JP2006344055A - Image forming system, data processor, image forming method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system, a data processor, an image forming method and a computer program by which a useless processing load can be reduced and the useless traffic of a communication line can be reduced. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming system, which is provided with a compound machine 1 for forming an image on a sheet based on received data and a computer 32 for performing various processing with respect to the preparation of data to be transmitted to the compound machine 1, transmits identification information from the computer 32 to the compound machine 1, and the composite machine 1 limits the formation processing on the basis of the identification information, the computer 32 acquires limitation information of the compound machine 1 to the transmitted identification information and limits various processing with respect to the preparation on the basis of the acquired limitation information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system that transmits data from a data processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus and forms an image on a sheet, an image forming method, a data processing apparatus that transmits data to the image forming apparatus, and image formation on a computer. The present invention relates to a computer program for transmitting data to an apparatus.

Conventionally, a data processing apparatus such as a computer is connected to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral, and document data or image data created by the data processing apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, so that the document data or image data is transmitted. It is widely performed to form an image based on the above on a sheet. In recent years, in order to prevent printing from being performed illegally or to manage consumables related to printing, user authentication is performed, and printing processing is limited depending on the authentication result (Patent Literature). 1). For example, restriction information corresponding to the user information is set in the image forming apparatus in advance, the user information is received from the data processing apparatus, and based on the restriction information corresponding to the received user information, for example, printing itself is prohibited, Printing is prohibited, double-sided printing is prohibited, and sheet types (size, paper quality) are restricted.
JP 2002-259100 A

  Thus, even when a user who is not permitted to perform color printing or double-sided printing instructs color printing or double-sided printing and transmits print data to the image forming apparatus, the image processing apparatus does not perform printing. However, even when printing is not performed, there is a problem that a wasteful load is applied to the communication line because print data is transmitted from the data processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Particularly when color printing is to be performed, there is a problem that the data size is large and useless traffic occurs. In addition, when a user who is not permitted to perform color printing creates a color image, there is a problem that a wasteful load is applied to the data processing apparatus and processing efficiency is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and acquires restriction information on the formation processing of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information, and the various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, a data processing apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer program that can reduce useless processing load on a data processing apparatus or a computer by limiting based on the restriction information.

  Further, the present invention acquires restriction information on the forming process of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information, and restricts various processes related to data transmission to the image forming apparatus based on the acquired restriction information. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, a data processing apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer program that can reduce useless traffic on a communication line.

  In addition, the present invention provides an image forming system capable of restricting various types of processing relating to creation or transmission immediately after activation by configuring the acquisition of the restriction information after activation of the data processing apparatus. For other purposes.

  In addition, the present invention is configured such that when image processing is performed on data received from a plurality of data processing devices, priority is given to those with less restrictions, so that users with fewer usage restrictions than users with more restrictions on use. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of preferentially performing the above process.

  In addition, the present invention is configured to limit the type of sheet on which an image is formed and / or the color of the image formed on the sheet, thereby reducing unnecessary processing load on the data processing apparatus or unnecessary traffic on the communication line. Another object is to provide an image forming system that can be reduced.

  In addition, the present invention provides the resolution of the image to be formed, the data size, the image formation on both sides of the sheet, the aggregation processing for forming a plurality of images on the sheet, the post-processing of the sheet on which the image is formed, and the image formation that saves toner. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of reducing unnecessary traffic on a communication line by being configured to perform a restriction on at least one of an image forming test or usable time. .

  An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus that performs processing for forming an image on a sheet based on received data, and a data processing device that performs various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In an image forming system in which identification information is transmitted from a data processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus restricts formation processing based on the identification information, the data processing apparatus It is characterized by comprising acquisition means for acquiring restriction information for forming processing, and restriction means for restricting various processes relating to the creation based on the restriction information acquired by the acquisition means.

  An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming process on an image sheet based on received data, and a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to transmission of data to the image forming apparatus. In an image forming system in which identification information is transmitted from a processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus restricts a forming process based on the identification information, the data processing apparatus forms the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information. An acquisition means for acquiring process restriction information, and a restriction means for restricting various processes related to the transmission based on the restriction information acquired by the acquisition means.

  The image forming system according to the present invention is characterized in that the acquisition unit is configured to acquire the restriction information after the data processing apparatus is activated.

  In the image forming system according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of data processing apparatuses, and when performing the forming process on the data received from each of the plurality of data processing apparatuses, the image forming apparatus is given priority from the least restrictive one. It is comprised so that it may perform to.

  The image forming system according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus is configured to restrict the type of sheet on which an image is formed and / or the color of the image formed on the sheet.

  In the image forming system according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes the resolution of the image to be formed on the sheet, the data size, the image formation on both sides of the sheet, the aggregation processing for forming a plurality of images on the sheet, and the image formed. It is characterized in that it is configured to perform restrictions on at least one of sheet post-processing, toner-saving image formation, image formation test, or usable time.

  The data processing apparatus according to the present invention transmits the identification information to the image forming apparatus that restricts the forming process based on the received identification information when the image forming process on the sheet based on the received data is performed, and the image In a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the forming apparatus, an acquisition unit that acquires restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information, and based on the restriction information acquired by the acquisition unit And limiting means for limiting various processes relating to the creation.

  The data processing apparatus according to the present invention transmits the identification information to the image forming apparatus that restricts the forming process based on the received identification information and the data when the image forming process on the sheet based on the received data is performed. In a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to transmission, an acquisition unit that acquires restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information; and various processes related to transmission based on the restriction information acquired by the acquisition unit And limiting means for limiting.

  An image forming method according to the present invention uses an image forming apparatus that performs an image sheet forming process based on received data, and a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In the image forming method for transmitting the identification information from the data processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus restricts the forming process based on the identification information, the restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information. The data processing apparatus acquires the data, and the data processing apparatus limits various processes related to the creation based on the acquired restriction information.

  An image forming method according to the present invention uses an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming process on an image sheet based on received data, and a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to transmission of data to the image forming apparatus. In the image forming method in which identification information is transmitted from the processing device to the image forming device, and the image forming device restricts the formation processing based on the identification information, the restriction information of the formation processing of the image forming device with respect to the transmitted identification information The data processing device acquires the data, and the data processing device limits various processes related to the transmission based on the acquired restriction information.

  The computer program according to the present invention transmits the identification information to the image forming apparatus that restricts the forming process based on the received identification information and performs the image formation when the image forming process based on the received data is performed. In a computer program for causing a computer to perform various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the apparatus, a procedure for causing the computer to acquire restriction information on the formation processing of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information, and the acquired restriction information to the computer And a procedure for causing the computer to prohibit a part of the various processes related to the creation based on the determined prohibition setting.

  The computer program according to the present invention transmits identification information and data to an image forming apparatus that restricts the formation process based on the received identification information when performing the formation process on the image sheet based on the received data. In a computer program for causing a computer to perform various processes related to the above, a procedure for causing the computer to acquire restriction information on the formation processing of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information, and various kinds of transmission related to the computer based on the acquired restriction information It includes a procedure for determining a prohibition setting for processing, and a procedure for causing a computer to prohibit a part of various processes related to transmission based on the determined prohibition setting.

  In the present invention, the restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information is acquired, and various processes relating to the creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus are limited based on the acquired restriction information. Processing relating to creation of data that cannot be imaged even if transmitted to the forming apparatus can be prohibited, and a wasteful processing load on the data processing apparatus can be reduced. The various processes related to data creation include, for example, document size or document data setting acceptance processing for the created document data, image data setting acceptance processing, and the like. In addition, for the restriction of various processes related to creation, for example, it is possible to determine prohibition settings for various processes related to creation based on the acquired restriction information, and to prohibit some of the various processes related to creation based on the determined prohibition settings. is there.

  In the present invention, the restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus with respect to the transmitted identification information is acquired, and various processes related to the transmission of data to the image forming apparatus are restricted based on the acquired restriction information. Processing related to transmission of data that cannot be imaged even if transmitted to the forming apparatus can be prohibited, and useless traffic on the communication line can be reduced. Various processes relating to data transmission include, for example, a setting reception process for the type (size, paper quality, etc.) of a sheet forming an image, a setting reception process for the number of colors (color, black and white, etc.) to be used. In addition, for the restriction of various processes related to transmission, for example, it is possible to determine prohibition settings for various processes related to transmission based on the acquired restriction information, and to prohibit some of the various processes related to transmission based on the determined prohibition settings. is there.

  In the present invention, the acquisition unit acquires the formation process restriction information of the image forming apparatus after the data processing apparatus is activated, so that various processes relating to the creation or various processes relating to the transmission may be restricted immediately after activation. it can.

  In the present invention, the image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of data processing apparatuses. When image processing is performed on data received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses, the image forming apparatus is preferentially used from the least restrictive, so that the use restriction It is possible to preferentially perform processing of a user with less usage restrictions than a user with many.

  In the present invention, in order to limit various processes related to the creation or transmission based on the type of sheet on which an image is formed and / or the color on the image formed on the sheet, the image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In addition, it is possible to prevent creation or transmission of useless data in which image formation is not performed, and to reduce useless processing load of the data processing apparatus or useless traffic on the communication line. Here, the sheet type is paper quality or size such as a postcard, A4 plain paper, B5 plain paper, or OHP sheet, and the color of the image is a color image, a monochrome image, a single color image, or the like. In this case, the various processes related to the creation or transmission include, for example, a setting reception process related to the type of sheet when forming an image and / or the color of the image formed on the sheet, and is partially based on the restriction information. It is possible to prohibit the acceptance of settings.

  In the present invention, the resolution of the image to be formed on the sheet, the data size, the image formation on both sides of the sheet, the aggregation processing for forming a plurality of images on the sheet, the post-processing of the sheet on which the image is formed, the image saving toner Since various processes related to transmission are restricted based on restrictions on at least one of formation, image formation test, and usable time, transmission of useless data that is not executed even if transmitted to the image forming apparatus is prevented. In addition, useless traffic on the communication line can be reduced. Further, in this case, the various processes related to the transmission include, for example, a setting reception process regarding resolution, double-sided printing, aggregate printing, post-processing, test printing, and the like when forming an image. Can be prohibited.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce a useless processing load of a data processing apparatus or a computer.

  According to the present invention, useless traffic on a communication line can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to limit various processes related to data creation or various processes related to transmission immediately after activation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to preferentially perform processing of a user with less usage restrictions than a user with many usage restrictions.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system including a data processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming system includes at least a multifunction device 1 that forms an image based on received data on a sheet and a computer (data processing device) 32 that transmits data to the multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 is connected to an internal network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) built in the company, for example, and a computer 32, a server 34, and another multifunction device 36 are connected to the internal network N1. ing. Further, the internal network N1 is connected to an external network N2 such as the Internet constructed outside the company, for example. A computer 33, an Internet FAX machine 39, and the like are connected to the external network N2.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2 such as an image scanner having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 2a and a document sensor 2b, an operation unit 4 having an input unit 4a such as an input key and a display unit 4b such as a liquid crystal display panel. A memory 6a such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) that stores image data, a printing unit (LSU: Laser Scanning Unit) 6b that forms an image on a sheet, and an encryption / decryption processing unit 6c that encrypts and decrypts the data. Image forming unit 6 having communication, communication unit 10 such as a LAN interface for communication with internal network N1, FAX modem 11 connected to telephone line network N3, image reading unit 2 or image data received from communication unit 10 A hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as a hard disk) 12 for storing data, and reading and writing of data to and from the hard disk 12 A hard disk controller (hereinafter referred to as HD controller) 18 to be controlled, an image processing unit 13 for performing image processing on the image data read to the memory 6a, a management unit 14 such as a flash memory for storing a control program and various settings, and the like A control unit 8 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each of the above-described components in the apparatus according to the control program is provided.

  Each component of the multifunction device 1 is controlled by the control unit 8, and receives an operation instruction from the input unit 4a such as a touch panel or an input key, and executes processing according to the accepted operation instruction, or the operation of the multifunction device 1. It is possible to display information on the state on the display unit 4b and notify the user of necessary information. Further, the management unit 14 stores information related to operation settings of the respective components, and the control unit 8 controls the operation of the entire multifunction device 1 based on the information. In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 1 can operate as a copying machine, a printer, a network scanner, and a facsimile.

  When the multifunction device 1 is used as a copying machine by accepting a selection of a copying function by the operation unit 4 or the like, the original set on the image reading unit 2 is electronically read and read by the control of the control unit 8 Data is stored in the hard disk 12 via the memory 6a, and image data is sent from the hard disk 12 to the printing unit 6b via the memory 6a in accordance with the printing timing of the printing unit 6b, and an image is formed on the sheet. However, the image data stored in the hard disk 12 is encrypted by the encryption / decryption processing unit 6c, and the image data (encrypted) read from the hard disk 12 is decrypted by the encryption / decryption processing unit 6c.

  When the image data transmitted from the computer 32 connected to the internal network N1 is received by the communication unit 10 and the multifunction device 1 is used as a printer, the received image data is stored in the memory under the control of the control unit 8. The image is sent to the hard disk 12 via 6a and sent to the printing unit 6b in the same manner as when used as a copying machine, and an image is formed on the sheet.

  When the multifunction device 1 is used as a network scanner by accepting the selection of data transmission by the operation unit 4 or the like, the original set on the image reading unit 2 is electronically read and read by the control of the control unit 8 Are stored in the hard disk 12 via the memory 6a, and then transmitted from the communication unit 10 to the transmission destination received by the operation unit 4. As the transmission destination of the image data, it is possible to designate the computer 32 in the internal network N1, the personal computer 32 in the external network N2, the Internet FAX machine 39, and the like. It is also possible to designate the FAX number as the transmission destination and transmit the image data from the FAX modem 11 to the external FAX machine 38 via the telephone line network N3.

  In the present invention, the management unit 14 stores a restriction setting in which restrictions on image formation for each user are registered. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of restriction setting. In the restriction setting, a user ID for identifying a user and restriction information corresponding to the user ID are registered. When the control unit 8 forms an image based on the data received from the computer 32 on the sheet, the control unit 8 restricts the image formation based on the user ID and the restriction setting received from the computer 32.

  The restriction information includes, for example, the type of sheet on which an image is formed (size such as A4 and B5, and paper quality such as plain paper, cardboard, and OHP), the color of the image formed on the sheet (color, black and white, single color, etc.), Resolution of image to be formed on sheet, data size, image formation on both sides of sheet (double-sided printing), aggregated printing to form multiple images on one sheet, post-processing of sheet on which image is formed (sorting, stable, punch Among these, forbidden are registered among image formation that saves toner, image formation test, usable time, and the like. For example, double-sided printing is prohibited for a user ID whose double-sided printing is registered in the restriction information.

  Since the multi-function device 1 includes the hard disk 12, when a printing process of a plurality of data is accepted, the data to be processed is temporarily stored in the hard disk 12 and processed in order. At that time, the control unit 8 performs restriction on image formation of each data, but preferentially forms an image from data with less restriction. As a result, processing is performed preferentially from user data with less restrictions than users with many restrictions.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer. The computer 32 includes a CPU 40, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42, a hard disk 44, a communication unit 46 for controlling communication with the internal network N1, and a flexible disk drive or a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive. Etc., and an external storage unit 48. The computer 32 includes an input unit 50 such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a display unit 52 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or a liquid crystal display.

  CPU40 controls each part 42-52 mentioned above. Further, the CPU 40 stores the program or data received from the input unit 50 or the communication unit 46, or the program or data read from the hard disk 44 or the external storage unit 48 in the RAM 42, and executes the program stored in the RAM 42 or the data Various processes such as computation are performed, and various processing results or temporary data used for various processes are stored in the RAM 42. Data such as calculation results stored in the RAM 42 is stored in the hard disk 44 or output from the display unit 52 or the communication unit 46 by the CPU 40.

  The hard disk 44 stores data such as document data or image data that is transmitted to the multi function device 1 and printed (image formation on a sheet). As with a general computer, by causing the CPU 40 to execute an application program, the user operates the computer 32 to create a document, edit an image, and print document data or image data. Is possible. Also, under the control of the CPU 40, it is possible to accept an input of a user ID at the input unit 50 at the time of activation, and transmit the accepted user ID from the communication unit 46 to the multi function device 1.

  The CPU 40 controls the communication unit 46 to operate as a means for acquiring, for example, after startup, restriction information on the formation process of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 1 for the transmitted user ID (identification information). The restriction information is a part corresponding to the user ID transmitted from the computer 32 among the restriction settings stored in the management unit 14 of the multifunction device 1. Based on the acquired restriction information, the CPU 40 operates as means for restricting various processes relating to creation of data to be transmitted to the multifunction machine 1 or various processes relating to transmission of data to the multifunction machine 1. For example, the CPU 40 determines prohibition settings for various processes related to creation or various processes related to transmission based on the acquired restriction information, and prohibits some of the various processes related to creation or various processes related to transmission based on the determined prohibition setting. To do.

  A computer program recorded on a recording medium 58 such as a CD-ROM is read by the external storage unit 48, stored in the hard disk 44 or RAM 42, and executed by the CPU 40, thereby causing the computer 32 to operate as the above-described units or units. Is possible. It is also possible to receive a computer program from another device by the communication unit 46 connected to the LAN or the like and store it in the hard disk 44 or the RAM 42. The computer program according to the present invention may be included in a printer driver, or may be included in application software such as document creation / editing or image editing.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a restriction process for various processes related to data transmission by the computer 32 to the multifunction device 1. For example, the CPU 40 controls the communication unit 46 after the OS is started, communicates with the multifunction device 1 based on a pre-installed printer driver, and acquires restriction information from the multifunction device 1 (S10). For example, a request for restriction information and a user ID are transmitted from the communication unit 46 to the multifunction device 1 under the control of the CPU 40. The control unit 8 of the MFP 1 that has received the request for restriction information and the user ID by the communication unit 10 transmits the restriction information corresponding to the received user ID among the restriction settings stored in the management unit 14. To the computer 32.

  The CPU 40 of the computer 32 that has received the restriction information by the communication unit 46 (obtains the restriction information) determines the prohibition setting based on the restriction information (S12) and stores it in the hard disk 44. For example, among various settings of the printer driver, a setting corresponding to a process that is restricted (prohibited) by the restriction information is registered in the prohibited setting. Thereafter, when the CPU 40 transmits data to the multifunction device 1 to perform printing, the CPU 40 performs a prohibition process based on the determined prohibition setting (S14). For example, among the various settings of the printer driver, the settings registered in the prohibition settings cannot be selected or executed.

  6 to 11 are diagrams illustrating examples of various setting screens related to printing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the basic setting screen, and there are setting fields for document size (70a), printing direction (70b), number of copies (70c), paper feed tray (70d), and paper type (70e). Is provided. For example, regarding the setting of the document size (70a), even when one of B5, A4, B4, and A3 can be normally selected, the use of B4 and A3 is prohibited for the current user's user ID ( B4 and A3 are made unselectable by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. Further, for example, regarding the setting of the paper type (70e), even if it is usually possible to select any of plain paper, thick paper, and OHP sheet, the use of thick paper is prohibited for the user ID of the current user. If it is, the thick paper cannot be selected by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen, which is provided with setting columns for color / monochrome (72a), time limit (72c, 72d), and an execution button for test printing (72b). For example, regarding the setting of color / monochrome (72a), even if it is normally possible to select any of color, black and white, and monochrome, if color printing is prohibited for the current user's user ID The color cannot be selected by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. For example, regarding the setting of the time limit (72c, 72d), when the usable time is limited for the current user's user ID, the time limit is canceled and changed by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. Is disabled. Similarly, for example, when test printing (72b) is executed, if the test printing is prohibited for the current user's user ID, the test printing is disabled by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. .

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image quality setting screen, which is provided with setting columns for print quality (74a), resolution (74b), and data size (74c). For example, regarding the setting of the print quality (74a), the use of high image quality is normally prohibited for the user ID of the current user, even if normal, high image quality, or toner saving can be selected. If it is set, the high image quality is normally disabled (only toner saving can be selected) by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. For example, the resolution (74b) or data size (74c) setting can be normally changed, but if the change is prohibited for the current user's user ID, the setting is based on the prohibition setting. It cannot be changed by the control of the CPU 40. Alternatively, when the change range is restricted for the user ID of the current user, the change range is restricted by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for double-sided printing, and a setting field for double-sided printing (76a, 76b, 76c) is provided. For example, regarding the setting of double-sided printing (76a), even though it is normally selectable, if double-sided printing is prohibited for the current user's user ID, double-sided printing is performed under the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. (76a, 76b, 76c) is disabled.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an aggregate print setting screen, which includes an aggregate print (78a, 78b) setting field. For example, regarding the setting of the aggregate print (78a), even though it is normally selectable, if the aggregate print is prohibited for the current user's user ID, the aggregate print is controlled by the CPU 40 based on the prohibit setting. (78a, 78b) is disabled.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a post-processing setting screen, which includes setting fields for sorting (80a, 80b), stapling (80c), and punching (80d, 80e). For example, the sorting (80a) setting can be normally selected, but if the sorting is prohibited for the current user's user ID, the sorting cannot be selected by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting. To be. Similarly, when the setting of the staple (80c) or the punch (80d) is prohibited for the current user's user ID, the selection is disabled by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting.

  Even when data to be transmitted to the multifunction device 1 is created by the computer 32, the processing can be restricted in the same manner as when data is transmitted to the multifunction device 1 described above. For example, when the original is set while the CPU 40 is executing the document creation application, the original size (70a) and original direction (70b) shown in FIG. 6, the color / monochrome (72a) shown in FIG. Although the setting screen is displayed, for example, when the use of B4 and A3 is prohibited for the current user's user ID, B4 and A3 are disabled by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting, For example, when color printing is prohibited for the current user's user ID, the color cannot be selected by the control of the CPU 40 based on the prohibition setting.

  As described above, by prohibiting (restricting) a part of the setting reception process based on the restriction information acquired from the multifunction device 1, it is possible to prevent the data transmitted from the computer 32 to the multifunction device 1 from being printed due to the restriction. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary traffic on the communication line due to transmission of data that cannot be printed, or to prevent the computer 32 from being subjected to unnecessary load by creating data that cannot be printed.

  Here, when the printer driver of the other multifunction device 36 is installed in the computer 32 in addition to the printer driver of the multifunction device 1, the CPU 40 acquires the restriction information from both the multifunction devices 1 and 36, respectively. The prohibition setting for each MFP 1 and 36 is determined. For example, the user of the computer 32 can check the setting screens shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 of each multifunction device and select the multifunction device (printer) to be used. For example, when it is desired to perform color printing, it is possible to select a multifunction device that can select color printing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system including a data processing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of a restriction | limiting setting. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a computer. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a restriction process of various processes related to transmission of data to a multifunction machine by a computer. It is a figure which shows the example of the various setting screens regarding printing. It is a figure which shows the example of the various setting screens regarding printing. It is a figure which shows the example of the various setting screens regarding printing. It is a figure which shows the example of the various setting screens regarding printing. It is a figure which shows the example of the various setting screens regarding printing. It is a figure which shows the example of the various setting screens regarding printing.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 36 MFP 2 Image reading part 4 Operation part 6 Image formation part 8 Control part 10, 46 Communication part 11 FAX modem 12, 44 Hard disk 13 Image processing part 14 Management part 32 Computer 34 Server 42 RAM
48 external storage unit 50 input unit 52 display unit N1 internal network N2 external network N3 telephone line network

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus that performs processing for forming an image on a sheet based on received data, and a data processing device that performs various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, are identified from the data processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus In the image forming system that transmits information and the image forming apparatus restricts the forming process based on the identification information.
The data processing device includes:
Acquisition means for acquiring restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus for the transmitted identification information;
An image forming system comprising: restriction means for restricting various processes relating to the creation based on restriction information acquired by the acquisition means. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on the received data, and a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to transmission of data to the image forming apparatus. Identification information from the data processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus In the image forming system in which the image forming apparatus restricts the forming process based on the identification information,
The data processing device includes:
Acquisition means for acquiring restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus for the transmitted identification information;
An image forming system comprising: restriction means for restricting various processes related to the transmission based on restriction information acquired by the acquisition means.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to acquire the restriction information after the data processing apparatus is activated. The image forming apparatus includes:
Connected to multiple data processing devices,
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when forming processing is performed on data received from each of a plurality of data processing devices, the processing is preferentially performed from the least restrictive side. Forming system.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to perform restriction on a type of sheet on which an image is formed and / or a color of an image formed on the sheet. The image forming system described.   The image forming apparatus saves the resolution of the image formed on the sheet, the data size, the image formation on both sides of the sheet, the aggregation process for forming a plurality of images on the sheet, the post-processing of the sheet on which the image is formed, and the toner. 5. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming system is configured to limit at least one of image formation, an image formation test, and a usable time. In the case of performing an image sheet forming process based on received data, the present invention relates to transmission of identification information to an image forming apparatus that restricts the forming process based on received identification information and creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In a data processing apparatus that performs various processes,
Acquisition means for acquiring restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus for the transmitted identification information;
A data processing apparatus comprising: restriction means for restricting various processes related to the creation based on restriction information obtained by the obtaining means. Data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to transmission of identification information and data transmission to an image forming apparatus that restricts the formation process based on the received identification information when performing the process of forming an image on the sheet based on the received data In
Acquisition means for acquiring restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus for the transmitted identification information;
A data processing apparatus comprising: restriction means for restricting various processes relating to the transmission based on restriction information obtained by the obtaining means. Identification from the data processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus using an image forming apparatus that performs processing for forming an image on a sheet based on the received data and a data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus In the image forming method for transmitting information, and the image forming apparatus restricts the forming process based on the identification information.
The data processing device acquires restriction information on the forming processing of the image forming device for the transmitted identification information,
An image forming method, wherein the data processing device restricts various processes related to the creation based on acquired restriction information. Identification information from the data processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus using the image forming apparatus that performs the image forming process on the sheet based on the received data and the data processing apparatus that performs various processes related to the transmission of data to the image forming apparatus In the image forming method in which the image forming apparatus restricts the forming process based on the identification information.
The data processing device acquires restriction information on the forming processing of the image forming device for the transmitted identification information,
An image forming method, wherein the data processing device restricts various processes related to the transmission based on the obtained restriction information. In the case of performing an image sheet forming process based on received data, the present invention relates to transmission of identification information to an image forming apparatus that restricts the forming process based on received identification information and creation of data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In a computer program that causes a computer to perform various processes,
A procedure for causing a computer to acquire restriction information of the forming process of the image forming apparatus for the transmitted identification information;
A procedure for causing a computer to determine prohibition settings for various processes related to the creation based on acquired restriction information;
A computer program, comprising: a step of causing a computer to prohibit a part of the various processes related to the creation based on the determined prohibition setting. In the case of performing image forming processing on an image sheet based on received data, the computer is caused to perform various processes related to transmission of identification information and data transmission to an image forming apparatus that restricts the formation processing based on the received identification information. In a computer program,
A procedure for causing a computer to acquire restriction information on the forming process of the image forming apparatus for the transmitted identification information;
A procedure for causing a computer to determine prohibition settings for various processes related to transmission based on acquired restriction information;
And a procedure for causing the computer to prohibit a part of the various processes related to the transmission based on the determined prohibition setting.

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