JP2001071601A - Network print system and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network print system in which only a person setting a printer can print on a special sheet set in the printer. SOLUTION: A printer constituting a system has a lock state information table for storing state information indicating whether each sheet cassette thereof is locked or not and storing a pass word for a locked sheet cassette. When a received print request uses a locked sheet cassette (Step S406: YES), a pass word is included in that print request and the printer responds to a print request only when that pass word matches a pass word related to a sheet cassette stored in the lock state information table (Step S407: YES).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a network printing system including a plurality of computers and a printing apparatus, and a printing apparatus used to configure such a network printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a plurality of host computers and one
2. Description of the Related Art A network system including a plurality of printing apparatuses (hereinafter, referred to as a network printing system) is being constructed.

[0003]

In a network printing system, a printing device is used by a plurality of computers. For this reason, even if a certain user sets a special sheet such as an OHP sheet or a tack sheet in one sheet cassette of the printing apparatus, it is determined that the sheet is set to a normal sheet in the sheet cassette. It was sometimes used by other users who thought it. When this occurs, special paper (which is generally expensive) is wasted. In addition, a user who has attempted to print on a normal sheet has to perform reprinting.

An object of the present invention is to provide a network printing system in which printing on paper set in a printing apparatus can be performed only by a person who has set the printing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can be used to construct such a network printing system.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, a network printing system and a printing apparatus according to the present invention are configured as follows.

[0006] A network printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of computers and a printing apparatus via a transmission medium. The printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes, a printing unit that forms a printed material by using sheets contained in a designated paper cassette in the one or more paper cassettes, and one or more paper cassettes. Storage means for storing, for each of the paper cassettes, status information indicating whether or not the paper cassette is in a locked state; changing means for changing the status information on each paper cassette stored in the storage means; Receiving means for receiving a request from one of the computers via a transmission medium, and when the status information request is received by the receiving means, returning the status information stored in the storage means to the computer that issued the request. What has a return means is used.

[0007] Each of the computers, when issuing a print request to the printing device, sends a status information request to the printing device, and a status transmitted by the status information request sending device. Based on the status information sent by the printing device as a response to the information request,
Determining means for determining whether or not the paper cassette to be used for processing the print request is in a locked state; and a display for indicating that the paper cassette is in a locked state when the determining means determines that the paper cassette is in a locked state. What is equipped with a means is used.

That is, in the network printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the use of the locked paper cassette is designated before the print request is issued from the computer to the printing apparatus. The computer displays that the paper cassette in the locked state is locked. Therefore, the user of each computer can know that the paper cassette is being used by another person for printing on some special paper, and can stop using the paper cassette. Therefore, according to this network printing system, printing on special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by the person who has performed the setting.

A network printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of computers and a printing apparatus via a transmission medium. At this time, the printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes, a printing unit that forms a printed material using sheets stored in a designated paper cassette in the one or more paper cassettes, and one or more paper cassettes. For each of the paper cassettes, state information indicating whether or not the paper cassette is in a locked state is stored, and for the paper cassette in a locked state, a password is stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. A change means for changing status information and a password relating to each paper cassette. In order to change status information indicating that a paper cassette is locked, it is necessary to input a password relating to the paper cassette. Changing means, receiving means for receiving requests from a plurality of computers via a transmission medium, and receiving means. When the status information request is received, the status information stored in the storage device is returned to the computer that issued the status information request. A first determining unit that determines whether the paper cassette to be used is locked based on the stored information about the paper cassette to be used to process the print request; A second determination unit configured to determine, when it is determined that the paper cassette to be used is in the locked state, whether a password stored in the storage unit for the paper cassette to be used is included in the print request; If the second determining means determines that the password is not included in the print request, it does not respond to the print request; otherwise, it does not respond to the print request. That a control means for forming Flip and the printed material to the printing means are used.

Each of the computers includes a status information request transmitting unit that transmits a status information request to the printing device before issuing a print request to the printing device, and a status transmitted by the status information request transmitting unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the paper cassette to be used for processing the print request is in a locked state based on status information transmitted from the printing apparatus in response to the information request; When it is determined that the printer is in the locked state, a printer that includes a print request transmitting unit that requests input of a password and transmits a print request including the input password to the printing apparatus is used.

In other words, in the network printing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, before a print request to use the locked paper cassette is issued from the computer to the printing apparatus, the user of the computer is requested to use the paper cassette. Is required to enter a password. For this reason,
The user of each computer can know that the paper cassette is being used by another person for printing on some special paper, and can stop using the paper cassette. Further, a person who knows the password (the paper cassette is locked by using the change unit) inputs the password, and the control unit in the printing apparatus responds to the computer by the print request. Can be issued. Further, only the person who knows the password can release the locked state of the paper cassette. Therefore, according to this network printing system, printing on special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by the person who has performed the setting.

A network printing system according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of computers and a printing apparatus via a transmission medium. At this time, the printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes, a printing unit that forms a printed material using sheets stored in a designated paper cassette in the one or more paper cassettes, and one or more paper cassettes. For each of the paper cassettes, state information indicating whether the paper cassette is in a locked state is stored, and for the paper cassette in a locked state, storage means for storing address information; Receiving means for receiving the request via a transmission medium,
When the receiving unit receives a lock request including the specification information for specifying the paper cassette, the status information stored in the storage unit for the paper cassette corresponding to the specification information included in the lock request is in a locked state. A first change unit that sets the address information of the paper cassette to the computer that has transmitted the lock request, and a receiving unit that outputs a lock release request that includes designation information for designating the paper cassette. Is received, only when the address information stored in the storage means for the paper cassette corresponding to the specification information included in the lock request indicates the computer from which the lock release request is sent, Changed the status information in the storage means for the paper cassette to indicate that it is not locked A second change unit that locks the paper cassette to be used based on the information about the paper cassette to be used to process the print request when the print request is received by the reception unit. First determining means for determining whether the paper cassette to be used is in a locked state, and when the first determining means determines that the paper cassette to be used is in the locked state, the source of the print request is A second determination unit that determines whether the cassette is a computer identified by the address information stored in the storage unit;
If it is not determined that the source of the print request is the computer identified by the address information stored in the storage means for the paper cassette to be used, no response is made to the print request, otherwise For example, a printer having a control unit for causing a printing unit to form a printed material according to a print request is used.

Each of the computers includes a lock request transmitting means for transmitting a lock request including designation information for specifying a paper cassette to the printing apparatus, and a lock release request including designation information for specifying the paper cassette to the printing apparatus. And a lock release request transmitting unit for transmitting the lock release request.

That is, in the network printing system according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the lock request transmitting means in a certain computer transmits a lock request including designation information for designating a certain paper cassette, the printing apparatus performs After receiving the lock request, the computer does not respond to a print request using the paper cassette unless the print request is from the computer. Therefore, even with this network printing system, printing on special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by the person who has set the printing.

The printing apparatus of the present invention is a printing apparatus which is used by being connected to a plurality of computers via a transmission medium. The printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes and a designated one of the one or more paper cassettes. Printing means for forming a printed material using the paper accommodated in the paper cassette, and state information indicating whether or not the paper cassette is locked for each of the one or more paper cassettes, and
For a paper cassette in a locked state, a storage unit for storing authentication information, and a change unit for changing state information and authentication information for each paper cassette stored in the storage unit, the lock state for a certain paper cassette In order to change the state information indicating that there is, in the change means that requires input of authentication information about the paper cassette, receiving means for receiving a print request from a plurality of computers via a transmission medium, Stored in the storage means,
A first determining unit that determines whether a paper cassette to be used is locked based on information about a paper cassette to be used to process the print request received by the receiving unit; When it is determined that the paper cassette to be used is in the locked state, it is determined whether or not information according to the authentication information stored in the storage means for the paper cassette to be used is included in the print request. If the second determining means determines that the information corresponding to the authentication information is not included in the print request, the second determining means does not respond to the print request. And control means for causing the printing means to form a printed material according to the request.

That is, the printing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a changing means that only a person (or an object) who knows the authentication information input when the paper cassette is unlocked can be unlocked. Further, the printing apparatus is a print request using a paper cassette in a locked state, and a printing request given by a person (or a thing) who does not know the authentication information input when the paper cassette is locked. (First and second determining means and control means) that does not respond to such a processing request. Therefore, if this printing apparatus is used in combination with a computer capable of outputting a print request containing authentication information in any form, only the person who set the printing on the special paper set in the printing apparatus can use the printing apparatus. A system that can do this can be formed.

When realizing the printing apparatus of the present invention, the authentication information is a password set by the user,
By determining whether or not the same information as the password stored in the storage unit for the paper cassette to be used is included in the print request, information corresponding to the authentication information is included in the print request. It can be used as means for determining whether or not there is.

When the printing apparatus according to the present invention is implemented, the authentication information is used as address information, and the address information stored in the storage means for the paper cassette to be used is used as the second determination means. By judging whether or not it indicates the sending computer,
It may be a means for determining whether information according to the authentication information is included in the print request.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a network printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the network printing system 10 according to the first embodiment is configured by connecting one printing apparatus 11 and a plurality of (four in the figure) host computers 12 with a LAN cable 13. I have.

Each host computer 12 constituting the network printing system 10 is a computer having the same hardware configuration as a computer generally used to construct a LAN. However, a printer driver for the printing device 11 is installed in each host computer 12. The functions of the printer driver installed in each host computer 12 will be described later.

The printing device 11 is connected to each host computer 1
2 is a so-called network printer.

Hereinafter, using the block diagram shown in FIG.
The configuration of the printing device 11 will be specifically described. As illustrated, the printing apparatus 11 includes a printing mechanism 18, a control panel 19, and a control unit 20. The printing mechanism 18 is a mechanism that actually executes printing on paper, and includes a print engine and a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism includes a plurality of paper cassettes, a mechanism for supplying paper stored in any of the paper cassettes to the print engine, and a mechanism for discharging paper printed by the print engine to the outside of the printing apparatus 11. The control panel 19 controls the user and the printing device 11.
(Control unit 20). The control panel 19 is composed of several buttons for designating the operating conditions of the printing apparatus 11, several LEDs for displaying the status of the printing apparatus 11, and the like, and a liquid crystal panel 19a.

The control unit 20 includes a network interface unit 21, a CPU 22, a storage unit 24, and a memory control unit 2.
5, a ROM 26, and an interface circuit unit 27. The control panel 19 is connected to the interface circuit unit 27, and the printing mechanism 18 is connected to the interface circuit unit 27 and the memory control unit 25.

The network interface unit 21 is a circuit that receives various requests issued by the host computer 12 (printer driver) via the LAN cable 13. The ROM 26 is a memory that stores various program codes and the like. The CPU 22 is a control circuit that controls each unit in the printing device 11 in an integrated manner by controlling each unit in the control unit 20 according to the program code stored in the ROM 26.

The storage unit 24 comprises an SDRAM and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 24 is used to store a print request received by the network interface unit 21 and print image data generated by the CPU 22 for processing the print request. The storage unit 24 (SDRAM) is also used for storing a lock state information table.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the lock state information table. As illustrated, the lock state information table is a table for holding state information and a password in association with the name of each paper cassette provided in the printing apparatus 11. The status information is information indicating whether the paper cassette is in a locked state or an unlocked state. Here, the locked state is a state in which a person who can use the sheets stored in the sheet cassette is limited to a specific person (a person who has locked the state of the sheet cassette). In addition, the unlocked state is a state in which the sheets stored in the sheet cassette can be used by anyone. Less than,
The locked paper cassette and the unlocked paper cassette are also referred to as a locked paper cassette and an unlocked paper cassette, respectively.

The password held in the lock state information table is information used to realize the lock state. The password is set by a person who has locked the status information of the corresponding cassette. A specific procedure for using the lock state information table will be described later.

Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the configuration of the printing apparatus 11 will be continued. The memory control unit 25 provided in the control unit 20 performs a process of transferring data from the network interface unit 21 to the storage unit 24 according to an instruction of the CPU 22 and a process of transferring data from the storage unit 24 to the print engine in the printing mechanism 18. This is the circuit that performs the transfer process. The interface circuit unit 27 includes the control panel 19, the printing mechanism 1
8 comprises several interface circuits for exchanging information with the transport mechanism. The CPU 22 controls the control panel 1 via the interface circuit unit 27.
Recognize the state of each button (whether or not the button is pressed) in the control panel 19 and the LED in the control panel 19 and the liquid crystal panel 1
9a is controlled. Further, the CPU 22 controls the printing mechanism 18 excluding the print engine via the interface circuit unit 27.
Control each part inside.

Hereinafter, the operation of the network printing system 10 will be described in detail.

First, the operation of the host computer 12 related to the printer driver will be described with reference to FIGS.

When printing is instructed during execution of any application, the host computer 12 displays a printing dialog box 50 as shown in FIG. 4 on its display. When the printing dialog box 50 needs to be displayed, the host computer 1
2 (printer driver and OS) transmits an environment information request to the printing apparatus 11. Although a specific operation procedure will be described later, the printing apparatus 11 that has received the environmental information request refers to the lock state information table to determine whether each paper cassette is in the locked state (hereinafter, the locked state). Information) and returns the environment information including the lock state information.

The host computer 12 is connected to the printing device 11
Stores the transmitted environmental information, and displays the print dialog box 50 using the environmental information. When the property button 51 in the printing dialog box 50 is pressed, the host computer 12 uses the environment information to specify a property for designating more detailed operating conditions for the printing apparatus 11. A dialog box is displayed on the print dialog box 50.

FIG. 5 shows a property dialog box 60 displayed by the host computer 12.
As shown in this figure, a property dialog box 60 displayed by the host computer 12 includes:
Drop-down list box 6 for paper cassette setting
1. A lock state change check box 62 is provided. The paper cassette setting drop-down list box 61 is a drop-down list box for setting a paper cassette used for printing.

Arrow button 61a provided on the right side of paper cassette setting drop-down list box 61
When the host computer 12 detects that the operation of pressing is performed, the host computer 12 displays the sheet cassette setting drop-down list box 61 below, as shown in FIG.
A list 63 indicating the names of all the paper cassettes of the printing apparatus 11 and whether or not they are locked is displayed. If the host computer 12 detects that an operation to select a certain paper cassette in the list 63 has been performed, the host computer 12 deletes the list 63 and changes the name of the selected paper cassette to a paper cassette setting drop-down list. It is displayed in box 61. If the paper cassette is locked, the host computer 12 displays a check mark in the lock state change check box 62.

When a click is made while the mouse cursor is positioned on the lock state change check box 62 (or when a predetermined operation is performed on the keyboard), the host computer 12 checks the lock state change. Whether or not a check mark is shown in box 62, properties dialog box 60
A password input box for inputting a password, and a password input dialog box having an “OK” button and a “Cancel” button are displayed above. In addition,
The password input dialog box displayed on the host computer 12 is capable of inputting numerical information of 0 to 8 digits as a password.

When a password is entered in the password entry field of the password entry dialog box and the "OK" button is pressed, the host computer 12 sends the entered password and cassette designation information indicating the set paper cassette. The lock state change request including the type information indicating the state of the lock state change check box 62 at that time is transmitted to the printing apparatus 11.
Although the details will be described later, the printing apparatus 11 converts the type information included in the received lock state change request from the locked state to the unlocked state of the paper cassette specified by the request. This is used to determine whether the request is a lock release request instructing the lock state or a lock request instructing a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.

When the "cancel" button in the password input dialog box is pressed, the host computer 12 returns the contents of the display to the state before the lock state change check box 62 was operated.

When the "OK" button 64 of the property dialog box 60 is pressed, the host computer 12 deletes the property dialog box 60 displayed on the print dialog box 50 (displays the print dialog box 50). .

When the "OK" button 52 of the print dialog box 50 is pressed, the host computer 12
Always performs the following processing (even if the processing for displaying the property dialog box 60 is not performed).

First, the host computer 12 determines whether or not the paper cassette specified to be used is a locked paper cassette based on the lock state information and the like obtained from the printing apparatus 11. I do.

If the paper cassette is a locked paper cassette, the host computer 12 has a password input field for inputting a password, an "OK" button, and a "cancel" button on the print dialog box 50. Display the password input dialog box. Then, when the password is entered in the password input field and the “OK” button is pressed, the host computer 12 issues a print request including the cassette designation information indicating the selected paper cassette and the password (for a normal print request). The print request including the password) is transmitted to the printing apparatus 11.

On the other hand, if the paper cassette is not a locked paper cassette or if automatic selection of a paper cassette is specified, the host computer 12 sends a normal (not including password) print request to the printing device 11.
Output to

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 11 will be specifically described.

FIG. 7 shows an overall control procedure of the control unit 20 provided in the printing apparatus 11. As illustrated, when the power is turned on to the printing apparatus 11, the control unit 20 first executes an initialization process (step S10).
1). At the time of this initialization processing, the control unit 20
Is determined (what options are attached). In addition, it checks whether each unit operates normally or not. Further, the control unit 20 performs a process of forming a lock state information table (see FIG. 3) in the storage unit 24 (SDRAM). In this step, the control unit 20 forms a lock state information table in which each state information indicates a non-locked state and no password is set on the SDRAM.

After the completion of the initialization processing, the control unit 20 monitors the occurrence of various events (step S102).
Becomes The events monitored for occurrence in step S102 include pressing of a button constituting the control panel 19, reception of an environmental information request from the host computer 12, reception of a lock state change request, and reception of a print request. Separated.

When it is detected that a button in the control panel 19 has been pressed (step S103; panel operation), the control unit 20 performs processing corresponding to the pressed button (or a combination of two pressed buttons). Execute (step S104). If the pressed button is a predetermined button, a lock information change process for changing the contents of the lock state information table is executed in step S104.

FIG. 8 shows the control unit 2 during the lock information change processing.
0 shows a control procedure. As shown in the drawing, at the time of the lock information change process, the control unit 20 first uses the liquid crystal panel 19a based on the information (name and state information) in the lock state information table.
And an image indicating whether each paper cassette of the printing apparatus 11 is in the locked state or the unlocked state, and which can identify the paper cassette whose lock state is to be changed. (Step S201). More specifically, as schematically shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 20 indicates that the name of one paper cassette is different from the name of another paper cassette, and that each paper cassette is locked. Is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 19a. Hereinafter, a paper cassette whose name is shown in a different form from the other is referred to as a processing target cassette.

After displaying such an image on the liquid crystal panel 19a, the control unit 20 waits for an instruction of the operation content to be issued by pressing a button in the control panel 19 (FIG. 8: step S202). Then, when it is detected that a predetermined button (hereinafter, referred to as a switching button) in the control panel 19 is pressed (step S2)
02; target switching), the display content of the display panel 19a is changed so that the processing target cassette is the next paper cassette (step S203). After that, the control unit 20 returns to step S202 and waits for the next instruction.

When it is detected that a predetermined button different from the switching button (hereinafter, referred to as a decision button) is pressed (step S202; decision), the control unit 20 sets the state information on the cassette to be processed at that time. Indicates that the cassette is in a locked state (whether or not the cassette to be processed is in a locked state) (step S204).
I do.

If the cassette to be processed is not in the locked state (step S204; NO), the control unit 20 displays a message prompting the input of a password on the liquid crystal panel 19a, and monitors the operation of the user on the control panel 19. By doing so, a password is obtained from the user (step S205). Thereafter, the control unit 20 sets the status information on the cassette to be processed in the lock status information table to indicate the locked state, and sets the password on the cassette to be processed to the password acquired from the user (step S206). Then, the control unit 20 ends the lock state information update processing (return to step S102 in FIG. 7).

On the other hand, if the cassette to be processed is in the locked state (step S204; YES), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S207, and proceeds to step S205.
Obtain the password from the user in the same procedure as Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the acquired password matches the password for the cassette to be processed in the lock state information table (step S20).
8). If the passwords match (step S208; YES), the status information relating to the processing target cassette in the lock status information table is rewritten to indicate the unlocked state, and the password relating to the processing target cassette is erased. (Step S209). Then, the lock state information update processing ends. On the other hand, if the passwords do not match (step S208; N
O), the control unit 20 displays an error message indicating that the password is incorrect on the liquid crystal panel 19a (step S210), and ends the lock state information update processing.

That is, when the determination button on the control panel 19 is pressed, the control unit 20 instructs to lock the cassette to be processed if the cassette to be processed is an unlocked paper cassette. If the cassette to be processed is a paper cassette that has already been locked, it operates as if it was requested to unlock the cassette to be processed.

Returning to FIG. 7, the description of the operation of the control unit 20 will be continued.

When the reception of the environment information request is detected (step S103; reception of the environment information request), the control unit 20 sets the environment information including the lock state information (information except the password held in the lock state information table). Is returned to the computer 12 that issued the environmental information request (step S1).
05), and the process returns to step S102. As described above, the host computer 12 sends an environmental information request when it is necessary to display the print dialog box 50 and the like, and uses the environment information received in response to the environmental information request to print the dialog box. 50 or the like is displayed.

When the reception of the lock state change request is detected (step S103; reception of the lock state change request), the control unit 20 performs a lock state change request response process (step S1).
06), and upon completion, returns to step S102. When detecting the reception of the print request (step S103; print request reception), the control unit 20 executes a print request response process (step S107), and then returns to step S102.

The operation of the control unit 20 during the lock state change request response processing and the print request response processing will be specifically described below. First, the control unit 20 during the lock state change request response process
Will be described.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the lock state change request response process. As shown in the drawing, at the time of the lock state change request response process, the control unit 20 first extracts cassette designation information, a password, and type information from the received lock state change request (step S301). Next, the control unit 20
Is the paper cassette (hereinafter, referred to as the paper cassette) indicated by the cassette designation information.
Information (state information or state information and a password) relating to the cassette to be processed is read from the lock state information table (step S302).

Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether the received lock state change request is a lock request or a lock release request based on the type information (step S30).
3). If the lock state change request is a lock request (step S303; YES), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the cassette to be processed is in a locked state based on the state information read in step S302 (step S304). ). If the cassette to be processed is not in the locked state (step S304; NO), the control unit 20 sets the status information on the cassette to be processed in the lock status information table to indicate the locked state, and sets the password for the cassette to be processed in the locked state information table. The password is taken from the lock state change request (step S305). Then, the control unit 20 ends the lock state change request response process (return to step S102 in FIG. 7).

If the received lock state change request is a lock request (step S303; YES), and the cassette to be processed is already locked (step S304;
YES), control unit 20 returns an error message to host computer 12 that issued the lock state change request (step S309), and ends the lock state change request response process.

Step S304 (and step S304)
309) is provided in order to cope with a lock state change request issued from a plurality of host computers 12 at the same time. That is, when an operation to lock the same paper cassette is performed in two host computers 12 at the same time, the printing apparatus 11 receives two lock state change requests (lock requests) issued by those host computers 12. I do. Among these lock requests, the lock request with the later reception time is for the already locked paper cassette. Step S304 is provided to deal with such a lock request. Further, in order to perform the same countermeasure for the lock release request, a step S306 described later is provided.

If the received lock state change request is not a lock request (step S303; NO), that is, if it is a lock release request, the control unit 20 performs processing based on the state information read in step S302. It is determined whether or not the target cassette is in a locked state (step S306). When the cassette to be processed is in the locked state (step S306; YES), the control unit 20
Is the password included in the lock state change request,
It is determined whether the password read from the lock state information table matches (step S307).
If they match (step S307;
If YES, the status information on the processing target cassette in the lock state information table indicates the unlocked state, and the password on the processing target cassette is deleted (step S308). After that, the control unit 20
The lock state change request response process ends (return to step S102 in FIG. 3).

If the received lock state change request is a lock release request (step S303; NO), and the cassette to be processed is not in the locked state (step S306;
NO), the control unit 20 executes step S309, and then ends the lock state update request response process. The received lock state change request is a lock release request (step S
If the cassette to be processed is locked (step S306; YES), but the passwords do not match (step S307; NO), the control unit 20 also executes step S309. The lock state update request response processing ends.

Next, the operation of the control unit 20 during the print request response process (FIG. 7: step S107) will be described.

FIG. 11 shows the control unit 2 at the time of print request response processing.
0 shows the operation procedure. As illustrated, the control unit 20 includes:
At the start of the print request response process, print conditions (whether or not a paper cassette to be used is specified, etc.) are recognized based on various print condition specification information included in the received print request (step S401).

When the control unit 20 recognizes that it is specified that the paper cassette to be used is to be automatically selected (step S402; automatic selection), the control unit 20 uses the unlocked paper cassette to perform the selection. It is determined whether or not the print request can be processed (whether or not there is a paper cassette in a non-locked state accommodating paper of a specified size) (step S403). If the print request cannot be processed using the unlocked paper cassette (step S403; NO), the control unit 20 notifies the host computer that issued the print request (step S404). Then, the print request response process ends (return to step S102 in FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the print request received using the paper cassette in the unlocked state can be processed (step S403; YES), the control unit 20 controls each unit so that printing according to the print request is performed. (Step S409). Thereafter, the control unit 20 ends the print request response process.

If the paper cassette to be used for printing has been designated (step S402; designated), that is, if the cassette designation information is included, the control unit 20 sets the paper cassette designated by the cassette designation information to Information (state information or state information and a password) relating to a certain cassette to be processed is read from the lock state information table (step S405). When the cassette to be processed is not in the locked state (step S406;
NO), the control unit 20 controls each unit so that printing according to the received print request is performed (step S40).
9). Then, the print request response process ends (return to step S102 in FIG. 7).

On the other hand, when the cassette to be processed is in the locked state (step S406; YES), the control unit 20 sets the password included in the print request and the password read from the locked state information table. It is determined whether they match (step S407). If they match (step S407; YE
In S), the process proceeds to step S409 to execute printing according to the print request, and then ends the print request response process.

On the other hand, if the passwords do not match (step S407; NO), the control unit 20 notifies the computer that issued the print request that the print request cannot be accepted without responding to the print request (step S407). Step S4
08), and ends the print request response process. Control unit 20
Indicates that the received print request does not include a password and specifies that the locked paper cassette is to be used (a print request from a host computer in which the printer driver for the printing apparatus 11 is not installed).
In step S407, “N”
Branch to O "side.

That is, the network printing system 10 according to the first embodiment can perform printing on special paper in the following procedure.

First, a user A who wants to use special paper
By inputting a password or the like to any of the host computers 12 or the control panel 19, a desired paper cassette of the printing apparatus 11
For example, while the paper cassette A is locked,
Set the paper to be used in paper cassette A.

When the printing apparatus 11 receives a print request designating the use of a locked paper cassette, the printing request relates to the paper cassette held in the lock state information table. It is configured to determine whether the password includes a password that matches the password, and to respond to the print request only when such a print request is made. Further, each host computer 12 displays a property dialog box 60 that allows each user to recognize the locked paper cassette, and when the use of the locked paper cassette is instructed, , It is configured to require input of a password.

In other words, the user of each host computer 12 can recognize the locked paper cassette A by displaying the property dialog box 60. Therefore, each user can specify an unlocked paper cassette and instruct printing, or can wait for the paper cassette A to be unlocked to instruct printing. become. Further, by displaying the password input dialog box, a user who knows that the paper cassette he or she intends to use is a paper cassette locked by another person can perform the same measures. Further, even if an appropriate password is input and printing is executed, the possibility that the passwords match is low, so that a general user cannot use the paper cassette A.

On the other hand, the user A knows the password and can print on the paper set in the paper cassette A by inputting the password. As described above, by using the network printing system 10, printing on special paper can be performed in such a form that the paper is not used by others.

After printing, the user A removes excess paper from the paper cassette A, and then unlocks the locked paper cassette using the control panel 19 or the host computer 12. This operation returns the paper cassette A to a state where anyone can use it.

<Second Embodiment> A network printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a modification of the network printing system according to the first embodiment such that address information of a host computer is used instead of a password. Things.

The hardware configuration of the network printing system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the network printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. Further, the basic operation procedures of the host computer and the printing apparatus constituting the network printing system according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the host computer 12 described in the first embodiment.
It is similar to that of the printing device 11. For this reason, the network printing system of the second embodiment will be described below using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment, focusing on the parts that operate differently.

The overall control procedure of the printing apparatus 11 used in the network printing system according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. However, the printing apparatus 11 is configured so that the content of the lock state information table cannot be updated from the control panel 19. That is, the printing apparatus 11 according to the second embodiment includes:
In a step corresponding to step S104, the lock state information updating process is not performed.

The printing apparatus 11 uses a lock state information table having the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the lock state information table held by the printing apparatus 11 according to the second embodiment is a table that holds state information and address information (IP address) of the host computer.

When the lock status change check box 62 of the property dialog box 60 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is clicked, each host computer 12 in the network printing system according to the second embodiment Without displaying the dialog box, the lock state change request including the cassette designation information and the type information and not including the password is transmitted to the printing apparatus 11.

When receiving the lock state change request, the printing apparatus 11 executes the lock state change request response process shown in FIG.

That is, during the lock state change request response process, the control unit 20 first extracts cassette designation information and type information from the received lock state change request (step S501). Next, the control unit 20 reads information (state information, or state information and an IP address) relating to the paper cassette (hereinafter, referred to as a processing target cassette) indicated by the cassette designation information from the lock state information table (step S502).

Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether the received lock state change request is a lock request or a lock release request based on the type information (step S50).
3). If the lock state change request is a lock request (step S503; YES), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the cassette to be processed is locked based on the state information read in step S502 (step S504). ). If the cassette to be processed is not in the locked state (step S504; NO), the control unit 20 sets the status information on the cassette to be processed in the lock status information table to indicate the locked state, and sets the address information on the cassette to be processed. Is the IP address of the host computer that sent the request (step S
505). Then, the control unit 20 ends the lock state change request response processing.

If the received lock state change request is a lock request (step S503; YES), and the cassette to be processed is already locked (step S504;
YES), the control unit 20 returns an error message to the host computer 12 that issued the lock state change request (step S509), and ends the lock state change request response process.

If the received lock state change request is not a lock request (step S503; NO), that is, if it is a lock release request, the control unit 20 performs processing based on the state information read in step S502. It is determined whether or not the target cassette is in a locked state (step S506). If the cassette to be processed is in the locked state (step S506; YES), the control unit 20
Is the host computer 1 that has issued the lock state change request.
It is determined whether or not the IP address 2 matches the IP address read from the lock state information table (step S507). If they match (step S507: YES), the status information on the processing target cassette in the lock status information table indicates the unlocked state, and the address information on the processing target cassette is erased. (Step S50
8). Thereafter, the control unit 20 ends the lock state change request response processing.

If the received lock state change request is a lock release request (step S503; NO), and the cassette to be processed is not in the locked state (step S506;
NO), the control unit 20 executes step S509, and then ends the lock state update request response process. The received lock state change request is a lock release request (step S
503; NO), the cassette to be processed is locked (step S506; YES), but the IP addresses do not match (step S507; NO).
After executing step S509, the control unit 20 ends the lock state update request response process.

The host computer 12 constituting the network printing system according to the second embodiment is
When the “OK” button 52 of the print dialog box 50 (see FIG. 4) is pressed, if the paper cassette specified to be used is a locked paper cassette, a password input dialog box is displayed. Instead of displaying the dialog box, a dialog box for notifying the user of the lock, which has an “OK” button and a “Cancel” button, is displayed. Then, when the “OK” button of the dialog box is pressed, the host computer 12 issues a print request including cassette designation information indicating the selected paper cassette (ie, a normal print request).
It is transmitted to the printing device 11.

Then, when the printing apparatus 11 receives the print request, in step S 407 in FIG. 11, instead of comparing the password, the IP address of the source host computer 12 of the print request and the A print request response process is performed in which a comparison is made with the IP address held in the lock state information table in association with the paper cassette specified in the print request.

Even if the network printing system according to the second embodiment is used, printing on the special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by the person who has set the printing.

<Modifications> The network printing system according to each embodiment can make various modifications. For example, the network printing system may be configured such that a card reader is connected to each host computer or printing device, and a password can be input using an ID card or the like.

Further, when the print request is to use a paper cassette in a locked state, the fact is notified before the print request is actually transmitted to the printing apparatus. The network printing system may be configured such that only the control notified to the user is performed. Even in the system having such a configuration, the user of each host computer can know that the paper cassette is being used by another person for printing on some special paper. The use of can be canceled. As a result, printing on special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by the person who has performed the setting.

[0092]

According to the network printing system of the present invention, printing on special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by the person who has set the printing. Also,
By using the printing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to construct a system in which printing on special paper set in the printing apparatus can be performed only by a person who has set the printing.

[0093]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus used in the network printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a lock state information table provided in a printing apparatus used in the network printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a print dialog box displayed on a host computer used in the network printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a property dialog box displayed on the host computer used in the network printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a property dialog box displayed on the host computer used in the network printing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an overall control procedure of a control unit provided in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a lock state information update process executed by a control unit provided in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel during a lock state information update process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a lock state change request response process executed by a control unit provided in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a print request response process executed by a control unit provided in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a lock state information table provided in a printing device used in the network printing system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a lock state information update process executed by a control unit provided in the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 network printing system 11 printing device 12 host computer 13 LAN cable 18 printing mechanism 19 control panel 19a display panel 20 control unit 21 network interface unit 22 CPU 24 storage unit 25 memory control unit 26 ROM 27 interface circuit unit 50 print dialog box 60 property Dialog box 61 Drop-down list box for setting paper cassette 62 Check box for changing lock status

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 15, 2000 (2006.1.
5)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0006] A network printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of computers and a printing apparatus via a transmission medium. The printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes, printing means for forming a printed material using the paper stored in the paper cassette, and receiving requests from the plurality of computers via the transmission medium. Receiving means for storing, and for each of the one or more paper cassettes, state information indicating whether or not the paper cassette is in a locked state, and the paper cassette in the locked state being unique to each computer. Storage means for storing address information which is the value of the sheet cassette; and a paper cassette corresponding to the designation information included in the lock request when a lock request including designation information for designating a paper cassette is received by the receiving means. The state information stored in the storage means is indicated as being in a locked state, and the paper A first change unit that sets the address information about the unit to indicate the computer that has transmitted the lock request; and a receiving unit that receives a lock release request including specification information specifying a paper cassette. Only when the address information stored in the storage means for the paper cassette corresponding to the designation information included in the lock request indicates the computer from which the lock release request was sent, the Second changing means for changing the status information in the storage means to information indicating that it is not in a locked state; and information stored in the storage means when the print request is received by the reception means, The paper cassette to be used is locked based on information about the paper cassette to be used to process the request First determining means for determining whether or not the paper cassette to be used is in a locked state by the first determining means; Second determining means for determining whether the computer is identified by the address information stored in the storage means,
According to the second determining means, the source of the print request is
If it is determined that the paper cassette to be used is not a computer identified by the address information stored in the storage means, the computer does not respond to the print request, otherwise, it does not respond to the print request. And a control unit for causing the printing unit to form a printed material according to the above.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0007] Each of the computers includes a lock request transmitting means for transmitting a lock request including designation information for designating a paper cassette to the printing apparatus, and a lock release request including designation information for designating a paper cassette. An apparatus having an unlock request transmission unit for transmitting to the printing apparatus is used.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

A network printing system according to a second aspect of the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of computers and a printing apparatus via a transmission medium. At this time, the printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes, a printing unit that forms a printed material using paper stored in a designated paper cassette in the one or more paper cassettes, For each of the one or more paper cassettes, state information indicating whether the paper cassette is in a locked state is stored, and for the paper cassette in a locked state, a storage means for storing a password; and A change means for changing the stored state information and password relating to each paper cassette. In order to change the state information indicating that the paper cassette is in a locked state, input of a password relating to the paper cassette is performed. Required changing means, and a receiver for receiving requests from the plurality of computers via the transmission medium. A return unit that returns the status information stored in the storage unit to the computer that issued the status information request when a status information request is received by the reception unit; and a print request is received by the reception unit. First determining means for determining whether a paper cassette to be used is locked based on information on a paper cassette to be used for processing the print request, stored in the storage means. When the first determination unit determines that the paper cassette to be used is in the locked state, the password stored in the storage unit for the paper cassette to be used is included in the print request. And a second determining unit for determining whether the print request is received by the receiving unit. If the paper cassette is one of the plurality of paper cassettes, the paper cassette is determined to be locked by the first determination unit, and the password is not included in the print request by the second determination unit. If it is determined that no response is made to the print request, otherwise, it causes the printing means to form a printed material in accordance with the print request, and the designation of the paper feeding device designation means is automatically selected. If there is, a control unit for selecting the paper cassette by referring to the storage unit and excluding the paper cassette determined to be in the locked state is used.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0010] Further, each of the computers includes a paper feeder designating means for automatically selecting and designating one of the plurality of paper cassettes; a status information request transmitting means for transmitting a status information request to the printing apparatus; Based on status information transmitted by the printing device in response to the status information request transmitted by the status information request transmission unit, it is determined whether a paper cassette to be used for processing the print request is in a locked state. Determining means for determining whether the paper cassette is in the locked state by the determining means, displaying the information on the paper feeding apparatus designating means, and displaying the information on the paper feeding apparatus designating means. When it is determined that the paper cassette is in the locked state, a password input is requested, and a print request including the input password is requested. Those and a print request transmitting means for transmitting to the printing apparatus is used.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Deleted

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A network printing system in which a plurality of computers and a printing device are connected by a transmission medium, wherein the printing device includes one or more paper cassettes, and one or more of the one or more paper cassettes. A printing unit that forms a printed material using the sheets stored in the designated sheet cassette; and state information indicating whether or not the sheet cassette is locked for each of the one or more sheet cassettes. Storage means; changing means for changing state information relating to each paper cassette stored in the storage means; receiving means for receiving requests from the plurality of computers via the transmission medium; and receiving means When a status information request is received by
Return means for returning the status information stored in the storage means to the computer that issued the request, wherein each of the plurality of computers performs the printing when issuing a print request to the printing apparatus. A status information request transmitting unit for transmitting a status information request to the device; and a status information request transmitted by the status information request transmitted by the status information request transmitting unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the paper cassette to be used for processing is in a locked state; and displaying means for displaying when the determining means determines that the paper cassette is in a locked state. A network printing system comprising: 2. A network printing system in which a plurality of computers and a printing device are connected by a transmission medium, wherein the printing device includes one or more paper cassettes, and one or more of the one or more paper cassettes. A printing unit that forms a printed material using the sheets stored in the designated sheet cassette; and state information indicating whether or not the sheet cassette is locked for each of the one or more sheet cassettes. And a storage unit for storing a password for the paper cassette in the locked state, and a change unit for changing the status information and the password for each paper cassette stored in the storage unit. To change the status information indicating the status, enter the password for the paper cassette. Required changing means; receiving means for receiving requests from the plurality of computers via the transmission medium; and a state stored in the storage means when a state information request is received by the receiving means. Returning means for returning information to the computer which issued the status information request; and a sheet to be used for processing the print request stored in the storage means when the print request is received by the receiving means. First determining means for determining whether or not a paper cassette to be used is locked based on information on the cassette; and when the first determining means determines that the paper cassette to be used is locked. A second step of determining whether a password stored in the storage unit for the paper cassette to be used is included in the print request; A determining unit that determines that the password is not included in the print request when the second determining unit determines that the password is not included in the print request; Control means for causing the printing means to form the printed matter, wherein each of the plurality of computers transmits a status information request to the printing apparatus before issuing a printing request to the printing apparatus. An information request transmission unit, and a paper cassette to be used for processing the print request is locked based on status information transmitted by the printing apparatus in response to the status information request transmitted by the status information request transmission unit. Determination means for determining whether or not the paper cassette is locked, and when the determination means determines that the paper cassette is in a locked state, input of a password And a print request transmitting unit for transmitting a print request including the input password to the printing apparatus. 3. A network printing system in which a plurality of computers and a printing device are connected by a transmission medium, wherein the printing device includes one or more paper cassettes, and one or more of the one or more paper cassettes. A printing unit that forms a printed material using the sheets stored in the designated sheet cassette; and state information indicating whether or not the sheet cassette is locked for each of the one or more sheet cassettes. In addition, for the paper cassette in the locked state, storage means for storing address information, receiving means for receiving requests from the plurality of computers via the transmission medium, and specifying the paper cassette by the receiving means When a lock request including the specified information to be received is received, a paper cassette corresponding to the specified information included in the lock request is received. A first change unit that indicates that the status information stored in the storage unit is in a locked state, and that the address information of the paper cassette indicates a computer that has transmitted the lock request; When the receiving unit receives a lock release request including designation information for designating a paper cassette, address information stored in the storage unit for the paper cassette corresponding to the designation information included in the lock request is stored in the storage unit. A second change unit that changes the status information in the storage unit of the paper cassette to a status indicating that the paper cassette is not in a locked state only when the computer indicates the computer that has transmitted the lock release request; and When the print request is received by the receiving means, the print request stored in the storage means is processed. First determining means for determining whether or not the paper cassette to be used is in a locked state based on information on the paper cassette to be used for storing the paper cassette in the locked state by the first determining means. A second determining unit for determining whether the source of the print request is a computer identified by the address information stored in the storage unit when the source of the print request is determined to be present; According to the second determination unit, the source of the print request is:
If it is not determined that the paper cassette to be used is the computer identified by the address information stored in the storage unit, the computer does not respond to the print request. A control unit for causing the printing unit to form a printed material in response to the request, wherein each of the plurality of computers transmits a lock request including designation information for designating a paper cassette to the printing apparatus. Means for transmitting a lock release request including designation information for designating a paper cassette to the printing apparatus. 4. A printing apparatus used by being connected to a plurality of computers by a transmission medium, wherein the printing apparatus includes one or more paper cassettes and a designated paper cassette among the one or more paper cassettes. A printing unit for forming a printed material using the stored sheets, and for each of the one or more sheet cassettes, storing state information indicating whether or not the sheet cassette is in a locked state, and in a locked state. For the paper cassette, storage means for storing authentication information, and change means for changing the state information and authentication information for each paper cassette stored in the storage means,
A change unit that requires input of authentication information for the paper cassette in order to change the status information indicating that the paper cassette is in a locked state; and a transmission medium that transmits print requests from the plurality of computers. Receiving means for receiving the print request received via the storage means, and based on the information about the paper cassette to be used for processing the print request received by the receiving means, the paper cassette to be used is locked. First determining means for determining whether or not the paper cassette to be used is stored in the storage means when the first determining means determines that the paper cassette to be used is in a locked state; A second determining unit that determines whether or not information according to the authentication information is included in the print request; and If it is determined that the information corresponding to the authentication information is not included in the print request, the printer does not respond to the print request, otherwise, prints the printed material corresponding to the print request. And a control means for causing the means to form. 5. The print request, wherein the authentication information is a password set by a user, and the second determination unit includes the same information as a password stored in the storage unit for a paper cassette to be used. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether or not information corresponding to the authentication information is included in the print request by determining whether or not the print request has been issued. 6. The computer according to claim 6, wherein the authentication information is address information, and the second determination means indicates the computer which has sent the print request, the address information stored in the storage means for a paper cassette to be used. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether or not information corresponding to the authentication information is included in the print request.