the image forming device 1 (step # 34). When the second character string 8 is received, the processing unit 21 stores the received second character string 8 as the element content candidate 5 in the second storage unit 22 (step # 35). Then, this flow ends (end).

In step # 35, the processing unit 21 may newly store only the difference between the received second character string 8 and the stored element content candidate 5 in the second storage unit 22. In this case, the processing unit 21 extracts a character string that is not stored as the element content candidate 5 from each of the received second character strings 8. Then, the processing unit 21 stores only the extracted second character string 8 as the element content candidate 5 in the second storage unit 22.

Further, in step # 35, the processing unit 21 may replace the element content candidate 5 with the received second character string 8. In this case, the processing unit 21 temporarily erases all the element content candidates 5 of the second storage unit 22. Then, the processing unit 21 stores all of the received second character string 8 (list data) in the second storage unit 22 as element content candidates 5.

(Processing when acquiring document file)
Next, an example of the processing flow at the time of acquiring the document file of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow at the time of acquiring a document file of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes an acquisition unit for acquiring a document file. One of the acquisition units is the communication unit 17. When the document file is input to the image forming apparatus 1 by communication, the user transmits the document file from the information processing apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the driver software 27 can be used to transmit the document file.

Further, the other of the acquisition units is the memory communication unit 16. In this case, the user writes the generated and saved document file to the portable memory. Then, the user inserts (attaches) the portable memory into the memory communication unit 16. When the portable memory is attached, the control unit 11 causes the memory communication unit 16 to read the document file.

The control unit 11 stores the received or read document file in the first storage unit 12 (RAM 12b). In the following description, for convenience, the received document file or the read document file is referred to as an acquisition file. The start of FIG. 14 is the time when the acquisition file is stored in the first storage unit 12.

First, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the specific metadata 4 is embedded in the acquisition file (step # 41). The control unit 11 confirms whether or not the metadata of the acquired file includes the specific tag 41. When the specific metadata 4 is embedded (Yes in step # 41), the control unit 11 matches the element content 42 included in the specific metadata 4 (sandwiched between the specific tags 41) with the first character string 7. It is confirmed whether or not (step # 42).

When the element content 42 and the first character string 7 do not match (No in step # 42), the control unit 11 does not print based on the acquired file (step # 43). The printing unit 15 does not print based on the acquired file. By simply registering the first character string 7 in each image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to finely limit the image forming apparatus 1 that can be printed for each document file.

Then, the control unit 11 notifies the non-printable message (step # 44). For example, the control unit 11 displays a non-printable message on the display panel 14a. The non-printable message is a message informing that printing is not possible due to print restrictions imposed on the document file. In other words, the non-printable message is a message notifying that printing is not possible due to the limitation of the specific metadata 4.

When the document file is acquired via the communication unit 17, the control unit 11 may cause the communication unit 17 to send a non-printable message to the information processing device 2 (network communication unit 25) that has transmitted the acquired file. ..

When the specific metadata 4 is not embedded in the acquisition file (No in step # 41), or when the element content 42 and the first character string 7 match (Yes in step # 42), the control unit 11 acquires. Image data for printing is generated based on the file (step # 45). For example, the control unit 11 (image processing circuit 11b) converts the acquired file (electronic document) into data described in the page description language (PDL) for the time being. Then, the image processing circuit 11b generates bitmap data based on the data described in the page description language (PDL). The image processing circuit 11b performs image processing on the bitmap data to generate image data for printing. The control unit 11 causes the printing unit 15 to print based on the image data for printing (step # 46). Then, this flow ends.

(Example)
Next, FIG. 15 describes an example of printing restriction by the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a floor plan of an office.

In the office shown in FIG. 15, three image forming devices 1 are installed. Then, it is assumed that the second character string 8 of Addition, Finance, Sd (abbreviation of Software development), and HR (Human Resources = personnel) is registered in each image forming apparatus 1.

In the figure of FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 1A is installed in the northwest, the image forming apparatus 1B is installed in the east, and the image forming apparatus 1C is installed in the room in the southeast. The desk near the image forming apparatus 1A is the desk of a human resources person or an accounting person. The desk near the image forming apparatus 1B is the desk of the person in charge of development. In FIG. 15, the room in which the image forming apparatus 1C is installed is the president's room.

For example, the first character string 7 of Finance or HR is registered in the image forming apparatus 1A. Further, the first character string 7 of the SD is registered in the image forming apparatus 1B. When generating a document file related to human resources and accounting, the person in charge of human resources and the person in charge of accounting are made to embed specific metadata 4 having Finance or HR as the element content 42. Further, when generating a document file related to technology development, the person in charge of development embeds the specific metadata 4 having SD as the element content 42.

As a result, the image forming apparatus 1A can make it impossible to print a document related to technological development. Further, the image forming apparatus 1B can make it impossible to print documents related to human resources and accounting. The printable image forming apparatus 1 can be limited for each document file.

Further, all the second character strings 8 may be registered as the first character string 7 in the image forming apparatus 1C. As a result, the president can easily obtain all documents (information). In this way, the specific image forming apparatus 1 can be given preferential treatment.

In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit (communication unit 17, memory communication unit 16), a printing unit 15, a first storage unit 12, and a control unit 11. The acquisition unit acquires the document file. The printing unit 15 prints. The first storage unit 12 stores the first character string 7 for determining whether or not printability is possible. The control unit 11 controls the printing unit 15. The control unit 11 determines whether or not the specific metadata 4 including the predetermined specific tag 41 is embedded in the acquisition file, which is the document file acquired by the acquisition unit. When the specific metadata 4 is embedded in the acquisition file, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the element content 42 of the element including the specific tag 41 matches the first character string 7. When the element content 42 matches the first character string 7, the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 15 to print based on the acquisition file including the specific metadata 4. When the element content 42 does not match the first character string 7, the control unit 11 does not allow the printing unit 15 to print based on the acquisition file including the specific metadata 4.

As a result, the first character string 7 for determining whether or not printing is possible is registered in the first storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, only the document file in which the element content 42 of the specific metadata 4 is the same as that of the first character string 7 can be printed. Further, it is possible to prevent printing a document in which the element content 42 of the specific metadata 4 is different from that of the first character string 7. That is, as a condition for printability, a condition for whether or not the first character string 7 and the element content 42 match can be provided. The file creator can limit the image forming apparatus 1 that can be printed only by adding the specific metadata 4 to the document file. The image forming apparatus 1 that can be printed can be limited.

When the acquired file does not include the specific metadata 4, the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 15 to print based on the acquired file. As a result, when a document file that does not include the specific metadata 4 is acquired, the image forming apparatus 1 can be made to print based on the acquired file as usual.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 14 that accepts an input of the second character string 8 as a candidate for the first character string 7. The control unit 11 stores the input second character string 8 in the first storage unit 12. The operation panel 14 accepts an operation of selecting the first character string 7 from the second character string 8 stored in the first storage unit 12. The control unit 11 confirms whether or not the selected first character string 7 matches the element content 42. As a result, the user can register the second character string 8. The user can additionally register the desired character string as the second character string 8. In addition, the user can select a desired character string from the second character string 8 as the first character string 7.

The operation panel 14 accepts the erasing operation of the first character string 7 or the second character string 8. The control unit 11 causes the first storage unit 12 to erase the first character string 7 or the second character string 8 that has been erased. As a result, the user can delete the first character string 7 or the second character string 8. The user can delete an unnecessary character string from the character strings stored in the first storage unit 12.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 17 that performs communication, an operation panel 14 that receives an address setting of another image forming apparatus 1a, and a synchronization operation of the second character string 8. When the synchronization operation is performed, the control unit 11 performs the synchronization process. At the time of the synchronization process, the control unit 11 causes the communication unit 17 to transmit the transmission request of the second character string 8 toward the other image forming apparatus 1a at the set address. The control unit 11 causes the communication unit 17 to acquire the second character string 8 stored in the other image forming apparatus 1a. The control unit 11 stores the second character string 8 acquired by the communication unit 17 in the first storage unit 12. As a result, the second character string 8 stored in the other image forming apparatus 1a can be acquired. The second character string 8 stored in each image forming apparatus 1 in the office can be easily matched. It is not necessary to repeatedly input the same second character string 8 into each image forming apparatus 1.

The operation panel 14 accepts an automatic synchronization permission operation. When the automatic synchronization permission operation is performed, the control unit 11 automatically performs the synchronization process at a predetermined automatic synchronization start time point. The second character string 8 stored in each image forming apparatus 1 in the office can be automatically matched.

The image forming system 100 includes the above-mentioned image forming device 1 and an information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 stores the element content candidate 5. The information processing device 2 accepts an operation of selecting the element content 42 from the element content candidates 5. The information processing device 2 generates the specific metadata 4 including the selected element content 42. The information processing device 2 generates a document file in which the generated specific metadata 4 is embedded. As a result, a document file including the element content 42 selected by the user and the specific tag 41 can be generated. A document file in which the specific metadata 4 is embedded can be easily generated. It is possible to generate a document file in which the image forming apparatus 1 capable of printing is limited.

The information processing device 2 transmits the generated document file to the image forming device 1. As a result, the generated document file can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 prints only when the first character string 7 and the element content 42 match. The image forming apparatus 1 that can be printed can be limited for each document file.

The information processing device 2 requests the image forming device 1 to transmit the second character string 8. When the information processing device 2 receives the second character string 8 from the image forming device 1, the information processing device 2 stores the received second character string 8 as the element content candidate 5. As a result, the second character string 8 stored in the image forming apparatus 1 can be acquired. The element content candidate 5 stored in the information processing device 2 and the second character string 8 stored in the image forming device 1 can be easily matched. It is not necessary to manually input the second character string 8 stored in the image forming apparatus 1 into the information processing apparatus 2.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus that receives a file from an information processing apparatus, or in an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus.

1 Image forming device 11 Control unit 12 First storage unit (storage unit) 14 Operation panel 15 Printing unit 16 Memory communication unit (acquisition unit)
17 Communication unit (acquisition unit) 2 Information processing device 4 Specific metadata 41 Specific tag 42 Element content 5 Element content candidate 7 First character string 8 Second character string

Claims (8)

The acquisition department that acquires the document file and
The printing department that prints and
A storage unit that stores the first character string for determining whether or not printability is possible,
A control unit that controls the printing unit and
Includes an operation panel that accepts input of a second character string as a candidate for the first character string .
The control unit
Specific metadata including predetermined specific tag determines whether the acquisition unit is embedded in the acquired file is a document file acquired,
When the specific metadata on the acquired file is embedded, the element content of the element, including the specific tag and the first character string confirms whether match,
When the element content matches the first character string, the printing unit is made to print based on the acquired file containing the specific metadata.
When the element content does not match the first character string, the printing unit is not printed based on the acquired file containing the specific metadata .
The input second character string is stored in the storage unit, and the input is stored in the storage unit.
The operation panel accepts an operation of selecting the first character string from the second character string stored in the storage unit.
The control unit is an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it confirms whether or not the selected first character string matches the element contents . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the acquired file does not include the specific metadata, the control unit causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the acquired file. The operation panel accepts the erasing operation of the first character string or the second character string, and receives the operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the storage unit to erase the first character string or the second character string for which the erasing operation has been performed. Including the communication unit that communicates
The operation panel accepts the setting of the address of another image forming apparatus and the synchronization operation of the second character string .
When the synchronization operation is performed
The control unit
Synchronize and
At the time of the synchronization process, the communication unit is made to transmit the transmission request of the second character string toward the other image forming apparatus at the set address.
The communication unit is made to acquire the second character string stored in the other image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the second character string acquired by the communication unit is stored in the storage unit. The operation panel accepts the automatic synchronization permission operation,
When the automatic synchronization permission operation is performed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit automatically performs the synchronization process at a predetermined automatic synchronization start time point. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and an information processing apparatus are included.
The information processing device
Memorize the element content candidates
Accepts the operation to select the element content from the element content candidates,
Generate the specific metadata that includes the selected element content
An image forming system characterized by generating the document file in which the generated specific metadata is embedded. The image forming system according to claim 6 , wherein the information processing apparatus transmits the generated document file to the image forming apparatus. The information processing device
Requesting the image forming apparatus to transmit the second character string,
The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein when the second character string is received from the image forming apparatus, the received second character string is stored as the element content candidate.