JP2005246668A - Printing apparatus, server apparatus, printing system, printing controlling method, storage medium with computer readable program stored therein, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a harmful effect of the frequent generation of a paper lack state resulting from unlimited selection and use of a plurality of paper feeding openings by an unspecified large number of users because the use authority of each paper feeding opening can be customized by specifying managing usable users for every paper feeding opening. <P>SOLUTION: An owner specifying means 161 detects a transmitter name from within a printing job received from any of data processing apparatuses. The paper feeding opening usable by the detectable transmitter name is set by a paper feeding opening setting means 141. The set paper feeding opening information by transmitter name is stored and managed. At the time of receiving the printing job, a paper feeding controlling means 163 determines on the basis of the transmitter name in the printing job and the stored paper feeding opening information by transmitter name from which paper feeding opening among the plurality of paper feeding openings a recording medium is to be supplied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention stores a printing apparatus capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network, a server apparatus and a printing system capable of communicating with the printing apparatus, a printing control method, and a computer-readable program. The present invention relates to a storage medium and a program.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system to which a conventional printing apparatus is applied.

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 800 denotes a conventional printing apparatus, and reference numeral 890 denotes a host computer (host) that transmits a print job to the printing apparatus 800. The printing apparatus 800 and the host 890 are connected via a network. Actually, a host computer such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) (not shown) is connected to the network, but here, in order to simplify the explanation, one printer and one host are used. Only shown.

  In the printing apparatus 800, reference numeral 810 denotes an image generation controller that analyzes PDL data of a print job and generates image data for printing. 811 receives image data from the image controller 810, and controls a plurality of images under control from the image controller 810. A print engine that takes in printing paper from one of the paper supply ports, transfers the image data with toner or ink, and performs printing. 812 is a paper discharge tray that stores the printing paper printed and discharged by the print engine 811 , 813 to 816 are a paper feed tray, a first cassette, a second cassette, and a third cassette which are four paper feed ports of the printing apparatus 800. It is assumed that A4 paper is accumulated in the paper feed tray 813, the first cassette 814, the second cassette 815, and the third cassette 816.

  In the image controller 810, a CPU 820 controls the entire image controller 810, 821 a ROM storing a control program executed by the CPU 820, 822 a RAM storing variable data of the CPU 820, and 823 a network. A network interface (NWIF) for performing data communication, a reception buffer 824 for storing data addressed to the printing apparatus 800 received from the network, a transmission buffer 825 for storing data to be transmitted from the printing apparatus to other devices, and a printing circuit 826 for printing. 827 is a video interface (video IF) that performs data communication with the print engine 811, and 829 is an operator that performs various settings of the printing apparatus 800, Show error message It is an operation panel or.

  A ROM 821 861 is a PDL analyzing unit that analyzes the PDL data of the print job and creates image data for printing on the printing paper. Reference numeral 863 denotes a paper feed control unit.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the conventional printing apparatus 800 receives a print job will be described. When the user performs a printing operation from the host computer 890, a print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 800. When a print job is sent to the printing apparatus 800, the data is received by the NWIF 823 and the received print job data is stored in the reception buffer 824. Then, the CPU 820 activates the PDL analysis unit 861 and analyzes the data in the reception buffer 824. The PDL analysis unit 861 analyzes and processes the print job data one command at a time. When the PDL analysis unit 861 detects a job start command, it activates the PDL analysis unit 861 and starts processing the print job. When the PDL analysis unit 861 detects a drawing command, if it is the first drawing command for a new page, it determines the paper size of the page to be created and stores it in the RAM 822 and stores it in the image buffer 826. Open a new page.

  Here, since A4 is designated by a paper size designation command which is one of the drawing commands, the paper size of the page to be created is determined to be A4. Then, image data to be printed on printing paper is created, and the image data is stored in the image buffer 826. When the second and subsequent drawing commands for this page are detected, the page has already been opened in the image buffer 826. Therefore, a new page is not opened and only image data is created and stored in the image buffer 826. . When the PDL analysis unit 861 detects a paper discharge command, it closes the page of the image buffer 826. When the CPU 820 generates image data for one page in the image buffer 826, the CPU 820 performs paper feed printing processing according to the following procedure.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper feed control procedure in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10, and is executed by the CPU 820. S901 to S908 indicate each step.

  First, the CPU 820 reads the paper size of the page to be printed from the RAM 822 (S901), and the CPU 820 determines the paper size and the presence / absence of each paper feed port from the print engine 811 in order to determine from which paper feed port the print paper is fed. The situation is read, and the search order at that time is the sheet feed tray 813 → the first cassette 814 → the second cassette 815 → the third cassette 816. The CPU 820 reads the paper size and the presence / absence status of the paper feed tray 813 which is the first paper feed port in the search order from the print engine 811 (S902).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the paper size of the paper feed slot matches the paper size of the page to be printed, and whether or not there is paper in the paper feed slot (S903).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that the paper size of the paper feed slot does not match the paper size (A4) of the image data to be printed, or if there is no paper in the paper feed slot, a predetermined paper Until a paper feed port loaded with a sheet of size (A4) is found, the available paper feed ports are searched according to the search order to determine whether all the paper feed ports have been searched (S904). , If it is determined that there is an unsearched sheet feeding port, the process proceeds to step S905, the next sheet feeding port is retrieved, and the process returns to step S902.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that all the paper feed ports have been searched, that is, the paper feed control unit 863 searches for all paper feed ports that can be used by the owner, and the paper of a predetermined paper size. If there is not, “A4 paper load” is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 829 (S906), and it waits for A4 paper to be fed into any of the paper feed ports in which this owner can be used (S907). When the paper is fed, that is, when the user feeds a paper of a predetermined paper size to any one of the paper feed trays 813, the paper feed control means 863 detects this and restarts the processing. The paper feed port to which the paper of the size of the paper is fed is determined as the paper feed port of the page to be printed, and the video IF 827 is controlled to instruct the print engine 811 to specify the paper feed port and the paper size for printing. , Image buffer 826 The image data of the first page is transmitted to the print engine 811 (S908), and this process ends.

When the print engine 811 receives a print instruction and receives image data, the print engine 811 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, transfers the image data to the print paper with toner or ink, prints it, and prints it. 812 is discharged onto the paper. Similarly, the second and third pages are processed, and when the PDL analysis unit 861 detects a job end command, the print job processing ends.
JP 2002-234664 A

  However, in the above conventional example, since a large number of users or groups of people use the printing apparatus, even if a user or group of people who have nothing to do with them uses a large amount of printing paper, they can print. When there is no paper in the paper feed slot, the user sees “No paper” on the control panel, knows that there is no paper in the paper feed slot, and refills the paper feed slot for printing.

  In addition, when using special paper for certificates or securities that include a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, forgery or tampering with certificates or securities is easy if anyone can use special paper for certificates. There were also problems such as being able to do it.

  In other words, since all people using the printing apparatus can use the paper in all the paper feeding openings of the printing apparatus, it is not possible to manage the paper feeding openings that can be used for each individual user or for each group.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to detect a sender name from a print job received from any data processing apparatus and to detect the sender name. A paper feed slot that can be used with a different sender name is set, and the paper feed slot information by sender name that has been set is stored and managed. When a print job is received, it is stored as the sender name in the print job. A user who can use each paper feed port by determining whether to feed the recording medium from any one of the plurality of paper feed ports based on the paper feed port information by sender name. Can be used to customize the usage authority of each paper feed slot, preventing multiple paper feed slots from being selected and used by an unlimited number of users, and adapting to each user's paper feed environment Convenient printing device and printing system that can perform the paper feed control Preliminary print control method and a computer to provide a storage medium, and program storing readable program. As a result, even in a network environment, anyone can easily receive out-of-paper conditions caused by unlimited use by an unspecified number of users, or special paper for certificates or securities, for example. Can not be used.

  A second object of the present invention is to detect a sender name from a print job received from any data processing apparatus, and set a paper feed port that can be used in a group corresponding to the detectable sender name. , Storing and managing the set sheet feed information for each group, and when receiving the print job, based on the group specified by the sender name in the print job and the group feed information for each group stored, By deciding whether or not to feed the recording medium from any one of the plurality of paper feed ports, a user group that can be used for each paper feed port is specified and managed. Convenience that allows you to customize the usage rights and prevent multiple paper feed openings from being selected and used by an unspecified number of users without restriction and to realize paper feed control adapted to the paper feed environment of each user's group Excellent printing device and printing system Arm and print control method and a computer to provide a storage medium, and program storing readable program. As a result, even in a network environment, anyone can easily receive out-of-paper conditions caused by unlimited use by an unspecified number of users, or special paper for certificates or securities, for example. Can not be used.

  A third object of the present invention is to use a sender name that can be detected by the printing apparatus in a server apparatus that can communicate with a printing apparatus that can receive and process print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network. A paper feed port by sender name, which stores and manages the set paper feed port information by sender name, and which is stored in the paper feed information storage means based on a paper feed port inquiry from the printing apparatus. By searching the paper mouth information and responding to the printing device with the paper feed port information that has been set, the server device side can identify and manage users that can be used for each paper feed port. User rights can be customized, and it is possible to prevent multiple paper feed openings from being selected and used by an unlimited number of users without restriction, and to realize paper feed control suitable for each user's paper feed environment. Superior server device and printing system Preliminary print control method and a computer to provide a storage medium, and program storing readable program. As a result, even in a network environment, anyone can easily receive out-of-paper conditions caused by unlimited use by an unspecified number of users, or special paper for certificates or securities, for example. Can not be used.

  A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that receives print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network and feeds a recording medium from any one of a plurality of paper feed ports to an engine unit to perform print processing. A sender name is detected from a print job received from one of the data processing apparatuses, a paper feed port that can be used with the detectable sender name is set, and the set paper feed information by sender name is set. When the print job is received, from one of the plurality of paper feed ports based on the sender name in the print job and the stored paper feed port information by sender name when the print job is received By deciding whether or not to feed the recording medium, the server device side can identify and manage users that can be used for each paper feed port, and can customize the authority to use each paper feed port. Is used unlimitedly by an unspecified number of users There are provided a printing apparatus, a printing control method, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, and a computer program that are excellent in convenience and capable of realizing paper feeding control adapted to each user's paper feeding environment. That is. As a result, even in a network environment, anyone can easily receive out-of-paper conditions caused by unlimited use by an unspecified number of users, or special paper for certificates or securities, for example. Can not be used.

  The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network, a plurality of sheet feeding ports for feeding a recording medium to an engine unit, and reception from any of the data processing apparatuses. Set by the owner specifying means for specifying the sender from the print job to be performed, the paper supply opening setting means for setting the paper supply opening usable by the sender name detectable by the owner specifying means, and the paper supply opening setting means A paper feed information storage unit for storing paper feed port information corresponding to the transmitted sender, and a sender corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage unit when receiving the print job. And a paper feed control unit that determines whether the recording medium is fed from any one of the plurality of paper feed ports based on the paper feed port information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network, a plurality of sheet feeding ports for feeding a recording medium to an engine unit, and any one of the data processing apparatuses. Owner specifying means for specifying a sender from a print job received from the group, group setting means for assigning a sender specified by the owner specifying means to any group, and each group set by the group setting means A paper feed port setting unit for setting a paper feed port that can be used in the printer, a paper feed information storage unit for storing the paper feed port information for each group set by the paper feed port setting unit, and at the time of receiving the print job, The group to which the print job belongs is specified from the sender information of the print job, and the specified group and the group-specific feed stored in the paper feed information storage unit Based on the mouth information, characterized by comprising a feed control means for determining whether to feed the said recording medium from said plurality of any of the paper feed port of the paper feed mouth.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a printing device capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network, and having a paper feed port usable by a sender of the print job. Based on the paper feed port setting means to be set, the paper feed information storage means for storing paper feed port information corresponding to the sender set by the paper feed port setting means, and the sender of the print job, And a response unit that searches for paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the information storage unit and responds to the printing apparatus with the set paper feed port information.

  In addition, the present invention is capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network, and paper feed port information set corresponding to a sender who transmits a print job from each data processing apparatus A printing system that can communicate with a server device that manages a plurality of paper feed ports for feeding a recording medium to an engine unit and a sender from a print job received from any data processing device. The owner specifying means for specifying, the server device has notification means for notifying the printing device of usable paper feed port information to the server device based on the sender of the job. According to the notification by the notifying unit, there is provided a sheet feeding port selection unit that selects a sheet feeding port based on sheet feeding port information notified from the server device.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a printing system in which a plurality of data processing devices, a printing device including a plurality of paper supply ports for feeding a recording medium to an engine unit, and a server device can communicate with each other via a network. Owner identifying means for identifying a sender of a print job from any of the data processing apparatuses, and paper feeding port selecting means for selecting a paper feeding port based on the sender identified by the owner identifying means. It is characterized by.

  The present invention also provides printing in a printing apparatus that receives print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network and feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feed ports to an engine unit to perform print processing. In the control method, an owner identifying step for identifying a sender from a print job received from any data processing apparatus, and a sheet feeding port setting for setting a sheet feeding port that can be used by the sender that can be identified by the owner identifying step. A storage step of storing paper feed port information corresponding to the sender set in the paper feed port setting step in a paper feed information storage unit; and at the time of receiving the print job, the sender of the print job and the Whether the recording medium is fed from one of the plurality of paper feed ports based on the paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage unit Characterized in that a feed control step of determining.

  Further, the present invention provides a printing apparatus that receives print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network, and feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feed ports to an engine unit to perform a printing process. In the control method, an owner specifying step for specifying a sender from among print jobs received from any data processing device, and a group setting step for assigning the sender specified by the owner specifying step to any one of an arbitrary number of groups A sheet feeding port setting step for setting a sheet feeding port that can be used in each group set in the group setting step, and a grouped sheet feeding port information set in the sheet feeding port setting step. Storage step of storing in the means, and when receiving the print job, to which group the sender information of the print job And the recording medium from any one of the plurality of paper supply ports based on the specified group and the paper supply port information for each group stored in the paper supply information storage means. And a paper feed control step for determining whether or not to feed the paper.

  A server device capable of receiving print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network and communicating with a printing device that performs printing processing by feeding a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feed ports to an engine unit And a paper feed port setting step for setting a paper feed port usable by a sender of the print job, and paper feed port information corresponding to the sender set by the paper feed port setting step Is stored and stored in the paper feed information storage means, and the paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage means is searched and set based on the sender of the print job. A response step of responding to the printing apparatus with paper feed port information.

  Furthermore, the present invention receives print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network, feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feed ports to an engine unit, performs print processing, and A printing control method in a printing system including a printing apparatus communicable with a server apparatus that manages paper feed port information set corresponding to a sender who transmits a print job from each data processing apparatus, wherein the server apparatus includes: And a notification step of notifying the printing apparatus of usable paper feed port information based on a job sender, and the printing apparatus receives a print job from any data processing apparatus. The paper feed port is selected based on the paper feed port information notified from the server device in response to the owner identification step for identifying the sender from the notification step and the notification in the notification step. And having a paper outlet selection step.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to identify and manage users that can be used for each sheet feeding port, customize the authority to use each sheet feeding port, and select and use a plurality of sheet feeding ports without limitation for an unspecified number of users. Therefore, it is possible to freely construct a convenient paper feed control environment capable of realizing paper feed control adapted to the paper feed environment of each user. As a result, for example, the occurrence of frequent out-of-paper conditions caused by unlimited use by an unspecified number of users even in a network environment, and special paper for certificates and securities, for example, But it can be made impossible to use.

  In addition, the group of users that can be used for each paper feed slot can be specified and managed, and the authority to use each paper feed slot can be customized, and multiple paper feed slots can be selected and used without limitation by an unspecified number of users Therefore, it is possible to freely construct a paper feed control environment that is excellent in convenience and capable of realizing paper feed control adapted to the paper feed environment of each user group.

  In addition, users who can use each paper feed slot can be specified and managed on the server side, and the authority to use each paper feed slot can be customized, and multiple paper feed slots can be selected and used without limitation by an unspecified number of users. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adverse effect that the out-of-paper state due to the occurrence of frequent occurrences, and to freely construct a convenient paper feed control environment that can realize paper feed control adapted to the paper feed environment of each user.

  In addition, the user who can use each paper feed port can be specified and managed on the server side, and the authority to use each paper feed port can be customized. Multiple paper feed ports can be selected and used by an unlimited number of users. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adverse effect that the out-of-paper state due to the occurrence of frequent occurrences, and to freely construct a convenient paper feed control environment that can realize paper feed control adapted to the paper feed environment of each user.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system to which the printing apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printing apparatus according to the present invention, and 190 denotes a host computer (host) that transmits a print job to the printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 and the host 190 are connected via a network. Actually, a host computer such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) (not shown) is connected to the network, but here, in order to simplify the explanation, one printer and one host are used. Only shown.

  In the printing apparatus 100, 110 is an image controller that analyzes PDL data of a print job and generates image data for printing, 111 receives image data from the image controller 110, and a plurality of paper feeds is controlled by the image controller 110. A printing engine that takes in printing paper from one of the mouths, transfers the image data with toner or ink, and performs printing. 112 is a paper discharge tray that stores printing paper printed and discharged by the printing engine 111; 113 Reference numerals 116 to 116 denote a paper feed tray, a first cassette, a second cassette, and a third cassette, which are the four paper feed ports of the printing apparatus 100. Assume that A4 paper is stored in the paper feed tray 113, the first cassette 114, the second cassette 115, and the third cassette 116.

  In the image controller 110, 120 is a CPU that controls the entire image generation controller 110, 121 is a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU 120, 122 is a RAM that stores variable data of the CPU 120, and 123 is a network. A network interface (NWIF) for performing data communication of, a reception buffer for storing data addressed to the printing apparatus 100 received from the network, a transmission buffer for storing data to be transmitted from the printing apparatus to other devices, and a reference numeral 126 An image buffer for storing image data for printing, 127 is a video interface (video IF) for performing data communication with the print engine 111, and 128 is a hard disk (HD) which is a rewritable nonvolatile storage means. , 29 is an operation panel of the operator or perform various settings of the printing apparatus 100, or displays an error message of the printing apparatus 100.

  141 of the operation panel 129 is a paper feed port setting means for setting which paper feed port each owner can use. Reference numeral 151 of the HD 128 is a paper feed information storage means for storing the contents set from the paper feed port setting means 141.

  Here, 141 of the operation panel 129 is used as the paper feed port setting means.

  Further, although an example in which the set information is stored in the HD 128 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and this information may be stored in the host computer 190.

  In the ROM 121, 161 is a PDL analysis unit that analyzes PDL data of a print job and creates image data to be printed on a print sheet, 162 is an owner specification unit that specifies an owner name included in the print job, and 163 is a print job Feed control means for controlling from which paper feed port a print sheet is fed for printing.

  First, the administrator of the printing apparatus 100 sets which owner can use which sheet feeding port from the sheet feeding port setting unit 141 of the operation panel 129. In order to perform this operation, it is necessary to input a password for paper feed setting. This password is known only by the administrator of the printing apparatus 100, and an ordinary person cannot perform this setting. . The CPU 120 stores the content set from the paper feed port setting means 141 in the paper feed information storage means 151 in the HD 128. Since the HD 128 is a non-volatile storage means, the contents are stored even after the printing apparatus 100 is turned off.

  Next, an operation when the user transmits a print job from the host 190 to the printing apparatus 100 will be described. When the user uses the host 190, the user needs to log in to the host 190. When the user enters an account and password for login, the host 190 checks whether the account and password are registered as a login user, and if it is registered, the login is permitted and registered. If not, it refuses login. One user always has one unique account.

  Here, it is assumed that the user logs in with the account “takahashi”. When logged in, the application of the host 190 can be used. The user starts the application and creates a document. This material shall be 3 pages. The user performs a printing operation when the material is completed. Then, the printer driver operates. The printer driver reads the data of the material from the application, converts it into a printer language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 100, generates a print job described in the PDL, and sends the print job to the printing apparatus 100. Send. The print job is composed of a plurality of control commands of the PDL. First, there is a job start command, then there is an owner designation command indicating the sender of the print job, and then a plurality of drawing data for the first page. Command, first page discharge command, second page multiple drawing command, second page discharge command, third page multiple drawing command, third page discharge command Finally, there is a job end command.

  Other instructions may be included, but are omitted here for the sake of simplicity. As the owner name included in the owner designation command, the printer driver reads an environment variable representing a login account name from the OS (operating system) of the host 190, and uses a character string of the login account name. Here, the character string “takahashi” is designated by the owner designation command.

  Next, operations when the printing apparatus 100 receives a print job will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed control management table stored in the paper feed information storage unit 151 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to an example in which a paper feed destination is assigned for each owner name, for example. In this embodiment, the paper feed destination is set by the paper feed port setting unit 141 of the operation panel 129.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a print job reception processing procedure. In addition, S300-S316 shows each step.

  When a print job is sent to the printing apparatus 100 via the printer driver of the host computer 190 shown in FIG. 1, the data is received by the NWIF 123 (S300), and the received print job data is received in the reception buffer 124. accumulate. Then, the CPU 120 activates the PDL analysis unit 161 and analyzes data in the reception buffer 124. The PDL analysis unit 161 analyzes and processes the print job data one command at a time (S301).

  The PDL analysis unit 161 determines whether a job start command has been detected (S302). If it is determined that a job start command has been detected, the PDL analysis unit 161 is activated to start processing a print job. (S303), the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that no job start instruction has been detected, then the PDL analysis unit 161 determines whether an owner designation instruction has been detected (S304) and detects the owner designation instruction. If it is determined, the owner detection means 162 is activated, the owner name character string “takahashi” is read from the owner designation command, stored in the RAM 122 (S305), and the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that an owner designation command has not been detected, the PDL analysis unit 161 determines whether a drawing command has been detected (S306) and determines that a drawing command has been detected. If so, it is determined whether or not it is the first drawing command for the new page (S307). If it is determined that it is not the first drawing command for the new page, 2 of this page is selected. When the drawing command for the second and subsequent drawings is detected, the process proceeds to step S310, and since the page has already been opened in the image buffer 126, a new page is not opened and only image data is created and stored in the image buffer 126. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that this is the first drawing command for a new page, the paper size of the page to be created is determined and stored in the RAM 122 (S308), and the paper is stored in the image buffer 126. A new page of size is opened (S309).

  Here, since A4 is designated by a paper size designation command which is one of the drawing commands, the paper size of the page to be created is determined to be A4.

  Then, image data to be printed on printing paper is created, the image data is stored in the image buffer 126 (S310), and the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that a drawing command has not been detected, the PDL analysis unit 161 determines whether a paper discharge command has been detected (S311), and if it has been detected. In step S312, the page of the image buffer 126 is closed (S312), the paper feed control unit 163 is activated, the paper feed printing process shown in FIG. 4 is performed in detail (S313), and the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S311 that the command is not a paper discharge command, and the print engine 111 receives a print instruction and receives image data, the print engine 111 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, and stores the image data. The toner is transferred onto printing paper with toner, ink, or the like, printed, and discharged onto a discharge tray 112. Similarly, the second and third pages are processed, and the PDL analysis unit 161 determines whether a job end command is detected (S314). If it is determined that no job end command is detected, Processes other than those are performed (S316), and the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a job end command has been detected, the processing of the print job is ended (S315).

  Note that the details when the PDL analysis unit 161 detects a control command other than those described above in the print job are not related to the features of the present invention, and thus will not be specifically described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the paper feed printing process in step S313 shown in FIG. In addition, S331-S340 shows each step.

  First, the paper feed control unit 163 reads the character string “takahashi” of the owner name of this print job from the RAM 122 (S331), and reads the paper size of the page to be printed (S332). Then, a paper feed port that the owner “takahashi” can use is read from the paper feed information storage unit 151 (S333). Here, it is assumed that the owner “takahashi” can use the paper feed tray 113 and the first cassette 114 as shown in FIG.

  Further, the search order when the owner can use a plurality of paper feed ports is the paper feed tray 113 → the first cassette 114 → the second cassette 115 → the third cassette 116.

  Next, the paper feed control unit 163 reads the paper size and the paper presence status of the paper feed tray 113 which is the first paper feed port in the search order from the print engine 111 (S334). Then, it is determined whether or not the paper size of the paper feed port matches the paper size of the page to be printed, and whether or not there is paper in the paper feed port (S335).

  On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S335, a message for requesting the replenishment of the predetermined paper size is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel (S338), and the paper of the predetermined paper size is replenished. (S339) The process proceeds to step S340, and if it is determined that there is a paper in the paper feed port, that paper feed port is determined as the paper feed port for the page to be printed, and the video IF 127 is controlled to the print engine 111. Printing is instructed by designating the paper feed port and paper size, and the image data of the first page of the image buffer 126 is transmitted to the print engine 111 (S340), and this processing ends. Thereafter, when the print engine 111 receives the print instruction and receives the image data, the print engine 111 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, transfers the image data to the print paper with toner or ink, and prints it. Paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 112.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S335 that the paper size of the paper feed slot does not match the paper size (A4) of the image data to be printed, or if there is no paper in the paper feed slot, step S336 is executed. Then, it is determined whether or not all the paper supply ports loaded with the paper of the predetermined paper size (A4) have been searched. If it is determined that no search has been made, the next paper supply port is searched in step S337. Then, the process returns to step S334. In this way, the paper feed ports that can be used by the owner are searched according to the search order until a paper feed port having a predetermined paper size (A4) is loaded.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S336 that all paper feed ports have been searched, that is, the paper feed control unit 163 searches for all paper feed ports that can be used by the owner, and the predetermined paper size. If it is determined that there is no paper, “A4 paper load” is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 129 (S338), and whether or not A4 paper is fed to any paper feed port that can use this owner. (S339), and the process is stopped until it is determined that paper is being fed.

  For example, when a user (owner “takahashi”) feeds a sheet of a predetermined sheet size to the sheet feed tray 113 or the first cassette 114, the sheet feed control unit 163 detects this and restarts the process (YES in S339). Is determined) as the paper feed port of the page to be printed from now on, and the video IF 127 is controlled to cause the print engine 111 to feed the paper feed port and the paper size. Is designated to print, the image data of the first page of the image buffer 126 is transmitted to the print engine 111 (S340), and the process is terminated.

  Here, an example has been described in which, after the owner is specified in the printing apparatus 100, all the sheet feeding ports usable by the owner are searched. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the host 190 identifies the owner and uses the host computer. Alternatively, the host computer may search for all paper feed ports that can be used by the owner and notify only the paper feed stage information selected by the owner to the printing apparatus 100. With this configuration, since the owner authentication and search are performed on the host computer side, there is an advantage that no change on the printing apparatus side is necessary.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a case is described in which the authority to use the paper feed port is set for each user, and the recording medium is controlled from the paper feed port corresponding to each user specified in the print job. However, a plurality of users may be managed as a unit, that is, a group, and the recording medium may be limited and controlled to be fed from a paper feed port corresponding to each group. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 400 denotes a printing apparatus according to the present invention, 490 denotes a host computer A (host A) that transmits a print job to the printing apparatus 400, and 491 denotes utility software that performs various settings of the printing apparatus 400. Host computer B (host B). The printing apparatus 400 is connected to the host A 490 and the host B 491 via a network. Actually, a host computer such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) (not shown) is connected to the network, but here, in order to simplify the explanation, one printer and two hosts Only shown.

  In the printing apparatus 400, reference numeral 410 denotes an image generation controller that analyzes PDL data of a print job and generates image data for printing. Reference numeral 411 denotes a print engine that receives image data from the image controller 410, receives print paper from any of a plurality of paper feed ports under the control of the image controller 410, and transfers the image data with toner, ink, or the like for printing. Do.

  Reference numeral 412 denotes a paper discharge tray, which accumulates print sheets printed and discharged by the print engine 411. Reference numeral 413 denotes a paper feed tray, which is one of the four paper feed ports of the printing apparatus 400. 414 is a first cassette, 415 is a second cassette, and 416 is a third cassette. It is assumed that A4 sheets are currently accumulated in the paper feed tray 413, the first cassette 414, the second cassette 415, and the third cassette 416 of the printing apparatus 400.

  In the image controller 410, a CPU 420 controls the entire image generation controller 410. A ROM 421 stores a control program executed by the CPU 420.

  A RAM 422 stores variable data of the CPU 420. A network interface (NWIF) 423 performs data communication with the hosts A 490 and B 491 through a predetermined program via the network LAN. A reception buffer 424 accumulates data addressed to the printing apparatus 400 received from the network.

  A transmission buffer 425 accumulates data to be transmitted from the printing apparatus 400 to other devices. An image buffer 426 stores image data for printing. Reference numeral 427 denotes a video interface (video IF) that performs data communication with the print engine 411. Reference numeral 429 denotes an operation panel on which an operator performs various settings of the printing apparatus 400 and displays an error message of the printing apparatus 400.

  In the ROM 421, 441 is a group setting means, and when group setting data for grouping each owner is sent from the host B 491 to the printing apparatus 400, the data is analyzed to set which group belongs to which group. To do.

  Here, the group setting unit 441 is used, but not limited thereto, the hosts A490 and B491 may be used as the group setting unit.

  Reference numeral 442 denotes a paper feed port setting unit. When the paper feed setting data for setting which paper feed port can be used for each group is sent from the host B 491 to the printing apparatus 400, the data is analyzed to analyze each group. Set the available paper feed slot. A PDL analyzing unit 461 analyzes the PDL data of the print job and creates image data for printing on the printing paper.

  Reference numeral 462 denotes an owner specifying unit that specifies an owner name included in the print job. Reference numeral 463 denotes a paper feed control unit that controls from which paper feed port a print sheet is fed to be printed for a print page of a print job.

  In the HD 428, reference numeral 451 denotes a group storage unit that stores the contents set by the group setting unit 441. Reference numeral 452 denotes paper feed information storage means for storing the contents set from the paper feed port setting means 442. Here, an example in which the set information is stored in the HD 428 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information may be stored in the hosts A 490 and B 491. The control in this case is the same as in paragraph 0070, and therefore will not be described in detail.

  In the printing system configured as described above, first, the administrator performs an operation for grouping owners who use the printing apparatus 400 from utility software running on the host B491.

  Here, an employee number is used as the owner name. For example, the employee number is a five-digit number such as “08263”.

  Further, for example, the printing apparatus 400 is shared and used by the general affairs section 1 to the general affairs section 3, the employee numbers of 12 employees belonging to the general affairs section 1 are registered in the group G1, and the general affairs section 2 is registered in the group G2. It is assumed that the employee numbers for 15 employees belonging to are registered, and the employee numbers for 13 employees belonging to the general affairs section 3 are registered in the group G3.

  When the administrator performs an operation for executing registration of the groups G1 to G3 as described above, group setting data is transmitted from the host B491 to the printing apparatus 400.

  In the printing apparatus 400, the group setting data is received by the NWIF 423 and the received print job data is stored in the reception buffer 424.

  Next, when the CPU 420 detects that the data in the reception buffer 424 is group setting data, the CPU 420 activates the group setting unit 441.

  Then, the group setting means 441 analyzes the group setting data, reads the employee numbers of 12 people, 15 people, and 13 people of the group G1, the group G2, and the group G3, respectively, and the employee numbers belonging to each group (= owner name) ) Is stored in the group storage unit 451.

  Next, the administrator performs an operation of registering the sheet feeding port of the printing apparatus 400 that can be used by each group from utility software running on the host B491. Here, the group G1 (ie, General Affairs Section 1) makes the paper feed tray 413 and the first cassette 414 usable, and the group G2 (ie, General Affairs Department 2) makes the paper feed tray 413 and the second cassette 415 usable. , Group G3 (that is, General Affairs Section 3) registers the sheet feeding tray 413 and the third cassette 416 so that they can be used.

  When the administrator performs an operation for executing the registration, the paper feed setting data is transmitted from the host B 491 to the printing apparatus 400. When the printing apparatus 400 receives the data, the CPU 420 detects that it is paper feed setting data and activates the paper feed port setting means 442. The paper feed port setting unit 442 analyzes the paper feed setting data, reads a paper feed port that can be used by each group, and stores it in the paper feed information storage unit 452.

  Since the HD 428 is a non-volatile storage unit, the contents of the group storage unit 451 and the content of the paper feed information storage unit 452 are stored even after the printer 400 is turned off.

  Next, an operation when the user transmits a print job from the host A 490 to the printing apparatus 400 will be described.

  When using the host A490, the user needs to log in to the host A490. When the user inputs an account and password for login, the host A 490 checks whether the account and password are registered as a login user. If registered, the login is permitted and registered. If not, it refuses login.

  Here, it is assumed that the account registered as the login user is an employee number. Here, it is assumed that a user who belongs to the general affairs section 2 logs in with an account “08263”. Once logged in, the host A 490 application can be used.

  On the other hand, a user starts an application and creates a document. This material shall be 3 pages. The user performs a printing operation when the material is completed. Then, the printer driver installed in the host A 490 operates. The printer driver reads the data of the material from the application, converts the data into printer language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) data (PDL data group (print job)) that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 400, and prints described in the PDL A job is generated and the print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 400.

  The print job is composed of a plurality of control commands of the PDL. First, there is a job start command. Next, there is an owner designation command indicating the sender of the print job. Drawing command, first page discharge command, second page multiple drawing command, second page discharge command, third page multiple drawing command, third page discharge command Followed by a job end command. Other instructions may be included, but are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

  As the owner name included in the owner designation command, the printer driver reads an environment variable representing a login account name from the OS (operating system) of the host A 490 and uses a character string of the login account name. Here, the character string “08263” is designated by the owner designation command.

  Next, an operation when the printing apparatus 400 receives a print job will be described.

  When a print job is sent to the printing apparatus 400 from the host computer, the data is received by the NWIF 423, and the received print job data is stored in the reception buffer 424. Then, when the CPU 420 detects that the data in the reception buffer 424 is print job data, the CPU 420 activates the PDL analysis unit 461. The PDL analysis unit 461 analyzes and processes the print job data one command at a time. When the PDL analyzing unit 461 detects a job start command, the PDL analyzing unit 461 activates the PDL analyzing unit 461 and starts processing the print job.

  When detecting the owner designation command, the PDL analysis unit 461 activates the owner detection unit 462, reads the owner name character string “08263” from the owner designation command, and stores it in the RAM 422. When the PDL analyzing unit 461 detects a drawing command, if it is the first drawing command for a new page, the PDL analyzing unit 461 determines the paper size of the page to be created and stores it in the RAM 422 and stores it in the image buffer 426. Open a new page of size.

  Here, since A4 is designated by a paper size designation command which is one of the drawing commands, the paper size of the page to be created is determined to be A4.

  Then, image data to be printed on printing paper is created, and the image data is stored in the image buffer 426. When the second and subsequent drawing commands for this page are detected, the page has already been opened in the image buffer 426. Therefore, a new page is not opened, and only image data is created and stored in the image buffer 426. . When the PDL analysis unit 461 detects a paper discharge command, the PDL analysis unit 461 closes the page of the image buffer 426, activates the paper feed control unit 463, and performs a paper feed printing process according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the paper feed printing process. In addition, S501-S511 show each step.

  First, the paper feed control unit 463 reads the character string “08263” of the owner name of this print job from the RAM 422 (S501), and reads the paper size of the page to be printed (S502). Then, the group storage unit 451 reads the group to which the owner “08263” belongs (S503), and further reads the paper feed port usable by the group from the paper feed information storage unit 452 (S504).

  Here, it is assumed that the owner “08263” belongs to the group G2, and the sheet feeding ports usable by the group G2 are the sheet feeding tray 413 and the first cassette 414.

  The search order when a plurality of paper feed openings can be used is the paper feed tray 413 → first cassette 414 → second cassette 415 → third cassette 416.

  Then, the paper feed control unit 463 reads the paper size and the paper presence status of the paper feed tray 413 which is the first paper feed port in the search order from the print engine 411 (S505).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the paper size of the paper feed slot matches the paper size of the page to be printed, and whether or not there is paper in the paper feed slot (S506).

  On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S506, a message for requesting the replenishment of the predetermined paper size is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel (S509), and the paper of the predetermined paper size is replenished. (S510), the process proceeds to step S511, and if it is determined that there is paper in the paper feed slot, the process proceeds to step S511, where the paper feed slot is determined as the paper feed slot for the page to be printed, and the video IF 427 is controlled. Then, the print engine 411 is instructed to print by specifying the paper feed port and the paper size, and the image data of the first page in the image buffer 426 is transmitted to the print engine 411 (S511), and the process is terminated. Thereafter, when the print engine 411 receives a print instruction and receives image data, the print engine 411 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, transfers the image data to the print paper with toner, ink, or the like, prints it, and discharges it. The paper is discharged onto the paper tray 412.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that there is no paper in the paper feed slot, for example, the paper size of the paper feed slot does not match the paper size (A4) of the image data to be printed, or the paper feed. If it is determined that there is no paper in the mouth, the paper feed ports that can be used by the owner group are searched according to the search order until a paper feed port having a paper of a predetermined paper size (A4) is found, and all are searched. It is determined whether or not the search has been completed (S507). If it is determined that the search has not been completed, the next paper feed port is searched (S508), and the process returns to step S505.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S507 that all the search has been completed, for example, the paper feed control unit 463 does not find a paper of a predetermined paper size even if all the paper feed ports usable by the owner group are searched. If it is determined, “A4 paper load” is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 429 (S509), and it is determined whether or not A4 paper is fed to any paper feed port that can be used by this owner group. (S510) The subsequent processing is stopped until it is determined that paper is being fed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that paper is being fed, for example, when the user (owner “08236”) feeds a paper of a predetermined paper size to the paper feed tray 413 or the first cassette 414, paper feed control is performed. The means 463 detects this and restarts the processing, determines the paper feed port to which the paper of the predetermined paper size is fed as the paper feed port for the page to be printed from now on, and controls the video IF 427 to the print engine 411. Printing is instructed by designating the paper feed port and paper size, the image data of the first page of the image buffer 426 is transmitted to the print engine 411 (S511), and this processing is terminated.

  Thereafter, when the print engine 411 receives a print instruction and receives image data, the print engine 411 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, transfers the image data to the print paper with toner or ink, prints it, and then discharges it. The paper is discharged onto the paper tray 412. Similarly, the second and third pages are processed, and when the PDL analyzing unit 461 detects a job end command, the print job processing ends.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a case is described in which the authority to use the paper feed port is set for each user, and the recording medium is controlled from the paper feed port corresponding to each user specified in the print job. However, the authority to use the paper feeder is set for each user and its management is delegated to the server device on the network to reduce the setting and management burden on the printing device side. You may comprise so that it can respond to change and deletion of each information freely. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 600 denotes a printing apparatus of the printing system of the present invention, 680 denotes a management server of the printing system of the present invention, and 690 denotes a host computer (host) that transmits a print job to the printing apparatus 600. The printing apparatus 600, the management server 680, and the host 690 are connected via a network LAN. Actually, a host computer such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) (not shown) is connected to the network, but here, in order to simplify the explanation, one printer and one host are used. Only shown.

  In the printing apparatus 600, reference numeral 610 denotes an image generation controller that analyzes PDL data of a print job and generates image data for printing. Reference numeral 611 denotes a print engine that receives image data from the image controller 610, takes in print paper from any of a plurality of paper feed ports under the control of the image controller 610, and transfers the image data with toner, ink, or the like for printing. Do.

  Reference numeral 612 denotes a paper discharge tray that accumulates print sheets printed and discharged by the print engine 611. Reference numeral 613 denotes a paper feed tray, 614 denotes a first cassette, 615 denotes a second cassette, and 616 denotes a third cassette.

  It is assumed that A4 paper is currently stored in the paper feed tray 613, the first cassette 614, the second cassette 615, and the third cassette 616.

  In the image controller 610, a CPU 620 controls the entire image generation controller 610. A ROM 621 stores a control program executed by the CPU 620. A RAM 622 stores variable data of the CPU 620. A network interface (NWIF) 623 performs data communication with the network.

  Reference numeral 624 denotes a reception buffer for accumulating data addressed to the printing apparatus 600 received from the network. A transmission buffer 625 accumulates data to be transmitted from the printing apparatus 600 to another device. Reference numeral 626 denotes an image buffer, which stores image data for printing. Reference numeral 627 denotes a video interface (video IF) that performs data communication with the print engine 611. Reference numeral 629 denotes an operation panel on which an operator performs various settings of the printing apparatus 600 and displays an error message of the printing apparatus 600.

  In the ROM 621, reference numeral 661 denotes PDL analysis means for analyzing PDL data of a print job and creating image data for printing on a print sheet. Reference numeral 662 denotes an owner specifying unit that specifies an owner name included in the print job.

  Reference numeral 663 denotes a paper feed port inquiry unit that inquires of the management server 680 about a paper feed port that can be used by the owner specified by the owner specifying unit 662. Reference numeral 664 denotes a paper feed control unit which controls from which paper feed port a print sheet is fed and printed for a print page of a print job.

  In the management server 680, reference numeral 681 denotes a computer main body (server main body), and 682 denotes a server CRT, which performs display under the control of the server main body 681. Reference numeral 683 denotes a paper feed port setting means for setting which paper feed port of the printing apparatus 600 can be used by each owner. Reference numeral 684 denotes paper feed information storage means for storing the contents set from the paper feed port setting means 683. Reference numeral 685 denotes response means. When there is an inquiry about a paper feed port that can be used by a certain owner from the printing apparatus 600, the paper feed information storage means 684 reads the paper feed port that can be used by that owner and responds to the printing apparatus 600. .

  First, the paper feed port setting means 683 of the utility software for managing the printing device 600 operating on the management server 680 by the administrator can use which paper feed port can be used by a plurality of owners using the printing device 600. Set whether to do it. The contents set from the paper feed port setting means 683 are stored in the paper feed information storage means 684.

  Next, an operation when the user transmits a print job from the host 690 to the printing apparatus 600 will be described. The user needs to log in to the host 690 when using the host 690. When the user enters an account and password for login, the host 690 checks whether the account and password are registered as a login user. If registered, the login is permitted and registered. If not, it refuses login. One user always has one unique account.

  Here, it is assumed that the user logs in with the account “takahashi”. When logged in, the application of the host 690 can be used.

  The user starts the application and creates a document. This material is assumed to be 3 pages, for example. The user performs a printing operation when the material is completed. Then, the printer driver installed in the host 690 operates. The printer driver reads the data of the material from the application, converts it into a printer language (hereinafter referred to as PDL) that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 600, generates a print job described in the PDL, and sends the print job to the printing apparatus 600. Send.

  The print job is composed of a plurality of control commands of the PDL. First, there is a job start command, then there is an owner designation command indicating the sender of the print job, and then a plurality of drawing data for the first page. Command, first page discharge command, second page multiple drawing command, second page discharge command, third page multiple drawing command, third page discharge command Finally, there is a job end command. Other instructions may be included, but are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

  As the owner name included in the owner designation command, the printer driver reads an environment variable representing the login account name from the OS (operating system) of the host 690 and uses a character string of the login account name. Here, the character string “takahashi” is designated by the owner designation command.

  Next, an operation when the printing apparatus 600 receives a print job will be described.

  When a print job is sent to the printing apparatus 600, the NWIF 623 receives the data (print job), and stores the received print job data in the reception buffer 624. Then, the CPU 620 activates the PDL analysis unit 661 and analyzes the data in the reception buffer 624.

  Next, the PDL analysis unit 661 analyzes and processes the print job data one command at a time. When the PDL analyzing unit 661 detects a job start command, the PDL analyzing unit 661 starts up the PDL analyzing unit 661 and starts processing the print job. Then, when detecting the owner designation command, the PDL analysis unit 661 activates the owner identification unit 662, reads the owner name character string “takahashi” from the owner designation command, and stores it in the RAM 622.

  Next, when the PDL analysis means 661 detects a drawing command, if it is the first drawing command for a new page, the paper size of the page to be created is determined and stored in the RAM 622 and stored in the image buffer 626. Open a new page of the paper size.

  Here, for example, A4 is designated by a paper size designation command, which is one of the drawing commands, and therefore the paper size of the page to be created is determined to be A4. Then, image data to be printed on printing paper is created, and the image data is stored in the image buffer 626.

  When the second and subsequent drawing commands for this page are detected, the page has already been opened in the image buffer 626. Therefore, a new page is not opened, and only image data is created and stored in the image buffer 626. . When the PDL analysis unit 661 detects a paper discharge command, the PDL analysis unit 661 closes the page of the image buffer 626, activates the paper supply control unit 664, and performs a paper supply printing process according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the paper feed printing process. S701 to S712 indicate each step.

  First, the paper feed control unit 664 reads the character string “takahashi” of the owner name of this print job from the RAM 622 (S701), and reads the paper size of the page to be printed (S702).

  Then, the sheet feed control unit 664 activates the sheet feed port inquiry unit 663 in order to check a sheet feed port that can be used by the owner “takahashi”. The paper feed port inquiry unit 663 creates paper feed port inquiry data on the transmission buffer 625, controls the NWIF 623 to transmit the data to the management server 680 (S703), and receives response data from the management server 680. Wait (S704).

  Here, an example has been described in which the printing apparatus 600 inquires the management server 680 about the available paper feed port of the print job. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management server 680 can receive the print job and use the owner. After determining the paper feed port, the management server 680 may transmit a usable paper feed stage with the job to the printing apparatus 600.

  When the management server 680 receives paper feed port inquiry data from the printing apparatus 600, the response means 685 processes the data. The response unit 685 reads the owner name “takahashi” from the data, reads the paper feed port that the owner “takahashi” can use from the paper feed information storage unit 684, creates response data that notifies the paper feed port, and prints To device 600.

  Here, it is assumed that the owner “takahashi” can use the paper feed tray 613 and the first cassette 614.

  When the printing apparatus 600 receives the response data (YES in step S704), the paper feed port inquiry unit 663 analyzes the data, and the paper feed port that can use the owner “takahashi” is fed. Knowing that it is the tray 613 and the first cassette 614, the information is stored in the RAM 622 (S705).

  Then, the paper feed control unit 664 reads the paper size and the paper presence status of the paper feed tray 613, which is the first paper feed port in the search order, from the print engine 611 (S706).

  It should be noted that the search order when the owner can use a plurality of paper feed ports is the paper feed tray 613 → the first cassette 614 → the second cassette 615 → the third cassette 616.

  Then, it is determined whether the paper size of the paper feed slot matches the paper size of the page to be printed from now on, and whether there is paper in the paper feed slot (S707).

  Thereafter, when the print engine 611 receives a print instruction and receives image data, the print engine 611 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, transfers the image data to the print paper with toner, ink, or the like, prints it, and discharges it. The paper is discharged onto a paper tray 612.

  On the other hand, if YES is determined in step S707, a message requesting to replenish paper of a predetermined paper size is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel (S509), and the paper of the predetermined paper size is replenished. (S711) The process proceeds to step S712, and if it is determined that there is paper in the paper feed port, the process proceeds to step S12, where the paper feed port is determined as the paper feed port of the page to be printed, and the video IF 627 is controlled. Then, the print engine 611 is instructed to specify the paper feed port and paper size, and the print data is transmitted to the print engine 611 (S712), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that the paper size of the paper feed slot does not match the paper size (A4) of the image data to be printed, or if there is no paper in the paper feed slot, a predetermined paper It is determined whether or not all the paper feed ports have been searched by searching the paper feed ports usable by the owner according to the search order until a paper feed port loaded with the size (A4) paper is found (S708). If it is determined that all the paper feed ports have not been searched, the next paper feed port is searched (S709), and the process returns to step S706.

  On the other hand, if the paper feed control unit 664 determines in step S707 that there is no paper of a predetermined paper size even after searching all the paper feed ports that can be used by the owner, the display unit of the operation panel 629 displays “ A4 paper is displayed (S710), and it is determined whether or not A4 paper has been fed to any paper feed slot that can be used by this owner (S711), and A4 paper is fed to the paper feed slot. The subsequent processing is stopped until it is determined that the error has occurred.

  When the user (owner “takahashi”) feeds a sheet of a predetermined sheet size to the sheet feed tray 613 or the first cassette 614, the sheet feed control unit 664 detects that and resumes processing in step S711. Then, the paper feed port to which the paper of the predetermined paper size is fed is determined as the paper feed port of the page to be printed, and the video IF 627 is controlled to specify the paper feed port and the paper size to the print engine 611 for printing. Is sent to the print engine 611 (S712), and the process is terminated.

  Thereafter, when the print engine 611 receives a print instruction and receives image data, the print engine 611 takes in the print paper from the designated paper feed port, transfers the image data to the print paper with toner, ink, or the like, prints it, and discharges it. The paper is discharged onto a paper tray 612. Similarly, the second and third pages are processed, and when the PDL analyzing unit 661 detects a job end command, the print job processing ends.

  In the third embodiment, the example in which the management server 680 manages the owner that uses the paper feed port of one printing apparatus 600 has been described. However, the management server 680 has a plurality of networks on the same domain. It is also possible to manage the owner that uses the paper feed port of the printing apparatus.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be applied to a paper feed port, not only a paper feed cassette and a manual feed tray, but also a paper deck capable of feeding a large amount of paper and a pedestal type paper feed means.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a plurality of cassettes that can be fed for each user can be set. However, one of the plurality of cassettes can be released to all users or limited to a specific user. It is also possible to set so as to.

  In addition, when paper feed management is performed for each group, a replenisher for out of paper is registered, and it is predicted when the paper runs out or when the paper runs out (designated by providing a paper remaining amount detecting means). When a determination is made based on a difference from the number of printed sheets), the replenisher may be notified of paper replenishment (including notification by e-mail, mobile phone, etc.) so that it can be replenished quickly.

  Further, in each embodiment, a mechanical or electrical key device is provided in the paper feeding cassette, and only a user holding the unlocking means of the key device can replenish paper, It is also possible to manage such that an unexpected situation does not occur due to changing the attachment of the.

  In addition, even if the paper runs out while feeding from the specified cassette, it is possible to avoid a situation where the print job reception is interrupted by spooling the job for each user or group following the hard disk or the like. You may control.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a limited size of paper is set for one paper feed cassette. However, a plurality of paper sizes are assigned, and a plurality of cassettes are assigned to the paper feed slot. It is also within the scope of the present invention to be configured to control paper feed.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification by those skilled in the art.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  According to the above embodiment, it is possible to set an individual user or group that can use each paper feed port of a printing apparatus having a plurality of paper feed ports, and to manage each paper feed port in units of individual users or groups.

  In addition, if a paper feed slot that can be used by an individual user or group is determined, the paper in the paper feed slot of the user cannot be used by other users or other groups. Can be managed on an individual or group basis. For example, high-quality paper is put in the first paper feed slot, and recycled paper is put in the second paper feed slot. It is also possible to use only the second paper feed port for general employees and managers.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a user (owner) who uses the printing apparatus determines a paper feed port that can be used and sets it from the paper feed setting unit, a print job is sent. Since the owner of the print job is detected at the time of arrival, and which paper feeder can be used by the owner is determined in advance, the availability of each paper feeder can be set for each owner (individual) Each paper feed slot can be assigned to an individual owner or a plurality of owners. That is, each paper feed port can be managed on an individual basis. Alternatively, if a person in the same group is set to use the same paper feed port, each paper feed port can be managed in units of groups.

  Also, if the group to which the user (owner) who uses the printing device belongs is set, and the paper feed port that each group can use is determined and set by the paper feed setting means, the print job is sent. The owner of the print job is detected when it is received, the group to which the owner belongs is checked, and which paper feed slot can be used by the group is determined in advance. It can be set for each group, and each paper feed slot can be assigned to a group for use. That is, each sheet feeding port can be managed in units of groups.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system to which a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper feed control management table memorize | stored in the paper feed information storage means shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the printing system which can apply the printing apparatus which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the printing system which can apply the printing apparatus which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th data processing procedure in the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the printing system which can apply the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the printing system to which the conventional printing apparatus is applied. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper feed control procedure in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printing apparatus 110 Image controller 111 Print engine 112 Paper discharge tray 113 Paper feed tray 114 1st cassette 115 2nd cassette 116 3rd cassette 120 CPU
121 ROM
122 RAM
123 Network interface (NWIF)
124 reception buffer 125 transmission buffer 126 image buffer 127 video interface (video IF)
128 hard disk (HD)
129 Operation panel 141 Paper feed port setting means 151 Paper feed information storage means 161 PDL analysis means 162 Owner specifying means 163 Paper feed control means 190 Host computer (host)

Claims (15)

In a printing apparatus capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network,
A plurality of paper feed ports for feeding the recording medium to the engine unit;
Owner identification means for identifying a sender from a print job received from any data processing device;
Paper feed port setting means for setting a paper feed port that can be used with a sender name that can be detected by the owner identifying means;
Paper feed information storage means for storing paper feed slot information corresponding to the sender set by the paper feed slot setting means;
When the print job is received, any one of the plurality of paper feed ports is fed based on the sender of the print job and the paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage unit. Paper feed control means for determining whether to feed the recording medium from the mouth;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper feed port setting unit can assign and set a plurality of paper feed ports to each sender. In a printing apparatus capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network,
A plurality of paper feed ports for feeding the recording medium to the engine unit;
Owner identification means for identifying a sender from a print job received from any data processing device;
Group setting means for assigning the sender specified by the owner specifying means to any of the groups;
Paper feed port setting means for setting paper feed ports usable in each group set by the group setting means;
Paper feed information storage means for storing paper feed opening information by group set by the paper feed opening setting means;
At the time of receiving the print job, a group to which the print job belongs is specified from the sender information of the print job, and based on the specified group and the paper feed port information by group stored in the paper feed information storage unit Paper feed control means for determining whether to feed the recording medium from any one of the plurality of paper feed openings;
A printing apparatus comprising: A server device capable of communicating with a printing device capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network;
A paper feed port setting means for setting a paper feed port usable by a sender of the print job;
Paper feed information storage means for storing paper feed slot information corresponding to the sender set by the paper feed slot setting means;
Response means for searching for paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage unit based on the sender of the print job and responding to the printing apparatus with the set paper feed port information When,
The server apparatus characterized by having.   5. The server apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the paper feed port setting means can assign and set a plurality of paper feed ports to each sender. Server device capable of receiving and processing print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network, and managing paper feed port information set corresponding to a sender who transmits the print jobs from each of the data processing devices A printing system comprising a printing device capable of communicating with
A plurality of paper feed ports for feeding the recording medium to the engine unit;
Owner identification means for identifying a sender from a print job received from any data processing device;
The server device has a notification unit for notifying a printing device of usable paper feed port information to the server device based on a job sender.
The printing apparatus includes a plurality of paper feed ports for feeding a recording medium to the engine unit;
Owner identification means for identifying a sender from a print job received from any data processing device;
In response to the notification by the notification unit, a sheet feeding port selection unit that selects a sheet feeding port based on sheet feeding port information notified from the server device;
A printing system comprising: A printing system in which a plurality of data processing devices, a printing device including a plurality of paper feed ports for feeding a recording medium to an engine unit, and a server device can communicate with each other via a network,
Owner identification means for identifying the sender of a print job from any data processing device;
A paper feed port selecting means for selecting a paper feed port based on a sender specified by the owner specifying means;
A printing system comprising: In a printing control method in a printing apparatus that receives a print job from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network, feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feeding ports to an engine unit, and performs a printing process.
An owner identifying step for identifying a sender from a print job received from any data processing device;
A paper feed port setting step for setting a paper feed port that can be used by a sender that can be specified by the owner specifying step;
A storage step of storing paper feed port information corresponding to the sender set in the paper feed port setting step in a paper feed information storage unit;
At the time of receiving the print job, one of the plurality of paper feed ports is fed based on the sender of the print job and the paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage unit. A paper feed control step for determining whether to feed the recording medium from the mouth;
A printing control method comprising:   The print control method according to claim 8, wherein in the paper feed port setting step, a plurality of paper feed ports can be assigned and set for each sender. In a printing control method in a printing apparatus that receives a print job from a plurality of data processing apparatuses via a network and feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of sheet feeding ports to an engine unit to perform a printing process.
An owner identifying step for identifying a sender from among print jobs received from any data processing device;
A group setting step of assigning the sender specified by the owner specifying step to any of a number of groups;
A paper feed port setting step for setting a paper feed port usable in each group set by the group setting step;
A storage step of storing, in a paper feed information storage unit, the paper feed port information for each group set in the paper feed port setting step;
At the time of receiving the print job, a group to which the print job belongs is specified from the sender information of the print job, and based on the specified group and the paper feed port information by group stored in the paper feed information storage unit A paper feed control step for determining whether to feed the recording medium from any one of the plurality of paper feed openings;
A printing control method comprising: Printing in a server device that receives print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network and can communicate with a printing device that feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feed ports to an engine unit and performs print processing A control method,
A paper feed port setting step for setting a paper feed port usable by a sender of the print job;
A storage step of storing paper feed port information corresponding to the sender set in the paper feed port setting step in a paper feed information storage unit;
A response step of searching for paper feed port information corresponding to the sender stored in the paper feed information storage unit based on the sender of the print job and responding to the printing apparatus with the set paper feed port information When,
A printing control method characterized by comprising:   The print control method according to claim 11, wherein the paper feed port setting step can assign and set a plurality of paper feed ports for each sender name. Receives print jobs from a plurality of data processing devices via a network, feeds a recording medium from any of a plurality of paper feed ports to the engine unit, performs print processing, and prints from each data processing device A printing control method in a printing system including a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a server apparatus that manages paper feed port information set corresponding to a sender who transmits a job,
The server device has a notification step of notifying the printing device of usable paper feed port information to the server device based on a job sender;
The printing apparatus is based on an owner identification step for identifying a sender from among print jobs received from any data processing apparatus, and paper feed port information notified from the server apparatus in response to a notification in the notification step. A paper feed port selection step for selecting a paper feed port,
A printing control method characterized by comprising:   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the printing control method according to claim 8.   A program for executing the printing control method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

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