JP2006315293A - Image forming device, auxiliary recording device, image forming system, control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device additionally excellent in security upon keeping editing operation efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 60 as the image forming device is equipped with a PC/IF 68 receiving data (variable data) output from a host computer 40, a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63, a printing engine 65, an operating panel 66, a CF reader 67 or others and is electrically connected with a CF in which immobile data are recorded as shown in Fig. 5. In printer 60 the immobile data and the variable data are combined, however, the combination is first done when the following two condition are both satisfied. In the first condition the CF is inserted. In the second condition code keys are generated and the immobile data are compounded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an auxiliary storage device, an image forming system using the same, and a control program.

  Conventionally, when a specific “logo mark” or “header” is to be provided on all pages or paper sheets to be printed, for example, the “logo mark” or “header” is preliminarily placed on all the printing sheets. ”And the like, and printing again on the paper, or editing the document to be printed, and combining“ logo mark ”and“ header ”on all pages. In order to carry out such work, a certain amount of time and effort are required, which is not easy to use and easily causes operational mistakes.

  Therefore, you can easily synthesize and copy logo marks and headers on each page or leaf without preparing logo marks or headers in advance or editing logo marks or headers in advance. An apparatus has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

In this method, a document on which a logo mark and a header are drawn is read by a scanner to form a first image, and then a document read from a floppy disk device, a host computer interface, or a facsimile device is read by a second device. The first image and the second image are combined by an image combining device and printed by an image printing device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-168082

In the above, the first image and the second image are synthesized by the image synthesizer, so copying can be done without having to edit the logo mark or header in advance. There is room for improvement. In other words, as specific print information such as logo marks and headers, signatures, seals, company names, representative names, etc. are used, so-called management level is higher than that of ordinary documents. There was a risk of expensive documents being printed illegally.
The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that maintains the editing work efficiency and is excellent in security.

As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 is provided with an auxiliary storage device that includes a printing unit that performs printing on a recording medium based on printing information created by an application, and stores specific printing information. An image forming apparatus that is electrically connectable, wherein the determination unit that determines whether or not the key information added to the print information created by the application matches, and the determination unit determines that they match On the basis of the print information generated by the application, the print information composition means for adding the specific print information to generate composite print information, and the composite print information generated by the print information composition means And an engine control means for controlling the printing unit.
The key information match includes, when comparing specific information and key information, the contents of the information, the data format of the information, or the unique command included in the information. It is a concept.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the composite print information is generated based on the establishment of the condition and is printed by the print unit, the print history is stored in the auxiliary storage device. It has a feature in that it has a history acquisition instruction means for storing it.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the auxiliary storage device is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, and the print information synthesizing means is created by the application. In the synthesis process of adding the specific print information read from the auxiliary storage device to the print information, the two conditions that the key information matches and the auxiliary storage device is in the mounted state are both satisfied. It has a feature where it is done only if it is.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the engine control means according to any one of the first to third aspects is based on only print information created by the application when the condition is not satisfied. It is characterized by controlling the printing unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determination unit includes an image forming apparatus side key information generation unit, and the key information added to the print information and the key information It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the key information generated by the image forming apparatus side key information generating means matches.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the auxiliary storage device further stores key information in addition to the specific print information. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the key information added to the information matches the key information stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a mounting state detecting unit that detects whether or not the auxiliary storage device is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the mounting state detecting unit On the basis of the detection result of the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary storage device remains attached to the image forming apparatus even though a series of printing processes using the specific print information is not performed. A standing time measuring means for measuring a standing time, and a warning means for outputting a warning signal on condition that the standing time measured by the standing time measuring means exceeds a preset reference time. It has features.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the specific print information includes unique information such as a document title, address, signature and seal, company name, representative name, etc. It has a feature where it is one of the proper names.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the specific print information includes format information of a layout on the recording medium according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

  The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that at least the specific print information is stored and can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a host device comprising: the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects; and a communication unit connected to the image forming apparatus and transmitting / receiving data to / from the image forming apparatus. An image forming system comprising: a print information generating unit configured to execute the application to generate the print information; a display unit configured to display the generated print information; and the print information. Key information adding means for adding the key information to the print information generated by the generating means; and transfer means for transferring the print information with the key information added to the image forming apparatus through the communication means. It has the characteristics in the place.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the host device includes a storage device that stores specific print information having a coarser resolution than the resolution of the specific print information stored in the auxiliary storage device. The print information is created by the application while reading the specific print information from the storage device and displaying the coarse print specific print information on the display unit.

  The invention according to claim 13 is a process of generating composite print information by adding the specific print information of the auxiliary storage managed separately from the print information to the print information created by the application, and performing printing based on the print information. A control program executed by the image forming apparatus, on the condition that the key information added to the print information matches or not, and the condition that both the key information match It is characterized in that a data composition process for generating composite print information by adding the specific print information to the print information created by an application and a transmission process for transmitting the composite print information to the printing unit are executed.

<Inventions of Claims 1, 10 and 13>
With such a configuration, the specific print information only needs to be read from the auxiliary storage device, so that it is not necessary to perform a dedicated creation work (work to create the specific print information by an application or the like), and the editing work can be performed. It becomes possible to carry out efficiently. In addition, since the use of the specific print information is permitted only when the key information matches, it is avoided that the information is used without permission, and the security effect is enhanced.

<Invention of Claim 2>
With such a configuration, it is possible to leave a usage history of the specific print information, so that management becomes easy, and the security effect is also enhanced.

<Invention of Claim 3>
With such a configuration, the use of the specific print information is permitted only when both the key information coincidence and the auxiliary storage device mounting conditions are satisfied. That is, since the security works twice, the reliability increases with respect to the regulation of unauthorized use of specific print information.

<Invention of Claim 4>
With such a configuration, it is possible to print only print information created by an application.

<Invention of Claim 5>
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the determining means includes the image forming apparatus side key information generating means, and the key information generated by the image forming apparatus side key information generating means matches the key information added to the print information. Or make a decision.

<Invention of Claim 6>
According to the invention of claim 6, key information is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device, and the key information is read out by the image forming apparatus. Then, the determination means determines whether the read key information matches the key information added to the print information.

<Invention of Claim 7>
With such a configuration, when the administrator keeps the auxiliary storage device attached to the image forming apparatus, it can be notified.

<Invention of Claim 8>
Such unique information and unique names need to be managed with a higher management level than other names, etc. from the viewpoint of security. If specified as specific print information, it is executed automatically. it can.

<Invention of Claim 9>
With such a configuration, it is possible to easily synthesize the specific print information and the print information created by the application.

<Invention of Claim 11>
When print information is generated by the host device, key information is added to the print information and then transferred to the image forming apparatus through communication means. On the condition that the key information matches, the image forming apparatus adds specific print information to the print information to generate composite print information, which is printed by the printing unit.

<Invention of Claim 12>
The specific print information held on the host device (storage device) side is coarser than the resolution of the specific print information held on the auxiliary storage device side. Therefore, the specific print information is extracted from the host device (storage device) by an illegal act. Even if it is used for printing, the unauthorized use of the specific print information can be specified by examining the resolution.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1. Description of the entire management system In the present embodiment, the image forming system according to the present invention is applied to a management system in the case of creating an important document (see FIG. 1) such as a contract or an approval document. Important fixed data such as company name, representative name, and seal imprint used for creation (corresponding to specific printing information of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as fixed data) is not used illegally. is there. In this management system, there are an important data creation stage in which a specific management company or manager creates fixed data, and a use stage in which a user creates and prints documents using the same. Therefore, first, the important data creation stage will be described, and then the actual use stage will be described.

2. Explanation of Important Data Creation Stage In the important data creation stage, various programs for creating a management system are created in addition to the creation of fixed data to be managed. That is, dedicated document creation software (corresponding to the application of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as application B) for creating a document using fixed data, a dedicated printer driver, and the like. In the following, the configuration for creating and editing fixed data will be mainly described, and specific processing performed by the application B and the dedicated printer driver will be described at the use stage.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a management PC for creating, editing and writing fixed data to a recording medium, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed in the management PC.

  The management PC 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an input / output port (interface) 24, an HDD (hard disk drive) 25, a user interface 26 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device 27, a CD-R writer 28, A CF writer 29 is connected. The HDD 25 stores fixed data creation software for creating and editing fixed data, an encryption program, an OS, and the like.

  The fixed data creation software is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 23 and executed by the CPU 21 when the process is executed. When the fixed data creation software is executed, a fixed data creation software window is displayed on the display device 27. When the user operates the keyboard or mouse to generate an event message (hereinafter simply referred to as a message), this is transmitted to the fixed data creation software window by Windows (registered trademark) as the OS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the fixed data creation software, each process is executed after conditional branching according to the type of message. That is, in step 1, it is determined whether or not the message generated by the user is an editing process message. Here, when it determines with Yes, it transfers to step 2. FIG. In step 2, fixed data editing work (character change, addition, movement, etc.) can be performed in the user use area in the fixed data creation software window.

These fixed data editing operations are created by a management company or the like in response to a request from the user. In this embodiment, fixed data used for three types of documents such as a contract, a power of attorney, and a request for approval. Is created. The created fixed data (more specifically, font data and position data of each character) is given a selection code for each document.
The position data corresponds to layout format information in the present invention.

  Then, following the provision of the selection code, a process for encrypting each fixed data is performed by the encryption program, and then stored. That is, three types of files are generated: fixed data encrypted for contracts, fixed data encrypted for powers of attorney, and fixed data encrypted for approval documents. It can be done by code.

The reason for encrypting the fixed data is to improve security. This is because the encrypted data is written in a CF (Compact Flash, registered trademark) as an auxiliary storage device (processing in Step 6 described later), and is actually used for printing in the use stage.
In addition to the CF, the fixed data is written to the CD-R (step 5 described later), but this is written in an unencrypted state. This is because the fixed data written to the CD-R is not used for actual printing, and accordingly, the resolution is also different between the CF side and the CD-R side. That is, the resolution of the fixed data written on the CD-R side is lower than the resolution of the fixed data written on the CF.

  Next, when it is determined No in step 1, the process proceeds to step 3, where the message processing is determined again. Here, when it determines with Yes, it transfers to step 4. FIG. In step 4, a message requesting a blank CD-R, CF to the operator is displayed on the window.

  When the CD-R as a recording medium is set in the writer 28 by the operator, the following data is copied to the CD-R. First, three files that store fixed data (non-encrypted) of each document, second, application B used in the use stage described later, third, dedicated printer used in the use stage It is a driver.

  In step 6, the CF as a recording medium is set in the writer 29 by the operator, and subsequently, three files storing fixed data (encrypted data) of each document are written in the CF.

3. Explanation of Usage Stage FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a printing system constructed on the user side, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing system.
As shown in FIG. 4, the printing system (management system) is mainly composed of a host computer (corresponding to a host device of the present invention) 40 used by a user and a printer 60 as an image forming apparatus. The previous CF can be electrically connected.

  The host computer 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an input / output port (interface) 44, an HDD (a hard disk drive corresponding to the storage device of the present invention) 45, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. A user interface 46, a display device (corresponding to a display unit of the present invention) 47, a CF reader 48, and a printer I / F (corresponding to communication means of the present invention) 49 are connected (see FIG. 5).

  The HDD 45 stores the OS and normal (general-purpose) document creation software (hereinafter referred to as application A) in a default state. In addition to this, the previously generated CD-R is stored. The three files storing the fixed data, the application B, and the dedicated printer driver are read by the reader 48 and copied into a designated directory before use.

Next, a document creation process performed in the host computer 40 will be described.
As described above, the document creation includes a normal pattern using the application A and a management pattern using the application B, and the user can select an application according to the usage (see FIG. 6). That is, when creating a document that does not require management, the application A may be selected. On the other hand, if management is required, the app B may be selected.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of application B.
When the application B is used for the first time, it is necessary to initialize it. That is, as the user generates an initialization message, Yes is determined in step 10 and the process proceeds to step 11.

  Here, each file in which fixed data is stored (more specifically, a contract file, a proxy file, and a request file) is read from the HDD 45, and the fixed data is stored based on the file name. A selection menu M4 is generated. Then, following the generation of the selection menu M4, a default display is performed in step 12. That is, the fixed data in one of the files (here, the contract file) stored in the HDD 45 is read out and displayed in the user use area on the window of the application B (see FIG. 8). This completes the initialization of the app B.

  As shown in the figure, the window of the application B is mainly composed of a title bar Mt, a menu bar Mm, and a user use area Mu. In the menu bar Mm, in addition to the file M1 and the edit M2, the previous selection menu M4 is arranged. When the button is operated, a pull-down menu is displayed as shown in FIG. The document name is displayed.

  Following the initialization, when the user generates a message, this is transmitted to the window of the application B by Windows as the OS. Then, the application B performs conditional processing according to the message type and performs the following processing (see FIG. 7).

  First, the message is a screen drawing message (for example, any drawing-related message such as when the user changes the window size, drags the mouse to change the position on the screen, or when there is a drawing command based on character editing) Are all processed), it is determined as Yes in Step 20, and the process proceeds to Step 21. In step 21, a drawing area is acquired, and subsequently, fixed data is drawn in step 22, and variable data (described below) is drawn in step 23.

  Next, when the message is a data input message, it is determined as Yes in Step 30, and the process proceeds to Step 31. As a result, the user can create or edit document data (corresponding to print information created by the application of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as variable data) in the user use area Mu. The fixed data displayed on the window is in a masked state, and editing by the application B is prohibited. Further, enabling the editing of variable data in step 31 is the processing content performed by the print information generating means of the present invention.

  Next, a case where the message is a menu related message will be described. The menu related message is a message issued when the user operates each menu button of the menu bar Mm. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the case where the fixed data selection menu M4 is selected will be described. First, as the flow of processing, it is determined that each of Step 50 and Step 51 is Yes, and Step 53 is executed. Transition. In step 53, the file selected by the user is read from the HDD 45.

  In step 54, the drawing data on the window is changed based on the read data in the file. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the user has selected a request document file and the screen has been updated based on this.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 55 where the fixed data ID is registered. Here, the fixed data ID is a kind of identification number, and is data that remains in the CF as a communication record (LOG) in the process of the printer side described later.

  If the message is any other menu-related message, other processing is performed in step 60 or step 52.

  Thus, the document creation operation is completed by repeatedly performing the above-described processing according to the message issued by the user. After that, when a print command message is issued from the user, at this time, it is determined as Yes in Step 40, and the process proceeds to Step 41, in which the edited document data is transmitted to the dedicated printer driver via Windows as the OS. Forwarded to At this time, the fixed data read from the file and prohibited from being edited is not transmitted to the dedicated printer driver, but only the variable data edited by the user is transmitted to the printer driver.

  Next, processing performed by a dedicated printer driver will be described with reference to FIG. This dedicated printer driver is programmed by the management company at the important data creation stage performed in the management company described above and installed in the host computer 40. At this time, the key code is A generation program is incorporated.

  When data is transferred from the application, in step 71, the application that is the data transmission source is analyzed, that is, confirmed.

  If the application is application B (management pattern), it is determined Yes in step 72, and the process proceeds to step 73. In step 73, a key code (corresponding to key information of the present invention) is generated according to the key code generation program. There are various generation methods for generating the key code. For example, the key code is generated by converting unique information (saved date and time) related to the edited document based on a predetermined algorithm.

  This key code is a process for decrypting the fixed data stored in the encrypted state in the CF described above on the printer 60 side (returning to the original state using the encryption key). The key code generation program and the decryption program included in the management program to be described later are set to have relevance.

When the generation of the key code is completed, each data is transmitted to the printer 60 through the printer I / F 49 in subsequent steps. Specifically, the key code is transmitted in step 74, the fixed data ID is transmitted in step 75, and the user name (login name when accessing the host computer) and the document name (document name) are transmitted in step 76. Sent. In step 77, the variable data created by the application B is PDL converted, and the converted PDL data is transmitted to the printer 60.
Note that the processing content (the processing in steps 73, 74, 77) of generating the key code and transmitting it to the printer 60 together with the PDL data corresponds to the processing content performed by the key information adding means and the transferring means of the present invention.

  On the other hand, when a document is created by the application A (normal pattern), No is determined in step 72, and the process proceeds to step 76. Therefore, transmission of the user name and document name is executed without generating the key code, and then the variable data created by the application A is PDL converted at step 77 and transmitted to the printer 60.

  From the above, as shown in FIG. 12, the print data sent from the host computer 40 to the printer 60 is a header, key code, selection code (document If the document is created by the application A, it consists of a header, PDL data, and other data.

Next, the printer 60 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 60 includes a PC / IF (communication means of the present invention) 68 that receives data output from the host computer 40, a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63, a print engine (corresponding to a printing unit of the present invention). ) 65, an operation panel 66, a CF reader 67, and the like. The CF reader 67 is provided with, for example, an optical insertion / extraction sensor 69 (corresponding to the mounting state detecting means of the present invention), and can detect the insertion / extraction of the CF with respect to the CF reader 67. .

  The ROM 63 stores an engine control program for driving and controlling the print engine 65 in a default state. A dedicated management program is installed by setting work by a management company or the like. When the printer 60 receives print data from the host computer 40 via the PCI / F 68, the CPU 41 reads the management program and the engine control program onto the RAM 62. This management program incorporates a decryption program for executing the decryption described above.

Next, a processing procedure in which the CPU 61 of the printer 60 processes print data sent from the host computer 40 according to the management program will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the print data is from the application A, the printer 60 performs processing according to the flow (1) shown in FIG. In other words, when the print data is received, “Yes” is determined in step 100. When a sentence is created by the application A, it is not necessary to insert a CF on the printer 60 side, and the key code is not included in the print data. 113. In step 113, normal printing, that is, engine control of the print engine 65 is performed, and a desired image is printed on a sheet as a recording medium.

  Next, in the case where the print data is from application B, the printer 60 performs processing according to the flow (2) shown in FIG. First, the process proceeds to step 110 by inputting print data. Here, it is determined whether or not the CF is inserted. If the CF is correctly inserted, the process proceeds to step 120 to determine whether or not there is a key code.

  If the print data is generated by the application B, the key code is always included at that time (see FIG. 12), so the determination at Step 120 is Yes and the process proceeds to Step 130.

  In step 130 and step 140, processing for obtaining a selection code, document name, and user name included in the print data is performed, and then the process proceeds to step 150.

In step 150, processing for generating an encryption key is performed.
The encryption key is generated by a decryption program, which requires original data for key generation. Therefore, in step 150, it is determined whether or not the data format of the original data for key generation requested by the printer 60 matches the data format of the key code (for example, the number of digits or the character arrangement pattern). .

Here, the key code generation program implemented in the host computer 40 is related to the decryption program as described above, and has the same data format as the original data format for key generation. It is set to generate a key code. Here, the data format is the number of digits of data and the arrangement pattern of data.
For this reason, when print data is sent through a regular route using the application B, the data format of the key code included in the print data matches the data format of the original data for key generation. Thereby, an encryption key is generated by the decryption program using the key code as original data.

On the other hand, if the data formats do not match, the encryption key is not generated and an error is displayed, for example. With such a configuration, when unauthorized access as described below, that is, when the printer 60 is accessed from another PC in which the key code generation program is not installed, an encryption key for restoring fixed data is not generated. It becomes possible to do.
The “matching of key information (key code) added to print information created by an application” in the present invention is not limited to the matching of the contents of the key code, but the matching of the data format as described above, or This is a concept including matching of unique commands not included in standard PDL. In step 150, the processing content for determining whether or not the data format of the original data for key generation matches the data format of the key code corresponds to the processing content performed by the determination means of the present invention. .

  When the encryption key is generated, the process proceeds to step 160. In step 160, first, a file corresponding to the selected code is called from the files included in the CF. The file call corresponding to the selection code here is, for example, when the type of document created on the host computer 40 side is the approval document, the fixed data of the approval document from a plurality of files stored in the CF Is to call the stored file.

  Then, after reading the file, the process proceeds to step 170. In step 170, the file called in step 160 is decrypted based on the encryption key generated in step 150, that is, restored, and an image of fixed data is formed in step 180 based on the restored data. Here, the formation of fixed data images means that each fixed data image is assigned to a position on a sheet when printing is actually performed.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 190, and PDL data included in the print data transmitted from the printer 60, that is, an image of variable data is formed.

Thus, when the fixed data image stored in the CF and the variable data image transmitted from the printer 60 are acquired, both data are combined in step 200 and a copy discrimination pattern is inserted in step 210.
In step 200, the processing content that the CPU 61 combines both images according to the management program corresponds to the processing content performed by the print information combining means of the present invention.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the pattern for copy discrimination is a process in which characters are crushed when copied (in this case, a letter “original” is inserted in a logo mark “A”) in an image. It is to apply.

In step 220, the print engine 65 is controlled in accordance with the synthesized data and the engine control program, and a desired image is formed on a sheet as a recording medium. The printing date and time are recorded.
In step 220, the processing content that the CPU 61 controls the print engine in accordance with the synthesized data and the engine control program corresponds to the processing content performed by the engine control means of the present invention. Also, in step 220, the processing content in which the CPU 61 records the user name, document name, printing date, etc. in the CF corresponds to the processing content performed by the history acquisition instruction means of the present invention.

As described above, in the printer 60, the combination of the fixed data and the variable data (the combination in step 200) is performed for the first time when both of the following two conditions are satisfied.
The first condition is that a CF is inserted (processing in step 110).
The second condition is that an encryption key is generated and the fixed data is decrypted (processing in steps 150 and 170).

  With such a configuration, editing work is efficiently performed (if fixed data is read from the CF, it is not necessary to perform dedicated creation work), and then the fixed data is illegally used. Therefore, security is improved.

  Further, when printing is performed using fixed data, the usage history is left in the CF. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily investigate the use history later, and the management is excellent.

  Next, a case where the user forgets to insert the CF even though the document is created by the application B will be described. In this case, “Yes” is determined in Step 111, and the process proceeds to Step 121. In step 121, for example, an error process (details will be described later) for notifying the user of a buzzer or the like is performed, and then the process proceeds to step 123. In step 123, it is determined No and the processing is completed. Following the completion of processing, if the user inserts a CF into the printer 60, printing can be performed according to the procedure (2) shown in FIG.

  If the CF is inserted but the document is created by something other than the application B, the determination at step 120 is No, error processing is performed at step 121, and then the process proceeds to step 123. . Here, since it is determined Yes, the process proceeds to step 125, where an error is recorded in the CF. As a result, when someone illegally takes out the CF and tries to print it, it is left as a record. This is also a process for enhancing the security effect.

Next, error processing will be described with reference to FIG.
The error process 1 is a process of displaying an error on a display unit (not shown) provided on the operation panel 66 and simultaneously notifying a buzzer. The buzzer can be stopped by performing a release operation (for example, pressing the reset key).

  In the error processing 2, the notification by the buzzer performed in the error processing 1 is not performed, and an image reminiscent of a warning (for example, a character “copy” in the background portion of the paper) is inserted. is there.

  The error process 3 is similar to the error process 2 in that it reminds a warning, but the method is different. That is, in step 300, PDL analysis is started. As the analysis starts, the process proceeds to step 310, but in the middle of the analysis, it is determined No in step 310 and the process proceeds to step 320.

  In step 320, it is determined whether or not the object being analyzed is a designated object. If it is designated, the PDL process is skipped (decision Yes), and the object is other than designated. Sometimes, PDL processing is executed (determination No, step 330). By repeating this, the specified object can be excluded from the target of printing. For example, when the designated object is red, an area where a red image is originally formed is printed in white.

  As other error processing, it is also possible to perform processing for printing variable data as it is without combining data. By making such a setting, it is possible to print only variable data in a confirming manner before final printing (printing by combining fixed data), which increases convenience (claims). 4).

  The CPU 61 of the printer 60 also monitors the insertion / extraction of the CF with respect to the printer 60 based on the detection signal output from the insertion / extraction sensor 69 attached to the CF reader 67. This is an attempt to further improve security by issuing a warning when the CF is still inserted in the printer 60 even though the printer 60 is not in a printing state.

  Referring to FIG. 16, the CF monitoring process will be described. When a CF is inserted into the printer 60 and printing is performed normally, Step 410, Step 411, Step 413, Step 420, Step 430, Step 431 are performed. The processing is performed in this order, and the timer is reset every time a series of processing is completed.

  On the other hand, when printing is not performed even though the CF is inserted into the printer 60, processing is performed in the order of step 410, step 411, step 413, step 420, and step 430. In other words, the process is repeated without resetting the timer. Accordingly, in this case, each time a series of processes is performed once, the timer value is incremented (+1) in step 411, so that the timer value is eventually set to a preset value (the reference time of the present invention). In step 413, the determination is Yes.

As a result, the process proceeds to step 415, where a warning is issued from the printer 60 side to notify the user that the CF is still inserted.
Note that the processing content in step 411 and step 413 is the processing content performed by the standing time measuring means of the present invention, and the processing content in step 415 is the processing content performed by the warning means of the present invention.

<Embodiment 2>
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the conditions for generating the encryption key. That is, in the first embodiment, whether the data format of the original data for key generation requested by the printer 60 matches the data format of the key code (for example, the number of digits or the character arrangement pattern) in the processing in step 150. When it is determined that they match, an encryption key having a key code as original data is generated. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as a condition for generating the encryption key, the contents of the two key codes generated separately on the printer 60 side and the host computer 40 side are obtained.
As in the case of the first embodiment, the fact that the CF is inserted into the printer 60 is one of the conditions for using variable data in the second embodiment as well. .
In the second embodiment, a key code is generated based on the same procedure as in the first embodiment, that is, based on the storage date and time of variable data and a predetermined algorithm.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the host computer 40 transmits print data as in the first embodiment, and the data configuration is as follows. It consists of a header, key code A, selection code, PDL data, and other data. The other data includes user name, document name, and variable date / time data.

  In the printer 60, a dedicated key code generation program (more specifically, the same program as that installed in the host computer 40) is installed by the management company or the like prior to the use stage. .

  Therefore, when the printer 60 receives print data from the host computer 40, the printer 60 generates the key code B in exactly the same manner (using the same algorithm) as the host computer 40 generated the key code A. That is, the CPU 61 of the printer 60 obtains the save date and time from the print data, and then generates the key code B based on this (corresponding to the image forming apparatus side key information generating means of the present invention).

  When the generation of the key code B is completed, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the key code B generated by itself matches the key code A transmitted from the host computer 40 (the determination means of the present invention). Equivalent).

  Here, if the host computer 40 is a genuine one (a key code generation program is installed by a management company), then the two key codes A and B always match. On the other hand, when accessing the printer 60 from a computer in which the key code generation program is not installed and attempting to print fixed data, the computer cannot generate the key code in the first place. Even if the key code A is generated, there is no difference between the key code A and the key code B on the printer 60 side, and the key code matching condition is not satisfied.

If the key code matching condition is satisfied, for example, an encryption key is generated using the key code B as the original data, and the fixed data is decrypted. In this way, prior to use, the same key code generation program as that of the printer 60 is installed only in a specific host computer 40, and the key code A generated by the host computer 40 and the key code generated by the printer 60 are used. If the fixed data use condition is that B matches, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of fixed data due to unauthorized access from other computers.
<Other embodiments>

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.

  (1) In the present embodiment, the auxiliary storage device is configured by the CF, but any hardware resource capable of storing fixed data may be used. For example, the auxiliary storage device may be configured by a dedicated HDD (hard disk drive).

  (2) In this embodiment, the important fixed data to be managed is the company name, document title, company name, representative name, seal imprint, etc., but any data that is necessary for management may be used. It may be the name of the customer.

  (3) In the second embodiment, the printer 60 generates the key code by itself. However, the printer 60 does not necessarily generate the key code. The key code may be stored. In this case, the printer 60 compares the key code read from the CF with the key code sent from the host computer 40, and permits the use of fixed data on condition that both key codes match. Good (corresponding to claim 6).

  (4) In this embodiment, the fixed data stored in the CF is encrypted, but it is not always necessary to encrypt it.

The figure which shows the important document used as the management object which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the management PC Flowchart diagram of processing executed in the management PC Perspective view of printing system Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system Diagram showing app A and app B The flowchart figure which shows the process performed by the application B The figure which shows the window of application B The figure which similarly shows the window of application B Diagram showing the state where fixed data is switched Flowchart diagram showing printer driver processing Diagram showing differences in print data configuration The flowchart figure which shows the process performed by the management program Diagram showing copy discrimination pattern Flowchart diagram showing each error process The flowchart figure which shows the process which monitors insertion / extraction of CF The block diagram of the printing system in Embodiment 2.

Explanation of symbols

60. Printer (image forming apparatus)
61 ... CPU (determination means, print information synthesis means, engine control means)
65 ... Print engine (printing part)

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus that includes a printing unit that performs printing on a recording medium based on print information created by an application, and that can be electrically connected to an auxiliary storage device that stores specific print information,
Determining means for determining whether or not the key information added to the print information created by the application matches;
Print information combining means for generating composite print information by adding the specific print information to the print information created by the application on condition that the determination means determines that they match.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an engine control unit that controls the printing unit based on the combined print information generated by the print information combining unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising history acquisition instruction means for storing the print history in the auxiliary storage device when the composite print information is generated based on the condition and is printed by the printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to 1. The auxiliary storage device is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus.
The print information synthesizing unit performs a synthesis process of adding the specific print information read from the auxiliary storage device to the print information created by the application, so that the key information matches and the auxiliary storage device is in the mounted state. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is performed only when both of two conditions are satisfied. If the condition is not satisfied,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engine control unit controls the printing unit based only on printing information created by the application. The determination unit includes an image forming apparatus side key information generation unit, and determines whether the key information added to the print information matches the key information generated by the image formation apparatus side key information generation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The auxiliary storage device further stores key information in addition to the specific print information,
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the key information added to the print information matches the key information stored in the auxiliary storage device. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Wearing state detecting means for detecting whether or not the auxiliary storage device is attached to the image forming apparatus;
The auxiliary storage device is attached to the image forming apparatus on the basis of the detection result by the attachment state detection means, even though a series of printing processes using the specific print information is not performed. A neglecting time measuring means for measuring the neglecting time during which the state is kept,
7. An alarm unit that outputs an alarm signal on condition that the neglected time measured by the neglected time measuring unit exceeds a preset reference time. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 8. The specific print information is any one of unique information such as a document title, address, signature and seal, or a unique name such as a company name and a representative name. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific print information includes format information of a layout on the recording medium. An auxiliary storage device that stores at least specific print information and is electrically connectable to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a host device connected to the image forming apparatus and having communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the image forming apparatus. Because
The host device is
Print information generating means for executing the application to create the print information;
A display unit for displaying the created print information;
Key information adding means for adding the key information to the print information generated by the print information generating means;
An image forming system comprising: transfer means for transferring the print information to which the key information is added to the image forming apparatus through the communication means. The host device is
A storage device for storing specific print information having a resolution coarser than the resolution of the specific print information stored in the auxiliary storage device;
12. The print information is created by the application while reading the specific print information from the storage device and displaying the coarse print specific print information on the display unit. The image forming system described. This is executed by the image forming apparatus in the process of generating composite print information by adding the specific print information of the auxiliary storage managed separately from the print information to the print information created by the application, and performing the printing based on the composite print information. A control program,
A determination process for determining whether or not the key information added to the print information matches;
A data composition process for generating composite print information by adding the specific print information to the print information created by the application on condition that the both key information matches,
And a transmission program for transmitting the composite print information to the printing unit.

Images