JP2006287473A - Image printing method and program, and image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that limitless duplication (copy) of a document printed on a sheet cannot be prevented and it is difficult to prevent intentional or accidental outflow of the document by an operator, and to solve the problem that the amount of printed document which is not taken out increases and appropriate management of document cannot be performed in a company. <P>SOLUTION: In an image printer connected with a network 100, an image reading section 301 reads out the image information of a document, a transmitting section 302 transmits the identification information of the document included in the image information to a predetermined server 101 connected with the network 100, an image information receiving section 303 receives image information based on the transmitted identification information from the predetermined server 101, and a print section 304 prints the received image information on a recording sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus connected to a network, an image printing method using the image printing apparatus, and an image printing program.

  Conventionally, in a copying machine or the like, as long as there is a document manuscript, it can be copied indefinitely. Also, the printer could print unlimitedly as long as there was document data. Furthermore, in recent years, printers and copiers are connected to a network, and it has become possible to print a document created at a location away from the device that created the document.

  However, in the above prior art, it is not possible to prevent unlimited copying (copying) of a document printed on paper, and it is difficult to prevent the document from being leaked due to the operator's intention or negligence. there were. In addition, forgetting to take a printed document has increased, and there has been a problem that proper document management cannot be performed in a company.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image printing method, an image printing program, and an image printing apparatus capable of appropriately performing document print management / duplication management in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image printing method according to the present invention is an image printing method using an image printing apparatus connected to a network. An image reading step for reading the document, a transmission step for transmitting the document identification information included in the image information read by the image reading step to a predetermined server connected to the network, and a transmission step transmitted by the transmission step. An image information receiving step for receiving image information based on the identification information from the predetermined server, and a printing step for printing the image information received in the image information receiving step on a recording sheet. .

  The image printing method according to the present invention includes an authentication information input step for accepting input of operator authentication information to the image printing device, and the image printing device based on the authentication information input in the authentication information input step. And an authentication step for authenticating the printing of the image information.

  The image printing method according to the present invention includes a password, the number of printable copies, the number of printable times, a printable period, an operator with print authority, and an image processing apparatus with print authority. Information relating to at least one of them is set, and a determination step of determining whether to permit printing of the image information based on the information is included.

  Further, the image printing method according to the present invention includes a print information input step for receiving at least one of a password relating to image information printed by the printing step and information relating to the number of copies in the image printing apparatus, The process determines whether to permit the printing of the image information based on at least one of the password and the information regarding the number of copies input in the print information input process.

  The image printing method according to the present invention includes an update information receiving step of receiving update information of the image information before receiving the image information by the image information receiving step in the image printing apparatus, and the update information receiving And an update information output step of outputting update information received by the step.

  The image printing method according to the present invention includes a selection step of accepting selection of desired image information based on the update information in the image printing apparatus, and the transmission step is an image selected by the selection step. Information relating to information is transmitted to the predetermined server.

  The image printing method according to the present invention further includes an editing step of editing the content of the image information in the image printing apparatus, wherein the printing step receives the image information received by the image information receiving step. Printing on recording paper based on the content edited in the process.

  The image printing method according to the present invention includes a charging information generation step for generating charging information for printing the image information, and a charging information output step for outputting the charging information generated by the charging information generation step. It is characterized by that.

  An image printing program according to the present invention is an image printing program using an image printing apparatus connected to a network, and in the image printing apparatus, an image reading process for reading image information of a document, and the image reading process Transmitting the document identification information included in the image information read by the image information to a predetermined server connected to the network, and image information based on the identification information transmitted by the transmission step. An image information receiving step received from a server and a printing step for printing image information received in the receiving step on a recording sheet are executed by the image printing apparatus.

  An image printing apparatus according to the present invention is an image printing apparatus connected to a network, the image reading unit reading image information of a document, and the document included in the image information read by the image reading unit. Transmitting means for transmitting identification information to a predetermined server connected to the network; image information receiving means for receiving image information based on the identification information transmitted by the transmitting means from the predetermined server; and And printing means for printing the image information received by the means on a recording sheet.

  According to the present invention, an image printing method, an image printing program, and an image printing method capable of preventing document copying unlimitedly by restricting document copying, thereby appropriately performing document print management / duplication management, and There is an effect that an image printing apparatus can be obtained.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image printing method, an image printing program, and an image printing apparatus according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(System overview)
First, an overview of the entire system including the image printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image printing system includes a server 101, image printing apparatuses 102 a and 102 b, an image creation apparatus 103, and a mobile terminal apparatus 104, which are connected by a network 100.

  A network 100 connects the above-described constituent devices 101 to 104. Specifically, the network 100 includes a wide range of devices capable of transmitting and receiving data, such as the Internet and general public lines.

  The server 101 controls the entire image printing system. The server 101 also accumulates and stores image information created by the image creation device 103 or the like. Accordingly, the server 101 has a function as a document (image information) management center. Then, based on the image printing request from the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b, the corresponding image information and other information are transmitted to the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b via the network 100.

  The image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b have an image reading function. The image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b transmit identification information regarding the read image from the read image to the server 101 via the network 100, and are transmitted from the server 101 via the network 100. Print the image information. Specifically, the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b are realized by an apparatus having a function of printing an image, such as a digital copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile.

  The image creating apparatus 103 creates image information (document information) to be printed by the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b. Specifically, the image creating apparatus 103 is realized by, for example, a personal computer or a scanner that reads an image.

  The portable terminal device 104 is a portable information processing device that is used for operator authentication or receives update information of image information and displays the update information on a built-in display device. Specifically, the mobile terminal device 104 is realized by, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA, a mobile personal computer, or the like.

(Hardware configuration of image printing device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b are detachable from, for example, a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, an HDD (hard disk drive) 204, an HD (hard disk) 205, and an FDD (flexible disk drive) 206. FD (flexible disk) 207, display 208, I / F (interface) 209, keyboard (operation buttons) 210, touch panel 211, scanner unit 212, printer unit 213, as an example of such a recording medium, It has. The components 201 to 213 are connected by a bus 200.

  The CPU 201 governs overall control of the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b. The RAM 202 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The ROM 203 stores a program such as a boot program. The HDD 204 controls data read / write with respect to the HD 205 according to the control of the CPU 201. The HD 205 stores data written under the control of the HDD 204.

  The FDD 206 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the FD 207 according to the control of the CPU 201. The FD 207 stores data written under the control of the FDD 206 or causes the information processing apparatus to read data recorded on the FD 207. In addition to the FD 207, the removable recording medium may be a CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), memory card, or the like. A display 208 displays data such as documents, images, and function information. For example, in addition to a TFT liquid crystal display, a CRT or a plasma display may be used.

  An I / F (interface) 209 is connected to the network 100 through a communication line, and is connected to the server 101, the mobile terminal device 104, various databases (not shown), and the like via the network 100. The I / F 209 controls an interface between the network 100 and the inside of the apparatus, and controls input / output of data from the server 101, the mobile terminal apparatus 104, various databases (not shown), and the like. The I / F 209 is, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter. The I / F 209 can also be used as an external input / output such as a USB.

  A keyboard (operation buttons) 210 and a touch panel 211 are used for inputting and setting various data. The scanner unit 212 optically reads image information. It also has a function to read barcodes, digital watermarks, and the like. In addition to the scanner device, the scanner unit 212 may be a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like that can optically read an image. The printer unit 213 prints image information and other information. For example, a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, a thermal printer, an impact printer, or the like.

(Functional configuration of image printing device)
Next, a functional configuration of the image printing apparatus will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 3, the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b according to the present embodiment include an image reading unit 301, a transmission unit 302, an image information receiving unit 303, a printing unit 304, an authentication information input unit 305, and an authentication unit. 306, a determination unit 307a, a print information input unit 308, an update information reception unit 309, an update information output unit 310, a selection unit 311, an editing unit 312, a billing information generation unit 313, and a billing information output unit. 314.

  Here, the image reading unit 301 reads the image information of the document. Specifically, the function of the image reading unit 301 is realized by, for example, the scanner unit 212 illustrated in FIG. The transmission unit 302 transmits document identification information included in the image information read by the image reading unit 301 to a predetermined server 101 connected to the network 100. Specifically, the transmission unit 302 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 209 shown in FIG.

  The image information reception unit 303 receives image information based on the identification information transmitted by the transmission unit 302 from the predetermined server 101. Specifically, the image information receiving unit 303 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 209 shown in FIG. The printing unit 304 prints the image information received by the image information receiving unit 303 on a recording sheet. Specifically, the printing unit 304 realizes its function by, for example, the printer unit 213 shown in FIG.

  With this configuration, the operator can print a desired document with the same feeling as copying a sheet by setting the document and scanning the document.

  The authentication information input unit 305 receives input of operator authentication information for the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b. Specifically, the authentication information input unit 305 realizes its function by, for example, the keyboard 210, the touch panel 211, or the scanner unit 212 shown in FIG. The authentication unit 306 authenticates printing of image information in the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b based on the authentication information input by the authentication information input unit 305. Specifically, the authentication unit 306 realizes its function by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in, for example, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the HD 205, and the FD 207 shown in FIG.

  With this configuration, only an authenticated operator can print image information (document) using the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b.

  Further, the image information includes information regarding at least one of a password, the number of printable copies, the number of printable times, a printable period, an operator with print authority, and an image processing apparatus with print authority in advance. Is set. Then, the determination unit 307a determines whether to permit printing of the image information based on the information. Specifically, the determination unit 307a realizes its function when the CPU 201 executes programs stored in the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the HD 205, and the FD 207 shown in FIG.

  Instead of determining whether to permit printing of the image information based on the above information by the determination unit 307a, the determination unit 307b included in the server 101 makes the same determination as the determination unit 307a. Also good. In this case, if printing is not permitted as a result of the determination by the determination unit 307b, the image information may not be transmitted to the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b.

  The print information input unit 308 receives at least one of a password related to image information printed by the printing unit 304 and information related to the number of copies to be printed. Specifically, the print information input unit 308 realizes its function by the keyboard 210 and the touch panel 211 shown in FIG. At this time, the determination unit 307a determines whether or not to permit printing of the image information based on at least one of the password and the information regarding the number of copies input by the print information input unit 308. In addition, the transmission unit 302 transmits information input by the print information input unit 308 to the predetermined server 101, and the determination unit 307b receives at least one of the password and the information regarding the number of copies input by the print information input unit 308. Whether or not printing of the image information is permitted may be determined based on the above.

  Also, the update information receiving unit 309 receives update information of the image information before the image information receiving unit 303 receives the image information. Specifically, the update information receiving unit 309 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 209 shown in FIG. Then, the update information output unit 310 outputs the update information received by the update information receiving unit 309. Specifically, the update information output unit 310 realizes its function by, for example, the display 208 and the printer unit 213 shown in FIG. Further, the function may be realized by transmitting to the information terminal device 104 via the network 100 by the I / F 209.

  Furthermore, the selection unit 311 receives selection of desired image information based on the update information. Specifically, the selection unit 311 realizes its function by, for example, the keyboard 210 and the touch panel 211 shown in FIG. At that time, the transmission unit 302 transmits information regarding the image information selected by the selection unit 311 to the predetermined server 101. Thereby, the server 101 can know which image information is the image information to be transmitted among the updated image information.

  The editing unit 312 edits the content of the image information. Specifically, the editing unit 312 realizes its function when the CPU 201 executes programs stored in the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the HD 205, and the FD 207 shown in FIG. At that time, the printing unit 304 prints the image information received by the image information receiving unit 303 on a recording sheet based on the contents edited by the editing unit 312.

  In addition, the billing information generation unit 313 generates billing information for printing the image information. Specifically, the billing information generation unit 313 realizes its function when the CPU 201 executes programs stored in the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the HD 205, and the FD 207 shown in FIG. Then, the billing information output unit 314 outputs the billing information generated by the billing information generation unit 313. Specifically, the billing information output unit 314 realizes its function by, for example, the display 208 and the printer unit 213 shown in FIG.

(Processing procedure of image printing method)
Next, a processing procedure of the image printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the image printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, first, a document (paper) desired to be printed is set at a predetermined position of the image printing apparatuses 102a and 102b (step S401). When the document is composed of a plurality of sheets, all of them may be set, or one of them (for example, the first page as shown in FIG. 5) may be set. For example, the first page and the last page, or the first page and the next page may be set.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a document desired to be printed (already printed on recording paper). FIG. 5 shows a document normally printed by an image printing apparatus such as a printer. A barcode 501 is printed at a predetermined position (lower right in FIG. 5) of the document. When reading the document (recording paper), the image printing apparatus reads the bar coat 501 as image information. Then, the read barcode 501 is decoded and converted into an alphanumeric code. Then, the converted alphanumeric code is transmitted to the predetermined server 101 via the network 100 as the identification information of this document.

  The barcode 501 may be provided only on a predetermined page (for example, the first page) of the document, or may be provided on all pages of the document. If it is provided on all pages, for example, when a document is composed of a plurality of sheets, the printed content can be made different depending on the set page. That is, image data of only the set page can be received from the predetermined server 101 and printed. The contents to be printed may be changed depending on whether the first page is set or the last page is set.

  Further, depending on which page of a document composed of a plurality of sheets is set and read, the order may be used as a password for permitting printing of the document. Specifically, for example, the third page and the seventh page may be set and read to permit printing, and only the third page of all pages of the document may not be read. By doing so, you may make it permit printing. Further, the reading order may be combined. Specifically, printing may be permitted only when the fifth page is read first, then the second page is read, and then the sixth page is read. Furthermore, the desired document may be printed by setting a dedicated sheet for reading the document identification information, which is a sheet other than the document.

  Next, a paper check is performed (step S402), and it is determined whether to approve printing of the set document (paper) (step S403). Here, when the printing of the set document is not approved (step S403: unapproved), an error screen as shown in FIG. 6-1 is displayed (step S404), and a series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, when the printing of the set processing is approved (step S403: approval), the examination result as shown in FIG. 6-2 is obtained through the authentication procedure (step S405) and the printing procedure (step S406). It is displayed (step S407). Note that details of the authentication procedure (step S405) and the printing procedure (step S406) will be described later (see FIGS. 7, 9, and 11).

  Then, update information of the image information related to the document is acquired (step S408), and printing processing is performed (step S409). Details of acquisition of update information (step S408) and print processing (step S409) will be described later (see FIGS. 15 and 20).

  Thereafter, printing is started and a display screen as shown in FIG. 6-3 is displayed (step S410). By displaying the display screen (printing screen) in FIG. 6-3, the operator can recognize that printing has started. When printing is completed, a display screen as shown in FIG. 6-4 is displayed (step S411). By displaying the display screen (printing completion screen) shown in FIG. 6-4, the operator can confirm that the printing has been completed and can prevent the user from forgetting to remove the printed material.

  Further, a settlement information screen as shown in FIG. 6-5 is displayed (step S412). With this settlement information screen, the operator can easily know the cost required for printing, and can also recognize that the settlement of the cost has been completed. 6-5, when the operator confirms the payment information, all the information (eg, card type, card number, card name, etc.) may be displayed, or a part of the information may be masked. Only the remaining part may be displayed.

  Further, all the information may be displayed at the same time, or may not be displayed at the same time, and may be displayed at different timings for each part of the information. Specifically, when the card number is “0123-4567-8901-2345”, “0123-****-***-****-***” is displayed first and a predetermined time has elapsed. (Approximately about 0.5 seconds to about 1 second is desirable) “******-4567-***-****-***” is displayed, and “******-*” is displayed after the predetermined time has passed. “***-8901-****” is displayed, and “***-****-****-2345” is displayed after the predetermined time. In this way, four alphanumeric characters are displayed in 16 digits. Normally, it is difficult for the operator to confirm 16 digits at the same time, but if it is 4 digits, it can be confirmed easily and reliably. In addition, by displaying 16 digits at the same time, there is a possibility that the third party can steal the card number (voyeurize it). Displaying four digits at a time as described above can reduce the risk of all the card numbers being stolen. This is particularly effective when using a printing apparatus installed in a public facility such as a convenience store.

(Authentication procedure (step S405))
Next, the authentication procedure shown in step S405 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the authentication procedure in step S405. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to authenticate a document (paper) (step S701). Specifically, the operator determines whether authentication is required when printing a document in the image printing apparatus. Here, when authentication is not required (step S701: NO), nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S410 shown in FIG. As a result, the document can be copied in the same manner as when copying with a normal copying machine.

  On the other hand, if authentication is required for printing (copying) in step S701 (step S701: required), a display screen as shown in FIG. 8-1 is displayed to prompt the user to set an authentication object (step S702). Specifically, in FIG. 8A, an IC card with a credit function, which is an example of an authentication product, is held over the screen to read data on an IC chip provided on the employee ID, or a card reader or the like is used. By reading magnetic data, employee numbers, credit card numbers, etc. can be read. Alternatively, a built-in IC chip number (or bar code or the like) is read by holding the mobile phone 104 as another example of the authentication object. Alternatively, the telephone number, authentication number, and the like of the mobile phone 104 can be read using infrared communication of the mobile phone 104.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is selected whether or not to make a settlement using an authenticated object, that is, a credit card or the mobile phone 104 (step S703). Here, in either case where payment is not made with an authenticated product (step S703: payment is not made) or payment is made with an authenticated product (step S703: payment is made), a password input process is performed (step S704, Step S705). The details of the password input process (steps S704 and S705) will be described later (see FIG. 9).

  Thereafter, in step S704, the process related to the authentication procedure is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S406 shown in FIG. On the other hand, in step S705, next, a settlement examination is performed (step S706). If not approved (step S706: unapproved), an error message indicating that the approval cannot be made is displayed as shown in FIG. In step S707), the series of processing ends, and the process does not proceed to step S406 shown in FIG. In the case of approval in step S706 (step S706: approval), the process proceeds to step S406 shown in FIG.

(Password input process (steps S704 and S705))
Next, the password input process shown in steps S704 and S705 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the password input process shown in steps S704 and S705. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, first, an authenticated object is checked (step S901). Here, if the authentication object is a credit card (step S901: credit card), as shown in FIG. 10A, the user is prompted to input a personal identification number of the credit card (step S902), and the process proceeds to step S904.

  On the other hand, if the authentication object is the mobile phone 104 in step S901 (step S901: mobile phone), as shown in FIG. 10-2, the user is prompted to enter the personal identification number of the mobile phone 104 (step S903). The process proceeds to S904. When the password is input in step S904, the operator determines how many times the operator has erroneously input (number of erroneous inputs) (step S904), and if the number is less than the predetermined number (N times) Next (step S904: less than N), it is determined whether or not the input passwords match (step S905).

  If the passwords match in S905 (step S905: approval), the password input process is terminated. On the other hand, if the passwords do not match in step S905 (step S905: unapproved), an error message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed (step S906) as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a re-input screen is displayed to prompt the user to re-enter the password (step S907). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, when the number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (N times) (step S904: N or more), an error display as shown in FIG. 10-5 is performed (step S908), a series of processing is terminated, and the subsequent processing Do not do.

(Printing procedure (step S406))
Next, the printing procedure shown in step S406 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the printing procedure in step S406. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, first, as shown in FIG. 12A, an input of a password (PW) of a document (printed material) to be printed is accepted (step S1101). Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, an input of the number of copies is accepted (step S1102).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12-3, the print contents, specifically, for example, the number of copies to be printed is confirmed (step S1103). If the number of copies to be printed is wrong, the “redo” button is pressed (step S1103: correction), and the process returns to step S1102. On the other hand, when the “OK” button is pressed (step S1103: confirmation), it is checked whether the number of copies is within the possible range (step S1104). Here, when the number of copies is exceeded (step S1104: number of copies exceeded), a display screen as shown in FIG. 12-4 is displayed and re-input of the number of copies is accepted (step S1105).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1102. Here, when returning to FIG. 12-2 described above, although not shown, the number of printable copies may be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 12-2. Alternatively, when the display screen of FIG. 12-2 is first displayed in step S1102, the printable number of copies may be displayed in advance, or the number of copies exceeding the printable number of copies cannot be input. Also good. Furthermore, when it becomes necessary to print more than the number of prints, the number of printable copies may be changed after approval with a special password (not shown).

  In step S1104, if the number of prints is within the possible range (step S1104: approval), it is next checked whether or not the number of times of printing is within the possible number of times (step S1106). Here, when the possible number of times has been exceeded (step S1106: number of times exceeded), an error display as shown in FIG. 12-5 is performed (step S1107), and the series of processing ends. In step S1106, if it is within the possible number of times (step S1106: approval), then a printing time limit is checked (step S1108). The printing deadline is set and registered in advance for each document. If the print deadline has passed (step S1108: expired), an error display as shown in FIG. 12-6 is displayed (step S1109), and the series of processing ends. Thus, by setting the time limit (validity time) for permitting printing, it is possible to easily prevent the document information from being printed after the time limit has passed.

  In step S1108, if it is within the printing deadline (step S1108: approval), then a printing period check is performed (step S1110). The printing period is set and registered in advance for each document. Here, when it is outside the printing period (step S1110: outside period), an error display as shown in FIG. 12-7 is performed (step S1111), and the series of processing is terminated. In this way, by setting the printing period, the document is not printed before the date and time when the document should be published, and is not exposed to third parties. Therefore, for example, in the case of a document related to the announcement of a new product with a specified date and time, the product information is not in a state where it can be known to a third party earlier than the date and time of announcement.

  In step S1110, if it is within the printing period (step S1110: approval), then the authority check described below is performed (step S1112).

(Authority check process (step S1112))
Next, the authority check process shown in step S1112 of the flowchart of FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the authority check process in step S1112. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the print authority of the document is checked (person) (step S1301). Specifically, it is determined whether the operator who has taken the procedure according to the authentication procedure has the authority to print this document. The print authority is set and registered in advance for each document. The print authority may be set for each operator, or may be set according to the operator's department or job title (specifically, “planning department and section manager or higher”).

  Further, by using the telephone number of the mobile phone 104 and a preset password, the owner of the mobile phone 104 may be temporarily given printing authority.

  If there is no printing authority in step S1301 (step S1301: no authority), the error display shown in FIG. 14-1 is performed (step S1302), and the series of processing ends. In this way, even if a person who does not have printing authority tries to print it accidentally or intentionally, the document cannot be printed. On the other hand, if there is a print authority in step S1301 (step S1301: approval), the print authority of the document is checked (machine) (step S1303). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the image printing apparatus that has undergone the procedure by the authentication procedure has the authority to print this document.

  The print authority is set and registered in advance for each document. The printing authority may be set for each image printing apparatus, or may be set depending on the installation location and other conditions. For example, depending on the document (its importance and confidentiality), it can be set so that it cannot be printed by other than an in-house image printing apparatus.

  In step S1303, if there is no printing authority (step S1303: no authority), the error display shown in FIG. 14-2 is performed (step S1304), and the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a print authority in step S1303 (step S1303: approval), the authority check process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S407 shown in FIG.

(Update information acquisition process (step S408))
Next, the update information acquisition process shown in step S408 of the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the update information acquisition process in step S408. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, first, it is determined whether or not there is update information (step S1501). Here, when update information is not necessary (step S1501: No), the process proceeds to step S410 shown in FIG. As a result, the document can be copied in the same manner as when copying with a normal copying machine.

  On the other hand, if there is update information in step S1501 (step S1501: present), then, as shown in FIG. 16A, a display screen for allowing the operator to select whether or not to acquire update information. Is displayed (step S1502). As shown in FIG. 16A, it is possible to select a range in which update information is acquired. Thereby, appropriate update information corresponding to the update time can be provided to the operator.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the acquired update information is displayed, and the user is prompted to select the update information from which update information is desired (step S1503). The update information is displayed in a list. When it cannot be displayed, it is preferable to display all of the update information by scrolling the screen using a scroll bar (not shown). In addition to the update date and time, the update information also displays information about the updater and comments made by the updater. This makes it possible for the operator to select desired update information more reliably.

  When the update information is selected, the selected document is then displayed as shown in FIG. 16-3 (step S1504). Since the contents of the selected document are displayed in this way, the operator can easily determine whether or not the selected document is a desired document. In FIG. 16C, when the update information exists over a plurality of pages, the contents of the page displayed before and after are replaced by the instruction from the operator with the “Previous page” button and the “Next page” button. The contents of the page can be displayed. The displayed update information can also be printed by pressing the “print this content” button by the operator. Then, after the content is confirmed by the operator, the “return” button is pressed, and the process proceeds to step S1505.

  In step S1505, an update information acquisition method selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. Thus, it is determined how to output the update information (step S1505). In FIG. 16-4, when the “send to email” button is selected (pressed) by the operator (step S1505: send to mobile phone), email transmission processing is performed (step S1506), and then update information acquisition is performed. The process ends, and the process proceeds to step S409 shown in FIG. When sending by e-mail, image information related to the update information may be sent, or only text information may be sent. Although illustration is omitted in FIG. 16-4, in FIG. 16-4, it may be selected whether the information to be transmitted is image information or text information. Details of the mail transmission process (step S1506) will be described later (see FIG. 17).

  On the other hand, if the “print” button is selected (pressed) in step S1505 (step S1505: print), an update information print screen is displayed (step S1507) as shown in FIG. When the “Print” button is pressed, printing is performed, and then the update information acquisition process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S409 shown in FIG. If the “No” button is selected (pressed) in step S1505 (step S1505: unnecessary), the update information acquisition process is terminated without doing anything, and the process proceeds to step S409 shown in FIG. .

(Mail transmission process (step S1506))
Next, the mail transmission process shown in step S1506 of the flowchart of FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the mail transmission process in step S1506. In the flowchart of FIG. 17, first, as shown in FIG. 18-1, the registered transmission destination is displayed, and the operator selects a desired transmission destination (step S1701). Specifically, when the “select” button displayed next to the displayed destination is pressed, it is determined that the destination is selected, and similarly, the “delete” button is pressed. Suppose that the destination is not selected. When the “OK” button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1702.

  In step S1702, as shown in FIG. 18B, the selected transmission destination is confirmed by displaying the selected transmission destination. 18-2, when the “return” button is pressed (step S1702: correction), the process returns to step S1701 to display again on the display screen of FIG. 18-1 and correct the selected transmission destination. Can do. On the other hand, in FIG. 18-2, when the “Send” button is pressed (step S1702: confirmation), the transmission is executed, and it is determined whether or not the transmission has been completed normally (step S1703).

  If a transmission error or the like has occurred in step S1703 and the transmission has not ended normally (step S1703: transmission error), an error screen is displayed (step S1704) as shown in FIG. The process ends. On the other hand, in step S1703, if the transmission is completed normally (step S1703: normal), a transmission completion screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 18-4 (step S1705), and the mail transmission process is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to step S409 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 shows the content of the update information output to the mobile phone 104 or paper. If there is only the update information shown in FIG. 19 and the updated document body is not necessary, the operator may obtain the update information shown in FIG. 19 and not obtain the updated document body. Good. In that case, the subsequent processing may be canceled (stopped) when the update information shown in FIG. 19 is acquired.

(Printing process (step S409))
Next, the printing process shown in step S409 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the printing process in step S409. In the flowchart of FIG. 20, it is first determined whether or not it is possible to select print contents (step S2001). If the print content cannot be selected (No at step S2001), the process proceeds to step S410 shown in FIG. 4 without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if it is possible to select the print contents in step S2001 (step S2001: yes), next, as shown in FIG. 21-1, whether to specify a print location is selected (step S2002). . Here, in the case of all content printing (step S2002: all content printing), the processing proceeds to step S410 shown in FIG. 4 without doing anything. On the other hand, when a print location is designated (step S2002: print location designation), as shown in FIG. 21-2, the user is prompted to touch the location to be printed (step S2003). When the operator touches a part to be printed with a finger or the like among the contents displayed on the display screen, the part is surrounded by a predetermined ruled line, and printing is performed only on the enclosed part. In this way, the printing process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S410 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the document image information is read, and the document identification information included in the read image information is transmitted to the predetermined server 101 connected to the network 100, The image information based on the transmitted identification information is received from the predetermined server 101, and the received image information is printed on the recording paper. Therefore, by restricting document duplication, unlimited document duplication is prevented, As a result, document print management and copy management can be appropriately performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, the operator does not need to print a document for presentation in the company as many times as necessary, bring it, and move to a negotiating party. The operator brings only a part of the document (or only the cover), and sets the document in the copier at the negotiating copier or near the negotiating party (for example, a convenience store). The required number of copies can be printed as if copying. Even in this case, since a third party other than the operator cannot make a copy based on the brought document, the document information can be prevented from being leaked. In this way, there is no need to bring a large amount of printed material, and there is no loss during the carrying. Furthermore, the document is not soiled or damaged due to rain or the like while the document is being transported (while it is being brought).

  Also, when bringing a document, even if the document is not completely completed, it can be printed if it is completed before printing. Therefore, it is possible to use the time more effectively than bringing the document after it is completed and printed. In addition, when the document includes information that changes every moment, the negotiating party can provide a document that covers the latest information as much as possible.

  In addition, the editing function allows simple corrections or the like immediately before printing, thereby improving the completeness of the document.

  In addition, the printed image may be printed together with a display indicating that the printed material has been printed by an authorized image printing apparatus. For example, “This document is a legitimately printed document”, “This content is guaranteed by XX company”, printed printing device, certifier, printing date, serial number of printed material, etc. It is good to print together. Furthermore, a bar code or digital watermark indicating the above contents may be printed together with or instead of this display. In this way, it is possible to perform document print management / duplication management more appropriately.

  Note that the image printing method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, this program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the image printing method, the image printing program, and the image printing apparatus according to the present invention are suitable for use in an image printing system that prints a created document on a remote printer or the like.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image printing apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the image printing apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the image printing method concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the document (what has already been printed on the recording paper) which wishes to print. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the authentication procedure of step S405 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the password input process shown to step S704 and step S705 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the content of a printing procedure in step S406 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the authority check process of step S1112 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of update information acquisition of step S408 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the mail transmission process of step S1506 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content in which update information was output to the mobile telephone or the paper. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a printing process in step S409 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the display content displayed on the display screen of an image printing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Network 101 Server 102a, 102b Image printing apparatus 103 Image creation apparatus 104 Portable terminal device (cellular phone)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 301 Image reading part 302 Transmission part 303 Image information receiving part 304 Printing part 305 Authentication information input part 306 Authentication part 307a, 307b Judgment part 308 Print information input part 309 Update information receiving part 310 Update information output part 311 Selection part 312 Editing part 313 Accounting information generation unit 314 Accounting information output unit

Claims (10)

An image printing method using an image printing apparatus connected to a network,
In the image printing apparatus, an image reading step of reading image information of a document;
A transmission step of transmitting identification information of the document included in the image information read by the image reading step to a predetermined server connected to the network;
An image information receiving step of receiving image information based on the identification information transmitted by the transmitting step from the predetermined server;
A printing step of printing the image information received by the image information receiving step on a recording paper;
An image printing method comprising: An authentication information input step for receiving input of operator authentication information for the image printing apparatus;
An authentication step for authenticating printing of the image information in the image printing apparatus based on the authentication information input by the authentication information input step;
The image printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: In the image information, information regarding at least one of a password, the number of printable copies, the number of printable times, a printable period, an operator with print authority and an image processing apparatus with print authority is set. And
The image printing method according to claim 1, further comprising a determination step of determining whether to permit printing of the image information based on the information. The image printing apparatus includes a print information input step for receiving at least one of a password related to image information printed by the printing step and information related to the number of copies,
The determination step determines whether to permit printing of the image information based on at least one of the password and the information regarding the number of copies input in the print information input step. The image printing method as described. In the image printing apparatus, before receiving the image information by the image information receiving step, an update information receiving step of receiving update information of the image information;
An update information output step for outputting the update information received by the update information reception step;
The image printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: The image printing apparatus includes a selection step of accepting selection of desired image information based on the update information,
6. The image printing method according to claim 5, wherein the transmission step transmits information on the image information selected in the selection step to the predetermined server. In the image printing apparatus, including an editing step of editing the content of the image information,
The printing process prints the image information received by the image information receiving process on a recording sheet based on the content edited by the editing process. The image printing method as described. A billing information generating step for generating billing information for printing the image information;
A billing information output step for outputting the billing information generated by the billing information generating step;
The image printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: An image printing program using an image printing apparatus connected to a network,
In the image printing apparatus, an image reading step of reading image information of a document;
A transmission step of transmitting identification information of the document included in the image information read by the image reading step to a predetermined server connected to the network;
An image information receiving step of receiving image information based on the identification information transmitted by the transmitting step from the predetermined server;
A printing step of printing the image information received by the image information receiving step on a recording paper;
Is executed by the image printing apparatus. An image printing apparatus connected to a network,
Image reading means for reading image information of the document;
Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the document included in the image information read by the image reading means to a predetermined server connected to the network;
Image information receiving means for receiving image information based on the identification information transmitted by the transmitting means from the predetermined server;
Printing means for printing image information received by the image information receiving means on recording paper;
An image printing apparatus comprising:

Images