JP2005219263A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the infringement of intellectual property rights regarding information from occurring by registering the identification information of a printing device being connected with a network and by limiting the utilization of the sharable information on the network based on the registered identification information, and to enable the utilization of the information to be properly managed based on the license agreement. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing device can be connected with the network, and has the identification information which can be identified, and to which a detachable external storing device is attached. The image processing device has a registering means which registers information which is transferred from a higher rank device to the external storing device, a transferring means which transfers the registered information to another image processing device on the network, and a transferred identification information registering means which registers the identification information of another image processing device to which the registered information has been transferred in the external storing device as transferred identification information. Then, the transfer of the registered information is limited based on the transfer identification information which is registered by the transferred identification information registering means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, devices such as computers and printers have become widespread with the advance of technology, and in a corporate office or the like, a plurality of computers and printers are connected to a network to perform various processes (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a conventional network-connected printing apparatus.

  In the figure, reference numeral 111 denotes a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) installed in a company office, etc., and 112, 113 and 114 denote first computers such as personal computers, workstations, servers, etc. connected to the network 111. A first computer, a second computer, and a third computer. Reference numerals 115, 116, and 117 denote a first printer, a second printer, and a third printer as printing apparatuses connected to the network 111. Since the first computer 112, the second computer 113, and the third computer 114 share the first printer 115, the second printer 116, and the third printer 117, the first computer 112, selecting the first printer 115, the second printer 116, or the third printer 117 from any of the second computer 113 and the third computer 114, and sending a print job to perform printing. Can do.

The second printer 116 includes a hard disk device and the like, and includes a removable non-volatile external storage device 116a. The external storage device 116a stores information used for printing such as additional font information, macro information, and a common form. Since the information stored in the external storage device 116a is shared by the first printer 115, the second printer 116, and the third printer 117, not only the second printer 116 but also the second printer 116. It can also be used by the first printer 115 and the third printer 117.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 13-92618

  However, in the conventional printing apparatus, use of information shared on the network is not properly managed from the viewpoint of intellectual property rights such as copyright. In general, in order to use information such as font information, macro information, and a common form, a license agreement is concluded in advance so as not to infringe on intellectual property rights. In the case of information used in a printing apparatus, generally, the number of printing apparatuses that use information is defined in a license contract.

  However, in the conventional printing apparatus, the number of printing apparatuses that use information that can be shared on the network is not managed. In addition, even if management is performed, the management is based on an unambiguous determination that the use of the information is permitted or not, and the number of printing devices specified in the license contract is managed. Is not done.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional printing apparatus, registers identification information of a printing apparatus connected to the network, and uses information that can be shared on the network based on the registered identification information It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing the infringement of intellectual property rights related to the information and appropriately managing the use of the information based on a license agreement. .

  To this end, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that can be connected to a network, has identification information that can be identified on the network, and is attached with a removable external storage device. Registration means for registering information transferred from the host device to the apparatus; transfer means for transferring the registered information to another image processing apparatus on the network; and another image processing apparatus for transferring the registered information Transfer identification information registration means for registering the identification information as transfer identification information in the external storage device, and transferring the registered information based on the transfer identification information registered by the transfer identification information registration means Limit.

  According to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus, identification information of an image processing apparatus connected to a network is registered, and use of information that can be shared on the network is restricted based on the registered identification information.

  In this case, infringement of intellectual property rights related to the information can be prevented, and the use of the information can be appropriately managed based on a license agreement.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a network such as a LAN provided in a company office, and reference numerals 12, 13, and 14 denote a first computer, a second computer, and a second computer as host devices connected to the network 11. 3 computers. Reference numerals 22, 23, and 24 denote a first printer, a second printer, and a third printer as printing apparatuses that are image processing apparatuses connected to the network 11.

  Note that this embodiment is defined in the license agreement for each licensed information when the printing device in the network environment shares information used for printing font information, macro information, common forms, and the like. The number of printing apparatuses, that is, the number of licenses can be appropriately managed.

  Here, the first computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14 are CPU, MPU and other arithmetic means, magnetic disk, storage means such as semiconductor memory, keyboard, mouse and other input means, CRT The computer includes a display means such as a liquid crystal display, a communication interface, and the like. For example, a personal computer, a workstation, a server, or the like may be used. In addition, the number of computers connected to the network 11 may be any number, two or less, or four or more. Here, the first computer 12 In the following description, the second computer 13 and the third computer 14 represent computers connected to the network 11. The first computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14 function as a host device of the printing apparatus, create a print job, and generate the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the like. The data is transmitted to the third printer 24 to be printed. Note that the first computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14 share the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24. From any one of the computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14, the first printer 22, the second printer 23, or the third printer 24 is selected, a print job is transmitted, and printing is performed. Can be performed.

  The first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 may be of any type such as an ink jet type, an electrophotographic type, a thermal transfer type, a facsimile, a copying machine. Further, it may be a multifunction machine having a function of a scanner or the like, a monochrome printer that prints monochrome images, or a color printer that prints color images. The number of printers connected to the network 11 may be any number, two or less, or four or more. Here, the first printer 22 is used. In the following description, the second printer 23 and the third printer 24 are representative of printers connected to the network 11. The first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 include a CPU, an MPU and other arithmetic means, a semiconductor memory and other storage means, a touch panel and other input means, a liquid crystal display and other display means, A communication interface and the like can be provided to function as a printing apparatus in a network environment.

  The first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 include printer ID information holding units 22a, 23a, and 24a for storing printer IDs that are unique ID numbers, respectively. The printer ID functions as identification information for enabling identification of the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 connected to the network 11 on the network. Is set.

  The second printer 23 includes a removable external storage device 23b. The external storage device 23b is, for example, a hard disk device or the like, but may be any type of storage device as long as it is detachable, that is, attachable and detachable, and is non-volatile. The external storage device 23b prints font information, macro information, a common form, etc. as information transferred from the first computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14 as the host device. Stores information to be used. The information may be any kind of information as long as it is shared by the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 and used for printing. In the description, it is assumed that the information transferred from the first computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14 as the host device is font information, that is, font data.

  In the present embodiment, the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 as printing apparatuses to which the external storage device 23b is attached are connected to the external storage device 23b as a first device as a host device. Registration means for registering font data as information transferred from the computer 12, the second computer 13, and the third computer 14, and transferring the font data as registered information to other printing apparatuses on the network 11. Transfer means, and transfer identification information registration means for registering a printer ID as identification information of another printing apparatus that has transferred the registered font data in the external storage device 23b as transfer identification information. The transfer of registered font data is restricted based on the printer ID of another printing apparatus as transfer identification information. The transfer of the registered font data is limited based on the number of printer IDs of other printing apparatuses registered by the transfer identification information registration unit.

  Next, the font data table structure stored in the external storage device 23b in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a font ID 31 for identifying each font is assigned to each font data. In addition, a permission register 32 is set as a storage area in order to determine whether or not the font data can be shared via the network 11 based on the license agreement of each font. Whether or not font data can be shared is determined by the printer IDs of the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 on the network 11.

  The number of permission registers 32 corresponding to each font is determined according to the number of printing apparatuses defined by the license agreement for each font, that is, the number of licenses. For example, when the number of licenses is n, n-1 permission registers 32 are set for each font. In each permission register 32, a printer ID as transfer identification information of a printing apparatus that is permitted to use the font, that is, a permitted printer is registered and stored. The remaining number of licenses is required for the second printer 23 to which the external storage device 23b is attached. In the example shown in FIG. 3, actual font data corresponding to the font ID 31 is stored in the font data register 33 below the n−1 permission registers 32.

  Next, the structure of a font data download request command in the external storage device 23b transmitted from the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24 connected to the network 11 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a font data download request command according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the download request command 34 is a font request command 35 indicating that it is a font request command, a request font ID 36 indicating the requested font ID 31, and the request source that issued the command. A request source printer ID 37 indicating the printer ID of the printing apparatus is included.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the first printer 22 without the external storage device 23b receives a print job from the first computer 12, the second computer 13, or the third computer 14, and is necessary for the print job. When the font data is specified and there is no font data in itself, a font data download request command 34 is transmitted to other printers on the network 11, that is, the second printer 23 and the third printer 24. . In this case, like a broadcast, a download request command 34 is transmitted to all nodes on the network 11, and a node that can interpret the download request command 34 is a printing apparatus having a common architecture. Here, the nodes are all devices constituting the network 11, and in the example shown in FIG. 1, the first computer 12, the second computer 13, the third computer 14, and the first printer are used. 22, a second printer 23 and a third printer 24.

  Subsequently, the second printer 23 that has received the download request command 34 interprets the download request command 34 and determines whether or not the requested font is stored in the external storage device 23b. If there is the font, the permission register 32 corresponding to the font is checked to determine whether or not the printer ID of the first printer 22 is stored. That is, the first printer 22 has already been permitted. It is judged whether it is registered as. If registered, transmission of font data of the requested font is started. If it is not registered, it is determined based on the availability of the permission register 32 whether the requested font license number is available.

  If there is a free space, the printer ID of the first printer 22 that is the transmission source of the download request command 34 is registered in the free permission register 32, and then transmission of the font data of the requested font is started. To do. Here, since the printer ID is a unique ID number that is set in hardware in each printing apparatus, the license is different from an ID set in software such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address. There is a merit that the reliability is very high with respect to illegal operation for cheating.

  The printer ID of the permitted printer may be registered every time the download request command 34 is received as in the present embodiment, or the printer ID of a printing apparatus that is determined to use fonts in advance. When the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b, it may be registered by operating the installation software, the input means of the printing device, or the like.

  On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the requested font is stored in the external storage device 23b, and it is determined whether or not there is a vacant number of licenses for the requested font. If there is no free space, the second printer 23 accepts the received download request command 34 and discards it.

  Further, the first printer 22 that is the transmission source of the download request command 34 sets a timer, monitors whether or not font data is sent from the network 11, and receives the font data if it is sent. Then, a font cache is generated on the internal storage unit based on the font data, and printing is performed with the font as specified by the print job. If the time-out occurs when no font data is sent from the network 11, the first printer 22 performs printing by using the built-in font installed in the internal storage means as a substitute font. Printing is performed using a screen font included in the print job.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: The first printer 22 receives a print job.
Step S2: The first printer 22 specifies font data.
Step S3: The first printer 22 determines whether there is designated font data. If there is designated font data, the process proceeds to step S17, and if there is no designated font data, the process proceeds to step S4.
Step S4: The first printer 22 transmits a download request command 34 to the second printer 23.
Step S5: The second printer 23 receives the download request command 34.
Step S6: The second printer 23 determines whether there is a designated font. If there is a designated font, the process proceeds to step S7, and if there is no designated font, the process proceeds to step S11.
Step S7: The second printer 23 determines whether the printer ID of the printer 22 is already registered in the permission register. If already registered, the process proceeds to step S10. If not registered, the process proceeds to step S8.
Step S8: The second printer 23 determines whether or not there is a free license number. If the number of licenses is free, the process proceeds to step S9. If the number of licenses is not free, the process proceeds to step S11.
Step S9: The second printer 23 registers the printer ID of the permitted printer in the font data table.
Step S10 The second printer 23 transmits the font data to the first printer 22 and ends the process.
Step S11: The second printer 23 discards the command and ends the process.
Step S12: The first printer 22 sets a timer.
Step S13: The first printer 22 determines whether it is timed out. When it is time-out, the process proceeds to step S18, and when it is not time-out, the process proceeds to step S14.
Step S14: The first printer 22 determines whether font data has been sent. If the font data has been sent, the process proceeds to step S15. If the font data has not been sent, the process returns to step S13.
Step S15: The first printer 22 receives the font data.
Step S16 The first printer 22 generates a font cache.
Step S17: The first printer 22 prints with the designated font and ends the process.
Step S18: The first printer 22 performs printing with the substitute font or the screen font, and ends the process.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, a printer ID is provided for each of the first printer 22, the second printer 23, and the third printer 24, and an external storage device on the network 11 is used by using the printer ID. The second printer 23 equipped with 23b performs license control of font data in the external storage device 23b. In other words, the transfer of registered font data is limited based on the number of registered printer IDs. As a result, the number of licenses defined in the font license agreement can be appropriately managed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, what has the same structure as 1st Embodiment attaches the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description. The description of the same operation and the same effect as those of the first embodiment is also omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a structure of a font data table stored in an external storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the second printer 23 uses the font stored in the external storage device 23b as the built-in font stored in the storage means of the second printer 23 itself. It has become. Therefore, when the external storage device 23b is detached from the second printer 23 and attached to another printing device such as the first printer 22 or the third printer 24, the other printing device is registered as a permitted printer. Even if not, the font stored in the external storage device 23b can be used as a built-in font. In other words, the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached can use the font stored in the external storage device 23b even if it is not registered as a permitted printer. This may cause licensing problems.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b, the printer ID of the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached is registered as the installation printer ID. It has become. Further, the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached cannot use the font stored in the external storage device 23b as a built-in font unless the printer ID is registered as the installation printer ID. ing. That is, when the printing apparatus registers the font data as information transferred from the host apparatus in the external storage device 23b, the printing apparatus registers the printer ID as the identification information of the own apparatus in the external storage device 23b as registration identification information. And means for comparing the registered identification information registered in the external storage device 23b with the printer ID of the own device when the external storage device 23b is attached. When the registered identification information matches the printer ID of the own machine, the use of the registered font data is permitted.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the non-volatile external storage device 23b in which information used for printing such as font information, macro information, and a common form is stored is detachable from the second printer 23. It is in form. The structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device 23b is almost the same as the structure of the font data table in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. When installing in the external storage device 23b, an installed printer ID storage register 41 for registering the printer ID of the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached as an installed printer ID is added.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus configured as described above in the present embodiment will be described. First, the font installation process will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of font installation processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When fonts are installed in the second printer 23 equipped with the external storage device 23b from the first computer 12, the second computer 13 or the third computer 14 on the network 11, first, the second printer 23 receives an install command. Then, the second printer 23 executes an installation process, and builds and installs a font data table having a structure as shown in FIG. 7 in the external storage device 23b. Subsequently, the second printer 23 registers its own printer ID in the installed printer ID storage register 41.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: An installation command from the first computer 12, the second computer 13, or the third computer 14 is received.
Step S22 The installation process is executed.
Step S23: Registers its own printer ID in the installed printer ID storage register 41 and ends the process.

  Next, the activation process of the printing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the activation process of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the second printer 23 executes an initial process as an initialization process that is normally executed when the printing apparatus is activated. Subsequently, the second printer 23 reads the installed printer ID as registration identification information from the installed printer ID storage register 41 registered in the external storage device 23b, and whether or not it is the same as its own printer ID. Determine whether. If they are the same, when the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b, the external storage device 23b is attached to the second printer 23, and is defined by the font license agreement. Therefore, the font stored in the external storage device 23b is recognized as the built-in font so that it can be used.

  On the other hand, if the installed printer ID is not the same as the own printer ID, the external storage device 23b was not attached to the second printer 23 when the font was installed in the external storage device 23b. Therefore, the font stored in the external storage device 23b is not used as a built-in font, so that it cannot be used separately. .

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S31 The initial process is executed.
Step S32: The installed printer ID in the external storage device 23b is read out.
Step S33: Whether the printer ID is the same as the printer ID is determined. If it is the same as its own printer ID, the process proceeds to step S34, and if it is not the same as its own printer ID, the process proceeds to step S35.
Step S34: The font in the external storage device 23b is recognized as a built-in font, and the process ends.
Step S35: The font in the external storage device 23b is cut off without being a built-in font, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b, the printer ID of the second printer 23 to which the external storage device 23b is attached is set as the installation printer ID. It is supposed to register as. The second printer 23 uses the font stored in the external storage device 23b as a built-in font after confirming that the installed printer ID and its own printer ID are the same at the time of startup. As a result, the second printer 23 can be fixed as a printing device that can use the font stored in the external storage device 23b as a built-in font, and the number of licenses specified in the font license agreement is appropriately managed. can do.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, what has the same structure as 1st and 2nd embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description. Also, the description of the same operations and effects as those of the first and second embodiments is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of a font data table stored in the external storage device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  By the way, in the second embodiment, since the external storage device 23b cannot be attached to another printing device, a failure occurs in the second printer 23, and the second printer 23 performs another printing. If the font data cannot be transmitted to the device, the font stored in the external storage device 23b cannot be used even in another printing device that is a permitted printer.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the installed printer ID storage register 51 is set in the same manner as the permission register 32, and the installed printer ID is registered as information at the same level as the printer ID of the permitted printer. That is, when the identification information of the own device is included in the registration identification information or the transfer identification information, the use of the registered font data is permitted.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device 23b is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, but the font is stored in the external storage device 23b. At the time of installation, an installed printer ID storage register 51 for registering the printer ID of the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached as an installed printer ID is set in the same manner as the permission register 32. As a result, the installed printer ID is registered as information at the same level as the printer ID of the permitted printer.

  When the number of licenses is n, in the first embodiment, n-1 permission registers 32 are set by subtracting the amount of the second printer 23 to which the external storage device 23b is attached. However, in this embodiment, in addition to this, the installed printer ID storage register 51 is set, so that a total of n registers are set.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus configured as described above in the present embodiment will be described. First, the font installation process will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of font installation processing in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  When fonts are installed from the first computer 12, the second computer 13, or the third computer 14 on the network 11 to the second printer 23 equipped with the external storage device 23b, first, the second printer 23 receives an install command. Then, the second printer 23 executes an installation process, and builds and installs a font data table having a structure as shown in FIG. 10 in the external storage device 23b. Subsequently, the second printer 23 registers its own printer ID in the installed printer ID storage register 51.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S41: An installation command from the first computer 12, the second computer 13, or the third computer 14 is received.
Step S42: An installation process is executed.
Step S43: Registers its own printer ID in the installed printer ID storage register 51 and ends the process.

  Next, the activation process of the printing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus start-up process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the second printer 23 executes an initial process as an initialization process that is normally executed when the printing apparatus is activated. Subsequently, the second printer 23 determines whether or not its own printer ID is registered in the installed printer ID storage register 51 or the permission register 32 stored in the external storage device 23b.

  Here, when the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b, if the external storage device 23b is attached to the second printer 23, that is, the external storage device 23b is not moved. Then, since the printer ID of the second printer 23 is registered in the installed printer ID storage register 51, it is determined that its own printer ID is registered. Then, the font stored in the external storage device 23b is recognized as a built-in font so that it can be used. Note that the fonts can be used for other printing apparatuses on the network 11 when they are registered as permitted printers, as in the first embodiment.

  Further, when the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b, if the external storage device 23b is not attached to the second printer 23, that is, the external storage device 23b is moved. The printer ID of the second printer 23 is not registered in the installed printer ID storage register 51. However, if the second printer 23 has been previously registered as a permitted printer, the printer ID of the second printer 23 has been registered in the permission register 32, so the second printer 23 , It is determined that its own printer ID is registered. Then, the font stored in the external storage device 23b is recognized as a built-in font so that it can be used.

  If the external storage device 23b has been moved and the external storage device 23b is attached to the first printer 22 before the movement, a download request from the first printer 22 is made. When the command 34 is received, the second printer 23 checks not only the permission register 32 but also the installed printer ID storage register 51, and determines whether the printer ID of the first printer 22 is stored. To come to judge. Therefore, the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached when the font data of the font is installed in the external storage device 23b is stored in the external storage device 23b even after the external storage device 23b is moved. Fonts can be used.

  On the other hand, if the printer ID of the second printer 23 is not registered in the installed printer ID storage register 51 or the permission register 32, the second printer 23 does not have its own printer ID registered. It is determined that the font stored in the external storage device 23b is not a built-in font and cannot be used separately.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S51 An initial process is executed.
Step S52: It is determined whether or not the own printer ID is included in the installed printer ID or the printer ID of the permitted printer. If the printer ID of the installed printer ID or the permitted printer includes its own printer ID, the process proceeds to step S53. If the printer ID of the installed printer ID or the permitted printer does not include the printer ID of its own, the process proceeds to step S54.
Step S53: The font in the external storage device 23b is recognized as a built-in font, and the process ends.
Step S54: The font in the external storage device 23b is separated without being a built-in font, and the process is terminated.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the installed printer ID storage register 51 is set in the same manner as the permission register 32, and the installed printer ID is registered as information at the same level as the printer ID of the permitted printer. Yes. Therefore, even if the external storage device 23b is removed from the printing device in which the font information is installed and moved to another printing device on the network 11, the printing device registered as a permitted printer is stored in the external storage device 23b. Fonts can be used. As a result, the number of licenses defined in the font license agreement can be appropriately managed.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, what has the same structure as the 1st-3rd embodiment attaches the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those of the first to third embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of a font data table stored in the external storage device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Normally, the external storage device 23b is moved when a failure has occurred in the printing device attached before the movement, and the network device 11 cannot be used. In the third embodiment, if the destination printing device to which the external storage device 23b has been moved is newly connected to the network 11 and is not registered as a permitted printer, the moved destination printing device may have an external device. The font stored in the storage device 23b cannot be used. In this case, since the printing apparatus attached before the movement is not used, the font cannot be used in the moved printing apparatus even though the number of font licenses is empty. Cannot be used effectively, resulting in waste.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a special ID is stored in the installed printer ID storage register 51, and an original printer ID saving register 62 and a saving flag 63 are newly set.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device 23b is almost the same as that of the third embodiment, but the installed printer ID storage register 51 has In addition, a special ID that is not set as a normal printer ID is stored in advance, not the printer ID of the printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached when the font is installed. Also, an original printer ID saving register 62 and a saving flag 63 indicating whether or not the original printer ID saving register 62 is in use are set.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus configured as described above in the present embodiment will be described. First, the activation process of the printing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus start-up process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when installing the font data of the font in the external storage device 23b, the normal font installation is performed as in the second and third embodiments.

  Thereafter, when the power of the second printer 23 is turned on, the second printer 23 executes an initial process as an initialization process that is normally executed when the printing apparatus is activated. Here, it is assumed that an external storage device 23 b is attached to the second printer 23. Subsequently, the second printer 23 reads the save flag 63 stored in the external storage device 23b, and determines whether or not the save flag 63 is zero. Here, the fact that the save flag 63 is 0 indicates that no data is stored in the original printer ID save register 62, and that the save flag 63 is 1 indicates that some data is stored in the original printer ID save register 62. Indicates that it is contained.

  If the save flag 63 is 0, the second printer 23 writes its own printer ID in the original printer ID save register 62 and sets the save flag 63 to 1 indicating that it is in use. Subsequently, the second printer 23 rewrites a special ID, which is not set as a normal printer ID stored in the installed printer ID storage register 51, as its own printer ID. Accordingly, the second printer 23 to which the external storage device 23b is attached becomes a printing device in which font data is automatically installed. Then, the font stored in the external storage device 23b is recognized as a built-in font so that it can be used.

  On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the save flag 63 is 0. If the save flag 63 is not 0, that is, if the save flag 63 is 1, there is a license for using the font stored in the external storage device 23b as the built-in font. This means that the printer ID is assigned to another printing apparatus in which the printer ID is written in the original printer ID saving register 62. When the external storage device 23b is attached to another printing device, the save flag 63 does not return to 0 unless a removal process as described later is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to always grant a license as a printing apparatus for font installation only to one printing apparatus. Therefore, when the save flag 63 is 1, a license for using fonts is not granted to a printing apparatus to which the external storage device 23b is attached. Therefore, since the second printer 23 cannot be used as a built-in font defined by a font license agreement, the font stored in the external storage device 23b is not used as a built-in font but is used separately. I can't do that.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S61: Initial processing is executed.
Step S62: The save flag 63 in the external storage device is read.
Step S63: Whether or not the save flag 63 is 0 is determined. If the save flag 63 is 0, the process proceeds to step S64. If the save flag 63 is 1, the process proceeds to step S68.
Step S64: Write the own printer ID into the original printer ID saving register 62.
Step S65: The save flag 63 is set to 1.
Step S66: Rewrites the own printer ID to the value of the installed printer ID storage register 51.
Step S67: The font in the external storage device 23b is recognized as a built-in font, and the process ends.
Step S68: The font in the external storage device 23b is separated without being a built-in font, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation when the external storage device 23b is detached from the second printer 23 and attached to another printing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the removal process of the external storage device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when removing the external storage device 23b from the second printer 23, an instruction to remove the external storage device 23b is given by operating the input means of the second printer 23 or from the host device. Upon receiving the instruction, the second printer 23 reads the original printer ID stored in the original printer ID save register 62 of the external storage device 23b, writes it back as its own printer ID, and sets the save flag 63. Clear to 0 to make it removable. Note that the notification of the detachable state can also be returned to the higher-level device or the like that has given the removal instruction.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S71: The removal mode of the external storage device 23b is set from the input means of the second printer 23 or the host device.
Step S72: The value of the original printer ID saving register 62 is rewritten as its own printer ID.
Step S73: The evacuation flag 63 is cleared to 0, and the process is terminated.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, a special ID is stored in the installed printer ID storage register 51, and an original printer ID saving register 62 and a saving flag 63 are newly set. Therefore, even if the external storage device 23b is moved to another printing device while maintaining the license as the printing device when the font is installed, the font is not transferred to the printing device to which the external storage device 23b is attached. A license as a printing apparatus at the time of installation can be given, and the license can be used efficiently.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the external storage device 23b is described as a hard disk. However, a memory such as a flash (flash) ROM can be used as the external storage device 23b.

  Further, although the font data permission register 32 is provided for each individual font, management by a single permission register table common to all fonts is also possible.

  Furthermore, although sharing of font data is described, in addition to fonts, macro information such as a specific logo or a form such as a fixed form may be used.

  Although this embodiment shows an application example in a printing apparatus, the present embodiment can also be applied to other image processing apparatuses such as a scanner apparatus capable of displaying an image.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conventional printing apparatus connected to the network. It is a figure which shows the structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the download request command of the font data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts which show the operation | movement of the font installation process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a startup process of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data stored in the external storage device in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the font installation process in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printing apparatus start-up process according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the font data table stored in the external storage device in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a startup process of a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the removal process of the external storage device in the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Network 12 First Computer 13 Second Computer 14 Third Computer 22 First Printer 23 Second Printer 23b External Storage Device 24 Third Printer

Claims (4)

(A) It is connectable to a network and has identification information that can be identified on the network;
(B) An image processing apparatus to which a removable external storage device is attached,
(C) registration means for registering information transferred from the host device in the external storage device;
(D) transfer means for transferring the registered information to another image processing apparatus on the network;
(E) transfer identification information registration means for registering, in the external storage device, identification information of another image processing apparatus that has transferred the registered information as transfer identification information;
(F) An image processing apparatus that restricts transfer of the registered information based on the transfer identification information registered by the transfer identification information registration unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transfer of the registered information is limited based on the number of transfer identification information. (A) means for registering identification information of its own device as registration identification information in the external storage device when registering information transferred from the host device in the external storage device;
(B) having a means for comparing the registered identification information registered in the external storage device with the identification information of the own device when the external storage device is attached;
(C) The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the registered identification information matches the identification information of the own device, use of the registered information is permitted. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the registration identification information or the transfer identification information includes identification information of the own device, use of the registered information is permitted.

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