JP2008117021A - Print data management device, print data management program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print data management device, a print data management program and a recording medium, for efficiently managing print data while reducing data quantity. <P>SOLUTION: In a print system 1, a print log management server SV retrieves whether or not existing print data same as new print data are stored in a print log storage part 40 or the like when storing and managing print data received from image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm through a network NW in a print log storage part 40 or the like, and when the print data same as the newly received print data exist, the print log management server SV defines one of the new print data or the existing print data as real print data, and stores the other print data in the print log storage part 40 or the like as link information for referring to the real print data. Therefore, it is possible to quickly specify data while reducing the data quantity of the print data to be stored in the print log storage part 40 or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording medium that efficiently manage print data while reducing the amount of data.

  In image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimile machines, composite machines, and copying machines, various types of image data are handled as print targets, so it is important how to establish the security of the print data recently. Has become a major issue.

  Conventionally, a security management system and a print data management system that accumulate print data and a print log and search the accumulated print data based on the print log have been proposed (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). .

  According to this prior art, at the time of information leakage, it is possible to trace information leakers and leakage routes based on the print log.

JP 2002-149371 A JP 2003-330677 A

  However, in the prior art described in the above-mentioned patent document, print data is stored together with a print log (history). Therefore, it is possible to trace information leakers and leak paths based on the print log when information leaks. Since all print data and print logs are accumulated, recently, when all print data and print logs printed by networked image forming apparatuses are accumulated, the amount of data to be saved becomes enormous, Not only does it require a large-capacity storage device as a data storage device, but it is also difficult to specify the desired data or data at the time of information leakage from this enormous amount of data, reducing the data storage capacity. On the other hand, there is a need for improvement in order to specify intended data and to quickly and efficiently specify data related to information leakage.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording medium that can efficiently and quickly specify necessary data while suppressing the storage capacity of print data. Yes.

  The print data management apparatus according to claim 1 is a print data management apparatus that stores and manages print data received via a network in a storage means, and stores the same print data as the newly received print data. A search means for searching whether data is stored in the storage means; and when the search means detects that there is already stored print data identical to the newly received print data, the newly received print data The above-mentioned object is achieved by comprising management means for storing one of the stored print data as actual print data and the other as link information for referring to the actual print data in the storage means. .

  A print data management program according to a second aspect of the present invention is a print data management program for storing print data received via a network in a storage means for management, and the same stored print as the newly received print data A search processing step for performing a search process to determine whether data is stored in the storage means; and when the stored print data identical to the newly received print data is detected in the search processing step, A management processing step of storing one of the newly received print data and the already stored print data as actual print data and storing the other as link information for referring to the actual print data in the storage unit, The goal has been achieved.

  In each of the above cases, for example, as described in claim 3, the print data management apparatus or the print data management program receives the newly received print data and the already stored print data in the search unit or the search processing step. Is searched in page units to search whether the stored print data having the same page as the arbitrary page of the newly received print data is stored in the storage unit, and the newly received print data When it is detected that there is already stored print data having the same page as the current page, the same page of both the newly received print data and the already stored print data is detected by the management means or the management processing step. One of them is the actual print data, the other is the link information for referring to the actual print data, and the print is the link information. The data of pages other than one page of identity of over data may be stored in the storage unit as the actual print data.

  For example, as described in claim 4, the print data management apparatus or the print data management program uses the search unit or the search processing step to store newly received print data and already stored print data in object units. To search whether the stored print data having the same object as the arbitrary object of the newly received print data is stored in the storage means, and to determine the arbitrary object of the newly received print data and When it is detected that there is already stored print data having the same object, the management means or the management processing step determines one of the same objects of both the newly received print data and the already stored print data. Is the actual print data, the other is the link information for referring to the actual print data, Data other than of identity one object of the print data to the link information may be stored in the storage unit as the actual print data.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the print data management apparatus or the print data management program is configured to print the same print data as the newly received print data in the search unit or the search processing step. When it is detected that the same page as the arbitrary page of the received print data or the same object as the arbitrary object of the newly received print data exists in the stored print data, the management unit or the management process In the step, the stored print data may be the actual print data.

  For example, as described in claim 6, the print data management apparatus or the print data management program stores the stored print data that is the same as the newly received print data in the search unit or the search processing step. If the same page or the same object is detected, the management means or the management processing step detects the smaller of the newly received print data and the same stored print data. These data may be actual print data.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 7, the print data management apparatus or the print data management program is configured to delete the deletion target when the data in the storage unit is deleted in the management unit or the management processing step. If the actual print data is linked to at least one or more of the link information, one of the link information in the link relationship is converted into the actual print data, and the actual print data to be deleted is in the link relationship. When other link information exists, the actual print data to be deleted may be deleted after the link destination of the link information is changed to the new actual print data.

  A recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the invention is a recording medium for recording a print data management program for storing and managing print data received from a terminal device or an image forming apparatus via a network in a storage unit, The above object is achieved by recording the print data management program according to any one of claims 2 to 7 as a data management program.

  According to the present invention, when print data received via a network is stored and managed in the storage means, it is searched whether the stored print data identical to the newly received print data is stored in the storage means. If there is already stored print data that is the same as the newly received print data, one of the newly received print data and the already stored print data is set as actual print data, and the other is referred to the actual print data. It is stored in the storage means as information.

  Therefore, even if the same print data is sequentially received, only one is saved as the actual print data and is saved in a referenceable state, thereby reducing the amount of print data stored in the storage means. In addition, the cost can be reduced by effectively using the storage means, and the data at the time of information leakage can be identified quickly and efficiently.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 13 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording medium according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording according to the present invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system 1 to which an embodiment of a medium is applied.

  1, a printing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm such as a plurality of clients CL1 to CLn, an MFP (multifunction apparatus), a laser printer, and the like on a predetermined network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). A print log management server SV and an external document database DB are connected.

  As the clients CL1 to CLn, for example, a computer having a normal hardware configuration is used, and a printer driver and various application software (hereinafter simply referred to as the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm) on an OS (Operating System). Software), and when a print command for a document such as a text or image created by the application is instructed, it corresponds to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm specified by the print command. The printer driver converts the document data into print data (PDL (Page Description Language) or the like) corresponding to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm, adds control information, and adds the print data together with the control information to the network NW. The image forming apparatuses GK1 to GK To send to the m.

  The image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm are, for example, MFPs, copying apparatuses, printers, etc. as described above, and are sent from the clients CL1 to CLn via the network NW in a predetermined printing method, for example, an electrophotographic method. The print data is printed on the paper according to the print settings of the control information sent together with the print data. At this time, additional control information can be input from the operation panel of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm. When control information is newly added by the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm, printing is performed based on the control information including the newly added control information in the control information set by the clients CL1 to CLn. When printing is completed, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm generate a print log (print result history information), and print data and control information (control information set by the clients CL1 to CLn and image formation) for which printing has been completed. Together with control information including control information added by the devices GK1 to GKm), the print log is transmitted to the print log management server SV via the network NW.

  When transmitting print data and control information, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm use, as control information, a job name, a terminal name, a user name, a time stamp, print settings (consolidation, double-sided, enlargement, reduction, etc.), the number of copies, etc. Control information including at least one of them is generated, and additional data extracted from the print data is generated as a print log and transmitted together with the print data and control information.

  The external document database DB is configured by a hard disk or the like, and document data such as print logs and print data is stored and accumulated by the clients CL1 to CLn and the print log management server SV, and the stored document data is read and deleted. Etc. are performed.

  The print log management server (print data management apparatus) SV includes a print data processing unit 10, a log management unit 20, and a reprint unit 30, and also includes a print log storage unit 40. The print data processing unit 10 includes: , The same data search function unit 11, the trimming processing function unit 12, the form processing function unit 13, and the OCR (Optical Character Reader) function unit 14.

  Although not shown, the print log management server SV includes an operation panel. The operation panel performs various operations for causing the print log management server SV to perform operations necessary for the print log management server SV. And a display for displaying various information.

  The print log management server SV reads a print data management program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), a DVD (Digital Video Disk), or a flexible disk. As a result, a print log management server SV is constructed as a print data management apparatus that executes print data management processing to be described later.

  The print log storage unit (storage unit) 40 stores and accumulates print logs received from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm under the control of the print log management server SV, and reads and deletes the stored print logs. Is edited.

  As described above, this print log is sent from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm. The print data body, the print job name, the terminal (client CL1 to CLn) name, the user name, the time stamp, the print setting, This is information such as the number of print copies.

  The same data search function unit (search means) 11 of the print data processing unit 10 receives the same print data as the print data received by the print log management server SV from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm. Search whether it is stored in DB. Further, the same data search function unit 11 searches whether print data having the same page as a predetermined page of the print data received from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm is stored in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB. In addition, it is searched whether print data having the same object as a predetermined object in a predetermined page of the print data received from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm is stored in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB. . The same data search function unit 11 searches whether the received print data stores the same data, but the search target includes aggregate print data and double-sided print data. It is.

  The trimming processing function unit 12, the form processing function unit 13, and the OCR processing function unit 14 of the print data processing unit 10 reduce the amount of the actual print data portion according to the structure of the print data stored in the print log storage unit 40. Trimming processing, form processing, and OCR processing are performed, and data amount reduction processing for reducing the data amount such as trimming processing, form processing, OCR processing, and the like is performed as preprocessing of processing for establishing a link with other print data.

  The log management unit (management unit) 20 includes the same print data as the print data of the print log received by the same data search function unit 11 from each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (hereinafter referred to as “stored same print” if necessary). Data)), print data having the same page as the predetermined page of the received print data (hereinafter referred to as “stored same page print data” if necessary), or a predetermined page of the received print data. When it is searched that print data having the same object as that object (hereinafter referred to as “save same object print data” if necessary) is stored in the print log storage unit 40, the newly received print data (Hereinafter referred to as “new received print data” as necessary) is a reference made up of link information that enables reference to the previously stored same print data. In the formula, stored in a predetermined storage location of the print log storage unit 40.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the same print data as the newly received print data is already stored in the print log storage unit 40 in units of files, the log management unit 20 has already stored the print log storage unit 40. Data amount to reduce the data amount in the reference format in which the print data (stored identical print data) stored in is stored in the print log storage unit 40 as actual print data and the newly received print data is replaced with link information Processing is performed to store the link information together with the control information in the print log storage unit 40 as a print log. This link information includes link source information indicating the newly received print data and link destination information indicating the same stored print data that is the same actual print data as the received print data.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the log management unit 20 identifies an arbitrary page (page 1 in FIG. 3) of the newly received print data and print data already stored in the print log storage unit 40. When the page (page 1 in FIG. 3) matches, all the print data already stored in the print log storage unit 40 (the same page print data already stored) is stored in the print log storage unit 40 as actual print data. Then, a part of the newly received print data (the same page) or all (when all pages are the same) is subjected to a data amount reduction process to reduce the data amount in a reference format in which the link information is replaced. The link information is stored in the print log storage unit 40 as a print log. As described above, the link information includes link source information indicating a part or all of the newly received print data, and the same print data of the same stored print data that is the same as the specific page of the newly received print data. Consists of link destination information indicating a page. FIG. 3 shows a case where only page 1 of the newly received print data is saved as link information and the other pages are saved as actual print data when only page 1 matches.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the log management unit 20 selects an arbitrary object (newly received page 1 object in FIG. 4) of the newly received print data and the print data already stored in the print log storage unit 40. When the object of the specific page matches (the object of page 3 in FIG. 4), all the same saved object print data already stored in the print log storage unit 40 is used as actual print data. And the reference format in which the object of the newly received print data is replaced with the link information for linking with the same object of the actual print data, the data other than the object as the actual print data, and the link information together with the control information. The print log is stored in the print log storage unit 40 as a print log. As described above, this link information includes link source information indicating the object portion of the newly received print data, and the object portion of the actual print data of the same stored print data having the same object as the object of the newly received print data. It consists of link destination information indicating. In FIG. 4, when only the object of page 1 matches the object of page 3 of the same stored print data, the link information is set only for the object of page 1 of the newly received print data. In this example, data other than the object and other pages are stored as actual print data.

  The log management unit 20 has the same saved print page as the received print data, the same saved print data as the specified page of the received print data, and the same object as the specified object of the specified page of the received print data. When the same saved object print data having an object is stored in the print log storage unit 40, the trimming function unit is applied to the data portion to be stored as actual print data of the newly received print data as necessary. 12. Trimming processing, form processing, and OCR processing are performed on the form processing function unit 13 and the OCR processing function unit 14. That is, when the print data uses a form in which print data is registered in advance, the log management unit 20 stores the entry portion as actual print data, and refers to the recorded form for the registered form. Reduce the amount of data to be saved in the reference format, and if the received print data contains a margin around it, the margin is appropriately detected and the trimmed data is used as the print data. And a data amount reduction process such as saving the blank area.

  Then, in the print data storage management, the log management unit 20 uses the print data received from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm as the actual print data, as shown in FIG. When the print data having the same content, the print data having the same page, and the print data having the same object are newly received, the newly received print data (new received print data), the same page, and the same object are stored. Is stored as link information in the reference format, and the first-come data actual print data storage processing is performed.

  When there is a reprint request for print data stored in the print log storage unit 40 from the operation panel of the clients CL1 to CLn or the print log management server SV, the reprint unit 30 receives the reference format data based on the print log. The print data that has been printed in the past is restored using information such as the margin area and the like, and is sent to designated image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm for printing.

  As described above, the print log management server SV is connected to the external document database DB via the network NW, and the log management unit 20 stores the print log in the external document database DB as shown in FIG. In this case, for example, when the actual print data is stored in the external document database DB, the newly received print data is used as reference data linked to the actual print data, and the print log management is performed. The print log storage unit 40 of the server SV can store the print data, and conversely, the newly received print data can be displayed as a print log linked to the actual print data of the print log storage unit 40 of the print log server SV. Can be saved.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment sends print data and control information from the clients CL1 to CLn to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm to make a print request, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm perform a printing process to perform the printing. When the process is completed, a print log of the print process is generated and sent to the print log management server SV together with the print data and control information subjected to the print process. The print log management server SV displays the duplicate print data in a reference format. By storing the print data, a print data management process capable of quickly retrieving the intended print data while suppressing the data amount is performed.

  That is, when print data to which control information is added is sent from the clients CL1 to CLn via the network NW, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm perform print processing corresponding to the control information on the print data. Then, a print log of the print processing is created, and the generated print log, print data, and control information are transmitted to the print log management server SV via the network NW.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the print log management server SV receives the print log, the print data, and the control information (step S101), the print data processing unit 10 sets the print settings such as aggregation and double-sided from the received print data. The removed original image data (print data) is extracted (step S102), and the same data search function unit 11 causes the extracted image data and print data already stored in the print log storage unit 40 (stored print data). ) Are compared (step S103), and it is checked whether print data having the same image as the extracted image data is stored in the print log storage unit 40 (step S104).

  When print data (image data) of all the same images is stored in the print log storage unit 40 in step S104, the log management unit 20 already stores the same as the newly received print data as shown in FIG. The print data that has been saved (same saved print data) is replaced with link information to obtain a reference format (step S105), and is saved as a print log as shown in FIG. 8 (step S118).

  In FIG. 7, when all the image data of the same image is not stored in the print log storage unit 40 in step S104, the log management unit 20 prints the print data having the same image page as the predetermined page of the newly received print data. It is checked whether (image data) is stored in the print log storage unit 40 (step S106), and if print data having the same image page (same stored page print data) is stored, the newly received print data Among them, only the page of the same image is replaced with the link information to make the reference format, the print data of the other page is made the actual print data (step S107), and is saved as a print log as shown in FIG. 8 (step S118).

  In FIG. 7, when the print data (image data) having the same image page as the newly received print data is not stored in step S106, the log management unit 20 uses the same object as the object of the predetermined page of the newly received print data. Is stored in the print log storage unit 40 (step S108), and if already stored identical object print data (image data) having the same object is stored, among newly received print data, Only the part of the same object is replaced with link information to obtain a reference format, the other data part of the page and the print data of the other page are set as actual print data (step S109), and saved as a print log as shown in FIG. (Step S118).

  In FIG. 7, when the print data having the same object as the object of the predetermined page of the newly received print data is not saved in step S108, the log management unit 20 reads the image data extracted from the received print data and the external document. The image data stored in the database DB is compared (step S110), and it is checked whether a link can be established with the external document database DB as shown in FIG. 8 (step S111).

  When it is not possible to establish a link with the external document database DB in step S111, the log management unit 20 determines that the newly received print data cannot be saved in the reference format, and the newly received print data is stored in the actual print data. The print log is saved as it is, and the process is terminated (step S118).

  When a link can be established with the external document database DB in step S111, the log management unit 20 performs a process of linking the entire file, page unit, and object unit, as in the case of the print log storage unit 40.

  That is, when the log management unit 20 can establish a link with the external document database DB in step S111, the print data having the same image as the image data (new received print data) extracted from the received print data is externally stored. It is checked whether it is stored in the document database DB (step S112).

  When print data of all the same images are stored in the external document database DB in step S112, the log management unit 20 has already stored the newly received print data in the external document database DB as shown in FIG. It is replaced with the link information to the same print data (stored identical print data) in the reference format (step S113) and saved as a print log (step S118).

  When the print data of the same image is not stored in the external document database DB in step S112, the log management unit 20 stores the print data having the same image page as the newly received print data in the external document database DB. If the print data having the same image page is stored, only the page of the same image is replaced with the link information in the newly received print data to obtain the reference format, and the other pages are printed. The data is saved as actual print data (step S115) and as a print log (step S118).

  When the print data having the same image page as the newly received print data is not stored in step S114, the log management unit 20 determines that the print data having the same object as the predetermined object of the newly received print data is the external document database DB. (Step S116), and if print data having the same object is stored, only the same object portion of the newly received print data is replaced with the link information to obtain a reference format. The print data of the other data portion and the other page is set as actual print data (step S117) and saved as a print log (step S118).

  In step S116, if the print data having the same object is not saved in the external document database DB, it is determined that the newly received print data cannot be saved in the reference format, and the newly received print data is changed to the actual print data. Is saved as a print log and the process is terminated (step S118).

  In the above description, the print log management server SV is described as receiving print data from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm. However, the print data may be received directly from the clients CL1 to CLn.

  As described above, in the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the print log management server SV stores the print data received from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm via the network NW in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB. In this case, it is searched whether the stored print data that is the same as the newly received print data is stored in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB, and the same existing print data as the newly received print data is searched. When it is detected that stored print data exists, the stored print data is used as actual print data, and the newly received print data is stored as link information for referring to the actual print data in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB. ing.

  Therefore, even if the same print data is sequentially received, only one is saved as actual print data, and is saved in a referenceable state and stored in the print log saving unit 40 or the external document database DB. The amount of print data can be reduced, the cost can be reduced by effectively using storage media such as the print log storage unit 40 and the external document database DB, and the data at the time of information leakage can be quickly identified. And can be performed efficiently.

  In addition, the print log management server SV according to the present embodiment searches newly received print data and already stored print data in units of pages, and already stores the same page as an arbitrary page of the newly received print data. It is searched whether the stored print data is stored in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB, and when it is detected that there is already stored print data having the same page as an arbitrary page of the newly received print data. The stored print data is used as actual print data, the same page of newly received print data is used as link information for referring to the actual print data, and the data of pages other than the same page of the newly received print data is used. The actual print data is stored in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB.

  Accordingly, print data that is duplicated in units of pages can be associated and saved while reducing the amount of data, and the storage media such as the print log storage unit 40 and the external document database DB can be used more effectively to reduce costs. It can be further reduced, and data at the time of information leakage can be specified more quickly and efficiently.

  Furthermore, the print log management server SV of the present embodiment searches newly received print data and already stored print data in units of objects, and already has an object that is the same as an arbitrary object of the newly received print data. It is searched whether the stored print data is stored in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB, and it is detected that there is already stored print data having the same object as the arbitrary object of the newly received print data. The stored print data is used as actual print data, the same object of the newly received print data is used as link information for referring to the same object of the actual print data, and data other than the same object of the newly received print data is used. Are stored as actual print data in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB. There.

  Therefore, it is possible to save the print data that is duplicated in units of objects while associating them while reducing the data amount, and more effectively using storage media such as the print log storage unit 40 and the external document database DB, thereby reducing the cost. It can be further reduced, and data at the time of information leakage can be specified more quickly and efficiently.

  Furthermore, the print log management server SV according to the present exemplary embodiment can print the same print data as the newly received print data, the same page as an arbitrary page of the newly received print data, or the newly received print data. If it is detected that the same object as that in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB exists, the first stored print data in the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB is used as the first print data. Data actual print data storage processing is performed.

  Therefore, the print data can be stored in time series, and the usability of the data can be improved.

  Further, the print log management server SV of this embodiment performs data management by establishing a link with data of an external device such as an external document database DB.

  Therefore, the print data can be managed by effectively using the external resources such as the external document database DB, and the print data can be managed more flexibly, and between the actual print data and the link information. By appropriately changing the range of links established in the above, even if there is a change in the device environment around the print log management server SV, an appropriate data link can be established for the changed environment to efficiently manage the data. It can be performed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, when the actual print data exists in the external document database DB and the print log of link information is stored in the print log storage unit 40 of the print log management server SV. When there is a request to delete the actual print data in the external document database DB, the log management unit 20 copies and stores the actual print data in the print log storage unit 40 and completes the link in the print log management server SV. Like that.

  In this way, when there is link information in an external resource such as the external document database DB, if the link information is deleted, the link can be completed in the print log management server SV, and more appropriate print data Management processing can be performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when actual print data exists in the print log storage unit 40 of the print log management server SV and the link information print log is stored in the external document database DB (from the external device). When the link to the print log management server SV is linked), there is a requirement for canceling the link with the external document database DB due to a request to delete the actual print data in the print log storage unit 40. The log management unit 20 copies the actual print data of the print log storage unit 40 to the external document database DB so as to appropriately store the actual print data in the external document database DB.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent the actual print data from being inadvertently lost, and to manage the print data more appropriately.

In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm complete printing of the print data, the print data, control information, and print log are promptly transmitted to the print log management server SV, and the print log management server SV When the print data, control information, and print log are received, the print data management process is executed to replace the newly received print data with the link information promptly. The administrator of the log management server SV can save the burden of performing an instruction operation to start the print data management process, and the burden can be reduced.

  As described above, in the above description, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKm complete printing of the print data, the print data, the control information, and the print log are promptly transmitted to the print log management server SV, and the print log management is performed. When the server SV receives the print data, the control information, and the print log, the server SV immediately executes a received print data management process for replacing the newly received print data with the link information. The timing is not limited to, for example, arbitrary timing (timing when the administrator of the print log management server SV starts operation from the operation panel of the print log management server SV, preset automatic using the schedule function Execution timing, etc.).

  In this way, the limited resources of the print log management server SV can be used effectively by executing the print data management process in a time zone when the image forming apparatus is not used such as at night.

  In the storage management of print data, the log management unit 20 stores the first received print data as actual print data as to which print data is to be stored as actual print data in the above description. Thereafter, when new print data having the same contents is received, the first-arrival data actual print data storing process is performed in which the newly received print data (new received print data) is stored as link information in a reference format. However, the print data stored as the actual print data is not limited to the first-arrival print data. For example, print data close to the original data or print data with a small data amount may be used.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in a state where print data (for example, Test Print 2 in FIG. 11) is already stored as actual print data, print data having the same content as this print data (for example, Test in FIG. 11). When Print 3) is received, the print data received later is print data closer to the original data (for example, print data whose resolution is closer to the original data, print data that has not been subjected to aggregation processing, or the like). Then, the print data received later is stored as actual print data in the print log storage unit 40, and the original print data actual print data storage process is performed in which the previous print data is replaced with link information and stored. In FIG. 10, the print data on the left side test print (Test Print 3) is older than the right side test print (Test Print 2), but is closer to the original data, so the print data on Test Print 3 is displayed. It shows a case where the print data of Test Print 2 is saved in the reference format based on the link information by saving the actual print data.

  In this way, data with better image quality can be saved as actual print data, and the usability of the data can be improved.

  Further, in the print data storage management, the log management unit 20 prints the print data with the smaller data size when the print data to be saved as actual print data is received sequentially as shown in FIG. Small-size data actual print data storage processing for storing data as actual print data in the print log storage unit 40 may be performed. For example, if the log management unit 20 can acquire the application data, the print log storage unit 40 uses the data having the smaller data size among the application data and the print data, in FIG. 12, the image data of Test Print 1 as the actual print data. Save to.

  In this way, the amount of data can be further reduced, the print log storage unit 40 can be used effectively, the print log management server SV can be reduced in price, and maintenance costs such as backup can be reduced. Can also be reduced.

  As described above, when various selection methods are provided as actual print data, an operation suitable for the installation environment of the print log management server SV can be performed, and usability can be improved.

  Further, in the print log management server SV of the above-described embodiment, the print data stored as the actual print data of the print log storage unit 40 or the external document database DB and as the link information when the data amount increases. In order to ensure security of correspondence and storage of print data, backup processing may be performed on an arbitrary backup medium such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the link in the tape 1 as a backup medium is set to be valid, and the actual print data and link information in the print log storage unit 40 and the external document database DB are set. Link between the print log and the link information of the backup media and the actual print data.

  In this way, operation suitable for the installation environment of the print log management server SV including backup media can be performed, and usability can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when data is backed up to a backup medium, the link relation setting or the like so that the link is completed in each medium such as the print log storage unit 40, the external document database DB, and the backup medium. Copy actual print data.

  In this way, it is possible to easily and quickly trace the print log when information leaks from a small number of media.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be applied to a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording medium that store print data and cope with information leakage.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system to which an embodiment of a print data management apparatus, a print data management program, and a recording medium of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a method for storing the same print data in file units by the print log management server in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a method for storing the same print data in units of pages by the print log management server in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a method for storing the same print data for each object by the print log management server of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a link setting method for setting the first print data among the same print data by the print log management server in FIG. 1 as actual print data. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a link is established to data in an external document database by the print log management server in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing print data management processing by the print log management server of FIG. 1. 8 is a flowchart showing processing subsequent to the print data management processing of FIG. A process for completing a link in the print log management server when the actual print data in the external document database is linked from the print log in the print log management server when conditions such as deletion of the actual print data are changed Illustration. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of processing for completing a link in the external document database when a condition such as deletion of the actual print data is changed when a link is established from the print log of the external document database to the actual print data in the print log management server. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a link setting method for setting print data close to the original among the same print data by the print log management server of FIG. 1 as actual print data. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a link setting method for setting print data with a small data amount to the actual print data among the same print data by the print log management server of FIG. 1. Explanatory drawing of the effective setting of the link in a backup medium. Explanatory drawing in the case of completing a link in each medium of both a backup origin and backup media at the time of backup.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print system NW network CL1-CLn Client GK1-GKm Image forming apparatus SV Print log management server DB Document database 10 Print data processing part 11 Same data search function part 12 Trimming process function part 13 Form process function part 14 OCR function part 20 Log Management unit 30 Reprint unit 40 Print log storage unit

Claims (8)

  A print data management apparatus that stores and manages print data received via a network in a storage unit, and searches for whether stored print data identical to newly received print data is stored in the storage unit And the search means detects that the same stored print data as the newly received print data exists, one of the newly received print data and the already stored print data is set as actual print data. And a management unit for storing the other in the storage unit as link information for referring to the actual print data.   A print data management program for storing and managing print data received via a network in a storage unit, and a search process for determining whether stored print data identical to newly received print data is stored in the storage unit A search processing step for performing the processing, and when the search processing step detects that there is already stored print data identical to the newly received print data, the newly received print data and the stored print data And a management processing step of storing one of the actual print data in the storage unit as link information for referring to the actual print data.   The print data management device or the print data management program searches the newly received print data and already stored print data in units of pages in the search means or the search processing step, and stores the newly received print data. It is searched whether the stored print data having the same page as the arbitrary page is stored in the storage means, and there is already stored print data having the same page as the arbitrary page of the newly received print data. In the management means or the management processing step, one of the same pages of the newly received print data and the already stored print data is set as actual print data, and the other is used as the actual print data. The link information to be referred to and the print data used as the link information other than the same page as the actual print data Claim 1, wherein the print data management apparatus or claim 2, wherein the print data management program that is characterized by storing in said storage means and.   The print data management apparatus or the print data management program searches the newly received print data and already stored print data for each object in the search means or the search processing step, and stores the newly received print data. It is searched whether the stored print data having the same object as the arbitrary object is stored in the storage means, and there is already stored print data having the same object as the arbitrary object of the newly received print data. The management means or the management processing step detects one of the same objects of the newly received print data and the already stored print data as actual print data and the other as the actual print data. The link information to be referred to and the same object of the print data to be the link information Claim 1, wherein the print data management apparatus or claim 2, wherein the print data management program that is characterized by storing the data other than-objects in the storage unit as the actual print data.   The print data management apparatus or the print data management program includes the same print data as the newly received print data, the same page as an arbitrary page of the newly received print data in the search means or the search processing step, Alternatively, when it is detected that the same object as the arbitrary object of the newly received print data exists in the stored print data, the stored print data is converted into the actual print data in the management means or the management processing step. The print data management apparatus or the print data management program according to claim 1, wherein   The print data management apparatus or the print data management program includes the same stored print data, the same page, or the same object as the newly received print data in the search means or the search processing step. If this is detected, the management means or the management processing step uses the smaller of the stored data as the newly received print data as the actual print data. The print data management apparatus or the print data management program according to claim 1.   In the management unit or the management processing step, the print data management apparatus or the print data management program is linked to at least one or more link information when the data in the storage unit is deleted. If it is actual print data, any link information in the link relationship is converted into actual print data, and when there is other link information in the link relationship in the actual print data to be deleted, the link information 7. The print data management apparatus or the print data management according to claim 1, wherein after the link destination is changed to the new actual print data, the actual print data to be deleted is deleted. program.   A recording medium for recording a print data management program for storing and managing print data received from a terminal device or an image forming apparatus via a network in a storage unit, wherein the print data management program is as claimed in claim 2. A recording medium for recording the print data management program according to claim 7.

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