JP2006168213A - Printer, printer control program, recording medium, printer control method and printer monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To issue warning by outputting and printing a warning message on the display of a printer 20 or on a sheet when the printer is moved with a change in a connection environment. <P>SOLUTION: The printer is provided with a storage means for storing selection data 51 showing a selected mode when either a normal operation mode or a movement prohibiting mode is selected, a connection environment decision means 61 for deciding whether or not the connection environment detected through interface is a specified connection environment, a storage means for storing a warning message 52 prohibiting use, and a warning message output means 62 for outputting the warning message 52 stored in the storage means by the output display device at a preset timing when the selection data stored in the storage means displays a movement prohibiting mode and the connection environment decided by the connection environment decision means 61 is not a specified connection environment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a printer, a printer control program, a recording medium, a printer control method, and a printer monitoring apparatus that have functions of preventing unauthorized movement and theft and preventing the sale of stolen goods.

As personal computers and other network devices have become smaller and more sophisticated, the used goods market for these devices is also actively functioning. In addition, since it can be easily transported by downsizing, the incidence of theft is also increasing. Therefore, computers and network devices having an anti-theft function have been developed (Patent Document 1) (Patent Document 2).
JP-A-6-75652 JP-A-9-27087

Here, the conventional technique has the following problems to be solved.
In the case of a personal computer, it is effective to make it impossible to use it without entering a password. However, if a person who obtains the computer replaces a hard disk, for example, the function is lost and the computer can be used freely. Further, in order to prevent theft, a mechanism that cannot be taken out is necessary, and a method of sounding a buzzer when the power cable is disconnected is effective. However, it is difficult to adopt it for a device that turns off the power when not in use.
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and in particular, a printer, a printer control program, and a record that can prevent the use of the printer after illegally taking it out, and prevent buying and selling in the second-hand market. It is an object to provide a medium, a printer control method, and a printer monitoring apparatus.

In each embodiment of the present invention, the above-described problems are solved by the following configurations.
<Configuration 1> When either the normal operation mode or the movement prohibition mode is selected, the selection data storage means for storing selection data for displaying the mode, and the connection environment detected through the interface are: Connection environment determination means for determining whether the connection environment is designated, message storage means for storing a warning message for prohibiting use, and selection data stored in the selection data storage means for displaying a movement prohibition mode Because
In addition, when the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination unit is not the specified connection environment, a warning message stored in the message storage unit is output by the output display device at a predetermined timing. A printer comprising message output means.

In the movement inhibition mode, movement that changes the connection environment of the printer is prohibited. And
When the connection environment is changed, a warning message for prohibiting the use can be printed out on a printer display or paper to issue a warning.

<Configuration 2> In the printer described in Configuration 1, when the mode selection means for receiving the mode selection operation for canceling the selection of the movement prohibition mode and the input of authentication information are requested and the authentication processing is normally completed. A printer comprising: an authentication processing unit that permits a release operation of the mode selection unit.

If the password is not entered, the movement prohibition mode cannot be canceled to increase security.

<Configuration 3> The printer according to Configuration 1, wherein the output display device includes a display provided in the printer, and the warning message is displayed on the display.

For example, when a printer switch is turned on, a warning is displayed on the display, so that it has the same effect as an alarm such as a buzzer and cannot be easily turned off.

<Configuration 4> In the printer according to Configuration 1, the output display device includes a print engine provided in the printer, and the warning message is supplied to the print engine and printed on paper. Printer.

For example, since a warning message is printed when the printer switch is turned on, there is an effect that the printer cannot be used normally as it is.

<Configuration 5> The printer according to Configuration 1, wherein the warning message is overwritten in a print buffer when printing is executed until the selection of the movement prohibition mode is canceled.

If the movement prohibit mode is not released, only the warning message overwritten is always printed unless the original connection environment is restored. A warning like a copy protection function for counterfeit bills can be made.

<Configuration 6> The printer according to Configuration 1, wherein the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination unit includes positional information of the printer on the network.

The location information such as the network address of the printer was acquired through the network, and this location information was registered as connection environment information.

<Configuration 7> When a normal operation mode or a movement prohibition mode is selected, a computer that controls the printer is selected through a selection data storage unit that stores selection data for displaying the selected mode, and an interface. Connection environment determination means for determining whether the detected connection environment is a designated connection environment, message storage means for storing a warning message for prohibiting use, and selection data stored in the selection data storage means A warning stored in the message storage means at a predetermined timing when the movement prohibition mode is displayed and the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination means is not the specified connection environment. Function as a warning message output means for outputting a message by an output display device Printer control program.

<Configuration 8> When either the normal operation mode or the movement prohibition mode is selected, the selection data storage means executes a process of storing selection data for displaying the mode, and the connection environment determination A means for executing a process for determining whether or not a connection environment detected through an interface is a designated connection environment, and a message storage means for executing a process for storing a warning message to prohibit the use; The warning message output means displays the movement prohibition mode in the selection data stored in the storage means, and the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination means is not the specified connection environment, At a predetermined timing, a warning message stored in the message storage means is sent to the output display device. And a step of executing a process of outputting more.

<Configuration 9> Mode selection means for storing selection data for displaying a mode of either a normal operation mode or a movement prohibition mode with respect to a selection data storage means of a printer connected via a network; Connection environment storage means for storing the connection environment of the printer, means for notifying the connection environment according to the request of the printer, and input of authentication information when the mode selection means cancels the selection of the movement prohibition mode of the printer. Authentication processing means for permitting the contents of the selection data stored in the selection data storage means of the printer to be changed to one indicating a normal operation mode when the authentication processing is normally completed, and A printer for monitoring the movement of a printer, characterized by comprising authentication information storage means for storing authentication information for authentication processing Monitoring device.

In the present invention, when a printer connected to a computer or a network is illegally taken out and turned on, a warning message for automatically prohibiting use is displayed on the display or printed by the printer. . Therefore, since it cannot be used normally unless it returns to the original use environment, it becomes impossible to trade in the used market. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail for each example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system using a printer according to the present invention.
The system shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a printer 20 and a computer terminal device 10 for controlling the printer 20. The computer terminal device 10 includes a main body control unit 11,
A display 12, a keyboard 13, and a mouse 14 are provided. The main body control unit 11 includes a storage device 25, an arithmetic processing device 30, and an input / output interface 26 therein. A printer 20 is connected to the computer terminal device 10 via an input / output interface 26. A printer control unit 40 is provided inside the printer 20. The computer terminal device is a device that is directly connected to the printer via an interface cable or is connected to the printer via a network and monitors the movement of the printer. Further, as usual, the printer 20 is controlled to print by the printer driver 21.

The printer 20 and the computer terminal device 10 are connected via an input / output interface 26 and a printer interface 41. A display 47 used when operating the printer 20 is provided on the upper right surface of the printer 20. The printer control unit 40 includes a storage device 50, a printer interface 41, a print buffer 42, and a print engine 4.
3, a display buffer 44, a network interface 45, and the like are provided.

The storage device 50 stores selection data 51, a warning message 52, authentication information 53, connection environment information 54, and a warning output flag 55. In order to control the printer 20, a mode selection unit 60, a connection environment determination unit 61, a warning message output unit 62, and an authentication processing unit 63 are provided. In the following description, a usage example of the theft guard mode with high versatility will be described.

The printer 20 shown in FIG. 1 operates by setting one of a normal operation mode and a theft guard mode. When the theft guard mode is set, a certain protection function is exhibited.
Each means provided in the printer control unit 40 is a computer program for realizing such a function for preventing theft, and has a function of causing a computer provided in the printer to execute a certain process. Since the program for executing other control of the printer is the same as the existing program, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

The printer interface 41 is an input / output interface 2 of the computer terminal device 10.
6 and an interface cable (not shown). The printer interface 41 has a function of performing print control data transmission / reception control with the computer terminal device 10 and print data reception control. The print buffer 42 is a print engine 43 of the printer 20.
This is a storage device for temporarily storing print data supplied to the printer. Display buffer 4
A storage device 4 temporarily stores display screen data to be displayed on the display 47 provided in the printer 20.

The selection data 51 stored in the storage device 50 is data for displaying the selected mode when either the normal operation mode or the theft guard mode is selected. The data is composed of, for example, an on / off flag. The warning message 52 is data for displaying a warning message text indicating that the use of the printer is prohibited. When the theft guard mode is selected and the connection environment of the printer 20 is not the connection environment designated in advance, a warning message 52 is displayed on the display 47 or printed out.

The warning output flag 55 is a flag that is turned on when the warning message 52 is output. Until the state of outputting the warning message 52 is canceled, the warning output flag 55
Remains on. The authentication information 53 includes a password for performing user authentication in order to determine whether or not a legitimate user has switched the mode. This authentication process is executed when the mode selection is switched from the theft guard mode to the normal operation mode.

The connection environment information 54 is arbitrary data indicating the environment to which the printer 20 is connected. The connection environment information 54 is configured by status information that can be acquired by the printer 20 via the printer interface 41 or the like, such as the computer name or network address of the computer terminal device 10. The connection environment information 54 is stored in order to automatically determine that the printer 20 is different from the original environment when the printer 20 is stolen or the like and is suddenly moved from the previously connected environment to another environment. Has been.

The mode selection means 60 has a function of rewriting the selection data 51 of the storage device 50. The printer 20 is used to set a normal operation mode or a theft guard mode. This mode selection operation is executed, for example, while displaying a display screen described later on the display 47. The connection environment determination unit 61 has a function of determining whether the connection environment detected through the printer interface 41 is the same as the connection environment information 54 stored in the storage device 50.

The warning message output means 62 has a function of reading the warning message 52 stored in the storage device 50 and outputting it by an output display device such as the display 47. The authentication processing means 63 has a function of confirming the authority of the person who cancels the selection of the theft guard mode. For authentication,
The authentication information 53 stored in the storage device 50 is used. In the release operation, an authentication screen is displayed on the display 47, an input of an authentication code is requested, and verification with the authentication information 53 is performed.

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the above system.
The main body controller 11 of the computer terminal device includes a CPU 111 (central processing unit), ROM
112 (read only memory), RAM 113 (random access memory), HDD 11
4 (hard disks) are connected to each other via a bus line 110. Bus line 1
10, a display 12, a keyboard 13, a mouse 14, and the like are connected via an input / output interface 26.

The above hardware is the same as conventional computer hardware. That is,
A computer program for controlling the computer terminal device 10 shown in FIG.
4, a part of which is sequentially read out to the RAM 113, and the CPU 111 executes the contents. When instruction data is input by the keyboard 13 or the mouse 14 for printer control, the operation information and the operation result are displayed on the display 12. HDD144 or R
The AM 113 functions as the storage device 25 shown in FIG. Each storage device functions as a storage unit that stores the various types of information described above, and any information may be stored in any storage device.

The printer control unit 40 is connected to the input / output interface 26 via an interface cable 116. Inside the printer control unit 40, the CP is connected to the bus line 120.
U121, ROM122, RAM123,124,125, the display 47, and the print engine 43 are connected. The ROM 122 stores firmware dedicated to the printer. The RAM 123 is a memory that stores data as stored in the storage device 50 shown in FIG.

The RAM 124 functions as a print buffer, and the RAM 125 functions as a display buffer. The display 47 receives the transfer of data stored in the RAM 125 and displays the contents. The print engine 43 has a function of sequentially reading data stored in the RAM 124 and printing a certain document or the like on a sheet or the like. Note that each unit provided in the printer control unit 40 of FIG. 1 is preferably protected against unauthorized rewriting.
Therefore, the contents of the RAM 123 may be stored in a non-rewritable storage device such as the ROM 122.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen for explaining the specific operation of the printer as described above.
First, the mode selection operation by the mode selection means 60 will be described. Request for operation is printer 2
An operation button (not shown) provided at 0 is used. On the display 47, a mode selection screen 70 as shown in FIG. Here, a message for displaying the current mode and asking the operator's intention is included. That is, for example, a message such as “Currently normal mode. Do you want to start theft guard mode?” Is displayed.

When the button 71 is clicked here, the mode is switched to the theft guard mode. When the button 72 is clicked, the operation is canceled and the display of the mode selection screen ends. The transition to the theft guard mode is easily executed in this way. On the other hand, when the theft guard mode is set and the mode is canceled, the administrator's authority is required.
FIG. 3B shows a mode selection screen 75 for that purpose. For example, a message such as “Currently in theft guard mode. Do you want to cancel?” Is displayed.

If it is desired to cancel the theft guard mode, the button 76 is clicked. At that time, an authentication screen 78 is displayed as shown in FIG. When an authentication code is entered in the text box 79 here, the theft guard mode is canceled and the normal operation mode is switched.
Otherwise, processing is rejected. When the button 77 on the mode selection screen 75 is clicked, the processing is interrupted and the mode selection screen disappears.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of output display contents when the printer is moved to another connection environment without permission.
FIG. 4A shows the contents of the display screen 80 displayed on the display 47. As shown in this figure, a message 81 such as "This printer has been moved without permission from the administrator. The administrator prohibits the use of the printer outside the specified connection environment" is displayed. It is possible to determine whether or not the printer has been taken out illegally just by turning on the printer for the printer test. Therefore, for example, there is an effect of preventing theft by prohibiting buying and selling in the second-hand market or by immediately reporting to the police from a second-hand equipment dealer.

Such a message is not only displayed on the display 47 but also can be printed on paper by taking advantage of the feature of the printer 20. In the example of FIG. 4B, the message 83 is forcibly overwritten on the printing paper 82. In other words, a normal document cannot be printed by the printer unless the theft guard mode is canceled or the original connection environment is restored. In addition, when the printer is turned on with the paper set, this message 83 may be automatically printed. That is, there may be no data in the print buffer in advance.

In order to realize such a function, the warning message output unit 62 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of executing a process of always overwriting the warning message 52 on the print data stored in the print buffer 42. After the connection environment is suddenly changed and it is determined that a warning message is output, the warning output flag 55 is turned on. Unless this is returned to the original environment, the warning message 52 continues to be output.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the example in which all theft prevention functions are added to the printer has been described. However, it is possible to perform printer mode selection, connection environment information registration, and the like on the computer terminal device side. Similarly to the first embodiment, the system shown in FIG. 5 includes a printer 20 and a computer terminal device 10 for controlling the printer 20. The main body control unit 11 of the computer terminal apparatus 10 is newly provided with a function for monitoring and controlling the printer.

The storage device 25 of the computer terminal device 10 stores authentication information 27, connection environment information 28 (including printer position information 29), and the like. The printer driver 21 of the arithmetic processing unit 30 of the computer terminal device 10 is provided with a mode selection unit 31, an authentication processing unit 32, and a connection environment registration unit 33. These means are all computer terminal devices 10.
This is a computer program that causes a predetermined process to be executed.

The printer 20 is a network printer and is connected to the computer terminal device 10 via the network interface 45. A printer control unit 40 in the printer 20
A part of the data stored in the storage device 50 and a part of the arithmetic processing means are different from those of the first embodiment. The configuration of the other parts remains the same. The storage device 50 stores selection data 51, a warning message 52, and a warning output flag 55. Further, in order to control the printer 20, a connection environment determination unit 61 and a warning message output unit 62 are provided.

In the second embodiment, the mode switching is executed on the computer terminal device 10 side. The authentication information 27 stored in the storage device 25 of the computer terminal device 10 includes a password for performing user authentication in order to determine whether or not an authorized user has switched the mode. This authentication process is executed when the mode selection is switched from the theft guard mode to the normal operation mode.

The connection environment information 28 is arbitrary data indicating the environment to which the printer 20 is connected. The connection environment information 28 can include the network addresses of the computer terminal device 10 and the printer 20. This network address also functions as position information for specifying the position of the printer. The mode selection means 31 has a function of rewriting the selection data 51 of the storage device 50 of the printer 20 via the network. The selection data 51 indicates that the printer 20
Used to set either the normal operation mode or the theft guard mode.

This mode selection operation is executed while displaying the mode setting screen as described above on the display 12. For example, the connection environment registration unit 33 has a function of receiving a notification of the network address of the printer from the printer 20 and storing it in the storage device 25 when the printer is set to the theft guard mode. This printer 20 does not perform mode selection by itself. Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, all functions necessary for mode selection are deleted. The structure and function of the other parts remain the same.

Next, an operation for controlling the printer 20 on the computer terminal device 10 side will be described. The mode selection means 31 provided in the arithmetic processing device 30 displays a mode selection screen on the display 12 of the computer terminal device 10. When any mode is selected here, selection data indicating the selected mode is transmitted to the printer 20 through the input / output interface 26. This selection data is stored in the storage device 50 of the printer 20.

The authentication processing unit 32 is a program that operates when the mode selected by the mode selection unit 31 is switched. Using the authentication information 27 stored in the storage device 25, only an authorized administrator can cancel the theft guard mode. Connection environment notification means 3
3 has a function of notifying the printer 20 of the connection environment of the printer 20. The contents of the connection environment information are the same as those already described.

The above system operates as follows. When setting the printer 20 to the theft guard mode, the mode selection means 31 is activated. At that time, the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 12 of the computer terminal device 10. When the setting is switched to the theft guard mode, information indicating that is transferred from the computer terminal device 10 to the printer 20 and the selection data 51 of the storage device 50 is rewritten. At that time, the authentication information 27 is stored in the storage device 25 by the administrator who has set the theft guard mode.

On the other hand, when canceling the theft guard mode, the mode selection means 31 to the authentication processing means 32
An authentication request is made. The mode selection unit 31 collates the authentication password input on the mode setting screen with the authentication information 27. If they match, the mode selection means 31 determines that the printer control unit 40
The selection data 51 stored in the storage device 50 is rewritten again.

Next, a printer connection environment determination operation will be described. The printer 20 of the second embodiment does not store connection environment information 28. Therefore, when the printer is turned on, the computer terminal device 10 is requested to notify the connection environment information through the network. In response to this request, the connection environment notification means 33 of the computer terminal device 10 reads the connection environment information 28 from the storage device 25 and notifies the connection environment determination means 61 of the printer 20. When the connection environment acquired through the network interface 45 is different from the connection environment information notified from the computer terminal device 10, a warning message is displayed and output. Note that when not connected to the network or when connected to an environment in which the computer terminal apparatus 10 cannot be connected, the connection environment information 28 cannot be acquired, so that it is naturally detected that the connection environment has changed.

Thus, in the system of this embodiment, the selection data rewriting function is not given to the printer. Also, connection environment information is not recorded on the printer. Environment information cannot be acquired without connecting to the printer monitoring server. Therefore, when the printer is stolen, there is an effect that the theft guard mode of the printer cannot be easily released.

Hereinafter, specific operations of the printer of the present invention and a computer terminal device connected to the printer will be described with reference to flowcharts.
FIG. 6 is a specific flowchart of the mode selection operation.
An example in which this operation is performed using a printer will be described. First, the selection data 51 stored in the storage device 50 displays the normal operation mode in the initial state in step S11. Here, the mode selection means 60 is activated and a mode selection screen is displayed in step S12.

This mode selection screen has the contents as shown in FIG. Here, it is determined whether or not the mode is switched in step S13. When the button 71 on the selection screen 70 is clicked, mode selection switching is executed. If switching is to be performed, step S1
4, the selection data 51 is rewritten to change to the anti-theft mode. In the case of the second embodiment, the mode change process is executed on the computer terminal device 10 side, and the selection data stored in the storage device 50 of the printer 20 by the mode selection means 31 of the computer terminal device 10 in step S14. 51 is rewritten.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation for canceling the anti-theft mode.
First, the selection data 51 is in a state in which the anti-theft mode is displayed in step S21.
In step S22, the mode selection means 60 displays a mode selection screen 75 (FIG. 3B). Here, it is determined whether or not the mode is switched in step S23. When the button 76 is clicked, the mode is switched. Otherwise, leave it in standby state.

When the mode switching instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S24, where the authentication screen 7 in FIG.
8 is displayed on the display 47. In step S25, the authentication information input in the text box 79 is read. In step S <b> 26, the authentication processing unit 63 performs a verification process between the authentication information 53 stored in the storage device 50 and the input authentication information. Thereafter, in step S27, it is determined whether or not the authentication is normally completed. If the authentication is normally completed, the process proceeds to step S28, and the anti-theft mode is switched to the normal mode.

In this way, the selection data 51 is rewritten. If the authentication fails, the process ends without doing anything. In the second embodiment, the mode change process is executed on the computer terminal device 10 side. In step S28, the mode selection unit 3 of the computer terminal device 10 is used.
1 rewrites the selection data 51 stored in the storage device 50 of the printer 20.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the printer.
First, when the printer 20 is turned on in step S31, the connection environment determination unit 61 is activated in step S32, and the connection environment information 54 stored in the storage device 50 is read. In step S33, the connection environment determination unit 61 collects a new connection environment when the power is turned on, through the printer interface 41 and the network interface 45. The computer name of the host computer, network address, information from the router, etc. can be acquired.

In step S34, the connection environment designated in advance is compared with the newly read connection environment. When connected to the same network as when the theft guard mode is set, there is no change in the network environment information acquired through the network interface. However, when placed in a completely different environment, different network connection information is obtained. If the connection environment designated in advance does not match the newly read connection environment, the process proceeds from step S35 to step S36 and subsequent steps, and the following processing is executed. If they match, the process ends.

In step S36, the warning message 52 stored in the storage device 50 is read. At this time, the warning output flag 55 is turned on. In step S37, the warning message is copied to the display buffer 44. Thereafter, the warning message output means 62
Control is performed so that the warning message stored in the display buffer 44 is displayed on the display 47 (step S38).

In step S39, it is determined whether to execute printing. For example, if paper is set, it is preferable to start printing unconditionally. When printing is executed, the warning message is overwritten in the print buffer 42. When the print buffer 42 is in the initial state, only a warning message is written in the print buffer 42. In step S41, printing is executed. As a result, an output as shown in FIG. 4B is obtained.

This printer operates such that a warning message is automatically printed out when a power supply is connected. Furthermore, when printing is attempted at an arbitrary timing using a printer, the print data is printed so that a warning message is overwritten. When the power is turned on, a warning message is displayed on the display 47 and automatically Warning message is printed. Therefore, it turns out that it is a stolen goods immediately after turning on the power for confirmation at the time of a second-hand goods transaction.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation during the printing process of the printer.
In the above method, printing cannot be performed when printing paper or ink is not set, so that a warning message is only displayed on the display. Therefore, even if the warning message is ignored and printing is performed thereafter, the warning message is overwritten on the print data. In this process, first, in step S51, it is determined whether or not a print command has been input. If no print command is input, the process ends.

If a print command has been input, it is determined in step S52 whether or not the warning output flag 55 is ON. If not, the warning message output means 62
Has not been processed. That is, since the warning message is not displayed on the display, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the warning output flag 55 is ON,
The connection environment determination unit 61 has already detected a change in the connection environment, and the warning message output unit 62 has already finished the operation for outputting the warning message.

At this time, the warning message 52 is overwritten in the print buffer 42 in step S53. When a print command is input, print data is always written in the print buffer 42 immediately before that. In addition, the warning message 52 is overwritten to prevent normal printout. In step S54, the contents of the print buffer 42 are printed. Thus, a warning message can be forcibly displayed on the paper. That is the output shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of setting the theft guard mode in the printer in order to prevent theft. However, for example, the present invention can be used so that a printer that should be installed in a certain place inside the office is not moved to another place without permission. That is, it is possible to prohibit any movement of the printer including theft. At this time, it is preferable to control the apparatus not widely as a theft guard mode but as a movement prohibition mode. The warning message or the like may be the same as in the above embodiment. Thereby, it is possible to continue using the printer at a fixed position.

The computer program executed by the arithmetic processing unit and the printer control unit is as follows:
It may be modularized in the units shown in the functional block, or may be integrated by combining a plurality of functional blocks. Further, the above computer program may be used by being incorporated into an existing application program. The computer program for realizing the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and installed in any information processing apparatus for use.

1 is a block diagram of a system using a printer according to the present invention. The hardware block diagram of the system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an operation screen explanatory diagram illustrating specific operations of the printer. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of output display contents in another connection environment of the printer. The system block diagram which shows Example 2 of this invention. The specific flowchart of mode selection operation | movement. The flowchart of the operation | movement which cancels | releases an antitheft mode. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation during printing processing of a printer.

Explanation of symbols

10 Computer terminal device 11 Main body control unit 12 Display 13
Keyboard, 14 mouse, 20 printer, 25 storage device, 26 input / output interface, 27 authentication information, 28 connection environment information, 29 printer position information, 30 arithmetic processing unit, 31 mode selection means, 32 authentication processing means, 33 connection environment Notification means, 40 printer control unit, 41 printer interface, 42
Print buffer, 43 Print engine, 44 Display buffer, 45
Network interface, 47 display, 50 storage device, 51 selection data, 52 warning message, 53 authentication information, 54 connection environment information, 55
Output flag, 60 mode selection means, 61 connection environment determination means, 62 warning message output means, 63 authentication processing means

Claims (9)

Selection data storage means for storing selection data for displaying the mode when either the normal operation mode or the movement prohibition mode is selected;
A connection environment determination means for determining whether the connection environment detected through the interface is a specified connection environment;
Message storage means for storing a warning message that prohibits use;
A predetermined timing when the selection data stored in the selection data storage means displays the movement prohibition mode and the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination means is not the specified connection environment. And a warning message output means for outputting the warning message stored in the message storage means by an output display device. The printer according to claim 1.
Mode selection means for receiving a mode selection operation for canceling the selection of the movement inhibition mode;
A printer comprising: an authentication processing unit that requests input of authentication information and permits a release operation of the mode selection unit only when the authentication processing is normally completed. The printer according to claim 1.
The output display device comprises a display provided in a printer,
The printer is characterized in that the warning message is displayed on the display. The printer according to claim 1.
The output display device comprises a print engine provided in a printer,
The warning message is supplied to a print engine and printed on paper. The printer according to claim 1.
The printer is characterized in that the warning message is overwritten in the print buffer when printing is executed until the selection of the movement prohibition mode is cancelled. The printer according to claim 1.
The printer characterized in that the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination means includes positional information of the printer on the network. The computer that controls the printer,
Selection data storage means for storing selection data for displaying the mode when either the normal operation mode or the movement prohibition mode is selected;
A connection environment determination means for determining whether the connection environment detected through the interface is a specified connection environment;
Message storage means for storing a warning message that prohibits use;
A predetermined timing when the selection data stored in the selection data storage means displays the movement prohibition mode and the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination means is not the specified connection environment. A warning message output means for outputting the warning message stored in the message storage means by an output display device;
Printer control program to function as. When any one of the normal operation mode and the movement prohibition mode is selected, the selection data storage means executes a process of storing selection data for displaying the mode; and
A step of executing a process for determining whether or not the connection environment detected through the interface is a specified connection environment;
A step in which the message storage means stores a warning message that prohibits use;
When the warning message output means displays the movement prohibition mode in the selection data stored in the storage means, and the connection environment determined by the connection environment determination means is not the designated connection environment, Executing a process of outputting the warning message stored in the message storage means by an output display device at a determined timing; and
A printer control method including: Mode selection means for storing selection data for mode display of either the normal operation mode or the movement prohibition mode in the selection data storage means of the printer connected via the network;
Connection environment storage means for storing a connection environment of the printer;
Means for notifying the connection environment according to the request of the printer;
When the mode selection unit cancels the selection of the movement prohibition mode of the printer, the selection data stored in the selection data storage unit of the printer is requested when authentication information is requested and authentication processing is normally completed. An authentication processing means for allowing the contents of to be changed to one indicating a normal operation mode;
A printer monitoring apparatus for monitoring printer movement, comprising authentication information storage means for storing authentication information for the authentication process.

Images