JP2007241489A - Print system, print control program, print control method, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system, a print control program, a pint control method and a printer for reducing a whole print cost and suppressing an operation burden on a manager or each user by limiting print with a predetermined setting. <P>SOLUTION: When it is determined that an application which has issued a print instruction to a file to be printed is one which is not permitted to perform color printing, a print system 100 limits color printing using print data generated on the basis of the file to which the print instruction is issued from the application of which the color printing is not permitted. Therefore, since an application with a high possibility of no need of the color printing may be limited to perform the color printing, the whole print cost may be suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing control program, a printing control method, and a printing apparatus, and in particular, by restricting printing with a predetermined setting, the overall printing cost is reduced and the administrator or each user is involved. The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing control program, a printing control method, and a printing apparatus that can suppress an operation burden.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of color printers, there has been an increasing demand for creating color documents using color graphs, color diagrams, photographs, etc. in business, printing them as they are, and using them as conference materials.

  On the other hand, with the widespread use of digital cameras and the like, there are also users who try to color-print photos that are not related to work on a business computer. Since color printing with a color printer is relatively expensive, the color printer manager allows color printing for color documents used in business, and is not related to business. If so, I want to restrict color printing.

In a printing system that shares a printer via a network, as means for restricting printing for a predetermined user, means such as personal authentication or group authentication for restricting printing or a printing function for each individual or group is generally used. It has been.
JP 2005-149219 A

  However, if the printing function is restricted by the above-described personal authentication or group authentication means, the same restriction is always applied to a specific user or group. Therefore, a user who has been restricted to color printing For example, there is a problem in that it is not easy to use even if you want to perform color printing necessary for business such as conference materials.

  Also, when the printing function is restricted by means of personal authentication or group authentication, for example, the network administrator must determine and set whether to allow color printing for each individual or group. If the network administrator is not familiar with the work of each individual or group, there is a problem that the judgment is lost and the work efficiency is lowered.

  Furthermore, from the viewpoint of each individual or group using the network, there is a problem in that, for example, when it is desired to change the setting, it is necessary to apply to the network administrator, for example, and it takes time and effort.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. By restricting printing with a predetermined setting, the overall printing cost is reduced, and the operation burden on the administrator or each user is reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a printing control program, a printing control method, and a printing apparatus that can be suppressed.

  In order to achieve this object, the printing system according to claim 1 generates print data based on a print target file instructed to be printed from an application, receives the print data, and receives the print data. A printing apparatus capable of performing printing using print data, a permission information storage unit that stores printing permission information, and an application that instructs printing to the print target file using the printing permission information. And a permission determination unit that determines whether the application is permitted to perform color printing, and restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application not permitted to perform color printing. Limiting means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the first aspect, the restricting unit prohibits color printing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the first or second aspect, the restricting unit generates print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing. The monochrome printing used is executed by the printing apparatus.

  A printing system according to a fourth aspect is the printing system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein application information indicating an application instructed to print a file to be printed is transmitted prior to transmission of print data from the image processing apparatus. Whether or not the application instructed to print the print target file using the application information and the print permission information is an application for which color printing is permitted. And the restricting unit determines that the image processing unit issues a non-permission command indicating that color printing is not permitted when it is determined that the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application that does not permit color printing. Prior to sending print data from the device Serial is to send to the image processing apparatus.

  The printing system according to claim 5, in the printing system according to claim 4, when the image processing apparatus receives the non-permission command, the image processing apparatus generates print data for monochrome printing based on the file to be printed, Send.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the color printing corresponding to the print target file is restricted by the restriction unit, the restriction on the color printing is set by the user. It is provided with a notification means to notify.

  The printing system according to claim 7 is the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the permission determining means uses the print permission information to allow a user who has instructed to execute printing of the print target file. Determining whether or not the user is permitted to perform color printing in the application instructed to print the file to be printed, and the restricting unit is instructed to perform printing by a user who is not permitted to perform color printing in the application. Restrict color printing.

  The printing system according to claim 8 generates print data based on a file to be printed instructed to be printed by an application, transmits the image processing apparatus, and receives the print data, and executes printing using the print data A printing apparatus that performs printing with a predetermined setting by a permission information storage unit that stores printing permission information and an application that instructs printing to the print target file using the printing permission information. Permission determination means for determining whether the application is a print application, and the predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed from an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting. In the restricting means for restricting printing of the image and the image processing apparatus, the execution of printing is instructed for the print target file. Therefore, for the application instructed to print the file to be printed, the print permission application means for applying for the print permission with the predetermined setting, and the print stored in the permission information storage means in accordance with the application by the print permission application means. Printing permission information setting means for setting permission information.

  The printing system according to claim 9 is the printing system according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a dialog display unit that displays a dialog on a display screen when a printing instruction is given from a user. Applies for printing permission with the predetermined setting based on the user making a predetermined input to the dialog.

  The printing system according to claim 10 is the printing system according to claim 9, wherein the application content output means for outputting the contents of the application, and the approval for receiving the approval input for the application whose contents are output by the application content output means. Input permission means, and the print permission information setting means sets the print permission information according to the approval input.

  The printing system according to claim 11 is the printing system according to claim 10, wherein the application content output unit includes the content of the application based on an instruction to execute printing with respect to the print target file, and the print target file. The reduced image is displayed and output on the display screen.

  The printing system according to claim 12 is the printing system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the application content output unit includes the content of the application based on an instruction to execute printing for the print target file. Display the product name of the application instructed to print in the action file on the display screen.

  A printing system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the printing system according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the application content output unit includes the content of an application based on an instruction to execute printing on the print target file. The user information indicating the user who has instructed printing to the print target file is displayed on the display screen.

  The printing system according to claim 14 is the printing system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the printing permission application means sends an application command for applying printing permission with the predetermined setting together with printing data. The printing permission information setting means sets the printing permission information in accordance with the application by the application command received by the printing means.

  The printing system according to claim 15 is the printing system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the permission information storage means stores print permission information indicating an application for which color printing is permitted, The restriction unit restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing.

  17. The printing system according to claim 16, wherein print data is generated based on a file to be printed created by an application, and an image processing apparatus that transmits the print data. The print data is received, and printing can be executed using the print data. In a printing system including a printing apparatus, whether the application that created the print target file by using the permission information storage unit that stores the printing permission information and the printing permission information is an application that permits color printing. And a restriction unit for restricting color printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that does not allow color printing.

  The printing system according to claim 17 generates print data based on a print target file created by an application, receives the print data, and executes printing using the print data. A printing apparatus, and a permission information storage unit that stores printing permission information, and an application that creates the file to be printed using the printing permission information is permitted to print with a predetermined setting. Permission determination means for determining whether the application is an application, and printing with the predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting. A restricting means for restricting, and in the image processing apparatus, based on an instruction to execute printing for a file to be printed The print permission application means for applying for the print permission with the predetermined setting for the application that created the file to be printed, and the print permission information stored in the permission information storage means in accordance with the application by the print permission request means. Printing permission information setting means for setting.

  19. The print control program according to claim 18, wherein the application instructed to print on the print target file is an application that permits color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. A permission determination step for determining the print data using the print permission information, and a restriction step for restricting color printing using print data generated based on a print target file instructed to print by an application that does not permit color printing. Let it run.

  20. The print control program according to claim 19, wherein the application that created the print target file is an application that permits color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. The computer is caused to execute a permission determination step for determining using the print permission information and a restriction step for restricting color printing using print data generated based on a print target file in which an application that does not permit color printing is created.

  The print control method according to claim 20, wherein an application instructed to print to a print target file is permitted to print with a predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. In printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to print from an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting, it is determined whether the application is print permission information, This is a method for restricting printing with a predetermined setting, and based on the instruction to execute printing for the print target file, the permission for printing with the predetermined setting is given to the application instructed to print to the print target file. A print permission application process for setting the print permission information in accordance with the print permission application process to be applied and the application in the print permission application process. And an information setting step.

  The print control method according to claim 21, wherein an application that creates a print target file is allowed to print with a predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. In printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting, using the print permission information. A method of restricting printing with settings, and printing for applying for printing permission with the predetermined settings for an application that created the printing target file based on an instruction to execute printing on the printing target file Print permission information setting that sets the print permission information in accordance with the permission application process and the application by the print permission application process And a degree.

  23. A printing apparatus according to claim 22, comprising printing means capable of receiving print data and executing printing using the print data, said permission information storage means storing print permission information, and said print permission Permission to determine whether the application instructed to print the print target file using information is an application that is permitted to perform color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in the printing apparatus. Determination means, and restriction means for restricting color printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing.

  24. A printing apparatus according to claim 23, comprising printing means capable of receiving print data and executing printing using the print data, said permission information storage means storing print permission information, and said print permission Permission determination that determines whether the application that created the print target file is an application that permits color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in the printing apparatus using the information And a restricting unit that restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that does not permit color printing.

  According to the printing system of the first aspect, the permission determining unit determines whether the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application for which color printing is permitted by using the print permission information. Then, when the permission determining unit determines that the application instructed to print the print target file is an application in which color printing is not permitted, the permission determination unit is configured based on the print target file instructed to print from the application not permitted in color printing. Color printing using the generated print data is restricted by the restricting means. Therefore, color printing can be restricted for a print target file for which a print instruction is issued from an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, so that the overall printing cost can be reduced.

  According to the printing system of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system of the first aspect, the restricting unit prohibits the color printing. Therefore, the number of times of the color printing is suppressed, and the entire printing cost is reduced. There is an effect that it can be suppressed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect produced by the first or second aspect of the present invention, the restricting means is based on the file to be printed instructed to print from an application that does not permit color printing. Since the printing apparatus executes monochrome printing using the generated print data, the entire printing cost can be suppressed by substituting monochrome printing, which has a lower printing cost per sheet than color printing. There is an effect that can be. In addition, since the user can obtain a printing result of monochrome printing, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress an operation burden on the user such as re-execution of printing.

  According to the printing system of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the application information indicating the application instructed to print the print target file is transmitted by the application information transmitting unit. Color printing is permitted by the application instructed to print the file to be printed using the application information transmitted by the application information transmitting unit and the print permission information transmitted prior to transmission of print data from the image processing apparatus. It is determined whether or not the application is to be executed. If it is determined that the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application in which color printing is not permitted, a disapproval command indicating disapproval of color printing is issued prior to transmission of print data from the image processing apparatus. Sent. That is, since it is possible to notify the image processing apparatus that color printing is not permitted prior to transmission of the print data, the image processing apparatus stops execution of unnecessary processing such as transmission of print data for color printing, and the data size is large. There is an effect that it is possible to reduce a load of transmitting / receiving print data for color printing.

  According to the printing system of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the printing system of claim 4, when the image processing apparatus receives the non-permission command, the image processing apparatus performs monochrome printing based on the file to be printed. Since the print data is generated and transmitted, there is an effect that monochrome printing can be promptly executed in the printing apparatus.

  According to the printing system of claim 6, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when the color printing corresponding to the print target file is restricted by the restriction unit, Since the notification unit notifies the user of the restriction on color printing, it is possible to reduce anxiety given to the user.

  According to the printing system of claim 7, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the permission determination unit uses the print permission information to print the file to be printed. The user who has instructed execution determines whether the user is permitted to perform color printing in the application instructed to print the file to be printed, and the restricting means is a user who is not permitted to perform color printing in the application. Therefore, the color printing instructed to execute printing is restricted, so that the color printing can be restricted under more detailed conditions based on the user and the application.

  According to the printing system described in claim 8, it is determined by the permission determination means using the print permission information whether the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application permitted to print with a predetermined setting. The When the permission determining unit determines that the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application that is not permitted to print with a predetermined setting, the application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting is instructed to print. Printing with the predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file is restricted by a restriction unit.

  Here, in the image processing apparatus, based on the instruction to execute the printing for the print target file, the print permission applying unit grants the print permission with the predetermined setting to the application instructed to print the print target file. Apply. Then, according to the application by the print permission application unit, the print permission information setting unit sets the print permission information stored in the permission information storage unit. Therefore, the user can apply for printing permission with a predetermined setting for the application with a simple operation of giving a printing instruction from the application for which the application for printing permission is desired. There is an effect that can be done. In particular, if the application work is left to the user's manual work, the application name is often composed of alphabets and katakana, so input errors are likely to occur and the input operation is troublesome. By automatically applying for printing permission based on the instruction to execute printing, it is possible to suppress such input errors and operation burdens.

  According to the printing system of claim 9, in addition to the effect of the printing system of claim 8, the user makes a predetermined input to a dialog displayed on the display screen when the user gives a printing instruction. Based on the above, the print permission application means applies for the print permission with a predetermined setting, so that the user can apply for the print permission at the occasion of the print instruction. Therefore, there is an effect that the operation burden on the user can be suppressed.

  According to the printing system according to claim 10, in addition to the effect of the printing system according to claim 9, the contents of the application are output by the application content output means. The application contents can be shown to an administrator who should determine whether or not to approve. When the approval input to the application whose contents are output by the application content output means is received by the approval input reception means, the print permission information setting means sets the print permission information according to the approval input. There is an effect that it is possible to set the print permission information reflecting the judgment by the user.

  According to the printing system of claim 11, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system of claim 10, the application content output means displays and outputs a reduced image of the file to be printed on the display screen together with the content of the application. Administrators who should decide whether or not to approve the application can see an example of an image that is instructed to be printed by the application for which permission to print is viewed by looking at the reduced image of the file to be printed. There is an effect that it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to approve the contents.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the printing system according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the application content output means is the content of the application based on the instruction to execute the printing on the print target file. At the same time, the product name of the application instructed to print in the print handling file is displayed and output on the display screen, so that the administrator can know the product name of the application and appropriately determine whether to approve the application contents. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the printing system of the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the application content output means is based on an instruction to execute printing on the file to be printed. Along with the contents of the application, user information indicating the user who has instructed to execute printing on the file to be printed is displayed on the display screen, so the administrator can know the user who requested printing permission and approve the contents of the application There is an effect that it can be appropriately determined whether or not.

  According to the printing system of the fourteenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the print permission application means outputs an application command for applying for a print permission with the predetermined setting. Since it is transmitted to the printing apparatus together with the print data, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress a load associated with data transmission / reception between the image processing apparatus and the printing apparatus.

  According to the printing system of claim 15, in addition to the effect produced by the printing system according to any of claims 9 to 14, the restricting unit includes the file to be printed instructed to print by an application that does not permit color printing. Limits color printing using originally generated print data. Therefore, for an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, color printing can be restricted, so that the overall printing cost can be reduced.

  According to the printing system of the sixteenth aspect, it is determined by the permission determining means using the print permission information whether the application that created the file to be printed is an application for which color printing is permitted. When the permission determination unit determines that the application that created the print target file is an application that does not allow color printing, the permission determination unit generates the print target file based on the print target file created by the application that does not permit color printing. The color printing using the print data is restricted by the restricting means. Therefore, for an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, color printing can be restricted, so that the overall printing cost can be reduced.

  According to the printing system of the seventeenth aspect, the permission determining unit determines whether the application that created the file to be printed is an application that is permitted to print with a predetermined setting using the print permission information. . Then, when the permission determining unit determines that the application that created the print target file is an application that does not allow printing with a predetermined setting, the application created by the application that does not allow printing with the predetermined setting. Printing with the predetermined setting using print data generated based on a print target file is restricted by a restriction unit.

  Here, in the image processing apparatus, on the basis of the instruction to execute printing on the print target file, the print permission applying unit grants the print permission with the predetermined setting for the application that created the print target file. Apply. Then, according to the application by the print permission application unit, the print permission information setting unit sets the print permission information stored in the permission information storage unit. Therefore, the user can apply for printing permission with a predetermined setting for the application with a simple operation of giving a printing instruction to a print target file created by the application that desires to apply for printing. There is an effect that it is possible to suppress the operation burden on the.

  According to the print control program of claim 18, the computer is permitted to perform color printing using print data generated based on the print target file by an application instructed to print the print target file by a printing apparatus. A permission determination step that determines whether the application is a print application using print permission information, and a restriction that restricts color printing using print data generated based on a print target file instructed to be printed from an application that does not allow color printing And execute steps. Therefore, color printing can be restricted for a print target file for which a print instruction is issued from an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, so that the overall printing cost can be reduced.

  According to the print control program of claim 19, the computer permits the application that created the print target file to perform color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in the printing apparatus. A permission determining step for determining whether the application is an application using printing permission information; a limiting step for restricting color printing using print data generated based on a print target file created by an application that does not permit color printing; Execute. Therefore, color printing can be restricted for a print target file created by an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, so that the overall printing cost can be suppressed.

  21. The print control method according to claim 20, wherein an application instructed to print a print target file is allowed to print with a predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. In printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to print from an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting. Printing with the predetermined setting is restricted. Here, based on the fact that the execution of printing is instructed to the print target file by the print permission application process, the application of the print permission for the print target file is applied for the print permission with the predetermined setting. According to the application in the print permission application process, the print permission information is set in the print permission information setting process. Therefore, the user can apply for printing permission with a predetermined setting for the application with a simple operation of giving a printing instruction from the application for which the application for printing permission is desired. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the print control method of claim 21, an application that creates a print target file is permitted to print with a predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. In printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting, using print permission information. Printing with a predetermined setting is restricted. Here, on the basis of the fact that the print execution is instructed to the print target file by the print permission application process, the print permission with the predetermined setting is applied for the application that created the print target file, and the print According to the application in the permission application process, the print permission information is set in the print permission information setting process. Therefore, the user can apply for printing permission with a predetermined setting for the application with a simple operation of giving a printing instruction to a print target file created by the application that desires to apply for printing. The operation burden on the user can be suppressed.

  According to the printing apparatus of the twenty-second aspect, whether or not the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application for which color printing is permitted is determined by the permission determining means using the print permission information. Then, when the permission determining unit determines that the application instructed to print the print target file is an application in which color printing is not permitted, the permission determination unit is configured based on the print target file instructed to print from the application not permitted in color printing. Color printing using the generated print data is restricted by the restricting means. Therefore, color printing can be restricted for a print target file for which printing is instructed by an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, so that the overall printing cost can be suppressed.

  According to the printing apparatus of the twenty-third aspect, whether or not the application that created the print target file is an application for which color printing is permitted is determined by the permission determination unit using the print permission information. When the permission determination unit determines that the application that created the print target file is an application that does not allow color printing, the permission determination unit generates the print target file based on the print target file created by the application that does not permit color printing. The color printing using the print data is restricted by the restricting means. Therefore, color printing can be restricted for a print target file created by an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, so that the overall printing cost can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printing system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of personal computers 10 (hereinafter referred to as client PCs 10) and a personal computer 30 for an administrator (hereinafter referred to as an administrator terminal 30). And one color printer 50 are connected via a LAN 70. There are two types of LAN 70 transmission methods: a wired communication method and a wireless communication method. As a transmission medium for the wired communication method, a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, or the like is used. Note that two client PCs 10 do not necessarily have to be connected to the printing system 100, and one or more client PCs 10 need only be connected. Further, the administrator terminal 30 is not always necessary, and the administrator may use any of the client PCs 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. Since the two client PCs 10 shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration, only one client PC 10 will be described and illustrated below. As shown in FIG. 2, the client PC 10 has a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an HDD 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, and a network connection connected to the administrator terminal 30 and the color printer 50 via the LAN 70. And an interface 18 (I / F 18).

  The CPU 11 is a central processing process that comprehensively controls the printer server 10, and executes various programs such as a program that executes the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 13. The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 11 and data necessary for executing the control programs by the CPU 11. A program for executing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 13 is stored in the ROM 12. The RAM 13 is a memory for temporarily storing data and programs necessary for various processes executed by the CPU 11.

  The HDD 14 is a storage device composed of a hard disk and its drive, and stores applications such as a document data creation application, a spreadsheet application, and a graphic design application for creating a data file and giving a print instruction to the data file. The A data file for which a print instruction has been issued from an application is referred to as a print target file.

  The input device 15 inputs data or commands to the client PC 10 and is configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The user inputs his / her user ID from the input device 15 when logging in the client PC 10 in order to confirm that he / she is an authorized user. In addition, by inputting a predetermined input from the input device 15, an application can be started and a print instruction can be issued from the application.

  The display device 16 displays characters, images, and the like in order to visually confirm the processing contents executed by the printer server 10 and input data, and is configured by, for example, a CRT display or a liquid crystal display. Has been.

  The I / F 18 (network interface 18) connects the client PC 10 to the LAN 70, and the client PC 10 can transmit various commands and print data to the color printer 50 via the I / F 18 and the LAN 70. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the HDD 14, the input device 15, the display device 16, the I / F 18, and the bus line 19 are connected to each other.

  In the client PC 10 configured as described above, after an application such as a document data creation application, a spreadsheet application, or a graphic design application stored in the HDD 14 is started, the color printer 50 is operated according to an input operation by the input device 15. A data file having the content desired to be printed is created. When a print instruction is given from the application to the data file thus created based on the input by the user, print data that is data for printing on the recording paper corresponding to the print target file is displayed. Are generated based on the file to be printed and transmitted to the color printer 50.

  On the other hand, the administrator terminal 30 connected to the client PC 10 and the color printer 50 described above via the LAN 70 has a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an HDD 34, an input device 35, a display device 36, and a LAN 70. Network interface 38 (I / F 38) connected to the client PC 10 and the color printer 50.

  In the above-described configuration of the administrator terminal 30, the CPU 31 controls the operation of the administrator terminal 30 and executes various programs. The ROM 32 is a memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the administrator terminal 30 is stored, and the RAM 33 is a readable / writable memory for temporarily storing data necessary for the processing of the CPU 31.

  The HDD 34 is a storage device composed of a hard disk and its drive. The input device 35 is configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used for inputting approval work by a browser to the administrator terminal 30. The display device 35 is configured by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, and the like, This is to visually check the input data.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, HDD 34, input device 35, display device 36, and I / F 38 described above are connected to each other via a bus line 39.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the color printer 50 is a color laser printer, and includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a flash memory 54, an image forming unit control circuit 55, and an image forming unit 56. , An operation panel 57 and an interface 59 (I / F 59) connected to the LAN 70 are provided.

  In the configuration as described above in the color printer 50, the CPU 51 controls the operation of the color printer 50, and executes various programs such as programs for executing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The ROM 52 is a memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the color printer 50 is stored. Here, a program for executing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 18 is stored in the ROM 52. Note that the program for executing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 18 corresponds to the print control program described in the claims. The RAM 53 is a readable / writable memory for temporarily storing data necessary for the processing of the CPU 51.

  The flash memory 54 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and includes a color printing permission list 54a, a color printing application list 54b, and a product name correspondence list 54c. The color printing permission list 54a will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, and the contents of the color printing application list 54b and the product name correspondence list 54c will be described later with reference to FIG.

The CPU 51 is configured to send a control signal to the image forming unit 56 via the image forming unit control circuit 55. The image forming unit 56 contains an image forming unit containing yellow toner, an image forming unit containing magenta toner, an image forming unit containing cyan toner, and black toner. The image forming unit has the same configuration except that the toner color is different. Each image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum as an image carrier, a charger that charges the photosensitive drum around the photosensitive drum, an exposure unit that emits a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, and And a developing unit that forms a toner image by attaching toner as a developer to the photosensitive drum by a developing bias applied between the photosensitive drum and the photosensitive drum.

  Although it is a known configuration, detailed description is omitted, but when the color printer 50 receives print data, the surface of the photosensitive drum is uniformly positively charged by the charger, and light is emitted based on the received print data. Exposure is performed by irradiation with a laser beam, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. Then, the charged toner is supplied to and selectively carried on an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, that is, an exposed portion exposed to a laser beam and lowered in potential. As the photosensitive drum rotates, the toner carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording sheet conveyed by a conveying roller (not shown). The recording sheet to which the toner has been transferred is conveyed toward a fixing unit (not shown). In the fixing unit, the recording sheet is pressed by a heating roller heated to a predetermined fixing temperature, whereby the transferred toner can be fixed and an image can be printed. When the color printer 50 receives print data for monochrome printing, the color printer 50 performs printing using only black toner (hereinafter referred to as monochrome printing). When the color printer 50 receives print data for color printing, Printing is performed using toner other than black (hereinafter referred to as color printing). Since color (other than black) toner is expensive, the printing cost per color printing is higher than the printing cost per monochrome printing.

  The operation panel 57 includes operation keys and a display screen that can be directly operated by the user, and is used to perform various operations such as setting of the color printer 50. The I / F 59 connects the color printer 50 and the LAN 70, and various commands and print data are input from the client PC 10 through the I / F 59.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, flash memory 54, image forming unit control circuit 55, operation panel 57, and I / F 59 are connected to each other via a bus line 60. Has been.

  1 and 2 illustrate a state in which only one color printer 50 is connected to the LAN 70, the number of color printers 50 connected to the client PC 10 is not limited to one, and a plurality of color printers 50 may be connected. It may be. Further, the color printer 50 and a printer that performs only monochrome printing may be mixed and connected.

  The color printing permission list 54a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the color printing permission list 54a. As shown in FIG. 3, the color printing permission list 54a is a list in which a user ID and a print execution file name are associated with each other.

  In the client PC 10, when a print instruction is issued from an application and color printing is designated, the user ID indicating the user who has instructed printing execution and the execution file name (print execution file name) of the application instructing printing are used. The configured color printing permission list search request D1 (see FIG. 5A) is transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50.

  The execution file is a program file in which a machine language for causing the CPU 11 to actually execute an instruction from the application is described. Each application execution file is given a unique name. Therefore, when a print instruction is issued from a predetermined application, the application that has issued the print instruction can be identified by the file name of the executable file being executed (referred to as the print execution file name).

  When the color printer 50 receives the color print permission list search request D1, the color printer 50 determines using the color print permission list 54a whether or not the combination of the user who has instructed printing and the application is a combination that allows color printing. . If the combination of the user ID indicating the user who instructed printing and the print execution file name indicating the application exists in the color print permission list 54a, color printing is permitted.

  On the other hand, when the combination of the user ID indicating the user who instructed printing and the print execution file name indicating the application is not in the color print permission list 54a, color printing is prohibited in the printing corresponding to the print target file. In the case of color printing, since the printing cost per sheet is high, the printing cost as a whole can be saved by limiting the color printing in this way.

  Also, “everyID” shown as the user ID in FIG. 3 is a user ID indicating all users. If the user ID is “everyID” in the color printing permission list 54a, it means that color printing is permitted for all users. That is, as determined using the color print permission list 54a shown in FIG. 3, when the print execution file name is “VISIO.EXE”, color printing is permitted for all users. Further, “everyAPLI” shown as the print execution file name in FIG. 3 indicates all print execution file names. For user IDs “banno” and “kawamoto” associated with “everyAPL” as the print execution file name, when the user indicated by the user ID gives a print instruction, color printing is performed regardless of the print execution file name. Means that is allowed.

  With reference to FIG. 4, a case where a print instruction is given in the client PC 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a print permission setting screen 20 displayed on the display device 16 of the client PC 10 when a print instruction is issued from the application in the client PC 10. As shown in FIG. 4, a print type designation box 20a for designating (inputting) a print type is displayed in the upper part of the print permission setting screen 20. In this print type designation box 20a, a desired print type is designated. Here, the check box provided at the head of the item to be designated out of any of the three types of printing, “A color printing”, “B monochrome printing with B color printing application”, and “C monochrome printing” By checking the box, a desired type can be designated.

  First, a case where “A color printing” is designated in the printing type designation box 20a will be described. When color printing is desired for the print target file, the user designates “A color printing”. Then, it becomes possible to input to the color printing non-permission setting box 20b provided at the next stage of the print type designation box 20a. The color printing non-permission setting box 20b is a box for allowing the user to set in advance how to operate when color printing in the color printer 50 is prohibited. In the setting box 20b when color printing is not permitted, the user selects a check box provided at the head of an item for which the setting is desired to be valid, either “monochrome forced printing” or “printing cancel”. Put a check.

  In this way, “A color printing” is designated in the print type designation box 20a, and any check box is checked in the color printing non-permission setting box 20b, and the OK provided at the bottom is OK. When the key 20d is pressed, a color print permission list search request D1 described later with reference to FIG. 5A is transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50. Then, in accordance with the color printing permission list search request D1, it is determined whether or not the application instructed to print is an application for which color printing is permitted. Color printing is executed.

  Next, the case where “monochrome printing with B color printing permission application” is designated in the printing type designation box 20a will be described. When the user desires to additionally set a new combination of the user ID and the print execution file name in the color print permission list 54a (see FIG. 3), the user designates this item. Note that when “monochrome printing with B color printing permission application” is designated, input to the application mode setting box 20 c is possible. The application mode setting box 20c is provided at the head of an item for which the setting is desired to be valid among any of the three application modes of “user only”, “application only”, and “combination of user and application”. You can check the checkboxes that are marked.

  First, when “user only” is checked and the OK key 20d is pressed, color printing in all applications is permitted for the user who has instructed printing (the user currently logged in to the client PC 10). Application is made.

  On the other hand, when “application only” is checked and the OK key 20d is pressed, an application is issued so that color printing with all user IDs is permitted for the application that has instructed printing.

  In addition, when “Combination of user and application” is checked and the OK key 20d is pressed, an application is issued so that color printing is permitted when the combination of the user who has instructed printing and the application is satisfied. Is done.

  The contents of the application are stored in a color printing application list 54b (see FIG. 7A) described later. When “B monochrome printing with color printing permission application” is designated, the contents of the application are transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50 and stored in the color printing application list 54b. Also, monochrome printing is executed for the file to be printed instructed to be printed. Therefore, the user can apply for permission for color printing following the monochrome printing instruction.

  Next, a case where “C monochrome printing” is designated in the print type designation box 20a will be described. In this case, monochrome printing is performed for the file to be printed instructed by the application.

  An application key 20e is displayed on the print permission setting screen 20. When the application key 20e is pressed, the designation on the print permission setting screen 20 is stored, and the print permission setting screen 20 is displayed with the same items designated at the next print instruction.

  A cancel key 20f is displayed on the print permission setting screen 20. When the cancel key 20f is pressed, the print instruction is canceled.

  Data transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50 after the OK key 20d is pressed on the print permission setting screen 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A schematically shows a color printing permission list search request D1 transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50 when “A color printing” is designated in the above-described print type designation box 20. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the color print permission list search request D1 includes a user ID and a print execution file name. The user ID is information indicating a user who is currently logged in to the client PC 10, that is, a user who has instructed printing, and the print execution file name is information indicating an application instructing to print. The color printer 50 that has received the color print permission list search request D1 determines whether or not the combination of the user ID and the print execution file name described in the color print permission list search request D1 exists in the color print permission list 54a. Search for. If the same combination exists in the color printing permission list 54a, a command indicating color printing OK is transmitted to the client PC 10, and if there is no same combination, a command indicating color printing NG (in the claims) The described disapproval command) is transmitted to the client PC 10.

  When the client PC 10 receives the command indicating color printing OK, it generates print data for color printing and transmits it to the color printer 50. On the other hand, when a command indicating color printing NG is received from the color printer 50, if “printing cancel” is designated in the color printing non-permission setting box 20b (see FIG. 4), the printing process is stopped. On the other hand, when a command indicating color printing NG is received from the color printer 50, if monochrome forced printing is set in the setting box 20b when color printing is not permitted, data for monochrome forced printing is transmitted to the color printer 50.

  FIG. 5B schematically shows monochrome forced printing data D2 for monochrome forced printing transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50. As shown in FIG. 5B, the monochrome forced print data D2 is data in which a message flag for printing a message on a printed matter is added to the header of print data for monochrome printing. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed matter printed by the color printer 50 using the monochrome forced print data D2 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5C, a message indicating that monochrome printing is forcibly performed according to the message flag added to the header of the monochrome forced printing data D2 is forcibly printed on the printed matter, thereby forcibly monochrome. The user can be notified that printing has been executed. Therefore, even if monochrome printing is performed even though color printing is designated, the user does not feel unnecessary anxiety such as a malfunction of the apparatus.

  FIG. 6 shows a color print permission application transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 40 when “monochrome printing with B color print permission application” is designated in the above-described print type designation box 20a (see FIG. 4). It is a figure which shows the monochrome printing data D3 typically. As shown in FIG. 6, the monochrome print data D3 with color print permission application is data in which the user ID and the print execution file name are included in the header of the print data for monochrome printing. When the color printer 50 receives the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application, the color printer 50 stores the user ID included in the header and the print execution file name in a color print application list 54b described later.

  When “user only” is specified in the application mode setting box 20c (see FIG. 4), the user ID indicating the user who has instructed printing and “everyAPLI” indicating all print execution file names are applied for color printing permission. It is added to the header of the attached monochrome print data D3. If “application only” is specified in the application mode setting box 20c, the user ID “everyID” indicating all users and the print execution file name indicating the application instructed to print are monochrome with color printing permission application. It is added to the header of the print data D3. When “combination of user and application” is specified in the application mode setting box 20c, the user ID indicating the user who has instructed printing and the name of the print execution file indicating the application instructing the printing are applied for color printing permission. It is added to the header of the attached monochrome print data D3. The user ID and the print execution file name included in the header of the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application correspond to the application command described in the claims.

  The color printing application list 54b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A schematically shows the color printing application list 54b. As shown in FIG. 7A, the color print application list 54b includes a management number for each data string composed of “product name”, “user ID”, “print execution file name”, and “thumbnail image”. Is a list in which the contents of the color print permission application made by the client PC 10 are stored.

  As described above, when “B monochrome printing with color printing permission application” is designated in the printing type designation box 20a, the monochrome printing data D3 with color printing permission application from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50 (see FIG. 6). Is sent. In the color printer 50, the user ID and the print execution file name included in the header of the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application are read and stored in the color print application list 54b. Further, the color printer 50 generates data for displaying a thumbnail image (reduced image) of the file to be printed, using the print data for monochrome printing included in the received monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application. . Then, the generated data is stored in the item “thumbnail image” of the data string managed by the same management number in the color print application list 54b. Further, a product name (application name) corresponding to the print execution file name is acquired using a product name correspondence list 54c described later, and stored in the item “product name” of the data string managed with the same management number. . As a result, a data string indicating the content of the color print permission application transmitted from the client PC 10 is added to the color print application list 54b.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram schematically showing the product name correspondence list 54c. As shown in FIG. 7B, the product name correspondence list 54c is a list in which product names (application names) are associated with print execution file names. Since the administrator may not be able to grasp the corresponding product name simply by indicating the print execution file name, according to this embodiment, the product corresponding to the print execution file name using the product name correspondence list 54c. The name is written in the color printing application list 54b described above. When the product name corresponding to the print execution file name is not stored in the product name correspondence list 54c, the product name item in the color print application list 54b is empty.

  As will be described later. When the number of data strings stored in the color printing application list 54b exceeds a predetermined number (10 or more in this embodiment), the administrator is notified and the application contents stored in the color printing permission list 54b are displayed and output. . Then, the administrator examines the application contents displayed and output, and determines whether or not to approve the application.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the application content notification screen for notifying the administrator of the application content S will be described. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of the application content notification screen 37 displayed on the display device 36 of the administrator terminal 30. Note that an e-mail is transmitted from the color printer 50 to the administrator terminal 30 in order to display the application content notification screen 37 on the display device 36 of the administrator terminal 30. In this e-mail, the IP address of the color printer 50 is described.

  The administrator can cause the display device 36 to display the application content notification screen 37 from the IP address described in the e-mail by using a general-purpose web browser. On the application content notification screen 37, each data string stored in the color printing application list 54b is displayed as the application content S. In the application contents S, “user ID” (user information described in claims), “product name”, “print execution file name”, and a link for calling data for displaying thumbnail images are set. Each is provided with a check box for allowing the administrator to input whether or not to allow (approve) the “reference print image” and the application content S.

  If the product name is empty in the color print application list 54b, the product name is displayed as “Unknown” on the application content notification screen. When the user ID in the color print application list 54b is “everyID”, the user ID is displayed as “all” on the application content notification screen 37, and the print execution file name in the color print application list 54b is “everyAPLI”. ”Is displayed as“ all ”as the print execution file name.

  The administrator who has referred to the application content notification screen 37 examines the application content S and determines whether or not to approve an application for color printing permission. Then, by performing a predetermined operation from the input device 15, for each application content S, a check box of “Yes” or “No” for color printing permission is checked, and the OK key 37 a is pressed. Thereby, approval can be input. On the other hand, if it is not possible to make a determination at this time, for example, it is necessary to directly contact the user who applied, the process is stopped by pressing the cancel key 36b.

  Although it may be difficult to determine only with the print execution file name, according to the present embodiment, the product name is also displayed, so the administrator predicts the intended use of the application and performs color printing. Appropriate decisions can be made as to whether or not to approve the application. Furthermore, the administrator clicks “reference print image” as necessary to call up the thumbnail image display data stored in the color print application list 54 b and display the thumbnail image of the file to be printed on the display device 36. Therefore, it is possible to know an example of usage of the application and to make an appropriate determination.

  On the other hand, as described later, when an e-mail cannot be transmitted from the color printer 50 to the administrator terminal 30, an application content notification screen 57a is displayed on the display screen of the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50 instead of the e-mail transmission. Is displayed.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an application content notification screen 57 a displayed on the display screen of the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50. The application content notification screen 57a has substantially the same configuration as the application content notification screen 37 described above, and therefore only the differences from the application content notification screen 37 will be described and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Since the display area of the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50 is limited, the application content S is displayed one by one on the application content notification screen 57a. The administrator determines whether or not to approve each application content S, selects one, and approves by performing a predetermined input operation from the operation key on the operation panel 57. Can be entered.

  When an approval input is made by an administrator operation on either the application content notification screen 37 or the application content notification screen 57a, the approved application content S is additionally set in the color printing permission list 54a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8A, the application content S composed of a combination of the user ID “kojima” and the print execution file name “MSWORD.EXE”, and the user ID “ishida” and the print execution file. The description will be made assuming that the application content S having the name “everyID” is approved.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the combination of the user ID and the print execution file name newly set in the color print permission list 54a when the application content S is approved will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating the color printing permission list 54a in which the application content S permitted by the administrator is additionally set, and a state in which new settings are added to the color printing permission list 54a illustrated in FIG. Indicates. Here, the combination of the user ID “ishida” and the print execution file name “everyID” and the combination of the user ID “kojima” and the print execution file name “MSWORD.EXE” approved by the administrator is color printing. It has been added to the permission list 54a.

  Further, as the combination of the user ID “kojima” and the print execution file name “MSWORD.EXE” is added to the color print permission list 54a, the user ID “kojima” and the print execution file name “MSWORD_EX.EXE” are added. A combination with is added. As shown in FIG. 7B, the product name corresponding to the print execution file name “MSWORD.EXE” is “word”, but as the print execution file name corresponding to this product name “word”, “MSWORD_EX.EXE” exists. As described above, when there is another print execution file name corresponding to the product name corresponding to the print execution file name to be additionally set, the print execution file name is also added. This is because, even for applications having the same product name, the print execution file name may be different depending on the version or the like. According to the present embodiment, since the print execution file name associated with the same product name is added to the color print permission list 54a, in the subsequent processing, when a print instruction is issued from a different version of the application. Even so, color printing can be permitted.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 13, print processing executed in the client PC 10 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the printing process executed by the client PC 10, which starts when a printing instruction is issued from an application.

  First, in the client PC 10, when a print instruction is issued from an application, the print permission setting screen 20 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display device 16 (S1). In the print permission setting screen 20, the user checks a desired check box, designates a necessary item, and presses the OK key 20d (S2: Yes). Next, it is determined whether color printing is designated on the print permission setting screen 20 (S3). When color printing is designated (S3: Yes), a color printing process described later is executed (S4), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when color printing is not designated (S3: No), it is determined whether monochrome printing with a color printing permission application is designated on the printing permission setting screen 20 (S6). When monochrome printing with a color printing permission application is designated (S6: Yes), monochrome printing processing with a color printing permission application to be described later is executed (S8), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when color printing is not specified on the print permission setting screen 20 (S3: No), and monochrome printing with a color print permission application is not specified (S6: No), that is, monochrome is specified on the print permission setting screen 20. When printing is designated, the client PC 10 generates print data for monochrome printing based on the print target file, transmits it to the color printer 50 (S10), and ends the process. As a result, the color printer 50 executes monochrome printing corresponding to the print target file.

  The color printing process (S4) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the color printing process. In the color printing process, first, a process for acquiring a user ID and a print execution file name is executed (S42). As a result, the user ID indicating the user currently logged in to the client PC and the print execution file name that is the execution file name of the application that issued the print instruction are acquired.

  Next, a color print permission list search request D1 (see FIG. 5A) composed of the acquired user ID and print execution file name is transmitted to the color printer 50 (S44). The color printer 50 that has received the color print permission list search request D1 searches the color print permission list 54a (see FIG. 3), thereby finding the user ID and print execution file name included in the color print permission list. It is determined whether or not the combination exists in the color printing permission list 54a. If the same combination exists in the color printing permission list 54a, the color printer 50 transmits a command indicating color printing OK to the client PC 10 as a color printing permission list search result. On the other hand, if the same combination does not exist in the color printing permission list 54a, the color printer 50 transmits a command indicating color printing NG to the client PC 10 as a color printing permission list search result.

  When receiving the color printing permission list search result (S46: Yes), the client PC 10 determines whether or not the color printing permission list search result is a command indicating color printing OK (S48). If the command indicates color printing OK (S48: Yes), print data for color printing is generated based on the file to be printed (S50), transmitted to the color printer 50 (S52), and color printing processing is performed. finish. As a result, the color printer 50 performs color printing on the print target file.

  On the other hand, if the color printing permission list search result received by the client PC 10 is a command indicating color printing NG (S48: No), monochrome forced printing is performed in the color printing non-permission setting box 20b of the print permission setting screen 20. Is determined (S54).

  When monochrome forced printing is set in the color printing non-permitted setting box 20b (S54: Yes), for example, a predetermined dialog is displayed on the display screen 16 to notify the user of the execution of forced monochrome printing ( S56). Then, print data for monochrome printing is generated based on the print target file (S58), and a message flag indicating that a message is to be printed on the printed matter is added to the header of the generated print data for monochrome printing (S60). ). Then, the monochrome forced printing data D2 (see FIG. 5B) with the message flag added is transmitted to the color printer 50 (S52). As a result, the color printer 50 prints a printed matter on which a message indicating that monochrome forced printing has been performed is printed.

  On the other hand, if monochrome forced printing has not been set in the color printing non-permission setting box 20b (S54: No), that is, if printing stop has been set, for example, a dialog is displayed on the display device 16. As a result, the user is notified that color printing is not possible, and the process ends. As a result, monochrome printing is not executed in the color printer 50, and wasteful consumption of recording paper is avoided.

  According to the color printing process shown in FIG. 11, when it is determined that an application that has issued a print instruction to a print target file is an application that does not allow color printing, color printing with a high cost per sheet is restricted. Therefore, the printing cost in the entire printing system 100 is suppressed. If color printing is not permitted, it is possible to notify the client PC 10 of color printing disapproval prior to transmission of the print data, so generation of print data for color printing having a large data size and print data for color printing are possible. Can be reduced.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the monochrome printing process with color printing permission application (S8) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the monochrome printing process with color printing permission application (S8).

  In the monochrome printing process with color printing permission application, first, a process for acquiring a user ID and a print execution file name is executed (S82). As a result, the user ID indicating the user currently logged in to the client PC and the print execution file name that is the execution file name of the application that issued the print instruction are acquired. Next, print data for monochrome printing is generated based on the print target file (S84).

  Then, monochrome print data with color print permission application (see FIG. 6) including the user ID and the print execution file name in the header of the print data for monochrome printing is generated (S85), and transmitted to the color printer 50. (S86). Although omitted because the details have been described above, if “user only” is specified in the application mode setting box 20c (see FIG. 4), the user ID indicating the user who issued the print instruction and the names of all print execution files are displayed. “EveryAPLI” is added to the header of the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application. If “application only” is specified in the application mode setting box 20c, the user ID “everyID” indicating all users and the print execution file name indicating the application instructed to print are monochrome with color printing permission application. It is added to the header of the print data D3.

  The color printer 50 that has received the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application reads the user ID and print execution file name included in the header, stores them in the color print application list 54b, and uses the print data for monochrome printing. Then, monochrome printing corresponding to the file to be printed is executed.

  According to the monochrome printing process with color print permission application (S8), based on the instruction to execute the print on the print target file, the color print permission for the user or the application that has issued the print instruction to the print target file is issued. Since the application is made, the user can apply for color printing permission simply by giving a print instruction from the desired application, and manually input the application name, user ID, etc. for the color printing permission application There is no need to perform another complicated operation.

  The user ID and print execution file name acquisition processing (S42, S82) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for acquiring a user ID and a print execution file name.

  In the acquisition process of the user ID and the print execution file name, first, the user ID currently being operated (that is, currently logged in) is acquired (S422). Next, the process ID of the execution process having the current operation authority is acquired (S424). This is performed by identifying the position where the mouse pointer is located on the display device 16 and acquiring the process ID of the operation screen opened most recently at that position.

  Next, a print execution file name is acquired from the specified process ID (S426). According to the acquisition process (S42, S82) of the user ID and the print execution file name, the user ID and the print execution file name can be acquired. Although the description has been given here assuming that the OS of the client PC 10 is Windows (registered trademark), there are various procedures for acquiring the user ID and the print execution file name depending on the type of OS used in the client PC 10. The design can be changed.

  Next, processing executed in the color printer 50 connected to the client PC 10 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a reception process executed in the color printer 50. This reception process is started when the client PC 10 is turned on. First, it is determined whether or not a color print permission list search request D1 (see FIG. 5A) has been received (S12).

  When the color print permission list search request D1 is received (S12: Yes), a color print permission list search process described later is executed (S14). On the other hand, when the color print permission list search request D1 is not received (S12: No), the process of S14 is skipped.

  Next, it is determined whether monochrome print data D3 with color print permission application (see FIG. 6) has been received (S16). When a color printing permission application is received (S16: Yes), a color printing permission application registration process described later is executed (S18). On the other hand, when the color print permission application is not received (S16: No), the process returns to S12.

  The color printing permission list search process (S14) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the color print permission list search process. The color printing permission list search process is a process that starts when a color printing permission list search request D1 is received from the client PC 10.

  First, in order to check whether the combination of the user ID and the print execution file name that matches the color print permission list search request D1 (see FIG. 5A) exists in the color print permission list 54a, color printing is performed. The permission list 54a is searched (S142). When the combination of the user ID and the print execution file name that matches the color print permission list search request D1 exists in the color print permission list 54a (S144: Yes), that is, the client PC 10 issues a print instruction to the print target file. If the application is an application for which color printing is permitted and the user who gives the print instruction is a user who is permitted to perform color printing in the application, a command indicating color printing OK as a color printing permission list search result Is transmitted to the client PC 10 (S146).

  Here, the case where “the combination of the user ID and the print execution file name matching the color printing permission list search request D1 exists in the color printing permission list 54a” refers to the color printing permission list search request D1. The combination of the completely matched user ID and the print execution file name is not only present in the color print permission list 54a, but in the color print permission list 54a, the user ID is “everyID”, or the print execution file name Is set to “everyAPLI”, which includes a case where a combination including the color printing permission list D1 exists in the color printing permission list 54a.

  On the other hand, if the combination of the user ID and the print execution file name that matches the color print permission list search request D1 is not in the color print permission list 54a (S144: No), that is, the client PC 10 issues a print instruction to the print target file. If the selected application is an application for which color printing is not permitted, or if the user who issued the print instruction is a user for whom color printing is not permitted for the application, a command indicating color printing NG as a color printing permission list search result Is transmitted to the client PC 10 (S148).

  According to the color print permission list search process (S14), when a print instruction is given from an application and color printing is designated in the client PC 10, it is determined whether or not the application is an application for which color printing is permitted. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not a printing instruction has been given by a user who is not permitted to perform color printing in the application.

  The color printing permission application registration process (S18) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing color printing permission application registration processing. The color print permission application registration process is a process that is started when the monochrome print data D3 with color print permission application D3 (see FIG. 6) is received from the client PC 10.

  First, based on the monochrome print data D3 with color print permission application received from the client PC 10, monochrome printing corresponding to the file to be printed is performed (S182). Next, data for displaying a thumbnail image is created from the monochrome print data (S184). Then, the user ID and the print execution file name included in the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application and the created thumbnail image are assigned the same management number in the color print permission application list 54b (see FIG. 7A). Store in the managed data string (S186).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the print execution file name stored in the color print permission application list 54b is in the product name correspondence list 54c (see FIG. 7B) (S188). When the print execution file name stored in the color print permission application list 54b is in the product name correspondence list 54c (S188: Yes), the product name corresponding to the print execution file name is read from the product name correspondence list 54c, and color printing is performed. The data is managed in a data string managed with the same management number in the permission application list 54b (S190).

  On the other hand, if the print execution file name stored in the color print permission application list 54b is not in the product name correspondence list 54c (S188: No), the process of S190 is skipped and the process proceeds to S192.

  Next, the user is notified of acceptance of the color printing permission application (that is, that a new data string has been added to the color printing permission application list 54b) (S192). This is performed, for example, by transmitting a command to the client PC 10 that is the transmission source of the monochrome print data D3 with the color print permission application and displaying a dialog on the display device 16.

  Next, it is determined whether the number of data strings stored in the color printing permission application list 54b is 10 or more (S194). When the number of data strings stored in the color printing permission application list 54b is 10 or more (S194: Yes), a color printing permission process to be described later is executed (S196). Prompt the administrator for approval. Then, the process ends. On the other hand, when the number of data strings stored in the color print permission application list 54b is less than 10 (S194: No), the process of S196 is skipped and the process is terminated.

  According to the color printing permission application registration process (S18), a new color printing permission application is added to the color printing permission application list 54b based on the monochrome printing data with the color printing permission application received from the client PC 10, and 10 Since it is possible to notify the administrator collectively when the number of applications is accumulated, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the administrator as compared with a case where approval is requested one by one.

  The color printing permission process (S196) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the color printing permission process. The color printing permission process is a process for prompting the administrator to approve the color printing permission application based on the accumulation of 10 or more data strings stored in the color printing permission application list 54b.

  First, it is determined whether or not the color printer 50 is Web-accessible (that is, whether or not an IP address and a mail account are assigned in advance to the color printer 50) (S1962). When the color printer 50 is in the Web access mode (S1962: Yes), an e-mail is transmitted to the administrator terminal 30 (S1964). This e-mail describes the IP address of the color printer 50 for executing the print permission procedure. Therefore, the administrator who receives the e-mail from the color printer 50 at the administrator terminal 30 displays that the color printing permission application to be determined has been accumulated, and the application content notification screen (see FIG. 8A). The IP address of the color printer 50 for displaying the application content notification screen 37 (see FIG. 8A) can be known using a web browser.

  On the other hand, when the IP address and the mail account are not assigned to the color printer 50 and the color printer 50 is not web-accessible (S1962: No), the display screen of the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50 is blinked to determine. The administrator is notified that applications for color printing permission to be accumulated are stored (S1966), and the process is terminated. The administrator who notices the blinking of the operation panel 57 can display the application content notification screen 57a (FIG. 8B) by performing a predetermined input from the operation key of the color printer 50. According to the color printing permission process, the contents of the ten color printing permission applications are output to the display device 36 of the administrator terminal 30 or the operation panel 4 of the color printer 50. Thereby, the administrator can confirm the contents of the color printing permission application. Then, as described above, it is determined whether or not to approve and an input operation for approval is performed.

  With reference to FIG. 18, the color printing permission list addition processing (S20) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing color print permission list addition processing. The color printing permission list addition process is executed when the application content notification screen 37a is displayed on the administrator terminal 30 or the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50 by the color printing permission application process (S196). Process.

  First, in the application content notification screen 37 or the application content notification screen 57a, it is determined whether an approval input for the application content S has been received from the administrator (S201). When the approval input by the administrator is received (S201: Yes), the user ID and the print execution file name of the application content S approved by the administrator are added to the color printing permission list 54a (S202). Next, referring to the product name correspondence list 54c (see FIG. 7B), the same product name as that of the added print execution file name is associated with the character string different from the added print execution file name. It is determined whether or not the configured print execution file name exists (S204).

  When the same product name as the added print execution file name is associated and there is a print execution file name composed of a character string different from the added print execution file name (S204: YES), a different character string Is added to the color print permission list 54a together with the user ID (in the example described above with reference to FIG. 7, the print execution file name “MSWORD_EX.EXE”). In this way, if the application has the same product name, subsequent color printing is permitted without considering the version or the like.

  On the other hand, when the same product name as the added print execution file name is associated, and the print execution file name composed of a character string different from the added print execution file name is not in the product name correspondence list 54c ( S204: No), the process of S206 is skipped.

  Next, the color printing permission application list 54b is emptied (S208). Then, the application approval result is notified to the user (client PC 10) (S210), and the process ends. The user can know whether or not his application has been approved by receiving notification of the approval result of the application.

  According to the color printing permission list addition process (S20), the user ID and the print execution file name of the application content S approved by the administrator can be additionally set in the color printing permission list 54a. If the product name corresponding to the print execution file name to be added has a different print execution file name, the different print execution file name is additionally set in the color print permission list 54a. Therefore, when a user whose user ID is added to the color permission list 54a issues a print instruction from an application having the same product name, the print execution file name is different due to, for example, a different version of the application. However, color printing is permitted.

  According to the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the application instructed to print the print target file is an application in which color printing is not permitted, the print target instructed to print from the application in which color printing is not permitted. Color printing using print data generated based on a file is restricted. Therefore, color printing can be restricted for an application that is highly likely not to require color printing, so that the overall printing cost can be suppressed.

  Further, when execution of printing is instructed for a file to be printed and “monochrome printing with color printing permission application” is designated on the printing permission setting screen 20 (see FIG. 4), monochrome printing data D3 with color printing permission application ( 6) is transmitted from the client PC 10 to the color printer 50. Then, the color print permission list 54a is set according to the user ID and the print execution file name added to the header of the monochrome print data D3 with color print permission application. Accordingly, the user can apply for color printing permission for the application with a simple operation of giving a printing instruction from an application that desires to apply for color printing permission, and thus the operation burden can be suppressed.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the present embodiment, when monochrome forced printing is performed despite color printing being specified, a dialog notifying that monochrome forced printing has been executed is displayed on the display device 16 of the client PC 10. .

  FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog 16 a displayed on the display device 16. Further, instead of displaying the dialog 16a, for example, as shown in FIG. 19B, the client PC 10 may be notified by e-mail 16b that monochrome monochrome printing has been executed. As shown in 19 (c), the fact that monochrome forced printing has been executed may be displayed on the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50. Furthermore, not only when notifying that the forced monochrome printing has been executed, but also when notifying that the color printing permission application is permitted by the administrator, for example, as shown in FIGS. In addition, the notification means such as a dialog display, notification by e-mail, and display on the operation panel 57 of the color printer 50 can be variously changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the application approved by the administrator has been described as being additionally set in the color printing permission list 54a. However, for applications that are highly necessary for color printing, The color printing permission list 54a may be set in advance so that color printing in the application is permitted.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user ID and a print execution file name stored in the color print permission list 54a. As shown in FIG. 20, by setting the print execution file name of an application having a high necessity for color printing and the user ID “everyID” indicating all users in the color print permission list 54a in advance, An application that has a high necessity for printing and a high possibility of a color printing permission application need not be individually determined, thereby reducing the troublesomeness of an administrator.

  In this embodiment, color printing and monochrome printing are switched in the same printer. However, when two or more printers are connected in the printing system 100, the printer dedicated to color printing and the printer dedicated to monochrome printing are used. May be used separately, and when color printing is restricted, print data may be transferred to a printer dedicated to monochrome printing. By doing so, the printer in the printing system 100 can be used efficiently.

  In this embodiment, the color printer 50 is described as a color laser printer, but the type of the color printer 50 is not limited to this, and the color printer 50 is replaced with an ink jet printer. Other types of printers such as a printer of a type and a sublimation type printer may be used.

  In this embodiment, color printing is restricted. However, printing may be switched between permission and non-permission. That is, when a print instruction is given from a predetermined application, the printing itself may be prohibited. Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that color printing is completely prohibited when color printing is restricted, but the means for restricting color printing is not limited to this. For example, when color printing is restricted, color printing may be executed in a saving mode that suppresses the amount of ink or toner used. In this way, color printing, which is expected to have a low need for color printing, can be printed in a saving mode, so that the printing cost can be reduced and the color printing result can be obtained although the image quality is lowered. it can. Further, for example, when color printing is restricted, so-called Nin1 printing, in which a plurality of pages are printed on one page of recording paper, may be forced.

  In this embodiment, the application is determined by the print execution file name. However, the application may be specified by the size of the execution file. This is because the size of the executable file is different for each application, so that the application can be specified from the size of the executable file.

  In this embodiment, the case where the image and the message indicating that the forced monochrome printing has been performed is printed on one side of the recording paper has been described. However, when the color printer 50 is configured to perform duplex printing. May be configured to print a message indicating that forced monochrome printing has been performed on the back side of the recording sheet (the side opposite to the side on which the image based on the print target file is printed). In this way, the printed result looks good.

  Further, the message indicating that forced monochrome printing has been performed has been described as being always printed when forced monochrome printing is performed. However, whether or not to print a message can be switched according to user settings. It may be configured.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not to restrict color printing is determined based on the execution file name (print execution file name) of the application that has instructed printing. It may be determined whether to restrict color printing based on the created application name. Since the name of the application that created the print target file can be obtained from the information added to the print target file, the name of the application that created the print target file is used instead of the print execution file name described in this embodiment. Thus, it can be configured to determine whether or not to restrict color printing. In other words, the application that initially created the data file may be different from the application that opens the created data file and issues a print instruction. The design can be changed as appropriate.

It is a block diagram which shows the printing system of a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the printing system shown in FIG. 1 in detail. It is a figure which shows a color printing permission list | wrist typically. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print permission setting screen displayed on a display device when a print instruction is issued from an application in a client PC. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows typically a color printing permission list search request, (b) is the data for monochrome forced printing, (c) is the printed matter printed according to the data for monochrome forced printing It is a figure which shows an example. It is a figure which shows typically the monochrome printing data with a color printing permission application. (A) is a figure which shows a color printing application list typically, (b) is a figure which shows a product name corresponding list typically. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the application content notification screen displayed on the display apparatus of an administrator terminal, (b) is an example of the application content notification screen displayed on the display screen of the operation panel of a color printer. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the color printing permission list to which the application content S permitted by the administrator was added. It is a flowchart of the printing process performed with a client PC. It is a flowchart which shows a color printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the monochrome printing process with a color printing permission application. It is a flowchart which shows acquisition processing of a user ID and a print execution file name. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a reception process executed in the color printer. It is a flowchart which shows a color printing permission list search process. It is a flowchart which shows a color printing permission application registration process. It is a flowchart which shows a color printing permission process. It is a flowchart which shows a color printing permission list addition process. It is a figure which illustrates the modification of the notification means to a user. It is a figure which shows the modification of a color printing permission list.

Explanation of symbols

10 Client PC (image processing device, computer)
20 Print permission setting screen (dialog)
37 Application content notification screen (display screen)
50 Color printer (printing device, computer)
54 Flash memory (permission information storage means)
54a Color printing permission list (printing permission information)
55 Image forming unit control circuit (part of printing means)
56 Image forming unit (part of printing means)
57a Application content notification screen (display screen)
100 printing system S1 dialog display means S8 printing permission application means, printing permission application process S20 printing permission information setting means, printing permission information setting process S44 application information transmission means S56 notification means, restriction steps S62, S60, S148 restriction means S196 Output means S144 Permission determination means, permission determination step S201 Approval input reception means

Claims (23)

A printing system including an image processing device that generates and transmits print data based on a print target file instructed to be printed by an application, and a printing device that can receive the print data and execute printing using the print data In
Permission information storage means for storing printing permission information;
Permission determining means for determining whether an application that has instructed printing on the file to be printed is an application that permits color printing using the print permission information;
And a restricting unit that restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the restricting unit prohibits color printing.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restriction unit causes the printing apparatus to execute monochrome printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing. The printing system according to 1 or 2. Application information transmitting means for transmitting application information indicating an application instructed to print a print target file prior to transmission of print data from the image processing apparatus,
The permission determining means determines whether or not an application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application for which color printing is permitted, using the application information and the print permission information.
The restricting unit sends a disallowed command indicating disallowed color printing to print data transmission from the image processing apparatus when it is determined that the application instructed to print the file to be printed is an application that does not permit color printing. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system transmits the image processing apparatus in advance.   5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein when the non-permission command is received, the image processing apparatus generates and transmits print data for monochrome printing based on the file to be printed.   6. The printing according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit configured to notify a user of color printing restriction when color printing corresponding to the print target file is restricted by the restriction unit. system. The permission determination means determines whether the user who has instructed printing execution of the print target file is a user who is permitted to perform color printing in the application instructed to print the print target file, using the print permission information. Is what
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the restriction unit restricts color printing instructed to perform printing by a user who is not permitted to perform color printing in the application. In a printing system including an image processing apparatus that generates and transmits print data based on a print target file instructed to be printed by an application, and a printing apparatus that receives the print data and executes printing using the print data ,
Permission information storage means for storing printing permission information;
Permission determining means for determining whether an application that has instructed printing to the print target file is an application that is permitted to print with a predetermined setting using the print permission information;
Restricting means for restricting printing with the predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed from an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting;
In the image processing apparatus, based on the instruction to execute printing on the print target file, a print permission application unit that applies for print permission with the predetermined setting for the application instructed to print on the print target file;
A printing system comprising: a printing permission information setting unit that sets printing permission information stored in the permission information storage unit in accordance with an application by the printing permission application unit. The image processing apparatus includes a dialog display unit that displays a dialog on a display screen when a print instruction is issued from a user.
9. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein the printing permission application unit applies for printing permission with the predetermined setting based on a predetermined input by the user to the dialog. Application content output means for outputting the content of the application;
Approval input receiving means for receiving an approval input to the application whose contents are output by the application content output means,
The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the printing permission information setting unit sets the printing permission information according to the approval input.   11. The application content output unit displays and outputs a reduced image of the print target file on a display screen together with the content of the application based on an instruction to execute printing for the print target file. Printing system.   The application content output means displays on the display screen the product name of the application instructed to print in the print handling file together with the content of the application based on an instruction to execute printing on the print target file. The printing system according to claim 10 or 11.   The application content output means displays and outputs, on a display screen, user information indicating a user who has instructed to execute printing on the print target file, together with the content of the application based on the instruction to execute printing on the print target file. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the printing system is a printing system. The print permission application means transmits an application command for applying for print permission with the predetermined setting to the printing apparatus together with print data.
The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the print permission information setting unit sets the print permission information in accordance with an application by the application command received by the printing unit. The permission information storage means stores print permission information indicating an application for which color printing is permitted,
15. The color printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the restriction unit restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing. The printing system described. In a printing system including an image processing device that generates and transmits print data based on a print target file created by an application, and a printing device that can receive the print data and execute printing using the print data ,
Permission information storage means for storing printing permission information;
Permission determining means for determining whether the application that created the file to be printed is an application that permits color printing using the print permission information;
And a restricting unit that restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that does not permit color printing. In a printing system including an image processing device that generates and transmits print data based on a print target file created by an application, and a printing device that receives the print data and executes printing using the print data.
Permission information storage means for storing printing permission information;
Permission determining means for determining whether the application that created the file to be printed is an application that is permitted to print with a predetermined setting using the print permission information;
Limiting means for restricting printing with the predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting;
In the image processing apparatus, based on the instruction to execute printing on the print target file, a print permission application unit that applies for print permission with the predetermined setting for the application that created the print target file;
A printing system comprising: a printing permission information setting unit that sets printing permission information stored in the permission information storage unit in accordance with an application by the printing permission application unit. Permission to use the print permission information to determine whether the application instructed to print the print target file is an application that allows color printing using print data generated based on the print target file on the printing apparatus. A decision step;
A print control program that causes a computer to execute a restriction step for restricting color printing using print data generated based on a print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing. Permission determination for determining whether the application that created the print target file is an application that allows color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in the printing apparatus using print permission information Steps,
A printing control program that causes a computer to execute a restriction step for restricting color printing using print data generated based on a print target file created by an application that does not allow color printing. Print permission information is used to determine whether the application that has instructed printing on the print target file is an application that allows printing with a predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file on the printing apparatus. Printing that uses the print data generated based on the file to be printed that is determined based on the application and is instructed to print from the application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting. A control method,
A print permission application process for applying for a print permission with the predetermined setting for an application instructed to print on the print target file based on an instruction to execute printing on the print target file;
A print permission information setting step of setting the print permission information in accordance with an application in the print permission application step. The print permission information is used to determine whether the application that created the print target file is an application that allows printing with a predetermined setting using print data generated based on the print target file in the printing apparatus. Print control method for restricting printing with the predetermined setting in printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that is not permitted to print with the predetermined setting Because
A print permission application step for applying for a print permission with the predetermined setting for the application that created the print target file based on the instruction to execute the print target file;
A print permission information setting step of setting the print permission information in accordance with an application in the print permission application step. In a printing apparatus including a printing unit that receives print data and can execute printing using the print data,
Permission information storage means for storing printing permission information;
Whether or not the application instructed to print the print target file using the print permission information is an application that is permitted to perform color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in the printing apparatus. Permission judging means for judging,
A printing apparatus comprising: a restricting unit that restricts color printing using print data generated based on the print target file instructed to be printed by an application that does not permit color printing. In a printing apparatus including a printing unit that receives print data and can execute printing using the print data,
Permission information storage means for storing printing permission information;
Using the print permission information, it is determined whether the application that created the print target file is an application that is permitted to perform color printing using print data generated based on the print target file in a printing apparatus. Permission judging means to perform,
A printing apparatus comprising: restriction means for restricting color printing using print data generated based on the print target file created by an application that does not permit color printing.

Images