JP2006007702A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer enabling a printing operation to be prevented from being performed under the conditions other than the ones of a predetermined standard parameter 5. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 1 is equipped with a storage means 4 by which a printing is performed based on a printing-job data transmitted from a host computer 2 and the predetermined standard parameter is stored, and with a comparison rewriting means 6 by which the printing-job data is analyzed, and a set-up parameter defined with the host computer 2 is extracted from the printing-job data, and the extracted set-up parameter is compared with the read standard parameter 5 after the standard parameter 5 stored in the storage means 4 having been read, and if both the parameters are different the operation of rewriting the set-up parameter included in the printing-job data into the read standard parameter 5 is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that performs printing based on print job data transmitted from a host computer.

  Depending on the system administrator's request, the printer driver installed on the host computer wants to save paper, so that it always prints on both sides (cannot print on one side), or wants to keep it confidential because it wants to enhance security. The one that has realized the request has existed in the past.

Patent Document 1 discloses a printer system that can always take the correct correspondence between the printer control software and the main part of the printer driver in the same printer operation as before without changing the operating system.
JP-A-11-203066

  However, OSs other than Windows (registered trademark) and Mac often perform printing without using a printer driver, and there is a limit to the method of realizing a system administrator's request with a printer driver installed on a host computer. It was.

  Further, in the printer system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when one printer is shared by a plurality of users, for example, in a school operation, a teacher can freely print, but a student has a school budget. Since there is a risk of printing a large amount without worrying, the administrator cannot satisfy the request to set a predetermined parameter predetermined for each user, such as setting to always perform double-sided printing. .

  On the other hand, when a user interface for setting printing is provided on the host computer, it is desirable that the specified parameters are displayed on the user interface and that the settings cannot be changed. Needs to know the information stored in the storage means of the printer.

  Furthermore, when a large number of printers are introduced, it is very inconvenient to input predetermined specified parameters at the location where the printer is located. If the specified parameters can be set / changed, the administrator cannot operate the intended printer. Therefore, it is desirable that only the administrator can set / change the specified parameters.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer that can prevent printing under conditions other than a predetermined specified parameter.

  As a result of various studies to achieve the above object, the present inventor has stored a predetermined parameter determined in advance by the printer, and the predetermined parameter is determined by the host computer included in the print job data transmitted from the host computer. As a result of comparison with the determined setting parameter, if the setting parameter is different, the setting parameter included in the print job data is changed to the specified parameter, and it has been found that the above problem can be achieved, and the present invention has been achieved.

  That is, the printer of the present invention is a printer that performs printing based on the print job data transmitted from the host computer, and the printer analyzes the print job data and storage means for storing predetermined specified parameters. Then, the setting parameter determined by the host computer is extracted from the print job data, the specified parameter stored in the storage unit is read, and the extracted setting parameter is compared with the read specified parameter. In the case where the two are different from each other, there is provided comparison rewriting means for performing a process of rewriting the setting parameter included in the print job data to the read specified parameter.

  In the printer according to the aspect of the invention, the storage unit stores a user ID for identifying a user in association with the specified parameter, and the comparative rewriting unit analyzes the print job data and determines the print job data from the print job data. The setting parameter determined by the host computer and the user ID for identifying the user are extracted, and after the specified parameter corresponding to the extracted user ID stored in the storage means is read, the extracted setting parameter and the read It is preferable to perform a process of rewriting the setting parameter included in the print job data with the read specified parameter when the specified parameter is compared and the two are different.

  Further, it is preferable that the printer further includes a transfer unit that performs a process of reading the specified parameter stored in the storage unit and transmitting the read specified parameter to the host computer.

  In addition, the printer further includes a storage writing unit that is connected to the management computer via a network so as to be communicable, and that performs a process of writing predetermined predetermined parameters transmitted from the management computer into the storage unit. It is preferable.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the printer further includes electronic authentication means for performing electronic authentication before the storage / writing means writes the specified parameter into the storage means.

  In the printer of the present invention, when the printer stores predetermined predetermined parameters, and the predetermined parameters differ from the setting parameters determined by the host computer included in the print job data transmitted from the host computer, the setting parameters Is changed to the specified parameter, there is an advantage that printing cannot be performed under conditions other than the predetermined specified parameter.

  In the printer of the present invention, a user ID for identifying a user and a specified parameter are stored in association with each other, and when the specified parameter corresponding to the user ID is read and processed, the administrator determines the specified value according to the characteristics of the user. There is an advantage that printing of each user can be restricted and managed according to the parameters.

  In the printer of the present invention, when there is a transfer means for performing processing for transmitting the information stored in the storage means to the host computer, the specified parameters are displayed on the print setting user interface operating on the host computer. There is an advantage that it is easy to grasp and manage the specified parameters.

  In the printer of the present invention, when a storage writing unit is provided that is communicably connected to the management computer via a network and performs processing for writing the specified parameter transmitted from the management computer to the storage unit, There is an advantage that the administrator does not need to go to the front of the printer to change the specified parameter, saving labor.

  In the printer of the present invention, when an electronic authentication unit that performs electronic authentication before the storage writing unit writes the specified parameter to the storage unit is provided, a general user other than the printer administrator changes the specified parameter. There is an advantage that it can be prevented in advance.

  The printer of the present invention is a printer that performs printing based on print job data transmitted from the host computer 2, and includes a storage unit 4 and a comparative rewriting unit 6.

  Examples of the storage unit 4 include a flash memory.

  The storage unit 4 stores a predetermined parameter 5 that is determined in advance. The specified parameter 5 is a specified value determined in advance for printing by the printer 1. For example, aggregation, enlarged continuous shooting, double-sided printing, bookbinding, stamp printing, composition, header / footer, adjustment of print position , Margins, print quality, and initial settings. The specified parameter 5 may be determined in detail, or may be determined only in necessary portions.

  The comparison rewriting means 6 analyzes the print job data, extracts setting parameters determined by the host computer 2 from the print job data, reads the specified parameters 5 stored in the storage means 4, and then extracts the extracted setting parameters. Is a processing operation means for performing a process of rewriting the setting parameter included in the print job data to the read specified parameter 5 if the two are different from each other.

  The comparison rewriting means 6 compares the setting parameter included in the print job data transmitted from the host computer 2 with the specified parameter 5 read from the storage means 4, and if they do not match, the setting parameter included in the print job data. In order to perform the process of rewriting to the specified parameter 5 (process 6a in FIG. 6), no matter what print setting is transmitted from the host computer 2, the printing conditions other than the specified parameter 5 stored in the storage means 4 It becomes impossible to print. However, this does not apply to the printing conditions of the specified parameter 5 that is not stored in the storage unit 4.

  The setting parameters are printing conditions determined on the host computer 2 side that issues a print command, and are included in the print job data.

  An example of the basic configuration of the printer of the present invention is shown in FIG. When the print job data transmitted from the host computer 2 arrives at the comparison / rewrite means 6 via the interface of the printer 1, the comparison / rewrite means 6 first analyzes the print job data and sets the set parameters ( A process of extracting (both sides = OFF, aggregation = OFF) is performed. Next, a process of reading the specified parameter 5 (double-sided = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) stored in the storage unit 4 and comparing the two to rewrite the setting parameter included in the print job data (double-sided = OFF → left) Binding and aggregation = OFF → 2 in 1) are performed. The rewritten print job data is sent to the image forming / control unit 10 and printed under the printing conditions according to the specified parameter 5 stored in the storage unit 4.

  In the printer of the present invention, the storage unit 4 stores the user ID for identifying the user in association with the specified parameter, and the comparison / rewrite unit 6 analyzes the print job data and determines it from the print job data by the host computer 2. The extracted setting parameter and the user ID for identifying the user are extracted, the specified parameter 5 corresponding to the extracted user ID stored in the storage unit 4 is read, and then the extracted specified parameter is compared with the read specified parameter 5 However, if they are different, it is preferable to perform a process of rewriting the setting parameter included in the print job data to the specified parameter 5 that has been read. This is because the administrator is processed in accordance with the defined parameters determined according to the user characteristics, and therefore can restrict and manage the printing of each user.

  Another example of the basic configuration of the printer of the present invention is shown in FIG. When the print job data transmitted from the host computer 2 reaches the comparison / rewrite means 6 via the interface of the printer 1, the comparison / rewrite means 6 first analyzes the print job data and uses the print job data from the host computer 2. The setting parameter (both sides = OFF, aggregation = OFF) and the user ID for identifying the user (ID = TAROU) are extracted. Next, a specified parameter (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) corresponding to the extracted user ID (ID = TAROU) stored in the storage unit 4 is read out, and the two are compared and included in the print job data. Processing for rewriting the setting parameters (double-sided = OFF → left binding, aggregation = OFF → 2 in 1) is performed. The rewritten print job data is sent to the image forming / control unit 10 and printed under printing conditions based on the specified parameters corresponding to the user ID stored in the storage unit 4.

  The printer of the present invention preferably further includes a transfer means 7. Since the information stored in the storage unit 4 is transmitted to the host computer 2, for example, the specified parameter 5 can be displayed on the print setting user interface 11 operating on the host computer 2. This is because management becomes easier.

  The transfer unit 7 is a processing operation unit that performs a process of reading the specified parameter 5 stored in the storage unit 4 and transmitting the read specified parameter 5 to the host computer 2.

  For example, when there is a request from the host computer 2, when a preset time has elapsed, or when the print job data is rewritten by the comparison rewriting unit 6, the transfer unit 7 stores it in the storage unit 4. The specified parameter 5 is read, and the read specified parameter 5 is transmitted to the host computer 2.

  An example of a basic configuration including the transfer means 7 in the printer of the present invention is shown in FIG. In response to a request from the host computer 2, the transfer unit 7 performs a process of reading the specified parameter 5 (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) stored in the storage unit 4 and transmitting it to the host computer 2. The host computer 2 displays the contents of the specified parameter 5 (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) sent from the printer 1, for example, on the print setting user interface 11 (FIG. 3B). In addition, from the display of the print setting user interface 11 (FIG. 3B), it is possible not only to grasp the setting where both sides are bound to the left and the aggregation is 2 in 1, but the user cannot change the setting. It becomes easy to grasp and manage the parameter 5.

  The printer of the present invention preferably further includes a storage writing means 8 that is communicably connected to the management computer 3 via a network. This is because the specified parameter 5 can be changed by remote operation, so that the administrator does not have to go to the front of the printer 1 and can save time.

  The storage writing unit 8 is a processing operation unit that performs processing for writing the specified parameter 5 transmitted from the management computer 3 into the storage unit 4.

  An example of a basic configuration including the storage / writing means 8 in the printer of the present invention is shown in FIG. The management computer 3 and the printer 1 are communicably connected via the Internet 12. When the prescribed parameter 5 (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) transmitted from the management computer 3 reaches the storage writing means 8 via the interface of the printer 1 via the Internet 12, the storage writing means 8, a process of writing the specified parameter 5 (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) to the storage unit 4 is performed. Thus, the administrator can store the specified parameter 5 without going to the printer 1 and can also remotely operate the specified parameter 5.

  The printer of the present invention preferably further includes electronic authentication means 9. By performing electronic authentication before the storage / writing means 8 writes the specified parameters to the storage means 4, it becomes impossible for anyone other than the administrator of the printer 1 to write the specified parameters 5 at all. It is also possible to execute the intended printer operation.

  The electronic authentication unit 9 is a processing operation unit that performs processing for performing electronic authentication before the storage / writing unit 8 writes the specified parameter 5 into the storage unit 4.

  Electronic authentication is authentication used when a transaction is performed on a network. Transactions over the network (electronic transactions) are “I can hardly see the face of the other party”, “Electronic information can be easily forged / tampered”, “Various threats on the network However, electronic authentication is necessary to solve these problems. What is required for electronic authentication is “provide that the creator of the electronic information is the identity of an unspecified party”, “provide that the content of the electronic information has not been forged or altered” There are two points. Cryptographic techniques are used as a method for providing electronic authentication with such a function. Encryption includes, for example, a “confidential function” that conceals information contents and an “authentication function” that guarantees the identity of the information creator.

  The electronic authentication that can be used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and any electronic authentication that is generally called electronic authentication may be used, and a simple password may be used.

  Another example of the basic configuration including the electronic authentication unit 9 in the printer of the present invention is shown in FIG. The management computer 3 and the printer 1 are communicably connected via the Internet 12. When the specified parameter 5 (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1), user name and password transmitted from the management computer 3 reach the electronic authentication means 9 via the interface of the printer 1 via the Internet 12, The electronic authentication unit 9 extracts the password stored in the electronic authentication unit 9 from the received user name, and determines whether the extracted password matches the received password. If they match, the electronic authentication unit 9 transmits the specified parameter 5 (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) to the storage writing unit 8, and the storage writing unit 8 stores the specified parameter 5 in the storage unit 4. A process of writing (both sides = left binding, aggregation = 2 in 1) is performed. If they do not match, a notification that the passwords are different is sent to the management computer 3 via the Internet 12 via the interface of the printer 1. As a result, a person other than the administrator of the printer 1 cannot write the specified parameter 5 at all.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration of a printer according to the present invention. It is the schematic which shows another example of the basic composition in the printer of this invention. (A) It is the schematic which shows an example of the fundamental structure containing the transfer means in the printer of this invention. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting user interface in the host computer. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration including storage writing means in the printer of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration including electronic authentication means in the printer of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the printer of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Host computer 3 Management computer 4 Memory | storage means 5 Specified parameter 6 Comparison rewriting means 7 Transfer means 8 Storage writing means 9 Electronic authentication means 10 Image forming / control means 11 Print setting user interface 12 Internet

Claims (5)

A printer that performs printing based on print job data transmitted from a host computer,
The printer includes a storage unit that stores a predetermined parameter determined in advance;
Analyzing the print job data, extracting setting parameters determined by the host computer from the print job data, reading the specified parameters stored in the storage means, and then reading the extracted setting parameters and the read A printer comprising comparison rewriting means for performing a process of comparing a set parameter included in the print job data with the read specified parameter when the specified parameter is compared with each other and the two are different. The storage means stores a user ID for identifying a user in association with the specified parameter,
The comparative rewriting means analyzes the print job data, extracts a setting parameter determined by the host computer and a user ID for identifying a user from the print job data, and extracts the extracted information stored in the storage means After reading the specified parameter corresponding to the user ID, the extracted setting parameter is compared with the read specified parameter, and if the two are different, the setting parameter included in the print job data is read. The printer according to claim 1, wherein a rewriting process is performed.   3. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit that performs a process of reading the specified parameter stored in the storage unit and transmitting the read specified parameter to a host computer. 4. .   The printer further includes a storage writing unit that is communicably connected to the management computer via a network, and that performs a process of writing predetermined predetermined parameters transmitted from the management computer into the storage unit. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a printer.   The printer according to claim 4, further comprising an electronic authentication unit that performs electronic authentication before the storage and writing unit writes the specified parameter into the storage unit.

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