JP2007058429A - Stored data management method of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To finely control operation in a printer for each stored data to a box function of storing print data and image data by generating information to directly instruct behavior in the printer, or document attribute information to make the printer decide behavior of the stored data, and by attaching the information to the stored data in generating the stored data. <P>SOLUTION: A printer having a means for internally storing print data transmitted from a print data generator to print it asynchronously with operation in transmission includes: a means for making a user to set storage environmental conditions when transmitting the print data; a means for generating a document attribute corresponding to the environmental conditions to add it to the print data; a means for acquiring the document attribute to be attached to the print data when receiving the print data; a means for generating information on the storage of the print data from the acquired document attribute; and a means for processing the print data in accordance with the set information on the storage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus including a function of saving input print data in an internal storage area.

  In a printing device that receives and processes print data created on a data generation device such as a host computer, recently, the data is temporarily stored in the storage area in the printing device without performing the printing process at the time of data reception. There are many printing apparatuses having a function capable of calling and printing print data at a desired timing.

  The following points can be considered as the effectiveness of storing the print data in the printing apparatus.

When actual print processing is performed on print data sent from the host computer to the printing device, it is possible to execute the processing without directing the host computer by instructing the printing device directly. Because it exists, it is not affected by the communication status with the external device, and is saved in the print command data or image data format, so there is no need to generate print data from application data on the host computer, which is advantageous in terms of processing speed. Based on the above effectiveness, the data storage function-equipped printing apparatus is used as a document temporary or permanent storage unit on the premise that printing processing is performed.

  As an example, when the same document is distributed to an unspecified number of recipients in the department on the assumption that the user prints the document, the document is distributed to each user's host computer or the original document on the server Each user can download the document to his / her own host computer, and the user can send the document data to the printing apparatus. In the former case, the same document data exists on the host computers of all received users, and in the latter case, data download from the server occurs every time the user performs print processing.

If a document for multiple users for printing purposes exists in the printing device installed at each site, users who need printed materials can obtain the desired output only with information about the storage location of the print data. It is. (In this case, the user who needs the printed document may execute the printing process directly on the printing apparatus in which the print data is stored, without holding the unnecessary document in the personal host computer, and in the server. No load on the network due to download from
The most basic form of such a storage function (hereinafter referred to as a box function) in the printing apparatus is to use a UI for controlling the box function prepared on the host computer or the printing apparatus to store a box as a storage destination. The desired storage state is realized by designating and sending the target document data to the printing apparatus, and when executing the printing process, the box containing the target print data is designated by the box control UI, and the data is stored. The printing result of the target print data is obtained by specifying and executing printing.

  There are cases where an unspecified number of users can freely store and use a box that can be designated and operated as a storage destination, or it may have its own restrictions or functions, such as allowing only specific users to use it. . Also, if there is a limit on the amount of data to be saved (size) due to the physical conditions of the storage area that forms each box, the saved data is stored from the earliest storage order, and if the limit size is reached, the subsequent saving is executed. It is normal to have a mechanism that does not. For this reason, each box has a function of designating a storage period of stored data, and thus has a means for erasing old data according to an elapsed time from the storage and ensuring a storable size in the box.

  In addition, when executing print processing of stored print data, if the user does not have clear storage location information, data stored in each box in the target printing apparatus using the box control UI It is necessary to search and select a desired one from the list.

  As described above, the box function of the conventional printing device is that the print data storage destination is explicitly specified by the user who executes the storage, and management of stored data such as erasing old data is specified and executed in units of boxes. The location of the stored data is recognized by the user, or the user can specify the location by searching the stored data in the box.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing storage information designation means used in the conventional box function.

  The means for setting the print data storage destination and storage period will be described with reference to FIG.

  The host computer 201 and the printing apparatus 202 are connected via a network or the like, and the 202 includes an internal storage device (HD) 203. When the document 200 created on 201 is transmitted to 202 and the printer driver 204 corresponding to 202 selects “save” as the processing mode, a box list as a save destination is displayed as a submenu. When processing is executed by designating a box, the printer data is saved in a predetermined area on the storage device 203 of the printing apparatus 202.

  Further, as means for setting the retention period for each box on 202, a screen 206 for selecting a box to be set in the environment setting UI on the host computer 201 or the printing apparatus 202, and the selected box A sub-menu 207 for designating a storage period for. Reference numeral 202 denotes a box list 208 for managing the information of each box in order to control the operation of the boxes held therein, and the storage period set in the previous UI is a storage information table linked to each box ID in the box list. 209 has a mechanism to be held individually.

  When the print data is actually stored in the box 203, the document in the box is deleted according to the storage period set with reference to the storage information.

  As described above, the storage destination and the storage period of the print data are set by the user, and the processing is switched depending on the set value.

As a conventional example, for example, Patent Document 1 can be cited.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-323962

  The conventional box function having the configuration as described above has the following problems regarding the storage environment.

Specify storage location:
When saving print data from the host computer, the user needs to always perform an operation conscious of the save destination, such as explicitly specifying the save destination from a box list or the like. There is no problem if the storage process is executed for a printing device that the user understands the box function configuration for use by a single user, but the printing device shared by multiple users or the user is not guided by the box function configuration When a storage process is performed on a simple printing apparatus or a printing apparatus that is set to store all received print data, it is complicated for the user to specify the storage destination one by one, and the box function configuration is inconvenient. In the case of guidance, it may be difficult to specify an optimal storage location.

Storage area management:
The timing for deleting (or moving) the stored print data is one of the following.

The user explicitly specifies and deletes the data stored in the box on the printing device (manual deletion)
A document retention period is set for each box, and the corresponding document is deleted when the retention period expires (automatic deletion).
When managing the storage area using the former means, it is entrusted to each user to determine and execute data storage / deletion, so the shared printing device administrator manages the data storage state and optimizes the storage area. It is impossible to make a correct arrangement. For example, even when an important new document cannot be saved because there are many old documents that are not used, the device administrator (third party) cannot determine the importance of the data saved by each user from the saved data. It is difficult to perform effective measures such as erasure and movement.

  In addition, when storage area management is performed using the latter method, since the storage period is specified only by the time setting for the storage location box, it is not possible to provide different storage periods for documents in the same storage location. Can not. Therefore, the data storage period is automatically determined according to the box selected by the user according to the setting of the selected box.

  Thus, what defines the data storage environment including the storage period is the setting of the storage destination box, and the stored data itself does not have a function of specifying the storage state.

How to check the storage location:
In order for the user to use the print data stored in the printing apparatus and obtain a printed matter, it is necessary to specify the printing apparatus in which the data is stored and the box in the apparatus. Normally, such information is notified from the distribution source of print data, but a user who is not included in the distribution destination cannot know this information.

On the other hand, in a department where a printing device with such a storage function is used as a print data storage base, when a secondary user who has obtained the actual printed material wants to reproduce the printed material, usually a copy of the primary printed material at hand is required. It is possible to obtain a secondary printed matter by taking it, but if the printing device in which the print data exists can be identified from the primary printed matter, it is possible to re-output from the original print data instead of the copy.
As described above, a means for allowing a secondary user who has only an actual distribution item to easily specify a storage location for a document for which a distribution item is desired to be shared without particularly limiting the distribution destination is desired.

  In order to solve the above problems in a printing apparatus having a means for storing the print data sent by the print data generation apparatus and printing it asynchronously with the transmission, the user sets the storage environment condition when transmitting the print data. Means for setting, means for generating a document attribute according to the storage condition and adding it to the print data, means for acquiring a document attribute attached to the print data when receiving the print data, and the print attribute from the acquired document attribute Means for generating data storage information, means for processing print data in accordance with the set j storage information, and means for setting a time for storage in the printing apparatus as a document attribute of the print data; Means for setting a time limit, means for obtaining a range of a storage period of the printing apparatus in advance, and a storage set by the user. A means for acquiring a range level; and a means for determining a time for the printing apparatus to store based on the storage range level, and further determining whether storage period information is attached to the document attribute of the received print data. Means for acquiring the current time using a clock function held in the printing apparatus when the period information is held, or held by another apparatus connected to the network, and the acquired current time Is set as initial time information in the storage information of the print data, means for determining whether the storage period information is designated as a storage time limit, and a storage time is calculated from the storage time limit and the initial time information. And a means for setting the storage time calculated or attached to the document attribute as storage information, and a print data stored in the printing apparatus. Means for specifying the initial storage time and storage time from the storage information of the data, means for acquiring the current time using a clock function held in the printing device or held by another device connected to the network, A means for calculating an elapsed storage time from the initial storage time and the current time; a means for determining whether or not the storage period of the print data has exceeded the elapsed time and the storage time; A printing apparatus having means for executing processing such as erasing / moving from an area, and having means for storing print data sent by a print data generation apparatus and printing it asynchronously with transmission Means for a user to set printing conditions when generating data, means for generating document attributes according to the printing conditions and adding them to the print data, and receiving print data Means for acquiring document attributes sometimes accompanying print data, means for generating print data storage information from the acquired document attributes, and means for processing print data in accordance with the set j storage information, Means for determining document attributes corresponding to printing conditions designated by the user, means for selecting a storage location corresponding to the document attributes attached to the received print data, and pre-determining the save operation corresponding to each storage location And means for designating a predetermined storage location corresponding to the document attribute corresponding to the printing condition designated by the user; means for judging the nature of the document from the document attribute; and There is a means to select the optimal storage location provided in the printing device due to the nature of the document, and it is attached to the print data to be printed. By having a means for generating a new print data indicating the storage information obtained from the document attributes, and means for adding to the original print data corresponding to print data for display the stored information, and to solve the above problems.

  By having the above solution, the storage process is performed for a printing apparatus shared by a plurality of users, a printing apparatus in which the user is unfamiliar with the box function configuration, or a printing apparatus set to store all received print data. When performing the operation, it is troublesome for the user to specify the storage location one by one, and it may be difficult to specify the optimal storage location if it is unfamiliar with the box function configuration, When managing storage areas in the printing device, it is up to each user to determine and execute data storage / deletion, so the shared printing device administrator manages the data storage state and optimizes the storage area allocation. In addition, since the storage period is specified only by the time setting for the box that is the storage location, different storage periods can be used for documents in the same storage location. In order to obtain prints by using the print data stored in the printing device and the user, it is necessary to specify the printing device in which the data is stored and the box in the device. However, usually such information is notified from the print data distribution source, but users who are not included in the distribution destination cannot know this information and want to share the distribution without limiting the distribution destination in particular. As for documents, the problem that there is no means for secondary users who have only the actual distribution to easily specify the storage location is solved, and a printing device with a storage function is simply stored as personal data. As a shared data storage / printing apparatus, instead of a use, it is possible to efficiently perform storage data management when performing operation in consideration of reuse (distribution) of storage data.

Example 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a printing apparatus with a storage function in which the present invention functions.

  The printing apparatus includes an image input unit 100 such as a scanner, an operating environment setting unit 101 such as a UI panel, an image processing unit 102 such as a video controller, an external storage device 103 such as an HD, and an image transmission / reception such as a network I / F board and fax. And an image output unit 105 such as a printer. The above assumes a combined printing apparatus in which a printer connected to the host computer 116, a copy provided with a scanner, a fax, and the like are integrated, but not all are required as a configuration of the present invention.

  The data processing unit 102 includes an input unit I / F 110, a setting unit I / F 111, an output unit I / F 112, a transmission / reception I / F 113, and a storage device I / F 114. By an internal bus, the data processing / control program ROM 106, data It is connected to a ROM 107, a CPU 108, a RAM 109 as an internal storage area, a timer (clock function) 115, and the like.

  Input data is taken into the data processing unit 102 by scanning an image with the image input unit 100 such as a scanner or by receiving print data sent via an external host computer, external fax or network via the transmission / reception unit 104. It is.

  The print data captured in 102 is processed according to the operating environment set in 101 or the operating environment information included in the external print data, and the processed print data is printed according to the target operation. When printing is performed by the apparatus, the data is transferred to 105, when the print data is transmitted to the external network, 104, and when stored in the printing apparatus, the data is transferred to 103.

  When the print data is processed in 102, the program is read from the program ROM 106 according to the processing operating environment acquired via 111 while using the information in the data ROM 107 as necessary, and the processing is performed using the internal storage area 109 or the like. Execute.

  Hereinafter, the Example concerning Claims 1-4 is demonstrated in detail using FIG.3 and FIG.4-FIG.6.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first stored information specifying means according to the present invention.

  Means for individually setting the print data storage period will be described with reference to FIG.

  The host computer 301 and the printing apparatus 302 are connected via a network or the like as in the conventional example, and the 302 includes an internal storage device (HD) 303. When a document 300 created on 301 is transmitted to 302, if “save” is selected as the processing mode in the printer driver 304 corresponding to 302, a box list as a save destination is displayed as a submenu. When the process is executed by designating a box as in 305 or 306, the printer data is saved in a predetermined area on the storage device 303 of the printing apparatus 302.

  Further, as a means for setting the storage period for each of the 300 documents to be stored, the printer driver menus 307 to 310 similarly set the storage period for the print data currently being stored. 307 is a storage time, 308 is a storage time limit, 309 is a selection for a storage time held by the system, and 310 is an example in which a storage period is not set.

  On the other hand, since the printing apparatus 302 controls the operation of the print data stored in the box, the printing apparatus 302 holds the document ID 311 in the saved document list for managing the information of each saved document, and saves each data set by the previous printer driver. The period is held individually in the storage information table 312 linked to each document ID.

  Further, each document ID is linked to a box ID which is a storage destination, and also has print data storage destination information.

  When each print data is actually stored in the box 303, the print data is deleted according to the storage period set for each document with reference to the storage information.

  The documents 1 and 2 with the retention period set are erased from the box when a predetermined period elapses, but the document 3 with the maximum retention time selected and the document 4 with no retention period set are permanently saved.

  Hereinafter, an algorithm showing the above means will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

  FIG. 4 shows means for determining a storage period, which is one of storage information, at the time of print data generation on the host side and adding it to the print data.

  In 400, the printing process of the document is started on the host. In 401, it is determined whether or not the operation mode is “save” designation. When the “save” mode is designated, a save destination is set in 402 and a box for storing print data is determined. In step S403, it is determined whether the storage period setting is selected. If the storage period setting is not selected, the storage information is not added as it is, and the processing proceeds to step S411.

  If it is selected, it is determined in 404 whether or not the storage period has been set in time. If the time has been set, storage time information is generated in 405, and in 410 the time information is added to the document attribute of the print data. And move to 411. If the time is not set, it is determined in 406 whether or not the storage period has been set as a deadline. If the deadline is set, the storage deadline information is generated in 407, and the deadline information is also added to the document attribute in 410. Then, the process proceeds to 411. If the setting is not based on the storage period, the setting value specified on the UI is read in 408, the setting value is converted into a predetermined storage time (or period) in 409, and the time (or period) information is added to the document attribute in 410. Add to 411.

  If it is not “Save” in 401, the process proceeds to 411 as it is, and print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus.

  As a result, the print data sent to the printing apparatus includes the data storage information specified in the corresponding document attribute.

  FIG. 5 shows a process for storing the print data received on the printing apparatus.

  A storage process is started at 420 and print data is received at 421. In step 422, it is determined whether the received print data is a save job. If the print data is a save job, a save job ID for the print data is created in 424, and the ID created in 425 is registered in the list. In 426, it is determined whether or not the retention period information is attached to the document attribute corresponding to the print data. If not, the process proceeds to 432 without performing the retention period setting process. Similarly, in 432, the storage destination box is determined from the document attribute of the print data, the storage job ID and the box information are linked, and the data is stored in the designated box.

  If it is attached, a timer existing in the printing apparatus or on another apparatus connected to the network is referred to at 427, and the current time designated to store the print data is acquired.

  Further, the current time acquired at 428 is registered in the saved information table as the initial time.

  If the storage period in the document attribute is specified as a time limit in 429, the storage time is calculated from the storage time limit and the initial time acquired previously in 430, and the storage time is registered in the storage information table in 431. After that, the storage destination box designated at 432 is linked to the ID list of the storage job, and the print data is registered in the storage destination box.

  If it is determined in 422 that the job is not a saved job, the process proceeds to 434 without performing the migration saving process and ends.

  As a result, when the storage period is added to the document attribute for the print data registered in the storage job ID list in the printing apparatus, the value is set as the storage information of the print data.

  FIG. 6 shows the processing operation of the print data stored on the printing apparatus.

  A storage data management process is started at 440 and a storage job is selected at 441. In 442, the print data storage time is acquired from the ID information of the selected storage job. Similarly, the initial time is acquired at 443, and the current time is acquired from the timer at 444. In 445, the elapsed time is calculated from the current time and the initial time. If the elapsed time is larger than the storage time in 446, the print data stored in 447 is deleted. If the elapsed time is smaller than the storage time, the process proceeds to 448 as it is. The next stored job is searched for in 448, and if there is, the process returns to 441 to resume the processing. If the stored job does not exist in the box, the process ends at 449.

  As described above, the storage process can be switched for each print data from the storage information corresponding to the case where the storage job exists in the box.

  In this embodiment, the method for specifying the storage period as the storage information has been described. Similarly, it is possible to set the data processing means after the storage period has passed in the document attribute of the print data. Instead of erasing data, it is also possible to switch between movement and other processing operations.

(Example 2)
Hereinafter, embodiments according to claims 5 to 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the second stored information designation means according to the present invention.

  With reference to this figure, a means for automatically setting a storage destination in a system that simultaneously stores print data when executing print processing will be described.

  The host computer 501 and the printing apparatus 502 are connected via a network or the like as in the conventional example, and the 502 includes an internal storage device (HD) 503. When a document 500 created on the screen 501 is transmitted to 502, if “use stamp” is selected as the print option mode in the printer driver 504 corresponding to 502, the types of stamps that can be used as a submenu are displayed. The use of the document can be assumed according to the type of stamp selected here, and an appropriate document attribute is selected and added by the document attribute selector according to the assumed use.

  In this embodiment, there are three types of “copy prohibited” for displaying a document prohibiting copying as a stamp function, “secret” for displaying a confidential document, and “draft printing” for displaying a temporary version. An example provided with

  A document attribute selector 509 has a correspondence between a preselected function and a document attribute. In the case of a “copy prohibited” document, a “non-save” attribute is selected as a document that does not permit secondary use of print data. In the case of a “confidential” document, a box capable of restricting the user to the storage destination is selected. “Protected document” attribute for “draft printing” document, “temporary document” attribute for selecting a box that is automatically organized at an appropriate timing as a document with a low storage request, If neither stamp function is used, the “other document” attribute for selecting a general box is stored in the selector as a corresponding attribute.

  When “copy prohibited” is selected at 506 for document 1, the “non-save” attribute is added to the print data of document 1 by the document attribute selector. Similarly, if “confidential” is selected in 507 for the document 2, the “protected document” attribute is selected, and if “draft printing” is selected in 509, the “provisional document” attribute is “505” when the stamp function is not selected. “Other document” attributes are added to the print data.

  When the print data to which these document attributes are added is sent to the printing apparatus 502, a document ID 510 for each data is generated on the saved document list, and at the same time, an optimum box as a save destination is automatically set according to the document attributes. A processing definition such as being selected is generated as saved information and registered in the information table 511.

  If the document attribute is “non-saved”, only the printing process is executed without executing the saving process (512). As a result, the print data does not remain in the printing apparatus, and the secondary use of the data becomes impossible.

  When the attribute is “protected document”, when the print data is used for secondary use, a secure box that requires a password for data access is designated as the storage destination, thereby preventing secondary use by users without access permission. (513).

  When the attribute is “provisional document”, since the demand for secondary use of print data is low, useless accumulation of print data is avoided by designating a dust box that is regularly organized as a storage destination (514). ).

  For non-attributed print data, a general box with no particular restriction is designated as the storage destination (515).

  The print data is subjected to processing such as printing, saving, and erasing according to the set processing definition.

  Furthermore, when printing the print data, information indicating which processing has been performed is added to the printed material, and whether or not the print data corresponding to the printed material is stored is stored in the storage destination information. (516).

  Hereafter, the algorithm which shows the said means is demonstrated using FIG.8, FIG.9, FIG.10.

  FIG. 8 shows a means for automatically determining document attributes at the time of print data generation on the host side and adding them to the print data.

  In 600, print setting is started, and in 601, the mode shifts to the option setting mode. It is determined in step 602 whether or not the stamp function which is the option mode is selected. If the stamp function is not selected, it is processed as “other document” in step 609 without attaching a specific document attribute. If it is selected, it is determined whether or not the stamp selected in 603 is “copy prohibited”. If so, the “non-save” attribute is added to the document attribute in 604, and the document attribute in 610. Add information to print data. If not, it is determined in 605 whether or not it is “confidential”. If so, a “protect” attribute is added to the document attribute in 606, and document attribute information is added to the print data in 610. If not, it is determined whether or not “draft printing” is selected in 607. If so, “temporary” attribute is added to the document attribute in 608, and document attribute information is added to the print data in 610. If not, the “other” attribute is added to the document attribute in 609, and the document attribute information is added to the print data in 610.

  The print data to which the document attribute is added is transmitted to the printing apparatus in 611, and the print setting process is terminated in 612.

  FIG. 9 shows a means for generating storage information for specifying a storage destination from document attributes attached to print data in the printing apparatus, and executing processing in accordance therewith.

In 620, the storage process on the printing apparatus side is started, and in 621, print data is received.
It is determined whether or not the document attribute of the print data received at 622 is “non-save”, and if so, the subsequent save process is not performed and the print process at 623 is executed.

  Otherwise, a save job ID is created at 624 and the process proceeds to save processing.

  In step 625, it is determined whether the document attribute is “protected”. If so, in step 626, storage information designating “secure box” as a storage destination is generated, and the process proceeds to step 631.

  If not, it is determined in 627 whether or not the document attribute is “temporary”. If so, storage information for designating “dust box” as a storage destination is generated in 628, and the process proceeds to 631.

  If not, storage information is generated as an “other” attribute in 629, and “general box” is specified as a storage destination in 630.

  After the save information relating to each document attribute is generated, the save destination selected in 631 is linked to the corresponding save job ID, the print data is stored / saved in the save destination designated in 632, and the save process ends in 633. To do.

  According to the above, the optimum storage destination is automatically selected according to the print environment setting performed by the user on the host, and the storage destination is attached to the print data as a document attribute, so that the print device can Save processing is possible.

  FIG. 10 shows a means for simultaneously printing the storage information generated when printing the print data.

  Printing processing is started at 640 and print data to be printed is designated at 641. The printing process at this time may be performed from the host, or the printing process may be performed on the print data already stored in the printing apparatus.

  It is determined whether or not the print data designated in 642 is a save job. If the print data is not a save job, print processing is executed in 647 with no information regarding the save destination.

  In the case of a saved job, a saved job ID is obtained at 643, and a saved destination is obtained from the ID at 644. A character string or symbol representing the storage destination acquired in 645 is generated, and the character string or symbol is added to the print data in 646. At this time, if the print data is a print command format, a character drawing command is added to a predetermined position. If the print data format is a developed image format, the generated character string or symbol is overwritten on the original image data, and the image data is re-developed. Use means.

  The print data to which the storage information is added is printed at 647 and the process ends at 648.

  Accordingly, it becomes possible for the secondary user to recognize the printing apparatus, the box, the data name, and the like in which the original print data exists based on the description on the printed matter.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image printing apparatus in which the present invention functions. It is a schematic diagram which shows the preservation | save information designation | designated means used with the conventional box function. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st preservation | save information designation | designated means concerning this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the configuration of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the configuration of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the configuration of the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd preservation | save information designation | designated means concerning this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration of Example 2. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration of Example 2. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration of Example 2.

Claims (8)

  A printing apparatus having means for storing print data sent by a print data generation apparatus and printing asynchronously with transmission, wherein the user sets a storage environment condition at the time of print data transmission, and the storage condition Means for generating a document attribute according to the print data and adding it to the print data; means for acquiring a document attribute attached to the print data when receiving the print data; and means for generating storage information of the print data from the acquired document attribute And a means for processing print data in accordance with the set storage information.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for setting a storage time in the printing apparatus, a means for setting a storage time limit, and a storage period range that the printing apparatus has in advance are set as document attributes of print data. A printing apparatus comprising: means for obtaining; means for obtaining a storage range level set by a user; and means for determining a time for the printing apparatus to store based on the storage range level.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for determining whether or not storage period information is attached to the document attribute of the received print data, and holding the period information in the printing apparatus, Alternatively, means for acquiring the current time using a clock function held by another device connected to the network, means for setting the acquired current time as initial time information in saved information of the print data, and Means for determining whether or not the storage period information is designated as a storage period; means for calculating a storage time from the storage period and initial time information; and the storage time calculated or attached to the document attribute as the storage information And a setting unit.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for specifying a storage initial time and a storage time from storage information of print data stored in the printing apparatus, and other means stored in the printing apparatus or connected to a network Means for acquiring the current time using a clock function held by the apparatus, means for calculating a storage elapsed time from the storage initial time and the current time, and a storage period of the print data from the elapsed time and the storage time. A printing apparatus, comprising: means for determining whether or not an excess has occurred; and means for executing processing such as erasure / move from a storage area when the excess is exceeded.   A printing apparatus having means for storing print data sent by a print data generation apparatus and printing it asynchronously with transmission, wherein a user sets a print condition at the time of print data generation; In response, means for generating a document attribute and adding it to the print data, means for acquiring a document attribute attached to the print data when receiving the print data, means for generating storage information for the print data from the acquired document attribute, And a means for processing print data in accordance with the set j storage information.   A printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein means for determining a document attribute corresponding to a printing condition designated by a user, means for selecting a storage location corresponding to a document attribute attached to received print data, And a means for predetermining a storage operation corresponding to the storage location.   A printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein means for designating a predetermined storage location corresponding to a document attribute corresponding to a printing condition designated by a user, means for judging the nature of the document from the document attribute, And a means for selecting an optimum storage location provided in the printing apparatus based on the determined property of the document.   6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the print information for storing information obtained from the document attribute attached to the print data to be printed is generated, and the original corresponding to the stored information display print data. And a means for adding to the print data.

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