JP2004288004A - Printed-out paper management device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printed-out paper management device and method, preventing printed-out paper of a user from being illegally brought out. <P>SOLUTION: A printer 1 prints contents of a desired document or the like print-directed by the user 12 and an identification information tag 21 recording identification information for identifying paper printed with the contents, a monitor 3 disposed near a paper discharge tray 2 temporarily storing the printed-out paper printed out by the printer 1 detects a user ID tag 13 portably carried by the user 12 or the identification information tag 21, and it is decided whether information recorded in the tags coincide with each other or not, so as to prevent the printed-out paper 20 from being illegally brought out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printout paper management apparatus and method, and in particular, outputs a content such as a document that a user instructed to output to a sheet, and prevents the output printout paper from being illegally taken out by anyone other than the user who instructed the output. The present invention relates to a print output paper management apparatus and method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of computers, multifunction peripherals, and networks, information can be easily acquired and printed or copied.
[0003]
Some of the printed or copied information requires confidentiality, and various types of information security have been strengthened to prevent unauthorized removal of the printed information and leakage of confidential information. Devices and methods have been proposed.
[0004]
For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a method of forming a latent image or the like on a printing paper and suppressing copying by a difference in reflectance or hue of the formed latent image, or as described in Patent Document 2, A device has been proposed in which a user carries an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a confidential document is also provided with an RFID, and copying is prohibited in accordance with information read from the RFID.
[0005]
These proposals are proposals for apparatuses and methods for preventing information from being illegally copied or printed out.
[0006]
However, in order to prevent the leakage of information, it is necessary to sufficiently manage information that is printed and output. In the above proposal, information that is printed and output is managed to prevent information leakage. No device or method has been proposed.
[0007]
Regarding an apparatus and a method for managing printed output information, as shown in Patent Document 3, a plurality of output trays are provided, one tray is assigned to use by one user, and information is printed out according to a user's instruction. An apparatus and a method have been proposed in which the printed output paper is discharged to an output tray assigned to each user, and the user can easily distinguish and take out the print output paper designated to be output.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 07-076195 A
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application No. 13-160117
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A No. 02-120068
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-mentioned proposed apparatus, a plurality of output trays are provided, and one tray is assigned to use by one user. The print output paper printed out by the user's output instruction is output tray until the user takes it out. It is impossible to prevent the printed output sheet discharged to the output tray from being illegally taken out without any detection even if another person takes it out by mistake.
[0009]
Also, when printing out a particularly important confidential document, etc., after the user gives a print instruction, the user may wait for the confidential document to be printed out in front of the printer device, and then browse or take out the confidential document by another person. Had to be prevented.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a print output paper management apparatus and method for preventing a user from illegally taking out print output paper.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printout sheet management apparatus for managing printout sheets to which identification information has been added, wherein the printout sheet management apparatus specifies identification information added to printout sheets that are permitted to be taken out by a user. Specifying means, recognition means for recognizing identification information given to the printout paper taken out by the user, and identification information specified by the specification means matching identification information recognized by the recognition means And a notifying means for notifying the user if the discrimination is not made by the discriminating means.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the recognizing means recognizes identification information given to a printout sheet not taken out by a user, and the discriminating means comprises the recognizing means. Determines whether the identification information identified by the identification information matches the identification information identified by the identification means, and, if the identification means determines that the identification information matches, notifies the user to that effect. It is characterized by the following.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the identification means is provided on a printout sheet that is permitted to be taken out by the user by inputting the identification information by the user. The identification information is specified.
[0013]
Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the specifying means recognizes the identification information from an identification information medium carried by the user, thereby permitting the user to carry out the printing. It is characterized by identifying the identification information given to the output paper.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the identification information given to the printout sheet is formed and given according to the information designated by the user. .
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the identification information given to the printout sheet is given in advance to the printout sheet.
[0016]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the recognizing means applies a predetermined alternating magnetic field to the printout paper, and corresponds to the identification information given to the printout paper. The identification information is recognized by detecting an output signal due to the magnetization reversal that is output as a result.
[0017]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the recognizing means applies a magnetic field to the printout sheet, and performs the printing in accordance with the identification information given to the printout sheet. The identification information is recognized by detecting a magnetostrictive vibration generated in the output paper.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the recognizing means applies a predetermined electromagnetic wave to the printout sheet, and responds to the identification information given to the printout sheet. The identification information is recognized by detecting an output electromagnetic wave.
[0019]
In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a printout paper management device for managing printout papers to which identification information has been added, a specifying means for specifying identification information added to printout papers that are permitted to be taken out by a user; First recognition means for recognizing the identification information given to the printout paper taken out by the user, and the identification information recognized by the first recognition means matches the identification information specified by the specification means First determining means for determining whether or not the information is not matched; first notifying means for notifying the user of a mismatch if the first determining means does not match; and A second recognizing means for recognizing the identification information given to the unprinted paper, and the identification information recognized by the second recognizing means being the same as the identification information specified by the specifying means. A second discriminating means for discriminating whether or not to perform, and a second notifying means for notifying the user when the second discriminating means determines that they do not match. .
[0020]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the printout paper management method for managing the printout paper to which the identification information is added, the identification means is used to specify the identification information given to the printout paper that is permitted to be taken out by the user, Recognizing the identification information given to the printout paper by a recognition unit, and determining by a determination unit whether the identification information specified by the specification unit matches the identification information recognized by the recognition unit, If it is determined by the determining means that they do not match, the user is notified by the notification means.
[0021]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, the recognizing unit recognizes identification information given to a printout sheet not taken out by a user, and the determining unit includes the recognizing unit. Determines whether the identification information identified by the identification information matches the identification information identified by the identification means. If the identification means determines that the identification information matches, the notification means notifies the user to that effect. It is characterized by the following.
[0022]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print output paper management method for managing the print output paper to which the identification information has been added, the identification means specifies the identification information given to the print output paper permitted to be taken out by the user, The first recognition means recognizes the identification information given to the print output paper taken out by the user, and the second recognition means recognizes the identification information given to the print output paper not taken out by the user. The first discriminating means determines whether or not the identification information specified by the specifying means matches the identification information recognized by the first recognizing means. When it is determined that they do not match, the user is notified by the first notification means, and the identification information specified by the specifying means is recognized by the second recognition means. The second discriminating means determines whether or not the information coincides with the received identification information. If the first discriminating means determines that the information matches, the second notifying means notifies the user of the fact. It is characterized by.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a printout paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a printout paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention.
[0025]
FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of a printout paper management apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the printout paper management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG.
[0026]
In FIG. 1, a print output paper management apparatus 100 is used to remotely print a content such as a document or a graphic desired by a user on a printer installed at a place remote from the user, or a scanner unit such as a multifunction peripheral. Used as a printout paper management device that prints the contents scanned by the above and prevents confidentiality etc. by preventing the printed output papers printed with these contents from being taken out illegally by anyone other than the authorized user. It is.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printout paper management apparatus 100 includes an identification information recording a content such as a desired document or graphic instructed by the user 12 to print and identification information for identifying the paper on which the content is printed. A printer device 1 that prints the information tag 21 on paper, a paper output tray 2 where print output paper 20 printed and output by the printer device 1 is discharged and temporarily stored, and disposed near the paper discharge tray 2; A monitoring device 3 that detects the identification information tag 21 and the user ID tag 13 carried by the user 12 and prevents the print output paper 20 from being illegally taken out based on the information recorded in these tags; A control unit 6 for controlling the entire output paper management apparatus 100 is provided.
[0027]
In this embodiment, the identification information given to the printout paper 20 that the user 12 is allowed to take out is specified based on the information recorded in the user ID (= IDentification) tag 13 carried by the user 12. .
[0028]
The user ID tag 13 records, for example, an identification number of the user 12 and information for identifying the user 12 (hereinafter, referred to as “user ID information”), and prints the recorded information to identify the user 12. The identification information of the output paper 20 is used.
[0029]
Further, the identification information tag 21 and the user ID tag 13 are formed of a magnetic material corresponding to each information.
[0030]
The monitoring device 3 reads the information recorded on the tag based on the detection signal detected by the tag detection unit 4 that detects the identification information tag 21 and the user ID tag 13 and stores the read information. The server 7 that performs various processes, the notification devices 43 and 44 that notify information to the user 12 and the like according to the instructions of the server 7, and the tag detection unit 4 are electrically connected to detect that infrared rays have been blocked. In addition, an infrared sensor unit 5 for controlling on / off of a switch 8 of a power supply 9 of the tag detection unit 4 is provided.
[0031]
The content and identification information that the user 12 instructed to print using the print instruction terminal 11 such as a computer are input to the control unit 6 of the printout paper management device 100 via the network 10 and, if necessary, the monitoring device 3. Is transmitted to a desired terminal (not shown) via the control unit 6 and the network 10.
[0032]
When the user 12 takes out the printout paper 20 that has been printed out, the printout paper management apparatus 100 includes identification information of the printout paper 20 that the user 12 is going to take out and user ID information carried by the user 12. If these pieces of information do not match each other, an operation is performed to issue an alarm and notify the user 12 of "the print output paper cannot be taken out."
[0033]
By the way, in the print output paper management apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, in order to prevent the printed print output paper 20 from being taken out illegally, the print output paper 20 on which the content instructed by the user 12 to be printed is printed. The printer device 1 that prints the identification information tag 21 recording the identification information for identifying the print output paper, the identification information tag 21 and the user ID tag 13 are detected, and the identification information tag 21 is printed. The monitoring device 3 for preventing the print output paper 20 from being illegally taken out is used.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the printer device 1 shown in FIG.
[0035]
In FIG. 2, the same devices as those of the printout paper management device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer device 1 includes a printing unit 110 that prints content based on a content signal of a document or the like input from the control unit 6 that controls the entire print output paper management device 100 shown in FIG. And a tag forming unit 111 for forming and printing an identification information tag based on the identification information signal.
[0037]
The printing unit 110 prints the content on printing paper by, for example, an inkjet or electrophotographic method, and the tag forming unit 111 forms a magnetic material tag corresponding to the identification information and prints the printing on the printing paper. .
[0038]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a process in which the printer device 1 prints the content and the identification information tag on the printing paper and an arrangement of the printing unit and the tag forming unit of the printer device 1. In the process of printing the identification information tag on the printing paper, the identification information tag 21 may be formed and attached after printing the content 30 as shown in FIG. The content 30 may be printed after the identification information tag 21 is formed and provided as shown in FIG. 3, and the printing of the content 30 and the formation and provision of the identification information tag 21 are simultaneously performed as shown in FIG. You may do so.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the monitoring device 3 shown in FIG.
[0040]
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user 12 has entered the monitoring device 3 in order to take out a desired print output sheet 20 from the plurality of print output sheets 20 stored in the output tray 2. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a state in which the user 12 takes out the print output paper 20 from the discharge tray 2 and carries the print output paper 20 inside the monitoring device 3.
[0041]
In FIG. 4, the same devices as the printout paper management device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 4A, when the user 12 passes through the infrared sensor unit 5, the infrared sensor unit 5 detects the passage of the user 12, and turns on the power switch 8 of the tag sensing unit 4.
When the power supply 9 is provided to the tag detection unit 4, the tag detection unit 4 generates a predetermined magnetic field and forms a tag detection area 42.
[0043]
When the user 12 enters the tag detection area 42, the tag detection unit 4 detects the user ID tag 13 carried by the user 12, and outputs a detection signal to the server 7.
[0044]
The server 7 reads the user ID information recorded on the user ID tag 13 based on the detection signal of the user ID tag 13, and stores the information in a memory (not shown).
[0045]
In FIG. 4B, the tag detection unit 4 detects the identification information tag 21 attached to the printout paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out, and outputs a detection signal to the server 7.
The server 7 reads the identification information recorded on the identification information tag 21 based on the detection signal of the identification information tag 21 and stores it in a memory (not shown).
[0046]
The server 7 compares the read identification information with the user ID information and determines whether or not the pieces of information match each other.
[0047]
For example, when the user 12 carrying the user ID tag 13 recorded as “0123” intends to take out the printed output paper 20 on which the identification information tag 13 recorded as “0123” is printed, the identification information and the user Since the ID information matches, it is determined that “take-out is permitted”. If the identification information does not match with the user ID information, it is determined that “take-out is impossible”, and the respective determination results are transmitted via the notification devices 43 and 44. Notify the user 12.
[0048]
As the notification method, for example, the blue lamp 43 may blink when the result of the comparison judgment is “permission to take out”, and the red lamp 44 may blink when the result of the comparison judgment is “taken out”. Each result may be notified via a device or the like.
[0049]
When the user 12 takes out the desired print output paper 20 specified from the user ID information and passes through the infrared sensor unit 5, the power switch 8 of the tag detection unit 4 is turned off.
[0050]
The printout paper management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 can use, for example, a magnetic piece or an IC chip as the type of tag used for the identification information tag or the user ID tag.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of tag types.
[0052]
In FIG. 5, FIG. 5A shows a magnetic piece (hereinafter, referred to as a "large Barghausen magnetic piece") that generates an intrinsic pulse by a magnetic field reversal due to a large Barghausen effect by an externally applied alternating magnetic field. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which an identification information tag is formed on an output sheet.
[0053]
FIG. 5B shows an example in which an identification information tag is formed on an output sheet by using a magnetostrictive vibrating piece (hereinafter, referred to as “magnetostrictive vibrating magnetic piece”) that generates natural vibration by a magnetostrictive vibration effect of an externally applied magnetic field. FIG.
[0054]
FIG. 5C is a diagram in which an identification information tag is formed on an output sheet using an IC chip that operates by receiving power from an externally applied electromagnetic wave.
[0055]
As the magnetic piece, for example, an amorphous magnetic wire or the like can be used.
[0056]
The printout paper management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 uses the identification information tag and the user to identify the magnetic pieces 501 and 503 and the IC chip 505 as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. When used as ID tags, it is necessary to have a configuration of a printer device 1 that forms these tags and a monitoring device 3 that detects these tags.
[0057]
That is, the configuration includes a tag forming unit 111 (printer device 1) that forms a tag corresponding to the tag type and a tag detecting unit 4 (monitoring device 3) that detects a tag corresponding to the tag type.
[0058]
For example, when the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 as shown in FIG. 5A or the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 as shown in FIG. 5B is used as a tag, the tag forming section of the printer device 1 is used. Reference numeral 111 denotes a thermal transfer sheet containing the magnetic material of the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 or a thermal transfer sheet containing the magnetic material of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503, which controls the heating element according to the identification information, and a part of the thermal transfer sheet. It is configured to fuse and transfer the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 or the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 to printing paper.
[0059]
When the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 is used as a tag, the tag detection unit 4 of the monitoring device 3 generates a predetermined alternating magnetic field to form the tag detection area 42, and the large Barghausen existing in the tag detection area 42. The detection coil detects a pulse signal generated by the magnetization reversal of the Haussen-effect magnetic piece 501 by receiving an alternating magnetic field, thereby detecting an identification information tag or a user ID tag.
[0060]
When the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 is used as a tag, the tag detection unit 4 generates a desired alternating magnetic field to form the tag detection area 42, and the magnetostriction vibration magnetic piece 503 existing in the tag detection area 42 is formed. Is configured to detect an identification information tag and a user ID tag by detecting a frequency signal of vibration generated by receiving an alternating magnetic field by a detection coil.
[0061]
When the IC chip 505 as shown in FIG. 5C is used as a tag, the tag forming unit 111 of the printer device 1 affixes or embeds the IC chip 505 on a sheet on which the content is to be printed. It has a function of giving an electromagnetic wave according to the identification information to the IC chip 505 and writing the identification information to the IC chip 505.
Note that writing of information to the IC chip 505 can be performed using a known IC chip writer.
[0062]
When the IC chip 505 is used as a tag, the tag detection unit 4 of the monitoring device 3 generates a predetermined electromagnetic wave to form the tag detection area 42, and the IC chip 505 existing in the tag detection area 42 It is configured to detect an identification information tag or a user ID tag by detecting an information signal to be transmitted by obtaining a power supply by receiving an electromagnetic wave by a receiving coil. Note that information recorded on the IC chip 505 can be read using a known IC chip reader.
[0063]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a method of forming an identification information tag using the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 shown in FIG. 5A and reading information recorded on the identification information tag.
[0064]
A method of reading information recorded on an identification information tag using the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0065]
FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a print output sheet 600 on which an identification information tag 601 is formed using large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L having different lengths.
[0066]
FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an intrinsic pulse signal generated when each of the large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L receives an alternating magnetic field and undergoes magnetization reversal.
[0067]
In FIG. 6A, the length of the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece of the identification information tag 601 is assumed to be longer in the order of L <2L <3L <4L.
[0068]
6A and 6B, when each of the large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L receives a predetermined alternating magnetic field 603, the magnetization is reversed by the large Barkhausen effect.
[0069]
This magnetization reversal causes a steep magnetization reversal by receiving an alternating magnetic field 603 that is greater than the coercive force of each of the large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L.
[0070]
Each of the large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L that have received the predetermined alternating magnetic field 603 has a different coercive force depending on the length, so that a time difference occurs in which magnetization reversal occurs, and each unique pulse A, B, Detected as C and D.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 6B, the pulse A, the pulse B, the pulse C, and the pulse D are the pulse A, the pulse B, the pulse C, and the pulse D in the order of the large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L. The respective magnetization reversal times t1, t2, t3, and t4 and the magnetic field strengths H1, H2, H3, and H4 during the magnetization reversal are shown.
[0072]
In this way, the large Barghausen effect magnetic pieces L, 2L, 3L, and 4L having different lengths are selected in association with the identification information, and a magnetic field is applied to the formed identification information tag to detect a unique pulse signal, thereby performing identification. Information recorded on the information tag can be read.
[0073]
FIG. 7 shows an example of a technique for forming an identification information tag using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 shown in FIG. 5B and reading information recorded on the tag.
[0074]
A method of reading information recorded on an identification information tag using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C shown below.
[0075]
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the resonance frequency of the residual magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 3M by applying a magnetic field to the print output paper 700 on which the identification information tag 701 is formed using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 3M.
[0076]
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the resonance frequency of the residual magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 2M by applying a magnetic field to the print output paper 702 on which the identification information tag 703 is formed using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 2M.
[0077]
FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating the resonance frequency of the residual magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece M when a magnetic field is applied to the print output paper 704 on which the identification information tag 705 is formed using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece M.
[0078]
7 (a), 7 (b) and 7 (c), the length of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece is assumed to be longer in the order of M <2M <3M.
[0079]
As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to each of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic pieces M, 2M, and 3M having different lengths, each of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic pieces M, The frequencies of the residual magnetostrictive vibrations are inversely proportional to the lengths of 2M and 3M. By measuring the resonance frequencies of the magnetostrictive vibrating magnetic pieces M, 2M and 3M, the natural resonance of each magnetostrictive vibrating magnetic piece M, 2M and 3M is measured. Pulse signals of frequencies E, F, and G are detected.
[0080]
In this manner, the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic pieces M, 2M, and 3M having different lengths are selected in association with the identification information, and a magnetic field is applied to the identification information tags 701, 703, and 705 formed, and the respective unique pulse signals E and F are applied. , G, the information recorded in the identification information tag can be read.
[0081]
FIG. 8 shows another example of a method of forming an identification information tag using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 as shown in FIG. 5B and reading information recorded on the tag.
[0082]
A method of reading information recorded on the identification information tag using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B described below.
[0083]
FIG. 8A shows a printout sheet 800 on which an identification information tag 801 is formed using a magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece N, and FIG. 8B shows a magnetic field applied to the printout sheet 800 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics of magnetostrictive vibration of a magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece N.
[0084]
FIG. 8C shows a printout sheet 800 in which an identification information tag 802 is formed using the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece N, and FIG. 8D shows a magnetic field applied to the printout sheet 802 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics of magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 2N.
[0085]
It is assumed that the length of the magnetostrictive material is longer in the order of N <2N. (For example, N is 4 cm and 2N is 16 cm.)
8A and 8B, when a predetermined alternating magnetic field is applied to the identification information tag 801 of the magnetostrictive material N, the magnetostrictive material N detects a plurality of pulse signals as shown in FIG. 8B. Such a resonance frequency characteristic 804 is shown.
[0086]
8B and 8C, when a predetermined alternating magnetic field is applied to the identification information tag 803 of the magnetostrictive material 2N, the magnetostrictive material 2N detects a plurality of pulse signals as shown in FIG. 8D. Such a resonance frequency characteristic 805 is shown.
[0087]
As described above, the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece N or the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 2N having a different length is selected in association with the identification information, and the formed identification information tag 801 or the identification information tag 803 or the magnetic field is applied to detect the unique pulse signal. By doing so, the information recorded in the identification information tag can be read.
[0088]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a print output paper management method of the print output paper management apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
[0089]
The printout paper management method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0090]
First, the user 12 inputs, from the print instruction terminal 11, content such as a document or a graphic to be output to the printer device 1 and identification information for identifying a printout sheet on which the content has been printed, and issues a print instruction.
[0091]
As the identification information, for example, a security level of the content, an identification number of the user 12, a password, and the like are input.
[0092]
The input content signal and identification information signal are input to the control unit 6 of the printout paper management device 100 via the network 10, and the content and the identification information tag specified by the user 12 from the printer 1 according to the instruction of the control unit 6. Is printed on printing paper and output.
[0093]
The print output paper 20 printed out from the printer device 1 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 2 and stored on the paper discharge tray 2 until the user 12 comes to receive it.
[0094]
When the user 12 passes through the infrared sensor unit 5 of the print output paper management device 100 to receive the print output paper 20 stored in the paper output tray 2 (YES in step 901), the power switch of the tag detection unit 4 is turned on. 8 is turned on (step 902).
[0095]
When the power switch 8 of the tag detection section 4 is turned on, a tag detection area 42 is formed.
[0096]
When the user 12 enters the tag detection area 42, the user ID tag 13 carried by the user 12 is detected, and a detected signal is input from the tag detection unit 4 to the server 7.
[0097]
The server 7 reads the user ID information recorded in the user ID tag 13 based on the detection signal, and stores and manages the information in a memory (not shown) (step 904).
[0098]
In a memory (not shown) of the server 7, identification information and user ID information corresponding to the detection signal pattern are stored in advance, and the signal pattern of the stored information is compared with the detection signal to check the user ID information and the user ID information. It is configured so that identification information can be identified.
[0099]
When the user 12 receives the print output paper 20 on the paper output tray 2 and tries to take it out and enters the tag detection area 42, the identification information tag attached to the print output paper 20 that the user 12 is going to take out is detected by the tag. It is detected by the unit 4 (YES in step 905).
[0100]
The tag detection unit 4 that has detected the identification information tag inputs a detection signal to the server 7.
[0101]
The server 7 reads the identification information recorded on the identification information tag 21 based on the detection signal, and stores and manages the identification information in a memory (not shown) (step 906).
[0102]
The server 7 compares the user ID information detected by the tag detection unit 4 with the identification information to determine whether the user ID information matches the identification information (step 907).
[0103]
As a result of the comparison determination, if the user ID information and the identification information match (YES in step 907), a signal is input from the server 7 to the notification device 43 arranged in the tag detection unit 4, and the blue lamp 43 blinks. The user 12 is notified of "permission to take out" (step 908).
[0104]
As a result of the comparison determination, if the user ID information and the identification information do not match (NO in step 907), a signal is input from the server 7 to the notification device 44 arranged in the tag detection unit 4, and the red lamp 44 blinks. The user 12 is notified of the fact that "cannot be taken out" (step 909).
[0105]
When the user 12 is notified of "permission to take out" the printout paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out, and when the user 12 passes through the infrared sensor unit 5, the power switch 8 of the tag detection unit 4 is turned off to take out the printout paper 20. Terminates normally.
[0106]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the printout paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention.
[0107]
In another embodiment of the printout sheet management apparatus and method according to the present invention, the printout sheet existing on the output tray near the output tray of the printout sheet management apparatus as shown in FIG. Further, a tray tag detecting unit for detecting the identification information tag and a notification device are further provided to prevent the user from forgetting to take out the printout sheet on the tray.
[0108]
FIG. 10A is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of the printout paper management apparatus 1010 according to the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a printout paper management apparatus 1010 shown in FIG. FIG.
[0109]
In FIGS. 10A and 10B, the same devices and functions as those of the printout paper management device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. .
[0110]
In FIGS. 10A and 10B, a tray tag detecting unit 60 and a tray notification device 62 are arranged in close proximity to the discharge tray 2 (see FIG. 10B). 1 except that a detection signal detected by the tag detection unit 60 is input to the server 7 and the notification device 62 is operated based on an instruction from the server 7 to notify the user. The configuration is the same as that of the paper management apparatus 100.
[0111]
The tray tag detection unit 60 is configured to be always supplied with power and detect the identification information tag 21 of the print output paper 20 on the paper output tray 2.
[0112]
10, the configuration of the tag detection unit 60 for the tray and the configuration of the tag detection unit 4 of the monitoring device 3 are the same as those of the printout paper management device 100 shown in FIG. It is necessary to adopt a configuration corresponding to (the types of the magnetic pieces 501 and 503 and the IC chip 505 as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C).
[0113]
For example, the tray tag detecting section 60 and the tag detecting section 4 generate a predetermined alternating magnetic field when the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 shown in FIG. 5A is used for an identification information tag or a user ID tag. To form a tray tag detection area 61 and a tag detection area 42, and a pulse signal generated when the large Barghausen effect magnetic piece 501 present in each of the tag detection areas 61 and 42 receives an alternating magnetic field and undergoes magnetization reversal. Is detected by a detection coil to detect an identification information tag or a user ID tag.
[0114]
When the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 shown in FIG. 5B is used for an identification information tag or a user ID tag, the tray tag detection unit 60 and the tag detection unit 4 generate a desired alternating magnetic field. A tray tag detection area 61 and a tag detection area 42 are formed, and a detection coil detects a frequency signal of vibration generated when the magnetostrictive vibration magnetic piece 503 existing in the tray tag detection area 61 and the tag detection area 42 receives an alternating magnetic field. Then, the identification information tag and the user ID tag are detected.
[0115]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the monitoring device 3 and the tray tag detection unit 60 illustrated in FIG.
[0116]
FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user 12 has entered the monitoring device 3 to take out a desired print output sheet 20 from the plurality of print output sheets 20 stored in the output tray 2. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user 12 takes out the print output paper 20 from the paper discharge tray 2 and tries to take out the print output paper 20 and exists in the monitoring device 3.
[0117]
In FIG. 11, the same devices as those in the printout paper management device 1010 shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
[0118]
11A, the tag detection unit 4 detects the user ID tag 13 carried by the user 12 who has entered the tag detection area 42, and inputs a detected signal to the server 7.
[0119]
The server 7 reads the user ID information recorded on the user ID tag 13 based on the detection signal of the user ID tag, and stores it in a memory (not shown).
[0120]
The tray tag detection area 61 is formed so that the identification information tags assigned to the plurality of print output sheets 20 accumulated on the sheet discharge tray 2 can be detected, and the tray tag detection section 60 detects the sheet discharge tray 2. The identification information tag of the upper print output paper 20 is detected.
[0121]
The respective detection signals of the plurality of detected print output papers 20 are input to the server 7, and the respective identification information is read out and stored and managed in a memory (not shown).
[0122]
The server 7 creates a printout paper list (for example, a printout completed job list) printed out based on the identification information of the printout paper on the paper output tray 2 and is arranged in the printer device 1. The information may be displayed on a control panel (not shown) or a desired computer terminal (not shown) via the control unit 6 and the network 10.
[0123]
In FIG. 11B, the tag detection unit 4 detects the identification information tag 21 attached to the print output paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out, and inputs the detected signal to the server 7.
[0124]
The server 7 compares the user ID information with the identification information of the print output paper 20 remaining on the paper output tray 2 and determines that the print output paper 20 to which the identification information matching the user ID information is added exists. The user 12 is notified of whether or not to do so via the tray notification device 60.
[0125]
Further, the user ID information is compared with the identification information of the printout paper 20 detected by the tag detection unit 4, and the printout paper 20 to which the identification information not matching the user ID information is added is not taken out. The notification is made to the user 12 via the notification devices 43 and 44.
[0126]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a print output sheet management method of the print output sheet management apparatus 1010 illustrated in FIG.
[0127]
The printout paper management method will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0128]
When the user 12 passes through the infrared sensor unit 5 of the print output paper management device 1010 to receive the print output paper 20 stored in the paper output tray 2 (YES in step 1201), the tag detection unit 4 of the monitoring device 3 The power switch 8 is turned on to form the tag detection area 42 of the tag detection unit 4 (step 1202).
[0129]
The tray tag detection unit 60 is always supplied with power to form a tag detection area 61, and detects the identification information tag of the print output paper 20 on the discharge tray 2.
[0130]
The detected signal is input to the server 7, the identification information is read based on the detection signal, and stored and managed in a memory (not shown).
[0131]
When the user 12 enters the tag detection area 42, the user ID tag 13 carried by the user 12 is detected (YES in step 1203), and a detection signal is input from the tag detection unit 4 to the server 7.
[0132]
The server 7 reads the information recorded in the user ID tag 13 based on the detection signal and stores and manages the information in a memory (not shown) (step 1204).
[0133]
When the user 12 receives the print output paper 20 on the paper output tray 2 and moves while carrying the print output paper 20, the print output paper 20 enters the tag detection area 42, and the identification information tag attached to the print output paper 20 indicates the tag detection section 4. (YES in step 1205).
[0134]
The detection signal is input to the server 7, the identification information is read based on the detection signal, and stored and managed in a memory (not shown) (step 1206).
[0135]
The server 7 compares the identification information of the print output paper 20 remaining in the paper output tray 2 with the user ID information, and outputs the print output paper 20 to which the identification information that matches the user ID information is added. 2 is determined (step 1207).
[0136]
For example, if the user ID information and the identification information match (YES in step 1207), it is determined that "the print output paper has been forgotten" and the user 12 is notified via the tray notification device 62 (step 1208). .
[0137]
The identification information of the printout paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out detected by the tag detection unit 4 is compared with the user ID information to determine whether or not the identification information matches the user ID information ( Step 1209).
[0138]
For example, when the user ID information and the identification information match (YES in step 1209), it is determined that “carry-out is permitted” and the server 7 notifies the user 12 via the notification device 43 arranged in the tag detection unit 4. (Step 1210).
[0139]
If the user ID information and the identification information do not match (NO in step 1209), it is determined that "take-out is impossible" and the server 7 notifies the user 12 via the notification device 44 arranged in the tag detection unit 4 (step 1209). 1211).
[0140]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which the print output paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention are applied to an in-body discharge type printer apparatus.
[0141]
The printer in this embodiment integrates the printer 1, the tray tag detector 60, and the tag detector 4 of the printout paper management device 1010 as shown in FIG. The identification information (corresponding to the user ID information in the print output paper management apparatus 1010 shown in FIG. 10) for specifying the print output paper 20 that can be taken out by the user 12 is input from a control panel arranged in the printer apparatus 1300. It is configured assuming that it can be performed.
[0142]
FIG. 13A is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the printer device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a side view of the printer device illustrated in FIG.
[0143]
13A and 13B, the printer device 1300 records the content such as a document that the user 12 instructed to output, and the identification information for identifying the printout paper 20 on which the content is printed. It has a function of printing the identification information tag 21 and a monitoring function of preventing the print output paper 20 printed out by the printer device 1300 from being illegally taken out.
[0144]
The print instruction terminal 11 such as a computer to which the user 12 issues a print instruction and the printer device 1300 are connected via the network 10.
[0145]
As shown in FIG. 13, the printer device 1300 includes a discharge port 1310 for discharging the print output paper 20 printed by the printer device 1300, and a discharge unit for storing the print output paper 20 discharged from the discharge port 1310. 1311 is disposed above the printer device 1300.
[0146]
The discharge unit 1311 includes a first detection unit 1321 that detects identification information tags of a plurality of print output sheets 20 discharged and stored in the discharge unit 1311, and a print output sheet 20 discharged to the discharge unit 1311. A second detection unit 1322 that detects an identification information tag of the print output paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out when the user 12 takes it out, a job list printed out by the printer device 1300, and a command from the user 12 to the printer device 1300. A control panel 1312 for giving instructions and a server (not shown) that controls the entire printer 1300 and stores and manages information processed by the printer 1300 are provided.
[0147]
Note that the configuration of the first detection unit 1321 and the second detection unit 1322 according to the method by which the printer device 1300 shown in FIG. 13 prints the content and the identification information tag on the printing paper and the type of tag used for the identification information tag Has the same configuration as the configuration of the printer device 1, the tray tag detection unit 60, and the tag detection unit 4 shown in FIG.
[0148]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a print output sheet management method of the printer apparatus 1300 illustrated in FIG.
[0149]
With reference to FIG. 14, a method of managing print output sheets of the printer device 1300 will be described.
[0150]
The identification information tags of the plurality of print output papers 20 stored in the discharge unit 1311 of the printer device 1300 are detected by the first detection unit 1321, and each identification information read based on the detection signal is transmitted to a server (not shown). It is stored and managed.
[0151]
The server (not shown) stores a print output job list (for example, a list of jobs that have been printed out, a list of jobs in print processing, etc.) printed out based on the identification information of the plurality of print output sheets 20 stored in the discharge unit 1311. The created print output job list is displayed on the control panel 1312 provided in the printer device 1300.
[0152]
The user 12 selects a print output job instructed by the user 12 from the print output job list displayed on the control panel 1312 (step 1401), and follows the instruction of the guidance (not shown) displayed on the control panel 1312. The identification information of the print output paper 20 to be specified is input (step 1402).
[0153]
The user 12 inputs the identification information of the printout paper 20 to be taken out (YES in step 1403), and takes out the desired printout paper 20 taken out by the user 12 from the plurality of printout papers 20 stored in the discharge unit 1311. (Step 1404).
[0154]
The identification information of the print output paper 20 carried by the user 12 is detected by the second detection unit 1322 (YES in step 1405), and the identification information of the detected signal is read and stored in a storage device of a server (not shown). Is stored and managed (step 1406).
[0155]
The server compares the identification information of the print output paper 20 remaining in the discharge unit 1311 with the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312, and compares the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312 with the discharge unit 1311. It is determined whether or not there is a print output sheet 20 that has the same identification information as the remaining print output sheet 20 (step 1407).
[0156]
If the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312 matches the identification information of the print output paper 20 remaining in the discharge unit 1311 (YES in step 1407), the message “print output paper removal” is displayed. The user 12 is notified via a not-shown notification device (step 1408).
[0157]
Next, the identification information of the printout paper 20 that the user 12 is trying to take out, which is detected by the second detection unit 1322, is compared with the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312. It is determined whether or not the identification information of the printout sheet 20 that is present matches the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312 (step 1409).
[0158]
If the identification information of the printout paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out matches the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312 (YES in step 1409), it is determined that “take-out is permitted” and the determination result is obtained. Is notified to the user 12 via the notification device (step 1410).
[0159]
If the identification information of the printout paper 20 that the user 12 intends to take out does not match the identification information input by the user 12 from the control panel 1312 (NO in step 1409), it is determined that “takeout is impossible” and the determination result is obtained. Is notified to the user 12 via the notification device (step 1411).
[0160]
Although the printer apparatus 1300 shown in FIG. 13 has been described assuming a configuration in which the input of the identification information for identifying the identification information of the print output paper 20 is input from the control panel 1312, A reading device such as a card or a contact-type or non-contact type IC card may be provided, and information read from those cards may be used as identification information.
[0161]
In the printer device according to the embodiment described above, the description is mainly given of a configuration in which the content and the identification information for identifying the paper on which the content is printed are mainly assumed. The configuration may be such that the content is printed using the printing paper on which the information is printed.
[0162]
In the case of such a configuration, the tag forming unit 111 of the printer device is not required, and the configuration is such that the identification information matching the preprinted identification information is input. The configuration is the same as that of the embodiment.
[0163]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the identification information given to the print output paper which is permitted to be taken out by the user is specified, the identification information given to the print output paper is recognized, and the identified identification information is recognized. It is configured to determine whether or not the identification information matches the identification information, and to notify the user of information according to the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the print output paper from being illegally taken out. Play.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a printout paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the printer device 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a process in which the printer device 1 shown in FIG. 1 forms and attaches a content identification information tag to content.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the monitoring device 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of types of tags.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a technique for reading information recorded on a tag.
FIG. 7 shows another example of a method of reading information recorded on a tag.
FIG. 8 shows another example of a method for reading information recorded on a tag.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a print output paper management method of the print output paper management apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a printout paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the monitoring device and the tray tag detecting unit illustrated in FIG. 10;
12 is a flowchart illustrating a print output sheet management method of the print output sheet management device illustrated in FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which the printout paper management apparatus and method according to the present invention are applied to an in-body discharge type printer apparatus.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a print output sheet management method of the printer device illustrated in FIG. 13;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Printer device
2 paper output tray
3 monitoring equipment
4 Tag detector
5 Infrared sensor unit
6 control unit
7 Server
8 Power switch
9 Power supply
10 Network
11 Print instruction terminal
12 users
13 User ID tag
20 Printout paper
21 Identification information tag
42 Tag detection area
43, 44 Notification device
100 Print output paper management device

Claims (13)

In a printout paper management device that manages printout paper to which identification information has been added,
Specifying means for specifying identification information given to printout paper permitted to be taken out by a user;
Recognizing means for recognizing identification information given to the printout paper taken out by the user,
Determining means for determining whether or not the identification information specified by the specifying means matches the identification information recognized by the recognition means;
And a notifying means for notifying the user of the discrepancy when the discriminating means determines that they do not match. The recognition means,
Recognize the identification information given to the printout paper not taken out by the user,
The determining means includes:
Determine whether the identification information recognized by the recognition means matches the identification information specified by the specifying means,
The notifying means,
2. The printout paper management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that they match, the user is notified of the fact. The specifying means includes:
3. The printout paper management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user inputs the identification information to identify the identification information given to the printout paper permitted to be taken out by the user. The specifying means includes:
3. The identification information given to a printout sheet permitted to be taken out by the user by recognizing the identification information from an identification information medium carried by the user. Print output paper management device. The identification information given to the print output paper includes:
3. The printout sheet management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printout sheet management apparatus is formed and provided according to information specified by the user. The identification information given to the print output paper includes:
3. The print output sheet management device according to claim 1, wherein the print output sheet is provided in advance to the print output sheet. The recognition means,
The identification information is recognized by applying a predetermined alternating magnetic field to the printing output paper and detecting an output signal due to magnetization reversal output corresponding to the identification information given to the printing output paper. The print output paper management device according to claim 1. The recognition means,
2. The identification information is recognized by applying a magnetic field to the printout sheet and detecting a magnetostrictive vibration generated in the printout sheet in accordance with the identification information given to the printout sheet. The print output paper management device according to claim 6. The recognition means,
4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: applying a predetermined electromagnetic wave to the printout sheet; and detecting the electromagnetic wave output in accordance with the identification information given to the printout sheet to recognize the identification information. Item 7. A printout sheet management device according to Item 6. In a printout paper management device that manages printout paper to which identification information has been added,
Specifying means for specifying identification information given to printout paper permitted to be taken out by a user;
First recognition means for recognizing identification information given to printout paper taken out by the user;
First determining means for determining whether or not the identification information recognized by the first recognition means matches the identification information specified by the specifying means;
A first notifying means for notifying the user that the first discriminating means determines that they do not match;
A second recognizing means for recognizing identification information given to a printout sheet not taken out by the user;
Second determining means for determining whether or not the identification information recognized by the second recognition means matches the identification information specified by the specifying means;
A printout sheet management apparatus, comprising: a second notification unit that notifies the user when the second determination unit determines that they do not match. In a printout paper management method for managing printout paper to which identification information has been added,
Identifying the identification information given to the printout paper that is permitted to be taken out by the user by the identifying means,
Recognizing the identification information given to the printout paper by a recognition unit,
The determination unit determines whether the identification information specified by the specification unit matches the identification information recognized by the recognition unit,
If the discriminating means determines that they do not match, the notifying means notifies the user of the fact by a notifying means. The recognition means,
Recognizing the identification information given to the printout paper that is not a target to be taken out by the user,
Determine whether the identification information recognized by the recognition means matches the identification information specified by the specifying means,
The notifying means,
12. The printout sheet management method according to claim 11, wherein when it is determined by the determination unit that they match, the user is notified of the fact. In a printout paper management method for managing printout paper to which identification information has been added,
Identifying the identification information given to the printout paper that is permitted to be taken out by the user by the identifying means,
The first recognition means recognizes the identification information given to the print output paper taken out by the user, and the second recognition means recognizes the identification information given to the print output paper not taken out by the user. Recognized by
The first discriminating means determines whether or not the identification information specified by the specifying means matches the identification information recognized by the first recognition means, and determines that they do not match by the first determining means. If so, the user is notified by the first notification means,
The second determining means determines whether or not the identification information specified by the specifying means matches the identification information recognized by the second recognition means, and determines that the identification information matches by the first determining means. A printout paper management method, wherein the user is notified of the fact by a second notification means.

Images