JP2005352752A - Image forming apparatus, information processor, data processing method, storage medium storing computer-readable program, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reinforce an aspect of security with respect to resource data by concealing and managing the predetermined resource data registered in an image forming apparatus such that people other than a predetermined person cannot view it, and limiting its user. <P>SOLUTION: In a printer 2000, the predetermined resource data referred to when carrying out a printing process is stored in an external memory 14 or the like, and authentication information for authenticating an accessing person with respect to the predetermined resource data, and management information with a different attribute with respect to the predetermined resource data are stored in the external memory 14 or the like. It has a composition wherein user input information sent from a host computer 1000 is compared with the stored authentication information, and a reply of the management information matching an attribute requested by the host computer 1000 is controlled by a CPU 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a data processing method, and a computer that can output image data generated from predetermined stored resource data and received print data by communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a readable program and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers and digital multi-function peripherals have a network interface for connecting to an office network environment or a home LAN (local area network), and various information processing such as a plurality of host computers and server computers. There are increasing opportunities for a plurality of users to share and use the printing apparatus.

  The needs required for image forming apparatuses connected via a conventional LAN (local area network) include simply transmitting / receiving print data using a network printing protocol such as LPR (RFC1179). However, in recent years, particularly in the office environment, there has been an increasing need for security in relation to the prevention of unauthorized use of the image forming apparatus and the protection of personal information of print data.

  In these image forming apparatuses having a network interface, print data security technology adopted in recent years includes a password before print data is transmitted from the host computer or before the print data is actually output and discharged from the image forming apparatus. A technique for performing authentication using the method is generally known as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example.

  For example, in the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) (RFC 2565-2569) protocol, which has recently become a standard printing protocol replacing LPR, there is also a mechanism for performing user authentication when transmitting print data or controlling an image forming apparatus. Is defined.

Furthermore, when print data is transmitted from the host computer, the print data can be encrypted and transmitted to the image forming apparatus for the purpose of concealment.
JP 2003-39767 A

  On the other hand, the form overlay function that prints the form used as the background of the print result as the resource data to be stored in the image forming apparatus for reference during the printing process, overlaid with the print data sent from the host computer Form data (background data) to be used is known.

  Here, form data is widely used when printing standard format data such as form output. By using this form overlay function, the form used by the host computer along with the print data according to the standard format is used. It is possible to perform printing in accordance with a fixed form only by transmitting only command data for instructing data.

  However, the security technology in the conventional image forming apparatus including the IPP and the print control system thereof functions as an effective means for preventing unauthorized use from the host computer to the image forming apparatus or concealing transmission data. It has not been applied to unauthorized use of resource data stored in the memory of such an image forming apparatus and referred to during printing processing.

  For this reason, for example, even if personal information or confidential information is included in the form data, there is no restriction on the use by third parties other than the registrant of the form data. There is a problem that there is a risk that the third party may illegally use the receipt form.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A first object of the present invention is to store predetermined resource data referred to when performing a printing process, and to deal with the predetermined resource data. Storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data, comparing user input information transmitted from the information processing device with stored authentication information, By controlling the return of management information that matches the attributes required from the information processing apparatus, it is possible to conceal and manage the predetermined resource data registered in the image forming apparatus so that it cannot be viewed by anyone other than the owner Image forming apparatus, data processing method and co Computer is to provide a storage medium, and program storing readable program.

  The second object is to store resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data, authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data, and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data. In an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus having an access information storage unit via a printer driver, user input information input to correspond to an authentication process on the image forming apparatus is transmitted via the printer driver. The management information input from the user authenticated by the image forming apparatus is acquired from the image forming apparatus according to the transferred user input information, and the acquired management information is displayed via the printer driver. The resource information selection screen to be displayed is displayed on the display unit and selected on the displayed resource information selection screen Resource identification information to be added to the requested print data and transferred to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver, so that the person other than the owner of the predetermined resource data stored on the image forming apparatus side By restricting the resource data browsing request, the image output processing using the intended resource data selected from a plurality of resource data stored in the image forming apparatus by the owner is securely performed. An information processing apparatus, a data processing method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program and a program are provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

  An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses, for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data and resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data referred to when performing a printing process Access information storage means for storing management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data, user input information transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and authentication information stored in the access information storage means In comparison, the information processing apparatus includes control means for controlling a return of management information that matches an attribute requested by the information processing apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

  Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data; and access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus provided via a printer driver, wherein user input information input to correspond to an authentication process on the image forming apparatus is input to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver. First transfer means for transferring, acquisition means for acquiring management information input from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus in accordance with user input information transferred by the first transfer means, Resources for displaying the management information acquired by the acquisition means via the printer driver Display control means for displaying an information selection screen on the display unit, and resource identification information selected on the resource information selection screen displayed on the display unit is added to the requested print data, and the printer driver is connected via the printer driver. And a second transfer means for transferring to the image forming apparatus.

  The data processing method according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

  Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data to be referred to when performing print processing, authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data, and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data; A data processing method in an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses, the user input information transmitted from the information processing apparatus and stored in the access information storage means And a control step for controlling the return of the management information that matches the attribute requested by the information processing apparatus by comparing with the authentication information.

  Also, resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data, access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data, and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus including a printer driver via a printer driver, wherein user input information input to correspond to an authentication process on the image forming apparatus is transmitted via the printer driver. A first transfer step for transferring to the image forming apparatus, and management information input from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus according to the user input information transferred by the first transfer step from the image forming apparatus. An acquisition step to acquire, and the management information acquired by the acquisition step A display control step for displaying a resource information selection screen displayed via the printer driver on the display unit, and resource identification information selected on the resource information selection screen displayed on the display unit is added to the requested print data And a second transfer step of transferring to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver.

  As described above, the predetermined resource data registered in the image forming apparatus can be concealed and managed so that it cannot be viewed by anyone other than the owner, and the security of resource data can be restricted by restricting the user. Can be strengthened.

  Further, a plurality of print data to be transferred are stored in the image forming apparatus by the owner by restricting browsing requests for the resource data by a person other than the owner of the predetermined resource data stored on the image forming apparatus side. The image output process using the intended resource data selected from the resource data can be reliably performed.

  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 illustrating a configuration of a printer control system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A laser beam printer will be described as an example of a printer.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes a general configuration of a host computer, which includes a motherboard 1500 on which a basic system device group inside the host computer 1000 is mounted on one board, and each input / output device is installed inside the motherboard 1500. Various control devices for control are built in.

  In the mother board 1500, the CPU 1 reads an OS (operating system) from the external memory 11 based on a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program stored in the program ROM area of the ROM 3, and uses the RAM 2 as a main memory and a work memory. 4 controls each device connected to 4 centrally.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from an externally connected keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10 connected externally. A disk controller (DKC) 7 is an external memory such as a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD) that is externally connected to store the above-described OS, various applications, font data, user files, virtual memory, and the like. 11 is controlled.

  A network interface controller (NIC) 8 is connected to the LAN 22 via a predetermined network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and executes communication control processing with the printer 2000 connected in the same manner. The LAN 22 is not limited to Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like.

  In the printer 2000, reference numeral 2500 denotes a printer controller that incorporates various control devices connected to the printer 2000.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU), which comprehensively accesses various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program area of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Then, an image signal as output information is output to the print engine 17 connected via the raster controller 16.

  Further, in the program area of the ROM 13, a control program for the CPU 12 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The data area of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating output information to be output to the print engine 17, and in the case of a printer without an external memory 14 such as a hard disk, macro instruction data and form data. I also remember.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a LAN controller (LANC), which is connected to the LAN 22 via a plurality of host computers 1000 via a predetermined network interface, and can perform communication processing with the host computer 1000 under the control of the CPU 12. The printer is configured to be able to provide various types of information in the printer in accordance with print data reception processing from the client 1000 and requests from the host computer 1000.

  Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

  The RAM 19 is also used as an output information expansion area, and further includes an NVRAM (nonvolatile random access memory) and the like, and is used for various print setting information and network address setting information of the printer. Access to the above-described external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20.

  The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. An operation panel 21 is provided with switches for operation, LEDs for displaying printer status and setting information, an LCD display, and the like.

  In the present invention, the interface connected to the LANC 18 is not limited to Ethernet (registered trademark), and needless to say, any medium can be used as long as it is a communication medium capable of network communication such as IEEE 1394 and wireless LAN.

  Further, the LANC 18 may be configured to be detachable as a network card, and may be configured to be replaced with a network card corresponding to various communication media.

  In the printer control system configured as described above, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to sequence diagrams and flowcharts shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication procedure in the printer control system according to the present invention. For example, referring to a form registered in the printer 2000 from the host computer 1000, print data is transmitted by form overlay. Corresponds to the communication procedure. Hereinafter, the form authentication printing process according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The CPU 1 executes transmission / reception processing on the host computer 1000 and transmission / reception processing of the printer 2000 by executing the programs (including the printer driver stored in the external memory 11) stored in the storage medium external memory 11 and the ROM 13 of each device. It is realized by doing.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a page setting option screen by the printer driver of the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. 1, and is displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, RB1 to RB3 are buttons, and it is possible to select any one of “do not perform overlay printing”, “perform overlay printing”, and “create form file” as a processing method. This corresponds to the state in which the button RB2 is being selected. CB is a combo box that can display the name of the form owner. For example, “CB” is selected in the form list.

  BT1 to BT4 are buttons, the button BT1 functions as an OK button, the button BT2 functions as a cancel button, and the button BT3 functions as a help button.

  4-1 is a list acquisition button. When this list acquisition button 4-1 is pressed, a form list acquisition person authentication screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a form list acquirer authentication screen (dialog window) by the printer driver of the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of a registered user name and a reference password.

  In FIG. 4, BT11 is an OK button and BT12 is a cancel button.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the structure of the form list data table FLDTAB stored in the external memory 14 of the printer 2000 shown in FIG. 1, and based on the form list acquisition request from the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. The data is read from the external memory 14 by the CPU 12 of the printer controller 2500 and transferred to the host computer 1000 via the LAN 22.

  In FIG. 5, 51 is an ID number, 52 is a form name, 53 is an owner, 54 is a reference password, and 55 is a print password.

  A user (operator) on the host computer 1000 presses the button RB2 from the print processing method displayed on the overlay processing setting window of the printer driver operating on the host computer 1000 as shown in FIG. When “perform overlay printing” is selected and “use registered form” of the device (in this case, printer 2000) is selected as the form data used in overlay printing, the host computer 1000 sends the printer 2000 to the printer 2000 in phase S201. An acquisition request (request command) for an owner list of form data registered and accumulated in the printer 2000 is transmitted by a predetermined protocol.

  When the CPU 12 of the printer 2000 receives the form data owner list acquisition request, the external memory 14 or the like is searched for the owner list information of the form data currently registered in the printer 2000 in phase S202 shown in FIG. If registered form data exists, the owner list data on the table FLDTAB having the data structure shown in FIG. 5, for example, read from the external memory 14 is returned to the host computer 1000 via the LAN 22. Is done.

  Then, the owner list information received in the phase S202 is obtained by the program driver of the host computer 1000, for example, the name of the owner of the form data is displayed in the “form owner” display area CB as shown in FIG. Displayed in a pull-down menu format.

  Here, after the user (operator) on the host computer 1000 operates the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown) to select a desired one from the owner names displayed in the pull-down menu, “list acquisition” is performed. When the button 4-1 is pressed, an acquisition request for list information of form data corresponding to the selected owner is transmitted to the printer 2000 via the LAN 22 in phase S203.

  When this request is received by the printer 2000, a password request for accessing the form data table FLDTAB of the selected owner is returned to the host computer 1000 via the LAN 22 in phase S204.

  When the host computer 1000 receives the password request, a dialog window for prompting the password as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. When the user on the host computer 1000 inputs the password for accessing the form data of the owner selected here, and presses the “OK” button BT11, the password information input in phase S205 is transferred to the printer 2000 via the LAN 22. Sent to.

  Then, in the printer 2000, when the CPU 12 determines that the user authentication has been successful by comparing and comparing the received password with the registered owner password, the owner form selected from the printer 2000 in phase S206. Data registration list information (including a plurality of form names registered by the same owner as the form name 52) is returned to the host computer 1000.

  The form data registration list information received in phase S206 is the identification information regarding each form data so that the list is displayed in the “form list” display area CB shown in FIG. 3 on the printer driver screen on the host computer 1000. A list of character strings (for example, “estimate”, “financial statements”, “acceptance slip”, etc.) is displayed, and the user who is the form owner does not illustrate one of the character strings that identify each form data. By selecting the pointing device or the like by operating the pointing device or the like, it is stored in the printer driver so that the form data used in the form overlay printing can be selected. When the user issues a print data transmission instruction, in phase S207 The printer driver can be operated by the user along with the print data. Transmits the print data to the printer 2000 including the instruction data, such as by specifying the selected form data to be output in overlay printing, a print instruction is completed.

  The selected form name may be the registered form name itself, or can be referred to separately in the external memory 14 of the printer 2000 as a configuration for adding another simplified designation table code to the print data. The designated form data may be specified by a simple form selection table.

  Further, the data processing procedure on the printer 2000 side in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a printing processing procedure including form owner authentication on the printer 2000 side. S501 to S511 indicate steps, and each step is realized by the CPU 12 loading a control program read from the ROM 13 and the external memory 14 onto the RAM 19 and executing it.

  First, in step S501, when the CPU 12 receives the owner list acquisition request corresponding to the owner list acquisition request for the form data from the host computer 1000 so as to correspond to the phase S201 shown in FIG. 2, in step S502, the CPU 12 receives the owner list acquisition request. The form data owner information (owner name information in the table shown in FIG. 5) stored in the ROM 13 or the external memory 14 in the printer 2000 is transmitted to the host computer 1000 via the LAN 22 as list format data.

  Next, when the CPU 1 receives a form list acquisition request from the host computer 1000 in step S503, in step S504, the host computer 1000 acquires password information corresponding to the owner information specified in the form list acquisition request. The request is transmitted via the LAN 22.

  In step S505, when the CPU 12 receives password information corresponding to the password information acquisition request in step S504 from the host computer 1000, in step S506, the password information received from the host computer 1000 by the CPU 12 and the external memory in the printer 2000 are displayed. 14 or password information included in the owner attribute held in a non-illustrated non-volatile RAM or the like, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the password information matches, and determines that the password information matches. In step S507, a list of identification information of form data corresponding to the owner information designated in step S503 is transmitted to the host computer 1000 via the LAN 22.

  In step S508, when the CPU 12 receives the print data transmitted from the host computer 1000, in step S509, the CPU 12 determines whether or not a form overlay print command is included in the print data, and forms overlay printing is performed. If it is determined that the command is included, the process advances to step S510 to read the form data designated by the form overlay print command from the ROM 13 or the external memory 14 in the printer 2000, and the print transmitted from the host computer 1000. Data and image processing such as synthesis / development processing are performed on the work memory on the RAM 19 to generate output image data that can be printed by the printer engine 17, print processing based on the output image data is performed, and this processing ends.

  As a result, after authenticating that the user on the host computer is a form user, select the desired form from the list of owned forms displayed on the driver, and the registered owned form The desired print result can be obtained by overlaying the print data on the recording paper (not shown).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines in step S509 that the print data received from the host computer 1000 does not include a form overlay print command, the process proceeds to step S511, where only the normal received print data is output image data. Is generated, normal printing processing is performed, and the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the password information transmitted from the host computer 1000 and the printer 2000 do not match the password information held by the CPU 12, this processing is immediately terminated.

  As a result, when the owner himself / herself uses the form data, it is possible to prevent accidental use of the other person's form data, and to restrict unauthorized use of highly confidential form data from a third party. Can contribute to sex.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, in order to explain the object of the present invention in the simplest manner, access control to form data registered in the printer 2000 is performed by using only one password in the printer 2000 for each form data owner information unit. However, in order to improve the security against access to form data, for example, instead of holding a password corresponding to the owner attribute of the form data, a password is set for each form data. It is stored in the table FLDTAB shown in FIG. 5 so that it can be set separately (corresponding by storing the attribute specifying whether or not reference is possible). For example, a password for specific form data is disclosed to others. Releases the use of form data registered on the printer 2000 and only the owner himself Separately set for form data is password that you want to, such as using the form in private, may be configured to allow the use of more flexible form data.

[Third Embodiment]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the form data has been described as an example of the access control target for the resource data stored in the printing apparatus. However, the resource is not limited to the form data, for example, a font other than the form data. It goes without saying that the control procedure described in this embodiment can be applied to resource data that can be stored and accumulated in a storage area inside the printing apparatus, such as data.

  As a result, the font data cannot be used with the owner without knowing the password, and as a result, it is possible to prevent others from obtaining the same print result, and the effect of preventing illegal / counterfeit printing can also be expected. .

[Fourth Embodiment]
In each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which processing is performed without authenticating whether or not the user is a printable user when transmitting print data after the form owner authentication process. The authentication process may be controlled to be executed between step S505 and step S506, for example.

  As a result, a user who does not have printing authority can enhance the security printing function so that normal printing processing including form overlay printing cannot be executed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the case where the form names 52 are the same, that is, the data is stored so that the form names are not duplicated has been described. However, the resource data such as form data may change the data structure due to some trouble. For example, the number of print items may increase, or a part of the table format may be corrected due to a difference in addition of a preset symbol, for example, ¥.

  Therefore, even for the same form name on the table FLDTAB, it is possible to flexibly respond to the above request by storing it together with version information and information for determining the attribute so that the update date and time can be managed simultaneously. Is also possible.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the case where there is one form to be output on one page has been described. However, in the case of a printing apparatus capable of selecting and executing function printing such as 2 in 1, a configuration in which a plurality of forms can be selected simultaneously is configured. May be.

  At that time, in combination with the second embodiment, a plurality of forms having different owners may be selected at the same time.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the authentication process is performed by inputting a password has been described as the user authentication process method. However, as another authentication process method, a printing apparatus that includes a specific reading sensor and performs the user authentication process. Even if it exists, this invention is applicable.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where only the form information owned by the user can be browsed has been described. The relative form number may be configured to be recognizable by an individual user by controlling it as possible.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the case where only the related information of the form information owned by the user can be browsed has been described. However, the authenticated user visually understands the outline of the form data registered in the printing apparatus. In order to select a form, for example, a preview button may be provided on the option screen shown in FIG. 3 so that an outline of the selected form can be easily displayed graphically so as to be visually understood.

  Thereby, the intended form can be easily and reliably selected from a plurality of forms that are partially similar.

  For each registered form data, owner information, usage type (signature, authentication, confidential) and password (for reference, print execution) are stored in a specific area secured in the external memory 14, for example. It is also possible to freely construct an image forming apparatus that requires authentication with an owner password when referring to owned form data (when acquiring or selecting a list) and executing printing (paper discharge).

  And, in the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus, and the image forming system including these having the above-described configuration, when the owner himself / herself uses form data, the use of other person's form data by mistake is prevented. At the same time, only the owner can safely use the highly confidential resource data (for example, form data) and output the intended print data as an image.

  In addition, the access right for resource data can be set separately for reference and for image formation. Further, when print data including resource data is received in the image forming apparatus, an e-mail or the like is sent to the resource data owner. By using the form data, for example, a user other than the owner can use it as a confidential document print or an electronic authentication system.

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

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the image processing system according to the present invention.

  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. 6 in this embodiment may be performed by the 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 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. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 14 will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and a resource data storage unit (for example, a user stored in the external memory 14 shown in FIG. 1) that stores predetermined resource data referred to when performing a printing process Access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor for the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data (including form data or font data). For example, the external memory 14 shown in FIG. 1 or the nonvolatile memory medium storing the table FLDTAB having the data structure shown in FIG. 5 and the user input information transmitted from the information processing apparatus and the access information storage means are stored. Management information that matches the attribute required by the information processing device is compared with the authentication information. Image forming apparatus characterized by a control means for controlling the signal (step S501~S511 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 CPU12 shown in FIG. 1 executes).

  As a result, when performing print processing using form data as resource data registered by an individual user in an external memory, etc., users other than those authenticated by an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing device side In this case, information on registered form data is not browsed, and use other than registered users can be restricted.

[Embodiment 2]
Receiving means for receiving resource identification information selected according to the management information returned to the information processing apparatus and requested print data (reception buffer secured in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 1 or the like, secured in the external memory 14) Any predetermined resource data read from the resource data storage unit based on the selected resource identification information received by the receiving unit and the requested print data, and the received print Generation means for generating image data to be printed from the data (step S510 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 executed by the CPU 12 shown in FIG. 1), and image output means for outputting the image data generated by the generation means as an image (Steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 executed by the CPU 12 shown in FIG. 510) and an image forming apparatus of embodiment 1, characterized in that it comprises a.

  As a result, any registered data based on the print data to which the identification information for the resource data selected by the authenticated user browsing the management data for the resource data returned from the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus is added. Image output processing using resource data can be performed reliably.

[Embodiment 3]
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management information having different attributes includes owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, and password attribute information.

  This allows owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, password attribute information, etc. returned from the image forming apparatus when printing processing is performed using form data registered by individual users in an external memory or the like. Information on registered resource data will not be browsed by users other than those who are authenticated by an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing device while referring to management information including Can be limited.

[Embodiment 4]
The image forming apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the resource data includes any one of overlay form data and font data.

  As a result, when performing print processing using form data as resource data registered by an individual user in an external memory, etc., users other than those authenticated by an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing device side In this case, the information of the registered overlay form is not browsed, and use other than the registered user can be restricted.

  Also, the registered font data information is no longer browsed, and the use of the registered font is restricted to those other than the registered user, and is the same as that using the font selected by the registered user. Obtaining print results is limited.

[Embodiment 5]
Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data; and access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus provided via a printer driver, wherein user input information input to correspond to an authentication process on the image forming apparatus is input to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver. First transfer means for transfer (transfer processing is performed by the program driver stored in the external memory 11 via the NIC 8 of the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. 1), and user input information transferred by the first transfer means Management information input from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus according to the image format Acquiring means (obtained by the program driver stored in the external memory 11 via the NIC 8 of the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. 1), and the management information acquired by the acquiring means is the printer driver. Display control means for displaying the resource information selection screen displayed via the display unit (for example, CRT 11 shown in FIG. 1) (program driver stored in the external memory 11 via the NIC 8 of the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. 1) Display processing), resource identification information selected on the resource information selection screen displayed on the display unit is added to the requested print data and transferred to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver. 2 transfer means (via the NIC 8 of the host computer 1000 shown in FIG. The information processing apparatus program driver stored in the re 11; and a) transferring process.

  As a result, after authenticating whether or not the resource data registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus can be browsed, a third party in which a user other than the authenticated authorized user is registered is registered. Browsing of information related to resource data can be surely restricted, and authorized authorized users can use the intended resource while browsing the contents of the resource data registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus. Print data can be transferred to the image forming apparatus.

[Embodiment 6]
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the management information having different attributes includes owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, and password attribute information.

  As a result, after authenticating whether or not the resource data registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus can be browsed, a third party in which a user other than the authenticated authorized user is registered is registered. Browsing information related to resource data can be surely restricted, and an authorized user can select an intended resource while browsing the contents of the resource data registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus. .

[Embodiment 7]
The information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 5 or 7, wherein the resource data includes either overlay form data or font data.

  As a result, when print processing is performed using form data as resource data registered by an individual user in the external memory of the image forming apparatus, authentication is performed with an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing apparatus side. Information on registered overlay data is not viewed by anyone other than the registered user, and the use other than the registered user can be restricted.

  In addition, the font data information registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus is not browsed, and the use of the registered font by other than the registered user is restricted, and the registered user selects it. Obtaining the same print result as that using fonts is limited.

[Embodiment 8]
Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data to be referred to when performing print processing, authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data, and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data; A data processing method in an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses, the user input information transmitted from the information processing apparatus and stored in the access information storage means And a control step (steps S501 to S511 shown in FIG. 6) for controlling the return of the management information that matches the attribute requested by the information processing device by comparing with the authentication information to be processed. Processing method.

  As a result, when performing print processing using form data as resource data registered by an individual user in an external memory, etc., users other than those authenticated by an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing device side In this case, information on registered form data is not browsed, and use other than registered users can be restricted.

[Embodiment 9]
A receiving step (step S506 shown in FIG. 6) for receiving resource identification information selected according to the management information returned to the information processing apparatus and the requested print data, and the selected received by the receiving step. A generation step (shown in FIG. 6) for generating image data to be printed from any predetermined resource data read from the resource data storage means and the received print data based on the resource identification information and the requested print data The data processing method according to claim 8, further comprising: a step S510) and an image output step (step S510 shown in FIG. 6) for outputting the image data generated by the generation step.

  As a result, any registered data based on the print data to which the identification information for the resource data selected by the authenticated user browsing the management data for the resource data returned from the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus is added. Image output processing using resource data can be performed reliably.

[Embodiment 10]
Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data; and access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data. A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus provided via a printer driver, wherein user input information input to correspond to an authentication process on the image forming apparatus via the printer driver Management information input from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus in accordance with a first transfer step (phase S205 shown in FIG. 2) to be transferred to the image forming apparatus and user input information transferred in the first transfer step Is acquired from the image forming apparatus (phase S206 shown in FIG. 2). A display control step for displaying a resource information selection screen on which the management information acquired in the acquisition step is displayed via the printer driver on a display unit (a phase option not shown in FIG. 3 and a page option screen shown in FIG. And the resource identification information selected on the resource information selection screen displayed on the display unit is added to the requested print data and transferred to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver. A data processing method comprising a transfer step (phase S207 shown in FIG. 2).

  As a result, after authenticating whether or not the resource data registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus can be browsed, a third party in which a user other than the authenticated authorized user is registered is registered. Browsing of information related to resource data can be surely restricted, and authorized authorized users can use the intended resource while browsing the contents of the resource data registered in the external memory of the image forming apparatus. Print data can be transferred to the image forming apparatus.

[Embodiment 11]
The data processing method according to any one of embodiments 8 to 10, wherein the management information having different attributes includes owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, and password attribute information.

  This allows owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, password attribute information, etc. returned from the image forming apparatus when printing processing is performed using form data registered by individual users in an external memory or the like. Information on registered resource data will not be browsed by users other than those who are authenticated by an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing device while referring to management information including Can be limited.

[Embodiment 12]
The data processing method according to any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the resource data includes either overlay form data or font data.

  As a result, when performing print processing using form data as resource data registered by an individual user in an external memory, etc., users other than those authenticated by an acquisition request for form data information from the information processing device side In this case, the information of the registered overlay form is not browsed, and use other than the registered user can be restricted.

  Also, the registered font data information is no longer browsed, and the use of the registered font is restricted to those other than the registered user, and is the same as that using the font selected by the registered user. Obtaining print results is limited.

[Embodiment 13]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the data processing method according to any one of Embodiments 8 to 12.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 8-12 can be anticipated.

[Embodiment 14]
A program for executing the data processing method according to any one of embodiments 8 to 12.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 8-12 can be anticipated.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the communication procedure in the printer control system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a page setting option screen by a printer driver of the host computer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a form list acquirer authentication screen (dialog window) by a printer driver of the host computer shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the structure of the form list data table FLDTAB memorize | stored in the external memory of the printer shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present 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 image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 RAM
3 ROM
8 NIC
9 Keyboard 10 CRT
11 External memory 12 CPU
13 ROM
14 External memory 15 System bus 16 Raster controller 17 Print engine 18 LAN controller 19 RAM
20 Disk controller 21 Operation panel 22 LAN
1000 Host computer 2000 Printer

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses,
Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data referred to when performing a printing process;
Access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor for the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data;
Control means for comparing the user input information transmitted from the information processing apparatus with the authentication information stored in the access information storage means and controlling the return of management information that matches the attribute requested from the information processing apparatus When,
An image forming apparatus comprising: Receiving means for receiving resource identification information selected in accordance with the management information returned to the information processing apparatus and requested print data;
Image data to be printed from any given resource data read from the resource data storage means based on the selected resource identification information received by the receiving means and the requested print data, and the received print data Generating means for generating
Image output means for outputting the image data generated by the generation means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management information having different attributes includes owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, and password attribute information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource data includes overlay form data or font data. Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data; and access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus provided via a printer driver,
First transfer means for transferring user input information input to correspond to authentication processing on the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver;
Obtaining means for obtaining, from the image forming apparatus, management information inputted from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus in accordance with user input information transferred by the first transfer means;
Display control means for displaying, on a display unit, a resource information selection screen on which the management information acquired by the acquisition means is displayed via the printer driver;
Second transfer means for adding resource identification information selected on the resource information selection screen displayed on the display unit to the requested print data and transferring it to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the management information having different attributes includes owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, and password attribute information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the resource data includes either overlay form data or font data. Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data to be referred to when performing print processing, authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data, and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data; A data processing method in an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information processing apparatuses,
A control step for comparing the user input information transmitted from the information processing apparatus with the authentication information stored in the access information storage means and controlling the return of management information that matches the attribute requested by the information processing apparatus And a data processing method. Receiving the resource identification information selected according to the management information returned to the information processing apparatus and the requested print data;
Image data to be printed from any given resource data read from the resource data storage means based on the selected resource identification information received in the receiving step and the requested print data and the received print data A generation step for generating
An image output step of outputting the image data generated by the generation step;
The data processing method according to claim 8, further comprising: Resource data storage means for storing predetermined resource data; and access information storage means for storing authentication information for authenticating an accessor to the predetermined resource data and management information having different attributes for the predetermined resource data. A data processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus provided via a printer driver,
A first transfer step of transferring user input information input to correspond to an authentication process on the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver;
An acquisition step of acquiring, from the image forming apparatus, management information input from a user authenticated by the image forming apparatus according to the user input information transferred in the first transfer step;
A display control step of displaying, on a display unit, a resource information selection screen in which the management information acquired by the acquisition step is displayed via the printer driver;
A second transfer step of adding resource identification information selected on the resource information selection screen displayed on the display unit to the requested print data and transferring it to the image forming apparatus via the printer driver;
A data processing method characterized by comprising:   The data processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the management information with different attributes includes owner attribute information, resource data identification attribute information, and password attribute information.   12. The data processing method according to claim 8, wherein the resource data includes any one of overlay form data and font data.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the data processing method according to claim 8.   A program for executing the data processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

Images