JP2006018398A - Print controller and print control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the deterioration of a print speed by starting decoding processing of encrypted print data when a user approaches a print controller. <P>SOLUTION: Encrypted print data to which user ID and a password are added are received from a personal computer 212 by a controller unit 30 of a printing device 220, and stored in an HDD in a controller unit 30. When an ID card having an RF-ID chip in which the user ID is stored is detected by an RF-ID reading device 718 of the printing device 220, a reading device 718 reads the user ID in the RF-ID chip, and when the encrypted print data to which the same user ID as the read user ID is added are stored by the controller unit 30, key data are read from the RF-ID chip, and the encrypted print data are decoded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, and more particularly to a technique suitable for receiving encrypted print data from a client such as a personal computer and decrypting and outputting the print data.

Conventionally, in a system in which print data is sent from a client via a network and output by the print control apparatus, the print data is encrypted and transmitted to the print control apparatus by the client from the viewpoint of security. After the authentication in the client is completed, the encrypted print data is decrypted and output. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
JP 2001-188664 A

  However, in the above conventional example, since it takes time for the decoding process, there is a problem that it takes a long time to complete printing in output.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in printing speed by starting a decryption process of print data encrypted by the user's approach. It is possible.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to the present application is
Receiving means for receiving encrypted print data to which user identification information is added from the outside;
Storage means for storing the encrypted print data received by the receiving means;
A reading means for communicating with a storage medium and capable of reading data stored in the storage medium;
In a case where the reading unit becomes communicable with the storage medium and reads the user identification information from the storage medium, and the storage unit stores the print data to which the read user identification information is added, the storage A print control apparatus comprising: a decrypting unit that reads out key data from a medium and decrypts the encrypted print data to which the user identification information is added using the read key data.
It is characterized by comprising.

  According to the present invention, the user can shorten the time waited for the decryption process, and can shorten the time until the print output is obtained.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a printing system configured according to this embodiment.

  Reference numeral 220 denotes a printing apparatus such as a digital copying machine, which mainly has an image input / output function. In this printing apparatus 220, 140 is an operation unit for the user to perform various operations, 10 is an image scanner for reading an image in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140 or the personal computer 212, and 20 is output from the controller unit 30. A printer 718 for printing image data on paper is an RF-ID reading device that can wirelessly read an RF-ID chip.

  A controller unit 30 controls input / output of image data to the scanner 10 and the printer 20 based on instructions from the operation unit 140 and the personal computer 212. For example, control is performed such that image data captured by the scanner 10 is stored in a memory inside the controller, output to the personal computer 212, or output to the printer 20. The controller unit 30 receives print data sent from the personal computer 212, converts it into image data, and outputs it to the printer 20.

  A personal computer 212 is connected to the LAN 2011 as a client, and can output print data to the printing apparatus 220. Reference numeral 213 denotes an RF-ID read / write device capable of reading and writing with respect to the RF-ID chip by wireless communication, and is connected to the personal computer 212.

  Reference numeral 7001 denotes an ID card having a built-in RF-ID chip 7002 that can be read and written by wireless communication, and is always worn by the user. The RF-ID chip 7002 is pre-written with user information such as a user ID, and has a writable area.

  The communicable range of the ID card 7001 incorporating the RF-ID reading device 718 and the RF-ID chip 7002 is about 2 meters, for example.

  The appearance of the printing apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  The scanner unit 10 as an image input device irradiates a document image with a lamp, reads it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal to process it as image data. The original paper is set on the original feeder 146, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 140, the feeder 146 feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer unit 20 that is an image output device is a part that converts image data into an image on paper. In the specification of this patent, the electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt will be described. An ink jet system that prints an image directly on a sheet by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from a controller (described later) inside the apparatus. The printer unit 20 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes can be selected, and has paper feed cassettes 122, 124, 142, 144 and a manual paper feed tray 120 corresponding to the paper feed stages. Further, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 132.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus of the present invention. Details of the operation will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes an original platen glass on which originals fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101. Reference numerals 103, 104, and 105 denote scanning mirrors, which are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown), and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 139. Reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110. Reference numeral 117 denotes an exposure unit, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on image data processed by the controller unit 139 that controls image formation and the entire apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. . Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a sheet. Reference numerals 120, 122, 124, 142, and 144 denote paper feed cassettes (120 is a manual paper feed tray), and the transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the paper feed rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. Then, the operation is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and the writing start timing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is taken and the paper is fed again. A transfer charger 127 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a transfer sheet to be fed. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111. Reference numeral 129 denotes a conveyance belt which conveys the transfer sheet on which the transfer process has been completed to the fixing device 130 and is fixed by heat, for example. Reference numeral 131 denotes a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer sheet after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 132 and the intermediate tray 137. Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 by being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 138 denotes a re-feed roller that transports the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed again.

  The controller unit 139 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and performs the above-described image forming operation in accordance with an instruction from the man-machine interface device 140.

  The configuration of the operation unit 140 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 1032 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits position information to the controller unit 30 when a displayed key is pressed. The numeric keypad 1028 is used when inputting numbers such as the number of copies. A start key 1029 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A stop key 1030 is used to stop an operation in operation. A reset key 1031 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Reference numeral 1023 denotes a guide key. When the key function is not understood, an explanation of the key is displayed. Reference numeral 1024 denotes a copy mode key which is pressed when copying. Reference numeral 1025 denotes a fax key which is pressed to make settings related to fax. A file key 1026 is pressed to output file data. Reference numeral 1027 denotes a printer key, which is used to make settings relating to print output from an external device such as a computer.

  FIG. 6 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel 140.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes an extended function key. When this key is pressed, a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erasing setting, or the like is entered. An image mode key 1002 enters a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copy image. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a user mode key, which can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen for each user. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an applied zoom key, which enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. Reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 denote an M1 key, an M2 key, and an M3 key, which are pressed when calling each mode memory. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a call key, which is pressed to call the copy mode that was previously set. An option key 1009 sets an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from a film. Reference numeral 1010 denotes a sorter key for setting modes such as sort output and group output. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a document mixed loading key which is pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an equal magnification key which is pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. Reference numerals 1014 and 1015 denote a reduction key and an enlargement key, respectively, which are pressed when performing regular reduction or enlargement. Reference numeral 1016 denotes a zoom key which is pressed when performing non-standard reduction or enlargement in increments of 1%. Reference numeral 1013 denotes a paper selection key which is pressed when selecting a printing paper. The density keys 1018 and 1020 are darkly copied every time 1018 is pressed, and lightly copied every time 1020 is pressed. Reference numeral 1017 denotes a density display. When the density key is pressed, the display changes to the left and right. Reference numeral 1019 denotes an AE key which is pressed when a document having a dark background such as a newspaper is copied for automatic density adjustment. Reference numeral 1021 denotes a HiFi key, which is pressed when copying a document having a large halftone density such as a photographic document. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a character emphasis key which is pressed when it is desired to make a character stand out when copying a character document.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the scanner 10 and the printer 20 in the printing apparatus.

  A CPU 751 controls the entire scanner 10 and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 753 (ROM) storing a control program. The CPU address bus and data bus are connected to each load via a circuit comprising a bus driver and an address decoder 752. Further, it is connected to the CPU of the controller unit 30 and performs communication.

  Reference numeral 754 denotes a random access memory (RAM) as a main storage device used as input data storage, a working storage area, or the like. Reference numeral 755 denotes an I / O interface. Each load of devices such as a motor 756, a lamp 757, and a paper detection sensor 758 for detecting a sheet to be conveyed is driven. Connected to.

  The image data read by the CCD unit 106 is transferred to the controller unit 30.

  Next, reference numeral 701 denotes a CPU that controls the printer 20, and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 703 (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program). The address bus and data bus of the CPU 701 are connected to each load through the bus driver circuit and address decoder circuit 702. Reference numeral 704 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data, a working storage area, or the like. Reference numeral 705 denotes an I / O interface, and motors 707, clutches 708, solenoids 709 for driving the paper feed system, transport system, and optical system, and paper detection sensors 710 for detecting the transported paper. Etc. are connected to each load. The developing device 118 is provided with a toner residual detection sensor 711 that detects the amount of toner in the developing device, and its output signal is input to the I / O port 705. A high voltage unit 715 outputs a high voltage to the above-described primary charger 113, developing device 118, pre-transfer charger 119, transfer charger 127, and separation charger 128 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 701.

  The image signal output from the CCD unit 106 is subjected to image processing, which will be described later, by the controller unit 30 and outputs a control signal 117 of the laser unit according to the image data. Laser light output from the laser unit 117 irradiates and exposes the photosensitive drum 110, and a light emission state is detected by a beam detection sensor 713 serving as a light receiving sensor in a non-image area. 705 is input.

  A block diagram of the controller unit 30 is shown in FIG. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner 10 which is an image input device and the printer 20 which is an image output device, and on the other hand, is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to input / output image information and device information. It is a controller. A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, print data, and the like. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 140 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Further, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 140 to the CPU 2001. The NIC 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. A scanner / printer communication I / F 2009 is an I / F for communicating with the CPUs of the scanner 10 and the printer 20. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at a high speed, and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 10 and the printer 20 which are image input / output devices to the controller 30 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / decompression processing of JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of a printing system that starts a decoding process when a user approaches, which is a feature of the present invention. With reference to this figure, the operations and functions of a controller unit 30 in a personal computer 212 and a printing apparatus 220 Will be explained.

  The personal computer 212 reads the user ID from the RF-ID chip 7002 in the ID card 7001 via the RF-ID read / write device 213 (S301).

  If there is a print instruction from the user, a “print” screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed (S302). Here, the user selects a printer to be output from the printer selection button 602 and clicks a property button 607 to encrypt the print data. Then, a property screen is opened, and when a secure print tab is clicked, a “secure print” screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (S303).

  Then, the “Encrypt and print” check box is checked (“Re” is entered), the password is entered in the password input portion 617, and the OK button 613 is clicked (S304). Print data is created (S305).

  Arbitrary key data is generated, and the print data is encrypted using the key data (S306). Various methods for encrypting print data are conceivable. In this embodiment, a common key method is used. There are various methods for dealing with the common key. For example, a method of generating a random number and using the random number as the common key is conceivable. As the encryption method, a known encryption method such as 3DES (data encryption standard) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) can be used.

  The key data is written to the RF-ID chip 7002 in the ID card 7001 via the RF-ID read / write device 213 (S307).

  The read user ID and the input password are added to the encrypted print data (S308).

  The encrypted print data to which the user ID and password are added is transmitted to the printing apparatus (S307).

  Upon receiving the print data (S311), the controller unit 30 of the printing apparatus 220 determines whether the print data is encrypted (S312). If it is not encrypted, printing is performed as it is (S320).

  If it is encrypted, printing is not performed immediately, but the encrypted print data is held in a predetermined spool area in the HDD 2004 in the controller unit 30 and is converted into print data by the RF-ID reading device 718. An ID card containing an RF-ID chip storing the same user ID as the added user ID is detected (S313).

  Since the user wears an ID card, when the user approaches the printing apparatus 220, an ID card storing the same user ID as that added to the print data is detected. If detected, the key data is read from the RF-ID chip (S314).

  Using the read key data, the encrypted print data is decrypted (S315).

  If the ID card storing the same user ID cannot be detected after decryption (S316), the print data is encrypted again (S317). When the print data is decrypted in S315, both the encrypted print data before decryption and the print data after decryption are held in a predetermined spool area in the HDD 2004 in the controller unit, and the ID card Alternatively, it is possible to delete the print data after decryption when it becomes impossible to detect.

  If the ID card storing the same user ID is continuously detected, the “password input” screen is displayed on the LCD display unit 1032 and the user is requested to input the password (S318).

  When the user inputs a password from the operation unit 140, it is determined whether or not the password matches the password added to the print data (S319). If the passwords match, the print data is printed (S320).

  By detecting the approach of the user and performing the composite processing in this way, it is possible to shorten the time until print output is obtained.

  In the first embodiment, when the encrypted data is received, the RF-ID storing the user ID is continuously detected. However, when a large number of print data is received and the user ID is not output, the RF storing the user ID is stored. -Problems such as slow detection of ID and consumption of extra power are assumed, and the second embodiment considers these problems.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller unit 30 in the printing apparatus 220 of the second embodiment, and steps performing the same operation as in the first embodiment are represented by the same step numbers.

  The difference is that a time-out process (S411) in the case where the user ID search cannot be detected within a predetermined time after the search of the user ID is started in S313 is added.

  If the timeout has occurred, the preset timeout processing method is followed (S4121). If the timeout processing method is set to “delete”, the received print data is deleted and the user is notified that the print data has been deleted. (S413). As a method of notifying, e-mail or the like is used. Specifically, the controller unit is provided with an e-mail transmission function (not shown), an address book storing a user ID and an e-mail address corresponding to the ID, and a user ID added to the deleted print data. This can be realized by searching the corresponding e-mail address from the address book and sending an e-mail message indicating that the data has been deleted to the searched e-mail address.

  If the time-out processing method is set to “save”, the received print data is saved in a storage device such as a hard disk inside the printing apparatus, and the user is notified of the save location. (S414). As a notification method in this case, an e-mail is used as in S413, and the fact that the print data has been saved in the body of the e-mail and the path to the file and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) as information indicating the save location are described. This can be achieved.

  The user who has received the save notification e-mail can perform operation printing from the operation unit 140.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, since transmission of print data from the personal computer 212 is unconditional, if the print data is forgotten to be output even if it is transmitted, an increase in unnecessary network traffic may occur. Since problems such as wasteful processing of the printing apparatus are assumed, the third embodiment considers these problems.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 220 according to the third embodiment, and steps that perform the same operations as those of the first embodiment are represented by the same step numbers.

  In the first embodiment, the print data is unconditionally transmitted in step 309. However, in the third embodiment, the process proceeds to step 309 only when the user ID cannot be detected before the transmission. Was added (S501). This utilizes the property that a user who wears an ID card goes away from a printed paper and is away from the RF-ID read / write device 213 connected to the personal computer 212 and cannot communicate.

  In this way, after the print instruction is issued by the personal computer 212, print data is transmitted from the personal computer 212 to the controller unit 30 only when the user really needs print output, so unnecessary traffic on the network or to the controller unit. It is possible to prevent accumulation of unnecessary print data.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

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

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  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 (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, 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 in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present invention. 1 is an external view of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an operation part. It is a figure which shows a LCD display. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a scanner 10 and a printer 20 in the printing apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a controller unit. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the printing system in a 2nd Example. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printing system according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the "print" screen displayed on a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the "secure print" screen displayed on a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

220 Printing Device 212 Personal Computer 213 RF-ID Read / Write Device 718 RF-ID Reading Device 7001 ID Card 7002 RF-ID Chip

Claims (11)

Receiving means for receiving encrypted print data to which user identification information is added from the outside;
Storage means for storing the encrypted print data received by the receiving means;
A reading means for communicating with a storage medium and capable of reading data stored in the storage medium;
In a state in which the reading unit can communicate with the storage medium, the reading unit reads user identification information from the storage medium, and stores encrypted print data to which the user identification information read by the storage unit is added. And decrypting means for reading the key data from the storage medium, decrypting the encrypted print data to which the user identification information is added using the read key data, and generating the decrypted print data. A printing control apparatus comprising: The print control apparatus further includes an operation unit that receives an operation input by a user,
Password information is further added to the encrypted print data,
When the decryption unit decrypts the encrypted print data, and the information input from the operation unit matches the password information in a state where the read unit can communicate with the storage medium, the decrypted print data The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output based on the output is performed.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is capable of wireless communication, and the reading unit performs wireless communication with the storage medium.   The print control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage medium includes a wireless IC tag, and the reading unit is an RF-ID reader.   After the decryption means decrypts the encrypted print data, when the reading means becomes unable to communicate with the storage medium, the decrypted print using the key data read from the storage medium The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an encryption unit configured to encrypt data.   2. The decrypted print data is erased when the reading unit becomes unable to communicate with the storage medium after the decrypting unit decrypts the encrypted print data. The printing control apparatus described. A storage unit that stores the print data in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit when an output based on the print data is not performed for a predetermined time after the reception unit receives the encrypted print data;
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a user corresponding to user identification information added to the print data of a location stored by the storage unit. An erasure unit for erasing the print data if the output based on the print data is not performed for a predetermined time after the reception unit receives the encrypted print data;
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a user corresponding to user identification information added to the print data that the print data has been deleted. A receiving step of receiving encrypted print data to which user identification information is added from the outside;
A storage step of storing the encrypted print data received in the reception step;
A reading step of performing communication between the storage medium and the reading means, and reading data stored in the storage medium;
In a state where the storage medium and the reading unit can communicate with each other, the reading step reads user identification information from the storage medium, and stores the encrypted print data to which the user identification information read by the storage unit is added. A decrypting step of reading the key data from the storage medium and decrypting the encrypted print data to which the user identification information is added using the read key data to generate decrypted print data. A printing control method comprising: A receiving step of receiving encrypted print data to which user identification information is added from the outside;
A storage step of storing the encrypted print data received in the reception step;
A reading step of performing communication between the storage medium and the reading means, and reading data stored in the storage medium;
In a state where the storage medium and the reading unit can communicate with each other, the reading step reads user identification information from the storage medium, and stores the encrypted print data to which the user identification information read by the storage unit is added. A decrypting step of reading the key data from the storage medium and decrypting the encrypted print data to which the user identification information is added using the read key data to generate decrypted print data. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a printing control method having the computer program.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 10 is recorded.

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