JP2005288844A - Printer, method of controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of efficiently realizing a copying operation of a manuscript and not lowering image quality of the copy of the manuscript, a method of controlling the printer, and the program. <P>SOLUTION: Print data is received to be stored in either one of a memory device in the printer, a memory device on a network and memory devices built in a plurality of information devices on a network. The printing is performed from the print data including discrimination information indicative of the memory device storing the print data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executes printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices, a control method therefor, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, among multi-function printers connected to a network, a storage function for storing print data transmitted via the network and image data of a document read from an optical reading device provided in the storage device in the storage device provided therein In addition, there is one having a transmission function for transmitting to other information devices via a network (Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a printer provided with a print function for recalling and printing data stored in a storage device.
JP-A-9-37004

  However, in order to print (copy) a document read from the optical reading device, the image data read from the optical reading device must be printed as it is. There is a problem that a copy having an image quality inferior to that of a manuscript is inevitably created due to accuracy.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program that efficiently realize a copying operation of an original and does not deteriorate the image quality of the copied original. And

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A printing apparatus connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executing printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices,
Receiving means for receiving the print data;
Storage means for storing the print data in a storage device in the printing device, a storage device on the network, or a storage device built in the plurality of information devices on the network;
Printing means for executing printing based on the print data including identification information indicating the storage destination of the print data by the storage means.

  Preferably, the identification information includes at least one of a first identifier that identifies a storage device that is the storage destination and a second identifier that indicates a storage position of the print data.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information from a storage destination by the storage means.

Preferably, reading means for optically reading a document;
An acquisition means for acquiring print data corresponding to the identification information from the storage destination specified by the identification information when the identification information is incorporated in the document read by the reading means;
The printing unit executes printing based on the print data acquired by the acquiring unit.

  Preferably, the printing unit executes printing based on the print data including the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

  Preferably, the printing unit executes printing based on the print data not including the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

  Preferably, the storage device that stores the print data stores the print data, the identification information corresponding to the print data, and the number of times the identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit.

  Preferably, the acquisition unit acquires the print data corresponding to the identification information and the number of acquisition times from the storage destination specified by the identification information.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a control unit that controls execution of printing by the printing unit based on the number of times of acquisition.

  In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition means further includes another second identification information in the first print data corresponding to the first identification information acquired from the storage destination specified by the identification information which is the first identification information. If it is included, second print data corresponding to the second identification information is further acquired.

  Preferably, the printing unit executes printing based on the first and second print data acquired by the acquisition unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus control method according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A method for controlling a printing apparatus connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executing printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices,
A receiving step of receiving the print data;
A storage step of storing the print data in any of a storage device in the printing device, a storage device on the network, or a storage device built in the plurality of information devices on the network;
A printing step of executing printing based on the print data including identification information indicating a storage destination of the print data in the storage step.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A program for controlling a printing apparatus connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executing printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices,
A program code of a receiving step for receiving the print data;
A program code of a storage step of storing the print data in any of a storage device in the printing device, a storage device on the network, or a storage device built in the plurality of information devices on the network;
And a program code for a printing process for executing printing based on the print data including identification information indicating a storage destination of the print data in the storage process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that efficiently realizes a copying operation of a document and does not deteriorate the image quality of the copied document, a control method therefor, and a program.

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

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  A controller 101 controls the printer 100. Reference numeral 102 denotes a network interface for connecting the controller 101 to a network for communication. A printer unit 103 actually performs printing on a recording medium (recording paper or the like).

  A scanner 104 optically reads a document. The scanner 104 is provided with an automatic document reader (ADF) capable of continuously reading a plurality of documents. Reference numeral 105 denotes an input panel, which includes input keys and various buttons used by the controller 101 to acquire an instruction or response from the user as an input.

  A display panel 106 is used by the controller 101 to transmit information to the user. The display panel 106 is composed of, for example, an LCD, LED, CRT, or the like. Reference numeral 107 denotes a network connected to the printer 100 through the network interface 102. Reference numeral 108 denotes a storage device connected to the controller 101.

  The network 107 is typically the Internet, LAN, WAN, telephone line, dedicated digital line, ATM, frame relay line, communication satellite line, cable TV line, data broadcasting radio line, or the like. It is a so-called communication network realized by a combination, and it is sufficient if data can be transmitted and received.

  Further, examples of the storage device 108 include a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD-ROM. In addition to the storage device 108, the printer 100 functions as a ROM for storing a control program and initial data for the controller 101 to execute various processes, a data work area, a temporary save area, a print buffer, and a scanner buffer. RAM is configured.

  The printer 100 in FIG. 1 functions as an MFP (Multi Function Printer) that is a multifunction machine that realizes a plurality of types of functions (printing function, copying function, transmission function, etc.) with the configuration shown in FIG.

  For example, the controller 101 receives print data from the network 107 via the network interface 102, and the controller 101 converts the print data into raster data that can be printed by the printer unit 103, and then prints the print data by the printer unit 103. An image is formed on the medium.

  The copying function prints an image corresponding to an image reading signal corresponding to an original image from the scanner 104 on a recording medium by the printer unit 104. When one original image is copied, the image reading signal is subjected to image processing by the controller 101 to generate a recording signal, which is printed on a recording medium by the printer unit 103. On the other hand, when copying a plurality of document images, the storage device 108 temporarily stores and holds a recording signal for one page, and then sequentially outputs it to the printer unit 103 to print it on a recording medium.

  The transmission function converts the raster image obtained from the scanner 104 into an image file in a compressed image file format such as TIFF or JPEG or a vector data file format such as PDF, and outputs the image file from the network interface 102. The output image file is transmitted to the server 206 (FIG. 2) via the network 107 or transferred to another printer.

  Next, a system example in the case where the printer of FIG. 1 is connected to a network will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system example in the case where the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a network.

  Reference numerals 201 to 204 and 208 denote the printer 100 of FIG. Reference numeral 205 denotes an information device (workstation) that is assumed to be used by an individual. Reference numerals 206 and 207 denote information devices (servers) that are assumed to be shared and used in the network. Reference numeral 209 denotes a network that enables these devices to be connected to each other and communicate with each other.

  In addition to the information device connected to the network 209, an information device configured by a single storage device is assumed in addition to the one shown in FIG.

  And, between devices on the network, the general file sharing system realizes reading / writing of data in each other's storage device (resource), and the access right of the data is, for example, for each device / user It is set for each predetermined unit.

  Each of the information devices 205 to 208 has standard components (for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, an external storage device, a network interface, a display, a keyboard, and a mouse) mounted on a general-purpose computer. Yes.

  Next, print processing in which the printer 100 processes print data and performs printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing print processing of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This printing process is assumed to be executed under the control of the controller 101. Here, a case where the printer 201 executes print processing will be described as an example.

  First, when print processing is started, print data is received from an information device on the network 209 in step S302. In step S303, a list of storage devices that can be used on the network 209 (storage device list) is acquired.

  The storage device list is stored in the storage device 108 of the printer 201 that executes the printing process, the storage device on another printer 202 to 204 or the printer 208 existing on the network 209, or the server 206 or 207. Among the storage devices, the storage device is configured by a list of all or any of the storage devices that can be used by the printer 201.

  In step S304, a pointer is set to the first entry in the storage device list, which is the storage device to be processed. In step S305, it is determined whether or not the processing target storage device to which the pointer is set is data storable (can be used as a print data storage destination). If data can be stored (YES in step S305), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if the data cannot be stored (NO in step S305), the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S306, the received print data received in step S302 is stored in the processing target storage device. In step S307, it is determined whether the received print data is normally stored. If it is stored normally (YES in step S307), the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, if it is not normally stored (NO in step S307), the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, since there is a possibility that the debris data that failed to be saved may remain on the storage device, it is cleared. Then, the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, it is determined whether the storage device to be processed is the last entry in the storage device list. If it is the last entry (YES in step S309), the process proceeds to step S314. On the other hand, if it is not the last entry (NO in step S309), the process proceeds to step S310, a pointer is set to the next entry in the storage device list, and the process returns to step S305.

  In step S311, an inquiry is made to an information device having a storage device for storing the stored print data, and identification information indicating the storage destination of the stored print data (the storage device of the storage destination and the stored print on the network or in the storage device). The file identifier of the stored print data file and the device identifier of the storage device are acquired.

  The device identifier is configured with information that can be accessed from anywhere in the network 209 and can be distinguished from other storage devices.

  In step S312, print data access identifier data (identification information) that combines the acquired device identifier of the storage device and the print data file identifier is incorporated into the stored print data. This incorporation is incorporated into, for example, print data corresponding to the first page image of the page image group corresponding to the stored print data.

  In step S313, the printer unit 103 prints the print data in which the access identifier data is incorporated. Then, the printing process ends.

  On the other hand, if the storage device to be processed is the last entry in the storage device list in step S309, the received print data received in step S302 is printed by the printer 103 in step S314. Thereafter, in the subsequent step S315, an error notification indicating that the print data could not be saved because there is no storage device that can be used to save the print data is sent to the print data transmission source. Send. Then, the printing process ends.

  The error notification is realized by using information notification means such as an electronic mail and an error dialog.

  Next, an example of a printed matter output by the printing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, the lower right corner portion of the printed material is shown as a part of the printed material, and the character string indicated by 401 is access identifier data incorporated into the print data by the printing process of the first embodiment (FIG. 3). . Here, the character string expressed in the numeric font shown in FIG. 5 is directly printed as the access identifier data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a symbol string as shown in FIG. 6 may be used. . Alternatively, digital watermark technology may be used.

  Next, in the first embodiment, a copy process performed when a scanner 104 reads a document on which an access identifier (a device identifier of a storage device that stores print data and a file identifier of print data) is recorded. The procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the copying process of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the process is started, in step S702, only the cover of the document or the first page is read by the scanner 104. In step S703, it is determined whether an access identifier (identification information) is recorded on the read document image. When the access identifier is not recorded (NO in step S703), the process proceeds to step S712. On the other hand, when the access identifier is recorded (YES in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the access identifier determined in step S703 is accurately read. In step S705, a device identifier and a file identifier are acquired from the read access identifier. In step S706, based on the acquired device identifier, it is determined whether or not the storage device corresponding to the device identifier is accessible. If it is accessible (YES in step S706), the process proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, if access is not possible (NO in step S706), the process proceeds to step S712.

  In step S707, it is determined whether or not the file corresponding to the file identifier is accessible. If the file can be accessed (YES in step S707), the process proceeds to step S708. On the other hand, if the file cannot be accessed (NO in step S707), the process proceeds to step S712.

  In step S708, the file is read. In step S709, whether or not normal reading is appropriate is determined. If it is read normally (YES in step S709), the process advances to step S710. On the other hand, if the data cannot be read normally (NO in step S709), the process proceeds to step S712.

  In step S710, the contents of the read file are set as print data. In step S711, the device identifier and file identifier acquired in step S705 are incorporated as access identifiers in the print data. Thereafter, the process advances to step S724, and the print data in which the access identifier is incorporated is printed by the printer unit 103.

  On the other hand, if the access identifier is not recorded in step S703, the storage device cannot be accessed in step S706, the file cannot be accessed in step S707, or the file cannot be read normally in step S709. Advances to step S712.

  In step S712, the scanner 104 reads the entire cover of the original or the remaining original after the first page, and sets the data as print data. In subsequent step S713, a storage device list is acquired. This step S712 corresponds to step S303 in FIG.

  In step S714, a pointer is set to the first entry in the storage device list, which is the storage device to be processed. In step S715, it is determined whether the processing target storage device to which the pointer is set is capable of storing data (can be used as a print data storage destination). If data can be stored (YES in step S715), the process advances to step S716. On the other hand, if the data cannot be stored (NO in step S715), the process proceeds to step S719.

  In step S716, the print data is stored in the storage device to be processed. In step S717, it is determined whether the print data is normally stored. If it is stored normally (YES in step S717), the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, if it is not normally stored (NO in step S717), the process proceeds to step S718.

  In step S718, there is a possibility that debris data that has failed to be saved may remain on the storage device, and is cleared. Then, the process proceeds to step S719. In step S719, it is determined whether the storage device to be processed is the last entry in the storage device list. If it is not the last entry (NO in step S719), the process proceeds to step S720, a pointer is set to the next entry in the storage device list, and the process returns to step S715. On the other hand, if it is the last entry (YES in step S719), the process proceeds to step S721.

  In step S721, the controller 101 executes an error display for notifying the display panel 106 that “the data of the read original could not be stored”. Thereafter, the process advances to step S724, and the print data set in step S712 is printed by the printer unit 103.

  On the other hand, if the data is normally saved in step S717, in step S722, an inquiry is made to the information device having the storage device where the print data is saved, and the file identifier of the file of the saved print data and the device identifier of the storage device. To get.

  In step S723, print data access identifier data (identification information), which is a combination of the acquired device identifier of the storage device and the print data file identifier, is incorporated into the stored print data. This incorporation is incorporated into, for example, print data corresponding to the first page image of the page image group corresponding to the stored print data. Proceed to step S724. In step S724, the printer unit 103 prints the print data in which the access identifier data is incorporated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, print data received by a printer via a network is stored in any usable storage device on the network, and then the printer stores the print data. Printing is performed in a state where an access identifier including a device identifier and a file identifier of the print data is incorporated. In this print result, for example, an access identifier mark is recorded on the cover or first page of the print document.

  When performing a copy operation of the printed document, the cover or first page of the printed document is first read by the scanner 104 of the printer 100, and the access identifier in the document image is read, so that the cover or Instead of reading the entire original including the first page, a file specified by the access identifier is acquired and printed as print data for copying the printed original. A similar identifier is also recorded on the document printed in this way.

  In a conventional copying operation, every time a document is copied, optical reading and printing of the read image are repeated, so that image deterioration during reading cannot be avoided mainly. In addition, when the number of pages of the read original increases, the reading time may increase and the probability of the automatic original reading apparatus causing a read error such as a paper jam increases. There was also a risk of scratching.

  On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, by executing the above-described operation, it is possible to reduce the reading time of the document in the copying operation, and it is possible to reduce the occurrence of reading errors. Further, it is possible to prevent image deterioration of a copy obtained by copying operation.

<Embodiment 2>
The second embodiment is an application example of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, when the file (print data) corresponding to the read original can be acquired from the storage device during the copying process, print data in which an access identifier is incorporated into the acquired print data is generated. It was printed as a copy of the read original. In this case, as long as print data can be obtained from the storage device, a printed matter with good image quality, that is, a document of the same image quality as the original document at the time of registration in the storage device can be obtained.

  In such a configuration, the user can obtain a copy of an image quality equivalent to the original document in the copy operation of the original, but there is a possibility that a large amount of originals of the same image quality as the original document may be distributed. Arise. However, when the original document is a confidential or highly confidential document or a securities, it may be prevented that a copy of the same quality as the original document is generated.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, when a document on which an access identifier is recorded is copied, a file (print data) corresponding to the document is acquired from the storage device, but the access identifier is included in the print data. A configuration for printing it as a copy of a read original without incorporating it will be described.

  In other words, in the second embodiment, even in an environment where an access identifier can be acquired at the time of a copying operation, it is prohibited to incorporate the print data of the access identifier, and a copy of the read original can be created using only the acquired print data. Generate.

  A configuration example of the printer of the second embodiment, a system example in which the printer is connected to a network, and a printing process of the printer are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 of the first embodiment. A document to be processed at the time of copying has the same configuration as that in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the copying process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the copying process of the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that steps S802 to S810 of FIG. 8 correspond to steps S702 to S710 of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, and thus details thereof are omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the content of the read file is set as print data in step S810. Thereafter, the printer unit 103 prints the print data in step S812 without incorporating the device identifier and file identifier acquired in step S805 as access identifiers into the print data.

  On the other hand, if the access identifier is not recorded in step S803, the storage device cannot be accessed in step S806, the file cannot be accessed in step S807, or the file cannot be read normally in step S809. In step S811, the scanner 104 reads the entire cover of the original or the remaining original after the first page from the scanner 104, and sets the data as print data. In step S812, the printer unit 103 prints the print data.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, first, an access identifier is recorded on a printed matter obtained by the printing process. When copying a printed matter on which this access identifier is recorded, A file to be processed (print data) is acquired from the storage device, and a copy process is executed using the print data.

  However, since the identifier for access is not recorded in the copy obtained by this copying process, the subsequent copying process is obtained by optically reading the copying operation of a normal copying machine, that is, the document to be processed. Copy processing is executed using the data.

  Further, even if the access identifier is not recorded on the document to be copied, or even if the corresponding print data cannot be acquired for some reason, it can be obtained by optically reading the document. Data is not newly stored in a storage device on the network.

  As a result, only when the original document on which the access identifier is recorded is obtained and the copy process is performed, a copy of the same image quality as the original can be obtained. Further, when a copy process is further performed from a copy, an optical copy is performed purely as in a normal copying machine. In other words, since the copies after the original document are distributed, it is possible to prevent a risk that a large number of copies with the same image quality as the original document are created, and the original document can be strictly managed.

<Embodiment 3>
The third embodiment is an application example of the first embodiment. In particular, the number of copies of the same document by copying processing is counted, and predetermined processing (for example, limitation of copying processing according to the number of copying) is performed based on the counted value. Next, a configuration for executing a billing process according to the number of times of copying will be described.

  A configuration example of the printer of the third embodiment, a system example configured by connecting the printer to a network, and a printing process of the printer are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 of the first embodiment. A document to be processed at the time of copying has the same configuration as that in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, a print data storage file as shown in FIG. 9 is configured in order to count the number of times the same document is copied by copying.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a save file according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a storage file, which is stored in the storage device 108 of the printer 100 that executes the copying process, for example. The storage file 901 is managed by the storage device at the storage destination in step S306 of FIG.

  The save file 901 includes print data 902 and a counter 903. The counter 903 is a counter that counts the number of times print data is copied, and this counter value is reset to 0 when the print data 902 is stored in the storage device 108 for the first time in step S306 of FIG. .

  In the third embodiment, a copy process is executed using such a saved file 901.

  Hereinafter, the copying process of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the copying process of the printer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that steps S1002 to S1024 in FIG. 10 correspond to steps S702 to S724 in FIG.

  In particular, in FIG. 10, the number of copying in the copying process is counted, and the predetermined process is executed based on the count value.

  In FIG. 10, when the file can be read normally in step S1025, the counter for the file is incremented by one. Thereafter, after the processing in step S1010 and step S1011, in step S1026, a counter value for the print data to be processed is acquired.

  In step S1027, it is determined whether or not the acquired counter value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 10 times). If it is less than the predetermined value (NO in step S1027), the process advances to step S1024, and print data in which the access identifier data is incorporated is printed by the printer unit 103.

  On the other hand, if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in step S1027), the process proceeds to step S1028. In step S1028, a predetermined process corresponding to the acquired count value is executed.

  For example, as the predetermined process, when the number of times of copying is 10 times or more, a predetermined copying fee may be collected for each processing number in the subsequent copying process.

  Alternatively, when the number of times of copying is 10 times or more, the subsequent copying process may be prohibited. In this case, after step S1027, step S1024 is skipped. However, in this case, it is preferable to notify the user to that effect, so that, for example, an error display indicating that “the copy process has been interrupted because the copy process has been performed a predetermined number of times or more” is displayed on the display panel 106. .

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the number of copying processes (the number of copying) for the same document can be managed. Thus, it is possible to realize processing according to the purpose and purpose, such as restriction on use of copy processing and charge for compensation related to copy processing.

<Embodiment 4>
The fourth embodiment is an application example of the second embodiment. In particular, the number of times of copying of the original by the copying process is counted, and predetermined processing (for example, limitation of copying processing according to the number of copying, copying) A configuration for executing a billing process according to the number of times will be described.

  A configuration example of the printer of the fourth embodiment, a system example configured by connecting the printer to a network, and a printing process of the printer are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 of the first embodiment. A document to be processed at the time of copying has the same configuration as that in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the print data storage file has the same configuration as that of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the copying process of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the copying process of the printer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that steps S1102 to S1112 of FIG. 11 correspond to steps S802 to S812 of FIG. 8 of the second embodiment, and thus details thereof are omitted.

  In particular, in FIG. 11, the number of copying processes is counted, and a predetermined process is executed based on the count value.

  In FIG. 11, when the file is normally read in step S1109, the counter for the file is incremented by one. Thereafter, after the process of step S1110, a counter value for the print data to be processed is acquired in step S1114.

  In step S1115, it is determined whether or not the acquired counter value is a predetermined value (for example, 10 times) or more. If it is less than the predetermined value (NO in step S1115), the process advances to step S1116 to print the print data by the printer unit 103.

  On the other hand, if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in step S1115), the process proceeds to step S1116. In step S1116, a predetermined process corresponding to the acquired count value is executed.

  For example, as the predetermined process, when the number of times of copying is 10 times or more, a predetermined copying fee may be collected for each processing number in the subsequent copying process.

  Alternatively, when the number of times of copying is 10 times or more, the subsequent copying process may be prohibited. In this case, the process of step S1112 is skipped after the process of step S1116. However, in this case, it is preferable to notify the user to that effect, so that, for example, an error display indicating that “the copy process has been interrupted because the copy process has been performed a predetermined number of times or more” is displayed on the display panel 106. .

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the second embodiment, the number of times of copying processing (the number of times of copying (first generation copying) for the same document on which the access identifier is recorded. The number of copies)) can be managed, and based on this number of processing, the usage and purpose such as restrictions on the use of the copying process for the same document on which the access identifier is recorded and the charge for the copying process are charged. It is possible to realize processing according to the above.

<Embodiment 5>
The fifth embodiment is an application example of the first embodiment, and a configuration in the case where the first print data and the second print data different from the first print data are printed together will be described. In particular, in the fifth embodiment, in order to realize this configuration, print instruction data including first print data, a device identifier of a storage device that stores the second print data, and a file identifier of a file of the second print data. Is used to execute the printing process.

  A configuration example of the printer of the fifth embodiment and a system example configured by connecting the printer to a network are the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment.

  First, print instruction data used in the printing process of the printer according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of print instruction data according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1301 denotes print instruction data, which is generated by an information device on the network 209. The print instruction data 1301 includes a first print data 1302, a device identifier 1303 of a storage device that stores second print data (designated document data) to be printed together with the first print data, and a file of the second print data. File identifier 1304 is incorporated.

  In the fifth embodiment, print processing is executed using such print instruction data 1301.

  Hereinafter, a printing process according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing print processing of the printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  This printing process is assumed to be executed under the control of the controller 101. Here, a case where the printer 201 executes print processing will be described as an example.

  First, when the printing process is started, print instruction data is received from an information device on the network 209 in step S1202. In step S1203, it is determined whether the storage device specified by the device identifier 1303 included in the print instruction data 1301 is accessible. If it is not accessible (NO in step S1203), the process proceeds to step S1207. On the other hand, if access is possible (YES in step S1203), the process advances to step S1204.

  In step S1204, it is determined whether the file specified by the file identifier 1304 included in the print instruction data 1301 is accessible. If it is not accessible (NO in step S1204), the process proceeds to step S1207. On the other hand, if access is possible (YES in step S1204), the process advances to step S1205.

  In step S1205, the device identifier 1303 and the file identifier 1304 are incorporated into the print data 1302 included in the print instruction data 1301 received in step S1202.

  In step S1206, the printer unit 103 prints the print data in which the device identifier 1303 and the file identifier 1304 are incorporated. Then, the printing process ends.

  On the other hand, if the storage device is not accessible in step S1203, or if the file is not accessible in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1207.

  In step S1207, an error notification indicating that access to the print data based on the designated device identifier and file identifier has not been successful is transmitted to the transmission source of the print instruction data 1301.

  The error notification is realized by using information notification means such as an electronic mail and an error dialog.

  In step S1208, the printer unit 103 prints only the print data 1302 included in the print instruction data 1301 received in step S1202. Then, the printing process ends.

  The printed matter output by this printing process has the same configuration as that in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the first embodiment.

  Further, in the copying process of the printed matter, the copying process shown in FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment or the copying process shown in FIG. 8 according to the second embodiment can be executed according to the purpose and purpose. Further, in the case of configuring a storage file as shown in FIG. 9 of the third embodiment, the copying process of FIG. 9 of the third embodiment or the copying process of FIG. 10 of the fourth embodiment can be executed.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the device identifier that specifies the second print data that is already stored in the storage device on the network, separately from the first print data to be printed, for the print instruction data. When the printed matter corresponding to the first print data is printed, the second print data different from the first print data can be associated and printed.

  Thereby, when executing a copy process of a printed matter obtained from print instruction data including the first print data, not only a copy of the first print data but also a copy of the second print data designated by the printed matter. Can be obtained.

  This includes, for example, first print data indicating an outline of a document and second print data indicating the details thereof, and a printed matter in which only the outline is printed (the contents of the first print data and the second print data Distribute the printed product that includes the specified device identifier and file identifier. Then, the recipient who needs the details causes the above-described copying process to execute the above-described copying process, so that in addition to the printed matter on which only the summary is printed (the contents of the first print data), the printed matter on which the details are printed (second print). Print data).

  As a result, when distributing a document, it is necessary to distribute the detailed document, and it is possible to save the trouble of separately presenting the acquisition operation for the detailed document to the overview document by the user. A realistic document management system can be constructed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a plurality of originals composed of electronic data are copied, identification information capable of acquiring the electronic data is printed on the first page of the original. Using this identification information, electronic data corresponding to a plurality of originals to be copied can be acquired, and a copy of the original can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to solve the trouble of reading all pages of the document and the problem of deterioration of the copied image in the copying operation.

  In addition, it can be used for document management to count how many copies of the target manuscript have been copied, or to give a different identifier for each copy of the manuscript, and track the copied manuscript. It becomes possible.

  Further, it is possible to distribute a printed matter on which only the outline is printed, and to make it easy to obtain a printed matter on which details are printed as needed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to introduce an unprecedented simple and flexible management system for copying and distributing electronic documents.

  In the above-described embodiment, the access identifier has been described as comprising a device identifier of the storage device and a print data file identifier. However, depending on the application and purpose, at least one of the device identifier and the file identifier is accessed. It may be configured as an identifier for use.

  For example, when the entire storage device group (including the storage device in the information device) connected to the network is regarded as one storage device and the storage location of the data can be managed by the entire storage device, the file Only identifiers can be used as access identifiers.

  Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system that is configured, or may be applied to an apparatus that includes a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the figure) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus Is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. 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 that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in 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.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in 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.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system in a case where a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a network. 4 is a flowchart illustrating print processing of the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the printed matter of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the identifier for access of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the identifier for access of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a copying process of the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a copying process of the printer according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the preservation | save file of Embodiment 3 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a copying process of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the copy process of the printer of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the print instruction data of Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process of the printer of Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 controller 102 network interface
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Printer part 104 Scanner 105 Input panel 106 Display panel 107 Network 108 Storage device 201-204, 208 Printer 205 Workstation 206, 207 Server

Claims (13)

A printing apparatus connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executing printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices,
Receiving means for receiving the print data;
Storage means for storing the print data in a storage device in the printing device, a storage device on the network, or a storage device built in the plurality of information devices on the network;
A printing apparatus comprising: printing means for executing printing based on the print data including identification information indicating a storage destination of the print data by the storage means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information includes at least one of a first identifier that identifies the storage device that is the storage destination and a second identifier that indicates a storage position of the print data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from a storage destination of the storage unit. Reading means for optically reading a document;
An acquisition means for acquiring print data corresponding to the identification information from the storage destination specified by the identification information when the identification information is incorporated in the document read by the reading means;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit executes printing based on the print data acquired by the acquiring unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing unit performs printing based on the print data including the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing unit performs printing based on the print data that does not include the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. The storage device that stores the print data stores the print data, the identification information corresponding to the print data, and the number of times the identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit. Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires print data corresponding to the identification information and the number of times of acquisition from a storage destination specified by the identification information. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that controls execution of printing by the printing unit based on the number of times of acquisition. When the acquisition unit includes further second identification information in the first print data corresponding to the first identification information acquired from the storage destination specified by the identification information that is the first identification information. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, further acquiring second print data corresponding to the second identification information. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the printing unit performs printing based on the first and second print data acquired by the acquisition unit. A method for controlling a printing apparatus connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executing printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices,
A receiving step of receiving the print data;
A storage step of storing the print data in any of a storage device in the printing device, a storage device on the network, or a storage device built in the plurality of information devices on the network;
And a printing step of executing printing based on the print data including identification information indicating a storage destination of the print data in the storage step. A program for controlling a printing apparatus connected to a plurality of information devices via a network and executing printing based on print data received from the plurality of information devices,
A program code of a receiving step for receiving the print data;
A program code of a storage step of storing the print data in any of a storage device in the printing device, a storage device on the network, or a storage device built in the plurality of information devices on the network;
A program code for a printing step for executing printing based on the print data including identification information indicating a storage destination of the print data in the storage step.

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