JP2006110911A - Printing system and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system and printer preventing a trouble of unauthorized users making a printing without notice while maintaining convenience of files sharing. <P>SOLUTION: In an image formation device 30, (i) when an execution instruction for printing is received from a terminal unit 20, it is judged whether the preparer of a file ready to be printed is the same as the instructor who has instructed a printing. If it is judged that both are identical, a printing is made in the image formation device 30. If it is judged that both are not identical, (ii) a printing-permission requesting mail asking for a permission for printing is sent from the image formation device 30 to a terminal unit 10 provided to the preparer. The preparer (iii) informs the image formation device 30 of the permission or prohibition of printing by the answer mail in the terminal unit 10. When the answer mail is sent, in the image formation device 30, if a permission for printing is shown in the answer mail, a printing is made, and if a prohibition of printing is shown in the answer mail, a printing is not made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing apparatus.

In recent years, a terminal device such as a plurality of PCs (personal computers), printers, servers, and the like are connected to a network such as a LAN, and files such as documents created on each PC are stored in the server. Printing systems that can be shared, viewed, printed, etc. by each user have become widespread.
Such a printing system is very convenient in that files can be shared. On the other hand, some users who want to allow only specific users to print their own files, for example, In order to respond to such a demand, it is necessary to restrict access from each user as necessary. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system in which a server manages access rights for each user, and does not permit printing unless the user who wants to print has access rights.
JP-A-6-214862

  However, in the printing system, since the server manages the access right collectively, for example, a certain file is downloaded to the PC of the user A who has the access right, and the file is downloaded to the PC of another user B that is not managed by the server. If the file is transferred and passed to another user C and removed from the management target of the server, the access right to the file is no longer managed, and the users B, C, etc. do not have the access right. However, printing is freely performed by the user B or the like.

In this case, the file creator is not contrary to the intention of the creator of the file, and the creator cannot know who the user's file is printed without permission and cannot manage the file properly.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a printing system and a printing apparatus that can prevent unauthorized users from printing without permission while maintaining the convenience of file sharing. The purpose is that.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to the present invention is a printing system in which a printing device and at least one terminal device are connected via a network, and the printing device receives data to be printed. First acquisition means for acquiring a file accompanied by first information relating to an authorized person who is permitted to print, and second acquisition means for acquiring second information relating to an instructor of printing for the file And determining whether printing is permitted or not based on the obtained first and second information, and determining that the printing is not permitted, the printing unit does not execute the printing, and the at least one terminal Control means for requesting printing permission from a terminal device provided to the authorized person in the device.

  Here, the first information may include, for example, an identification code of the permitter itself as identification information for specifying the permitter, or a terminal device provided to the permitter. An identification code or the like may be included. Furthermore, an identification code of an unauthorized user may be included. In this case, it becomes possible to specify the authorized person by setting a user other than the unauthorized user as the authorized person.

The second information may include, for example, an identification code of the instructor himself / herself as identification information for specifying the instructor, or an identification code of a terminal device provided to the instructor Can be included.
The terminal device provided to the permitter includes a first accepting unit that accepts a permission request from the printing device, and a reply unit that sends back a response to the permission request. The control means is configured to cause the printing means to execute the printing when the response indicates permission of printing.

Further, the control means discards the file when the reply does not indicate permission of printing.
Further, the first information includes first identification information for identifying the permitter and an address of a terminal device provided to the permitter, and the second information includes the instructor. 2nd identification information for specifying the information is included, and the control means determines whether or not the instructor and the permitter are the same person from the first and second identification information, and is not the same person If it is determined that the printing is not permitted, the printing permission is requested to the destination indicated by the address.

Further, the first and second information is encrypted, and the control means includes a decrypting means for decrypting the encrypted first and second information. To do.
Further, the control means requests the print permission using a first electronic mail, the first reception means accepts the permission request by the first electronic mail, and the reply means includes the reply Is sent back using a second e-mail, and the second accepting unit accepts the reply using the second e-mail.

  The printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus connected to at least one terminal device via a network, and the first information related to the authorized person permitted to print is included in the data provided for printing. First acquisition means for acquiring an attached file, second acquisition means for acquiring second information relating to an instructor of printing for the file, printing means, and acquired first and second information Based on the above, it is determined whether printing is permitted or not, and if it is determined that printing is not permitted, the printing unit is not allowed to execute the printing, and printing is permitted to a terminal device provided to the permitter among the at least one terminal device. And a control means for requesting.

  And a receiving unit that receives a response to the print permission request from the terminal device, and the control unit causes the printing unit to execute the printing when the response indicates printing permission. It is characterized by that.

  As described above, based on the first and second information, whether printing is permitted or not is determined. If it is determined that printing is not permitted, printing is not executed, and printing permission is requested from the terminal device provided to the authorized person. ing. Therefore, it becomes possible for the authorized person to know that printing is not performed without permission from other unauthorized users, and to know that printing is about to be performed, and thus it is possible to perform proper file management. Become. For other general users, the file can be obtained, for example, by downloading, and printing can be performed if the authorized person gives permission, and the convenience of file sharing can be enjoyed in that respect. There is an effect.

In addition, since printing is executed when the response indicates permission of printing, the printing instructor can obtain a printed matter of the file with permission from the authorized person.
Further, when the response does not indicate permission for printing, the file is discarded, so that it is possible to prevent a file that is not used for printing from remaining.
Further, since the first and second information are encrypted, there is no possibility that the first information or the like leaks.

  Furthermore, since a permission request or the like is communicated by a commonly used electronic mail, the communication means can be configured easily.

Embodiments of a printing system and a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) Overall Configuration of Printing System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the printing system 1.
As shown in the figure, the printing system 1 includes terminal devices 10, 20..., An image forming device 30, a mail server 40, an authentication server 50, and the like, which are connected to a network, here a LAN (Local Area Network) 2. It is configured to be connected using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) through which various data can be exchanged.

  An image forming apparatus 30 as a printing apparatus is a multi-function digital copier (Multiple Function Peripheral), which scans an image of a set original and obtains image data, and prints an original image based on the image data ( A function of executing various jobs such as a copy job to be printed) and a print job for receiving a print execution instruction from an external terminal such as the terminal device 20.

  The terminal device 10 is composed of a personal computer (PC), and is installed with application software (hereinafter referred to as “application”) for creating a document, and the user creates a file such as a document using the application. be able to. When a file print instruction is received from the user via the application, the image forming apparatus 30 is instructed to print the file and execute a print job. This configuration is the same for the terminal device 20 and other terminal devices.

The authentication server 50 is a server that performs authentication of a user who uses the terminal devices 10 and 20.
Each of the image forming apparatuses 30 such as the terminal apparatuses 10 and 20 has a function of transmitting and receiving an electronic mail (hereinafter simply referred to as “mail”) via the mail server 40. Here, the known SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) are used for mail transmission and reception.

The outline of the processing contents executed in the printing system 1 having such a configuration will be described. When an instruction to print a certain file is given from the terminal device, for example, 20 to the image forming apparatus 30 (i in the figure), In the image forming apparatus 30, it is determined whether or not the creator of the file to be printed and the instructor who has instructed printing are the same. If it is determined that the files are the same, the image forming apparatus 30 prints the file.

On the other hand, if it is determined that they are not the same, the image forming apparatus 30 sends a print permission request mail requesting print permission to the terminal device provided to the creator, for example, 10 (ii in the figure).
. The creator can notify the image forming apparatus 30 of whether or not the print request is permitted in the terminal device 10 by a reply mail. When a reply mail is sent from the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30 (iii in the figure), and the print permission is indicated in the reply mail, printing is executed in the image forming apparatus 30 and disapproval is indicated Is not printed.

  This allows the creator to know who is trying to perform printing by selecting the permission / inhibition of the print permission request mail when the user's file is about to be printed by another user. Can be prevented, and unauthorized printing by unauthorized users can be prevented. In addition, since the creator is an authorized person who is permitted to print the file for the user, and is also a right holder who has the authority to permit the printing to other users. Here, it is unified and referred to as “right holder”.

Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail. However, since the terminal devices 10 and 20 have the same configuration, the terminal device 10 will be described, and the description of the other terminal devices will be omitted. Further, since the mail server 40 is publicly known, the description thereof is omitted here.
(2) Terminal device 10
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the terminal device 10.

As shown in the figure, the terminal device 10 includes, as main components, a control unit 11, a communication interface (I / F) unit 12, a mail transmission / reception unit 13, a display 14, a keyboard 15, a hard disk drive (HDD) 16, and A mail generation unit 17 is provided.
The communication I / F unit 12 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 2 such as a LAN card or a LAN board.

The mail transmission / reception unit 13 receives a print permission request mail or the like from an external device, for example, the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication I / F unit 12, and sends information included in the received mail to the control unit 11. In addition, the mail generated by the mail generation unit 17 is transmitted to the designated destination via the communication I / F unit 12.
The HDD 16 stores an OS (operating system) and applications, a printer driver for printing control when the image forming apparatus 30 is used as a printer, and various data of files such as documents.

The mail generation unit 17 generates the response mail or the like according to an instruction from the control unit 11.
The control unit 11 includes a CPU and the like, and controls functions displayed on the display 14, accepts input information from the keyboard 15, and executes functions such as an OS, an application, and a printer driver.
Since the same constituent elements as the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 are basically used in the other terminal devices 20 and the like, the same reference numerals as those of the terminal device 10 are used for the constituent elements of the other terminal devices. In particular, when the terminal device 10 and other terminal devices are distinguished and described, they are hereinafter referred to as “the control unit 11 of the terminal device 20”.

(3) Image forming apparatus 30
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 30.
As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 30 includes, as main components, a control unit 31, a communication interface (I / F) unit 32, a mail transmission / reception unit 33, an image reader unit 34, a printer unit 35, and an image memory 36. A job management table 37, an operation panel 38, and a mail generation unit 39.

The communication I / F unit 32 and the mail transmission / reception unit 33 perform the same operations as the communication I / F unit 12 and the mail transmission / reception unit 13.
The image reader unit 34 is a known device that obtains image data by reading an image of a set document. Further, the printer unit 35 prints an image on a sheet based on image data of a document read by the image reader unit 34 and data supplied for printing sent from the terminal device 20 or the like by a known electrophotographic method. It functions as a printing means for (printing).

The image memory 36 stores image data and the like.
The job management table 37 is provided in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and information indicating the job number, execution status, etc. of a job such as copying or printing is written by the control unit 11 to manage the entire job. Used. A configuration example of the job management table 37 will be described later.

Although not shown here, the operation panel 38 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel laminated on the surface in addition to a copy start button, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, and the like. To display a necessary screen, and accept input of a numeric keypad, touch input, and the like by the user, and transmit the received input information to the control unit 11.
The mail generation unit 39 generates a print permission request mail according to an instruction from the control unit 31.

(4) Authentication server 50
Although not shown here, the authentication server 50 belongs to which department (for example, development department, sales department, etc.) the user belongs to each user who uses all terminal devices connected to the LAN 2. , Specifically, an authentication table in which a user ID and a department name are associated with each other.

  As a user authentication request from the image forming apparatus 30, information indicating the user ID of the user who has instructed printing and the print permission range, specifically, the department name of the user who may be permitted to print (described later) is sent. When it is displayed, refer to the above authentication table, and to which department the user who has instructed printing belongs, and whether the department to which the user belongs corresponds to the department name indicated as the print permission range. Judging. If it is determined that they match, it is notified to the image forming apparatus 30 as an authentication result that the user authentication could not be performed. As a method for managing the user's department, for example, a method using a known active directory is also conceivable.

(5) Processing contents of terminal device (5-1) Registration process of right holder information The printing system 1 can determine who is the right holder of the file regardless of where the file created by the terminal device is transferred. As described above, information including the user ID of the right holder (information on the right holder; hereinafter referred to as “right holder information”) is incorporated in the file.

The process of incorporating (registering) the right holder information into the file is performed in each terminal device. Here, an example will be described in which a file such as a document (file name: AAA) is created by an application in the terminal device 10 used by the user A, and right holder information is registered in the created file.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the right holder information registration process.

  As shown in the figure, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 first determines whether or not it is new registration (step S1). This determination is made based on whether right holder information is attached to the file. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not predetermined encrypted information as right holder information exists in a predetermined storage position of the header portion (see FIG. 6) of the file. Here, an example in the case where right holder information is not attached, that is, a new registration will be described.

If it is determined that it is a new registration (“YES” in step S1), a right holder information input acceptance screen is displayed on the display of the terminal device 10 on 14 (step S2).
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the right holder information input acceptance screen 21.
As shown in the figure, the right holder information input acceptance screen 21 is provided with items of a file name, a user ID, a password, a print permission range, and an address.

Here, in the file name column, the file name of the file to be printed, “AAA” in this case, is automatically displayed.
The user ID and password fields are fields for inputting an ID as an identification number indicating the right holder of the file and a password corresponding to the ID. Here, an example in which “1111” as the ID of user A and “2222” as the password are input by user A is shown.

  The print permission range column is a column for inputting a range of users who may be permitted to print the file, for example, a department name. As will be described later, the user of the department to which the field is entered in this field is authenticated as a person who is permitted to print by the authentication server 50. In this sense, even if the user is not the right holder, the user is not restricted. It makes printing possible. Here, an example in which “development department” is input as the department name is shown.

The address column is a column for inputting the mail address of the user (user A). This address is used as a destination of a print permission request mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus 30. The user A can input necessary information in each column using the keys of the keyboard 15 of the terminal device 10 on the right holder information input acceptance screen 21.
Returning to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 3, the right holder information input acceptance screen 21 accepts input of right holder information from the user A.

  When user A clicks button 211 on right holder information input acceptance screen 21 with a mouse or the like, it is determined that the input of right holder information has been completed ("YES" in step S4), and the right holder information that has been input Is encrypted using a predetermined encryption method (step S5), and then the encrypted right holder information is written (registered) in the file (step S6) to register the right holder information. End the process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a file in which right holder information is registered.
As shown in the figure, the file has a header part and a data part made up of document information, and the header part includes right holder information. The user ID, password, etc. as the right holder information are each written in a predetermined storage position (line, etc.) in the header part. In the figure, a state where the content of the right holder information is not encrypted is shown. Actually, each content is encrypted. In addition, in order to make it possible to identify that the encrypted information is right holder information, a predetermined unencrypted symbol, here “” (not shown), is described before and after the encrypted information. I am doing so.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when it is determined in step S1 that it is not a new registration, that is, there is information in a predetermined storage position in the header portion of the file, a predetermined symbol, here, “”, the process proceeds to step S9. Then, the right holder information attached to the file is extracted. Then, a password input acceptance screen (not shown) is displayed on the display of the terminal device 10 on 14 to accept the password input (step S10).

  This password is used to determine whether or not the right holder information is allowed to be updated. Here, the same code as the password registered as the current right holder information (“2222” in the example of FIG. 5) is used. Update permission is judged only when is entered. Therefore, the right holder information cannot be updated unless the password is known, and in effect, only the creator of the file (here, user A) can update.

  When it is determined that the passwords match (“YES” in step S11), a right holder information update acceptance screen (not shown) is displayed (step S12). This rights holder information update acceptance screen has the same configuration as the rights holder information input acceptance screen 21 shown in FIG. 5, and the currently registered rights holder information is displayed in each column. User A can modify, add, delete, etc. each information such as a password on the right holder information update acceptance screen. For example, it is possible to add the user ID and password of a user other than the user to each column of the user ID and password. As a result, the user who is the right holder is not limited to the creator.

When the completion button on the right holder information update acceptance screen is clicked, it is determined that the update of the right holder information has been completed ("YES" in step S14), and the process proceeds to step S5.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the passwords do not match (“NO” in step S11), it is determined whether or not there is an input error three times or more (step S15). This determination can be made, for example, by counting the number of times determined as “NO” in step S11 and referring to the counted value. If it is determined that it is less than three times, that is, once or twice (“NO” in step S15), a password re-input request screen (not shown) is displayed (step S16), and the process returns to step S10. Wait for re-input from.

  When the password is re-input and it is determined that the passwords match ("YES" in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the passwords do not match (“NO” in step S11), the process returns to step S15 again. When the processes in steps S10, S11, S15, and S16 are repeated and it is determined that the input error has reached three times (“YES” in step S15), a message indicating registration failure is displayed on the display 15 (step S17). ), The process ends. At that time, the count value is reset to “0”.

(5-2) Printing Instruction Processing This processing is executed when a user issues a printing instruction for a file on the terminal device. Here, an example in which the user B who uses the terminal device 20 obtains the file (with attached right holder information) by downloading or the like, and the terminal device 20 gives an instruction to print the file from the user B. Will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in the figure, first, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 20 determines whether right holder information is attached to a file to be printed (step S21). This determination is made based on whether or not the information between the predetermined symbols, here “”, exists at a predetermined storage position in the header portion of the file.
If it is determined that the right holder information is attached (“YES” in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S <b> 22, a print instructor information input acceptance screen is displayed on the display 14 of the terminal device 20.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the print instructor information input acceptance screen 22.
As shown in the figure, the print instructor information input acceptance screen 22 is provided with user ID and password items.

  Each column of the user ID and password is a column for inputting an ID as an identification number indicating an instructor instructing execution of the printing and a password corresponding to the ID. Here, an example in which “8888” as the ID of user B and “9999” as the password are input by user B is shown. User B can input necessary information in each column using the keys of the keyboard 15 of the terminal device 20 on the screen 22.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step S <b> 23, an input from the user B is accepted on the print instructor information input acceptance screen 22.
When the button B 221 on the print instructor information input acceptance screen 22 is clicked by the user B, it is determined that the input is completed (“YES” in step S23), and the input information such as the user ID is instructed to print the file. After the information is encrypted using a predetermined encryption method (step 24), the encrypted print instruction information is written into the file (registration). Process) (step S25).

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a file in which print instructor information is registered.
As shown in the figure, print instructor information is added to the header portion. As a result, the header portion includes the encrypted right holder information and the print instructor information. It should be noted that the user ID, password, etc. as the print instructor information are each written in a predetermined position in the header portion, similarly to the right holder information. In the drawing, the contents of the right holder information and the print instructor information are not encrypted so as to be understood. Actually, each content is encrypted. In addition, in order to be able to identify the print instructor information after encryption, a predetermined unencrypted symbol, here <> (not shown) is described before and after the encrypted information. I have to.

Although not shown, the header portion also includes print information including the paper size to be used for printing, the number of copies to be printed, the presence / absence of post-processing such as sorting, and the like.
Returning to FIG. 7, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 20 instructs the image forming apparatus 30 to execute printing (step S26), and ends the processing. Specifically, data in the data portion of the file is converted into data to be used for printing, for example, data in PDL (Page Description Language) format, and the header portion information (right holder information, print instructor) is converted into the data. A file (information having the same structure as that shown in the example of FIG. 9, hereinafter referred to as “print data”) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 30.

If it is determined in step S21 that no right holder information is attached to the file ("NO" in step S21), the file is not subject to printing restrictions, in other words, the file can be freely printed. Then, the process proceeds to step S26 as it is, and an instruction to execute printing is issued to the image forming apparatus 30.
(6) Processes Executed in Image Forming Apparatus 30 that Accepts Print Execution Instruction FIG. 10 shows processes executed when a print execution instruction is accepted in image forming apparatus 30 (when print data is received). It is a flowchart which shows the content. Here, an example when print data from the terminal device 20 is received will be described.

As shown in the figure, when print data is received (step S31), the received print data is temporarily stored in the image memory 36 and it is determined whether right holder information is included (step S32). This determination is made based on whether or not there is information sandwiched by “” of a predetermined symbol at a predetermined storage position in the header portion of the print data.
If it is determined that the right holder information is included ("YES" in step S32), the information of the portion sandwiched between "" of the predetermined symbol is decrypted and extracted as right holder information (step S32). S33).

Next, it is determined whether or not print instructor information is included (step S34). This determination is made based on whether or not there is information sandwiched between <> of a predetermined symbol at a predetermined storage position in the header section.
If it is determined that the print instructor information is included (“YES” in step S34), the information of the portion sandwiched between <> of the predetermined symbol is decoded and extracted as print instructor information. (Step S35). In this sense, the control unit 31 obtains a file in which right holder information (first information) is attached to data to be printed when executing the processes of steps S31 and S33. It can be said that it functions as a second acquisition unit that acquires print instructor information (second information) when performing the processes of steps S31 and S35. Further, when executing the processing of steps S33, S35, etc., it functions as a decrypting means for decrypting the encrypted right holder information and the print instructor information.

  Next, it is determined whether the print instructor matches the right holder (step S36). Specifically, whether or not the user ID and password of the user (instructor) indicated in the print instruction information is included in the user ID and password of the user (right owner) indicated in the right owner information. to decide. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that they do not match. As described above, in the right holder information, as the right holder, a person who has authority to permit printing other than the file creator can be registered. Judgment is made based on whether or not the instructor is included in the plurality of users.

If it is determined that the print instructor matches the right holder (“YES” in step S36), the print data is read from the image memory 36 and printed based on the print information included in the print data (print job). Is executed (step S41), and the process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the print instructor does not match the right holder (“NO” in step S36), the authentication server 50 is requested to authenticate whether the print instructor is within the print permission range (step S36). S37).

  Specifically, the user ID (“8888” in the example of FIG. 9) and the print permission range (“Development Department” in the example of FIG. 9) indicating the print instructor included in the header part of the print data are set. Information to be sent is sent to the authentication server 50. As described above, the authentication server 50 determines the department to which the user with the user ID “8888” belongs from the own authentication table. When it is determined that the determined department belongs to the “development department” as the print permission range, the authentication server 50 notifies the image forming apparatus 30 as an authentication result that the user authentication has been completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the department not belonging to the development department, that is, the department to which the user with the user ID “8888” belongs is a department other than the development department, such as a sales department, it is notified that authentication cannot be performed.

If the image forming apparatus 30 determines that the user is authenticated based on the authentication result (“YES” in step S38), the image forming apparatus 30 proceeds to step S41 and executes a print job.
If it is determined that the user has not been authenticated ("NO" in step S38), a print permission request mail is created and a process of transmitting this to the right holder is performed (step S39).
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print permission request mail.

As shown in the figure, the header portion of the print permission request mail includes information indicating the job number of the print job, here “00001”. This job number is a number assigned to the job every time the job is generated.
The upper part 23 of the body part identifies the file name of the file to be printed, that is, the file name of the file to which permission of printing is requested, “AAA” in this case, and the user who has instructed printing. , “8888” is written here. In the middle part 24 of the body part, a message indicating that the print instructor is requesting permission for printing, and a message indicating how to respond to whether or not to permit the right holder are written. The lower part 25 of the body portion is provided with an input field for inputting the right holder's user ID and password to the right holder. This print permission request mail is generated by the mail generation unit 39 in response to an instruction from the control unit 31.

Specifically, the control unit 31 extracts the file name from the file name column of the right holder information, the address of the right holder from the address column, and the user ID of the print instructor from the print instructor information. And information indicating the job number are sent to the mail generation unit 39.
When the mail generation unit 39 receives the information from the control unit 31, the job number is displayed in the header part, the file name is displayed in the print permission request file name field in the upper part 23 of the body part, and the print instruction person's name is displayed in the user ID field. In addition to writing the user ID, the above message and input field are written in the middle row 24 and the lower row 25 and the address is the address of the right holder, more specifically, the “from” field (not shown) in the header section A mail with the address of the right holder, in this case, the mail address of the terminal device 10 in the “To” field (not shown) is generated as a print permission request mail. The generated print permission request mail is transmitted via the mail transmitting / receiving unit 33 and the communication interface unit 32.

Returning to FIG. 10, in step S <b> 40, the print job is waited for permission, and the process ends. The control unit 31 writes in the job management table 37 that the job is waiting for permission.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the job management table 37.
As shown in the figure, the job management table 37 includes a job number column, a file name column, a print instructor information column, a right holder information column, and a status column.

Each time a new job, such as a print job, is generated, a number indicating the order of generation, 00001, 00002... (Serial number) is assigned to the job number column as a job number, and a new record indicating the number is displayed. It is added sequentially.
In the file name column and right holder information column, information of right holder information included in the header portion of the print data from the terminal device is described, and in the print instructor information column, it is included in the header portion of the print data. Print instructor information is described.

  The status column describes the current status for each job that has occurred. The waiting for permission in the example in the figure shows a state waiting for a reply mail from the right holder for the print permission request mail. As another example, for example, “printing” is described if printing is in progress, “completed” if printing has been completed, “stopped” if stopped due to paper jam, and the like. In the case of a job other than a print job based on a print instruction from the terminal device, for example, a job such as copy or scan, the file name, print instruction information, and right holder information are not acquired. Is done.

  The description and update in each column are executed by the control unit 31, and the control unit 31 refers to the information described in each column of the job management table 37 to determine which (what number) job and which. In the case of a print job, the file to be printed has a file name, the user who has the right of the file, and the user who has instructed printing You can know if there is. Note that the information in each column is updated at a predetermined interval, for example, every minute.

Returning to FIG. 10, if it is determined in step S34 that the print instructor information is not included in the file, the print job is deleted, specifically stored in the image memory 36, because it is not possible to request printing permission. The print data corresponding to the print job in question is erased (step S42), and the process ends.
(7) Processing Performed in Terminal Device Receiving Print Permission Request Mail FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing contents executed in the terminal device that has received the print permission request mail, here, terminal device 10.

  As shown in the figure, when receiving the print permission request mail from the image forming apparatus 30 (step S51), the terminal device 10 displays the description content of the body part of the received print permission request mail on the display 14 (step S51). S52). Here, it is assumed that the message and input fields shown in the upper part 23 to the lower part 25 shown in the body part of FIG. 11 are displayed as they are. Hereinafter, the display screen is referred to as a permission confirmation display screen.

  The terminal device 10 receives an input from the user (right holder) (step S53). In the case of the example of FIG. 11, the right holder can visually confirm that his / her file “AAA” is about to be printed by the user with the user ID “8888” on the permission confirmation display screen. If the right holder thinks that the user can permit printing, he / she can enter his / her user ID and password in the input field in the lower row 25 and does not want to permit printing. If so, you can choose not to enter anything.

When a button (not shown) indicating completion of input provided on the permission confirmation display screen is clicked, it is determined that input has been completed (“YES” in step S54), and a response mail as a response message of the print permission request mail Is generated (step S55).
Specifically, when the mail generation unit 17 receives information such as a user ID input on the permission confirmation display screen from the control unit 11 or information indicating that it has not been input, the job included in the print permission request mail Number, here “00001”, and when the user ID and password are entered, the entered user ID and password are included. A response message having the address as the image forming apparatus 30 is generated as a response mail. Information such as the job number may be described in either the header part or the body part of the reply mail. However, since the image forming apparatus 30 needs to be able to retrieve the information when the mail is received, It is necessary to decide in advance where to describe between the two.

The generated response mail is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 30 via the mail transmission / reception unit 13 and the communication I / F unit 12 (step S56), and the process is terminated. In this sense, the control unit 11, the mail generation unit 17, the mail transmission / reception unit 13 and the like function as a reply unit that returns a response to the print permission request.
(8) Processing Performed in Image Forming Apparatus Receiving Reply Mail FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the reply mail receiving process executed when the image forming apparatus 30 receives the reply mail.

As shown in the figure, when a reply mail is received (step S61), job number, user ID and password information included in the reply mail is extracted (step S62).
Next, referring to the job management table 37, the extracted job number, the user ID and password in the right holder information of the job corresponding to “00001” in the above example, “8888” “9999” in the above example. Is read (step S63).

Whether the user ID included in the response mail matches the user ID read from the job management table 37, and the password included in the response mail matches the password read from the job management table 37. It is determined whether or not (step S64).
If it is determined that they match ("YES" in step S64), it is determined that execution of the print job waiting for permission is permitted (step S65), and the process ends. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match (“NO” in step S64), the print job that has been waiting for permission is discarded, and the fact that the job could not be executed, that is, the terminal device 20 in the above example, indicates that the job could not be executed. (Step S66), and the process ends. Specifically, the print data corresponding to the print job stored in the image memory 36 is erased, and deletion or the like is described in the status column of the job management table 37, and further that printing is not permitted. Is displayed as an error to the print instructor. This error notification can be performed using e-mail, for example.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 requests permission of printing from the right holder when the right holder of the file to be printed and the print instructor do not match, and the right holder Printing is executed only when printing is permitted. Therefore, for the right holder, his / her file is not printed without permission by an unauthorized user, and for other users, the right holder's file is obtained, for example, by downloading, and printing is permitted. This process can be performed after the request process, and in this respect, it is possible to enjoy the convenience of file sharing.

  Furthermore, the right holder can manage which user is allowed to print by referring to the generated response mail, and can appropriately manage file printing. In addition, since the history of the received print permission request mail indicates which user has requested the execution of printing of his / her own file, for example, work cannot be performed without using the printed matter of the file. Assuming an environment, if it is managed which user has not made a print request yet, it is possible to estimate that the work of the user who has not made the print request is not actually progressing. Will.

  The present invention is not limited to the printing system described above, and may be a printing permission request method and a program for realizing the method by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

(9) Modifications As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modifications can be considered.
(9-1) In the above embodiment, the print permission request from the image forming apparatus 30 to the terminal apparatus 10 and the response to the request from the terminal apparatus 10 to the image forming apparatus are performed using mail. As long as the permission request can be transmitted and received between the apparatuses, it is not limited to mail, and for example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the like can be used.

  (9-2) In the above embodiment, the user (right holder, print instructor) is identified using the two codes of the user ID and the password. For example, each user can be specified using only the user ID. In terms of user identification, a terminal provided to the right holder using an identification code of a terminal device provided to each user such as the right holder and the print instructor instead of the user ID and password. A configuration may be considered in which it is determined whether or not the printing instructor is a user permitted to print based on whether or not the identification code of the apparatus matches the identification code of the terminal device provided to the printing instructor. .

  That is, the right holder information may include, for example, the right owner's own user ID and password as identification information for identifying the right holder, or the identification of the terminal device provided to the right holder. A configuration including a code or the like may be used. The same applies to the print instructor information, and the determination of whether or not to permit printing can be realized with any configuration.

The information for specifying the right holder may be an identification code indicating a user who is not the right holder (a non-permitted user who is not permitted to print). In this case, if a user other than an unauthorized user is treated as a right holder, the right holder can be specified.
(9-3) In the above embodiment, the right holder information and the print instructor information are encrypted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the encryption may not be performed.

  Further, the network is not limited to the LAN described above, and any network can be used as long as it can issue a print instruction, a print permission request, and the like, and a configuration using the Internet, WAN, or the like. You can also The printing apparatus is not limited to a copying machine, and can be applied to a printer, a FAX, or the like. Furthermore, the configuration example in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected to the network has been described above. However, the present invention can be applied to any system configuration in which a printing device and at least a terminal device provided to the right holder are connected. In the above description, the image forming apparatus 30 acquires the file attached with the first information and the second information from the external terminal device 20, but the acquisition method is not limited to this. The information can be acquired through an input unit from a disk drive or the like provided in the forming apparatus 30 itself, or the second information can be received from the operation panel and acquired. Further, the terminal device is not limited to a PC, and for example, a wireless portable terminal or the like may be used. Further, the above embodiment and the above modification examples may be combined.

  The present invention can be widely applied to a printing apparatus and a printing system configured to execute printing based on an instruction from a user permitted to print.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device 10 included in a printing system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 30 included in the printing system 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of right holder information registration processing executed in the terminal device 10. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the right holder information input reception screen 21 displayed on the display of the terminal device 10. FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the example of a structure of the file in which right holder information was registered. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a printing instruction process executed in a terminal device 20 included in the printing system 1. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a print instructor information input acceptance screen 22 displayed on the display of the terminal device 20. FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the example of a structure of the file in which the print instructor information was registered. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed when an image execution instruction is received in the image forming apparatus 30. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print permission request mail sent from the image forming apparatus 30 to the terminal device 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a job management table 37 provided in the image forming apparatus 30. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content performed in the terminal device 10 which received the printing permission request mail. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of a response mail reception process executed when the image forming apparatus 30 receives a response mail from the terminal device 10.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printing system 2 LAN
10, 20 Terminal device 11, 31 Control unit 12, 32 Communication interface unit 13, 33 Mail transmission / reception unit 30 Image forming device (printing device)
35 Printer section

Claims (8)

A printing system in which a printing device and at least one terminal device are connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
First acquisition means for acquiring a file in which first information relating to an authorized person permitted to print is attached to data to be printed;
Second acquisition means for acquiring second information relating to an instruction to print the file;
Printing means;
Based on the acquired first and second information, whether the printing is permitted or not is determined. If it is determined that the printing is not permitted, the printing unit does not execute the printing, and the permission in the at least one terminal device is determined. Control means for requesting printing permission to a terminal device provided to the user,
A printing system comprising: The terminal device provided to the permitter is:
First accepting means for accepting a permission request from the printing apparatus;
A reply means for replying a response to the permission request,
The printing apparatus includes:
Second receiving means for receiving the reply,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to execute the printing when the response indicates permission of printing.   The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit discards the file when the reply does not indicate permission of printing. The first information includes first identification information for identifying the permitter and an address of a terminal device provided to the permitter,
The second information includes second identification information for specifying the instructor,
The control means determines from the first and second identification information whether or not the instructor and the permitter are the same person, and if it is determined that they are not the same person, the print permission is determined not to permit the printing. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a request is made to a destination indicated by the address. The first and second information are encrypted;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a decrypting unit that decrypts the encrypted first and second information. The control means requests the print permission using a first e-mail,
The first accepting means accepts the permission request by the first e-mail;
The reply means returns the reply using a second e-mail;
6. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the second receiving unit receives the reply by the second electronic mail. A printing device connected to at least one terminal device via a network,
First acquisition means for acquiring a file in which first information relating to an authorized person permitted to print is attached to data to be printed;
Second acquisition means for acquiring second information relating to an instruction to print the file;
Printing means;
Based on the acquired first and second information, whether the printing is permitted or not is determined. If it is determined that the printing is not permitted, the printing unit does not execute the printing, and the permission in the at least one terminal device is determined. Control means for requesting printing permission to a terminal device provided to the user,
A printing apparatus comprising: Receiving means for receiving a response from the terminal device to the print permission request;
The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to execute the printing when the response indicates permission of printing.

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