JP2010082807A - Printer apparatus and printer driver apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To supply a user by a desired timing useful information for the user to determine a timing of authentication input to a printer apparatus which demands authentication input to execute a printing job. <P>SOLUTION: When the user selects and designates on a detail setting property screen of an output part 20 a notification timing for displaying a message of demanding authentication input to the printing job of a manuscript image to the output part 20 at the time when a printing demand of the manuscript image formed by an application program is inputted from an input part 19, notification timing information showing the contents is outputted together with the printing job from a client terminal 14 to a control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. In the control unit 10, a reception start timing of authentication input is estimated at the time when the printing job is inputted. When the notification timing selected and designated by the user arrives, an authentication input demanding signal is outputted and an authentication input demanding screen is displayed onto the output part 20 of the client terminal 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention accepts an authentication input from a receiving means for a print job input from the outside, and verifies the content of the received authentication input with the content of authentication data input from the outside together with the print job. A printer device that executes print processing according to the print job, and a printer device that executes print processing based on the print job obtained by converting the file data of the designated file into intermediate data in a page description language The present invention relates to a printer driver device that outputs to a printer.

  In the field of printer devices, there are some that require authentication input at the printer device when a print job from a client terminal or the like connected thereto is executed by the printer device. In such a printer apparatus, even if a print job is output from a client terminal, the user cannot go to the printer apparatus and perform authentication input, and cannot execute the print job to print out a document. Such an authentication system for a printer apparatus is useful for ensuring confidentiality of a document because it can prevent a document to be printed out from being taken out by a third party.

  By the way, in the printer apparatus with the above-described authentication system, while a user of a certain client terminal connected to the network is performing authentication input, the authentication input by the user of the client terminal connected to another network cannot be accepted.

  Therefore, when each user goes to the printer device at the same time for authentication input of print jobs output from a plurality of client terminals, other users must wait for authentication input until the first user's authentication input ends. I must.

Thus, for example, an order management (order notification) system (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2) used for calling outpatients whose order of examination has been turned in medical institutions, and calls of customers whose order of handling has been turned in banks, etc. Can be applied to an authentication system in a printer.
JP 2003-44684 A JP 2005-143648 A

  In the order management (order notification) system described above, the notification is sent from the server side to the user's terminal at a time corresponding to an event that occurs on the server side, such as when the registration of the order is accepted or when the order arrives. . For this reason, the user can examine and determine his / her own action schedule using the notification from the server received at the terminal only at the timing when these events occur on the server side.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to perform print processing for a print job when an authentication input for an input print job is received and the content is determined to be authentic. A printer device and a printer driver device capable of supplying information useful to the user at a user's desired timing when the user executes the authentication input to the printer device when the device executes the information. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer apparatus according to the present invention described in claim 1 comprises:
An authentication input from a receiving means (for example, the display 110 in FIG. 1) for a print job input from the outside (for example, the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1) is received, and the contents of the received authentication input are externally displayed together with the print job. In the printer apparatus (for example, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 1) that executes the print processing by the print job when it is determined that the authentication is possible by comparing with the content of the authentication data input from
When the print job is input from the outside, the reception start timing at which the authentication input for the input print job can be received is based on the input order of the waiting print jobs that have not received the authentication input. Estimating means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1, step S113 in FIG. 21);
Notification timing of the authentication input request based on the reception start timing input from the outside together with the print job with reference to the reception start timing estimated by the estimation means (for example, the property screen option ( Based on any one of (a) to (e)), a determination unit (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. Step S117)
Request means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1) that requests the authentication input for the input print job from the output source of the input print job at the authentication request timing determined by the determination means. , Step S315 in FIG.
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the printer apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the reception start timing at which the authentication input for the print job input from the outside can be received is in the order of input of the waiting print jobs not receiving the authentication input. Based on this, the estimation means estimates.

  The timing for requesting authentication input for the inputted print job (authentication request timing) based on the notification timing of the request for authentication input based on the reception start timing inputted from the outside together with the print job is estimated means. The determination means determines the reception start timing estimated by the above. Further, when the authentication request timing determined by the determination unit arrives, an authentication input is requested by the request unit to the output source of the print job to be requested.

  Therefore, based on the notification timing input from the outside together with the print job, the authentication request timing at which the authentication input is requested to the print job output source is set to a timing unrelated to the event occurring on the printer apparatus side by the determining means. Can be determined. Accordingly, it is possible to supply an authentication input request useful for examining and determining the timing when the user goes to the authentication input to the printer device to the user at a timing desired by the user.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer control program of the following reference example can be configured. That is, the printer control program of the reference example is
When an authentication input from a reception unit for a print job input from the outside is received, and the content of the received authentication input is compared with the content of authentication data input from the outside together with the print job and it is determined that authentication is possible A computer for causing a printer device to execute a printing process by the print job,
When the print job is input from the outside, the reception start timing at which the authentication input for the input print job can be received is based on the input order of the waiting print jobs that have not received the authentication input. Estimating means for estimating;
Based on the notification start timing of the authentication input request based on the reception start timing, which is input from the outside together with the print job, based on the reception start timing estimated by the estimation unit, the input print job Determining means for determining an authentication request timing for requesting the authentication input;
Request means for requesting the authentication input for the input print job to the output source of the input print job at the authentication request timing determined by the determination means;
It is a printer control program for making it function as.

  According to the printer control program of the reference example configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer apparatus of the present invention described in claim 1 can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printer device of the first aspect of the present invention, the requesting unit is configured to output the output source at a reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing. The authentication input not yet input is requested again.

  According to the printer device of the present invention described in claim 2, in the printer device of the present invention described in claim 1, authentication input for a print job whose reception start timing has arrived is performed from the reception means until after a predetermined time. If not, the requesting means requests the authentication input again from the output source of the print job.

  For this reason, even if the authentication input for the print job for which the authentication input can be received is not performed in the reception unit within a predetermined time from the reception start timing, the authentication input is made to the user who is the output source of the print job. You can encourage them to do so.

  In the printer control program according to the reference example described above, as in the printer control program according to the first modification example of the reference example described above, the requesting unit is configured to receive a reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing. A printer control program for causing the computer to function may be configured to request the authentication input that has not been input again from the output source. According to the printer control program configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printer apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the requesting unit is configured to request the requesting unit at a reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing. Requesting the authentication input for the next input print job from the output source of the print job input next to the print job input from the output source that has requested the authentication input. To do.

  According to the printer device of the present invention described in claim 3, in the printer device of the present invention described in claim 1, the authentication input for the print job whose reception start timing has arrived is performed from the reception means until after a predetermined time. If not, an authentication input is requested by the request unit to the output source of the print job input next to the print job.

  For this reason, if an authentication input for a print job for which an authentication input can be received has not been performed by the receiving means within a predetermined time from the reception start timing, the output source of the next input print job is By requesting the user for authentication input, it is possible to prevent the authentication input for the print job in the printer apparatus and the accompanying execution of the print job from staying.

  In the printer control program according to the reference example described above, as in the printer control program according to the second modification of the reference example described above, the requesting unit is configured to receive a reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing. The request unit requests the authentication input for the next input print job from the output source of the print job input next to the print job input from the output source that requested the authentication input. As described above, a printer control program for causing the computer to function may be configured. According to the printer control program configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer apparatus of the first, second, or third aspect, the acceptance of the authentication input requested by the requesting unit to the output source. Prints input from the output source from which the requesting unit has requested the authentication input, from the start timing to the reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing. Limiting means (for example, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1, step S511 in FIG. 23) for limiting only the authentication input to the job is further provided.

  According to the printer device of the present invention described in claim 4, in the printer device of the present invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, when the reception start timing at which an authentication input for a certain print job can be received comes. The authentication input from the accepting means is only the authentication input for the print job from the output source that requested the authentication input at the latest authentication request timing until the acceptance end timing after a predetermined time elapses. Limited.

  For this reason, during the period from the reception start timing to the reception end timing, the request means prioritizes the authentication input for the output source print job for which the authentication input has been requested, so that the reception means can preferentially accept the input, and the print job input order It is possible to facilitate the authentication input and the execution of the print job associated therewith.

  As in the printer control program according to the third modification example of the reference example described above, in the printer control program according to the reference example described above, the first modification example, or the second modification example, the computer is The object for receiving the authentication input from the receiving unit from the reception start timing of the authentication input requested by the requesting unit to the reception end timing after a predetermined time after the reception start timing A printer control program may be configured to further function as a restricting unit that restricts only the authentication input to a print job input from the output source from which the requesting unit requested the authentication input. According to the printer control program configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer apparatus of the present invention described in claim 4 can be obtained.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printer apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the request unit requests the authentication input from the output source. In addition, information output means (for example, the CPU 16 of the control unit 10 in FIG. 1, step S315 in FIG. 22) that outputs warning information related to the print processing by the input print job that is the authentication input target is further provided. It is characterized by that.

  According to the printer device of the present invention described in claim 5, in the printer device of the present invention described in claim 1, the authentication request timing determined by the determining means has arrived, When an authentication input is requested by the request means to the print job output source, warning information related to print processing by the print job for which the authentication input is requested is output for the print job that is the authentication input request target. Output for the original.

  For this reason, for example, a warning regarding a condition that causes a print job to be unable to be completed when the print process is performed by a print process after authentication input, such as out of paper (out of paper) or out of ink (toner). Information can be transmitted from the accepting means to the user heading to the printer device for authentication input before moving, and the work for eliminating the state indicated in the warning information can be efficiently performed together with the authentication input.

  In the printer control program according to the reference example, the first modification, the second modification, or the third modification, as in the printer control program according to the fourth modification of the reference example described above. An information output means for outputting warning information related to the print processing by the input print job which is a target of the authentication input when the computer requests the authentication input to the output source by the request means. It may be configured as a printer control program for further functioning. According to the printer control program configured as described above, the printer control program of the present invention described in claim 9 or 10 or the printer control program according to the first to third modifications described above. The same effect as that of the printer apparatus of the present invention described in the item 5 can be obtained.

  In order to achieve the above object, the above-described reference example, the first modification, the second modification, or the third modification is used as a computer-readable recording medium on which a printer control program is recorded. You may comprise the computer-readable recording medium which recorded the printer control program which concerns. The printer device of the present invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the reference example, and the first to fourth of the present invention are also obtained by a computer-readable recording medium that records the printer control program configured as described above. The same effects as those of the printer control program according to any of the modified examples can be obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer driver device according to the present invention described in claim 6 includes:
A printer driver device (for example, an ink jet recording device 1 in FIG. 1) that outputs a print job obtained by converting file data of a specified file into intermediate data in a page description language to a printer device (for example, the inkjet recording device 1 in FIG. 1). For example, in the client terminal 14) of FIG.
Setting means (for example, the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1) for setting a notification timing of the authentication input request by the printer device based on a reception start timing at which the printer device can accept an authentication input for the print job. CPU 16, input unit 19, output unit 20, and step S13 and step S15 in FIG.
Notification output means (for example, the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1 and step S17 in FIG. 11) for outputting the notification timing input by the setting means to the printer apparatus together with the print job;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 6, the notification timing for notifying the printer device of an authentication input request necessary for causing the printer device to execute the print job of the designated file is provided. When the setting unit sets the reception start timing at which authentication input for a print job can be received as a reference, the set notification timing is output to the printer device together with the print job by the notification output unit.

  Therefore, in the printer device to which the notification timing output together with the print job is input, when the authentication input reception start timing for the input print job is determined, the authentication input is performed at the notification timing based on the reception start timing. Requests can be announced.

  This makes it possible to determine the timing at which an authentication input request for a print job is notified from the printer device at a timing unrelated to an event occurring on the printer device side, such as a reception start timing. This makes it possible to notify the user of an authentication input request that is useful for examining and determining the timing when the user goes to the printer device for authentication input.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer driver program of the following reference example can be configured. That is, the printer driver program of the reference example is
A computer that outputs a print job in which file data of a specified file is converted to intermediate data in a page description language to a printer that executes print processing by the print job;
Setting means for setting a notification timing of the authentication input request by the printer device based on a reception start timing at which the authentication input for the print job in the printer device can be received;
Notification output means for outputting the notification timing input by the setting means to the printer device together with the print job;
It is a printer driver program for functioning as:

  According to the printer driver program of the reference example configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer driver apparatus of the present invention described in claim 6 can be obtained.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer driver apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention based on the input order of the print job not accepting the authentication input and the notification timing. In response to the authentication input request for the print job input from the printer device and output to the printer device at the authentication request timing determined by the printer device, the authentication input request message is output as a message output means (for example, 1 is further provided with output control means (for example, the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1 and step S53 in FIG. 14) for output from the output unit 20) of the client terminal 14 in FIG.

  According to the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 7, in the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 6, when an authentication input request is input from the printer device at the authentication request timing, the authentication input A request message is output from the message output means by the output control means.

  For this reason, the authentication input request message output from the message output means reliably notifies and recognizes an authentication input request useful for examining and determining when to go to the printer device for authentication input. Can be made.

  In the printer driver program according to the reference example described above, like the printer driver program according to the first modification example of the reference example described above, the computer is configured to input the print jobs that have not received the authentication input. The authentication input request message in response to the authentication input request for the print job output from the printer apparatus and output to the printer apparatus at the authentication request timing determined by the printer apparatus based on the notification timing. A printer driver program for further functioning as output control means for outputting the message from the message output means may be configured. According to the printer control program configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer driver apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer driver apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the output control unit responds to a print job output from the printer apparatus to the printer apparatus. In response to warning information related to the print processing by the input print job that is a target of the authentication input, which is input together with the authentication input request, a warning information notification message is sent together with the authentication input request message to the message The output means outputs the output.

  According to the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 8, in the printer driver device of the present invention described in claim 7, when an authentication request timing arrives, an authentication input target is issued from the printer device together with a request for authentication input. Warning information related to print processing by a print job is input. And the warning message of the inputted warning information is output from the message output means by the output control means together with the authentication input request message.

  For this reason, for example, when the printing process is performed by the printer device by the printing process after the authentication input, such as out of paper (insufficient paper) or ink (toner) out (insufficient), the print job cannot be completed. Warning information about the state is transmitted to the user heading to the printer device for authentication input by a notification message output together with the authentication input request message from the message output means, and the state indicated in the warning information is transmitted. The work for canceling can be efficiently performed together with the authentication input.

  In the printer driver program according to the first modified example of the reference example described above, like the printer driver program according to the second modified example of the reference example described above, the output control means is connected to the printer device from the printer device. In response to the warning information regarding the print processing by the input print job that is the target of the authentication input, which is input together with the authentication input request for the print job output to the printer device, the warning information notification message is A printer driver program for causing the computer to function may be configured to be output from the message output unit together with an authentication input request message. According to the printer control program configured as described above, the same function and effect as those of the printer driver apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

  In order to achieve the above object, as a computer-readable recording medium having a printer driver program recorded thereon, the printer driver of the present invention according to the reference example described above, the first modified example, or the second modified example is used. You may comprise the computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program. The printer driver device of the present invention according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the reference example, and the first or second thereof, also by a computer-readable recording medium having the printer control program configured as described above. The same effects as those of the printer driver program according to any of the modified examples can be obtained.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the authentication input request useful for considering and determining the timing when a user goes to authentication input to a printer apparatus can be supplied to a user at a user's desired timing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer network system of this embodiment includes an inkjet recording apparatus 1 and a client terminal 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (corresponding to the printer apparatus in the claims) reads a document image on a document and outputs an image signal, and an image output from the scanner unit 101. A printer unit 102 that prints (records) a document image on a recording sheet S (one side or both sides) based on a signal, and a control unit 10 (see FIG. 1) for overall control are provided. The recording paper S used for printing the original image in the printer unit 102 is conveyed from the paper supply unit 105 to the paper discharge unit 109 via the printer unit 102.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an external interface unit 15 of a client terminal 14 to be described later is connected to the control unit 10 via an external interface unit 11. From this client terminal 14, the control unit 10 receives a print job of a document image. The control unit 10 generates raster data of the original image by the received print job. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 causes the printer unit 102 to print a document image on the recording paper S under the conditions specified in the print job.

  The control unit 10 is connected to a display 110 (corresponding to the accepting means in the claims). As shown in FIG. 2, the display 110 is disposed on the upper part of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. This display 110 is used as an input operation unit or the like for a user to input copying conditions such as the number of copies and a copying magnification when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is used in a copying mode in which a document image set on the scanner unit 101 is copied and printed. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that causes the printer unit 102 to perform a printing operation includes a CPU 90. The CPU 90 controls the operation of the scanner unit 101 and the printer unit 102 according to the contents input and set from the display 110 based on the program and setting information stored in the ROM 91.

  The control unit 10 is provided with a RAM 92, and the RAM 92 stores the number of prints input from the display 110 and various setting contents as needed. The RAM 92 is provided with a frame memory area. In this frame memory area, raster data of a document image generated by the CPU 90 by a print job input from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 is temporarily stored until it is output to the printer unit 102.

  Further, an external storage device 93 is connected to the CPU 90. In this external storage device 93, a table in which a client ID uniquely assigned to the client terminal 14 and a user ID uniquely assigned to the user of the client terminal 14 are associated, or assigned to each user. A password, user biometric data (fingerprint, vein pattern, etc.), or a table that associates a user ID with an individual identification code stored in an IC or magnetic tape portion in a personal identification card possessed by the user is stored. Is done.

  Details of processing performed by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 according to the program of the ROM 91 will be described later.

  The client terminal 14 (corresponding to the printer driver device in the claims) is constituted by a PC (personal computer) or the like, and executes a CPU 16 for executing various processes based on a control program stored in the ROM 17, and a CPU 16 RAM 18 functioning as a working area, an input unit 19 composed of a keyboard, a mouse and the like, and an output unit 20 (corresponding to message output means) composed of a liquid crystal display or the like.

  In addition to the external interface unit 15 described above, an external storage device 21 and a disk drive 22 are connected to the CPU 16. The external storage device 21 stores an application program storage area for generating document image data, a printer driver program storage area for the inkjet recording apparatus 1, and a document image data file generated using the application program. A database area or the like for storing is secured.

  The CPU 16 activates the application program in the external storage device 21 in accordance with the activation request input from the input unit 19, and the document image data having the contents instructed by parameter input from the input unit 19 is activated. Generate on application program. The generated document image data is displayed and output at the output unit 20, and when a save request is input from the input unit 19, it is stored in the database area of the document image data in the external storage device 21.

  The document image data stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 is read from the external storage device 21 when a read request is input from the input unit 19 while the application program is running. The read document image data can be displayed and output on the output unit 20, or can be processed on the application program and regenerated as new document image data.

  Then, the CPU 16 generates and generates a print job for a document image to be printed when a request for printing a document image whose file is opened by the application program is input from the input unit 19 while the application program is running. The print job is output from the external interface unit 15 to the external interface unit 11 of the control unit 10. This print job can be output to the control unit 10 by the CPU 16 executing a printer driver program stored in the external storage device 21.

  The printer driver program can be read from the disk-shaped recording medium 50 such as an optical disk by the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14 and installed (stored) in the external storage device 21.

  When the printer driver program of the disk-shaped recording medium 50 is installed in the external storage device 21, when a print request for a document image that has generated data on the application program started in the client terminal 14 is input from the input unit 19, The printer driver program is activated by the CPU 16.

  Even if the application program is not activated, a print request for a document image in which data is stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 is input on the OS (operation system) file list screen displayed on the output unit 20. When input is performed by the unit 19, the printer driver program is started in the client terminal 14 together with the application program used to generate the document image data.

  Then, the CPU 16 executes processing of the activated printer driver program using the file data of the document image to be printed opened by the application program, thereby generating a document image print job and outputting it to the control unit 10. To do.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen for a document image displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. This print setting screen is displayed on the output unit 20 when a print request for a document image is input to the CPU 16 by operating the input unit 19 in the print menu of the application program. In addition, the print setting screen displays a request for specifying and printing one or more document images in which file data is stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 by the operation of the input unit 19 on the OS file list screen. Also when it is input, it is displayed on the output unit 20.

  On this print setting screen, the CPU 16 can input and set the print range, the number of copies, and the like of the document image that outputs the print job to the control unit 10 and causes the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to perform the print operation.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a property screen for setting the notification of arrival of authentication order displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. This property screen is displayed on the output unit 20 under the control of the CPU 16 when the printer property button on the print setting screen of FIG. 3 is clicked (by the operation of the input unit 19). In this property screen, a timing (corresponding to the notification timing in the claims) at which the output unit 20 displays a message (corresponding to the request message in the claims) requesting the print job authentication input on the display 110 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. ) Can be set for input.

  The timing for displaying a message requesting authentication input of a print job on the output unit 20 is set by selecting radio buttons of options (a) to (e) on the property screen of FIG. 4 (by operating the input unit 19). By clicking, you can select and specify. The options (a) to (e) of timing for displaying the authentication input request message are as follows.

(A) “immediately after completion of the print processing by the previous print job (print job whose order of input to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is one earlier)”;
(B) “Min. Seconds before print processing completed by previous print job”,
(C) “The completion of print processing by each print job every minute and seconds”,
(D) “hours and minutes”,
(E) “minutes and seconds after now”.

  In each of the options (b) to (e), user-desired numerical values for “minute” and “second” can be set. In addition, each of the options (a) to (c) assumes a timing at which the inkjet recording apparatus 1 can accept an authentication input for a print job to be output (corresponding to a reception start timing in the claims). Selected exclusively when it is not possible. On the other hand, when the user can roughly estimate the timing, the options (d) and (e) are selected, and the time and time values according to the user's assumption are set.

  3 is input (by operation of the input unit 19) on the print setting screen of FIG. 3 or the detailed setting property screen of FIG. 4, then the OK button on the print setting screen of FIG. When the click operation is performed, intermediate data of the document image to be printed is generated and output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 as a print job.

  At this time, the content of the timing (notification timing) at which the output unit 20 displays a message requesting the authentication input of the print job selected and specified from the options (a) to (e) on the detailed setting property screen of FIG. Is sent to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 together with the print job.

  When the output print job is input to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, an authentication order notification screen indicating the waiting order of authentication input for the print job is displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14.

  In this authentication order notification screen, as shown in FIG. 5, the job name of the print job output to the control unit 10 of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 and all the waiting waiting for authentication input in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 are displayed. The order of print jobs output this time (waiting for authentication) in the print job and the expected waiting time until the reception start timing at which authentication input can be received for the print job output this time are displayed.

  When the notification timing information output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 arrives together with the print job, an authentication input request message is displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. This request message is displayed when the above-mentioned (a), (d), (e) are selected and specified as the notification timing, and (b), (c) are selected and specified on the detailed setting property screen of FIG. It is different.

  First, when (a), (d), and (e) are selected and designated, as shown in FIG. 6, “the authentication input order has been reached, so the authentication input (from the display 110 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1) The authentication input request screen including the request message “Please do” is displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14.

  On the other hand, when (b) and (c) are selected and designated, as shown in FIG. 7, “the order of authentication input will be in another 3 minutes. Authentication input (for display 110 of inkjet recording apparatus 1). Request message ”is displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. In addition, the content of “in 3 minutes” changes depending on the time set in the numerical values (b) and (c).

  The above operation in the client terminal 14 is realized by the CPU 16 executing the printer driver program read from the disk-shaped recording medium 50 set in the disk drive 22 and installed in the external storage device 21.

  Next, the procedure of the document image printing process performed by the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 executing the installation program installed in the external storage device 21 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, after the power of the client terminal 14 is turned on, until the client terminal 14 is turned off, the CPU 16 performs job confirmation processing for confirming an interrupt request regarding output of a print job, and inputs an authentication order notification signal. The notification signal confirmation process for confirming whether or not there is an interrupt and the request signal confirmation process for confirming whether or not the authentication input request signal is input are repeatedly executed at appropriate intervals set individually.

  Among these, in the job confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 8, it is confirmed whether or not the OK button is clicked (by the operation of the input unit 19) on the print setting screen of FIG. 3 (step S1a). If not (NO in step S1a), the CPU 16 ends the job confirmation process. On the other hand, if the OK button is clicked (YES in step S1a), the CPU 16 performs a print job generation / output process described later with reference to FIG. 11 (step S1b), and then ends the job confirmation process.

  In the notification signal confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 9, it is confirmed whether an authentication order notification signal is input from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (step S3a). CPU16 complete | finishes a notification signal confirmation process, after performing the authentication order notification process mentioned later with reference to FIG. 12 (step S3b). On the other hand, when the authentication order notification signal is not input (NO in step S3a), the CPU 16 performs the inquiry process described later with reference to FIG. 13 (step S3c), and then ends the notification signal confirmation process.

  Further, in the request signal confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 10, it is confirmed whether or not an authentication input request signal is inputted from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (step S5a). The CPU 16 ends the request signal confirmation process (NO in S5a). On the other hand, if an authentication input request signal is input (YES in step S5a), the CPU 16 performs an authentication input request notification process described later with reference to FIG. 14 (step S5b), and then ends the request signal confirmation process. To do.

  Then, in the print job generation / output process in step S1b of FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 16 generates a print job from the file data of the original image whose file is currently opened on the application program (step S11). .

  Next, the CPU 16 confirms whether or not the “perform authentication” check box is checked on the print setting screen of FIG. 3 (step S13), and if not (NO in step S13), will be described later. The process proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, when the “perform authentication” check box is checked (YES in step S13), the CPU 16 notifies the notification timing information indicating the notification timing for causing the output unit 20 to display a message requesting authentication input of the print job. Is generated (step S15). In this notification timing information, the contents of the options (a) to (e) selected and designated by clicking the radio button on the property screen of FIG. 4 are set as the notification timing setting contents. After generating the notification timing information, the CPU 16 shifts the processing to step S17.

  In step S17, if the notification timing information is generated in step S15 to the print job generated in step S11, it is added and output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the print job generation / output process.

  Next, in the authentication order notification process in step S3b of FIG. 9, the CPU 16 displays the authentication order notification screen based on the authentication order notification signal input from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. Display data is generated (step S31), and an authentication order notification screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the output unit 20 using the generated display data (step S33). Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the authentication order notification process.

  Subsequently, in the inquiry process in step S3c of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 16 checks whether or not a predetermined inquiry period has arrived (step S41), and if not (step S41). NO), the CPU 16 proceeds to Step S45 described later. On the other hand, when the inquiry cycle has arrived (YES in step S41), an inquiry signal is output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (step S43). Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the inquiry process.

  In step S <b> 41, the CPU 16 checks whether or not an inquiry response signal has been input from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in step S <b> 45 that proceeds to the case where the predetermined inquiry cycle has not arrived (NO). If not input (NO in step S45), the CPU 16 ends the inquiry process. When the inquiry response signal is input (YES in step S45), the contents of the authentication order notification screen shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the output unit 20 up to the reception start timing indicated by the inquiry response signal confirmed to be input in step S45. It is updated according to the remaining waiting time and the case where there is no authentication waiting order (step S47). Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the inquiry process.

  Next, in the authentication input request notification process in step S5b of FIG. 10, the CPU 16 performs an authentication input request screen based on the authentication input request signal input from the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. Display data is generated (step S51), and an authentication input request screen as shown in FIG. 6 or 7 is displayed on the output unit 20 using the generated display data (step S53). Thereafter, the CPU 16 ends the authentication input request notification process.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1 that displays the print setting screen in FIG. 3 and the property screen in FIG. 4 and the click operation on each of these screens. The input unit 19 used in the above and the CPU 16 that executes the processes of steps S13 and S15 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 constitute the setting means in the claims.

  Further, in this embodiment, step S17 in FIG. 11 is processing corresponding to the notification output means in the claims, and step S53 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 corresponds to the output control means in the claims. It is processing to do.

  A basic input screen is usually displayed on the display 110 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of FIG. This basic input screen has four tabs. When the “authentication input” tab is touched on the screen and the “authentication input” button shown in FIG. 15 is further touched, the authentication wait state shown in FIG. The job list screen is overlapped.

  On the authentication waiting job list screen, print jobs input from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 are listed in the order of input. For each print job, the contents of each item of “print order”, “client ID”, “authentication wait order”, “waiting time”, “setting information”, and “authentication acceptance” are displayed.

  Among these, “printing order” indicates the order of printing processing determined by the order of input of the print job to the control unit 10. The “client ID” is a two-digit number uniquely assigned to the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the print job. Furthermore, the “authentication waiting order” indicates the notification timing set by the notification timing information input together with the print job in an early order.

  The “waiting time” is the remaining time until the reception start timing at which the authentication input can be received. Furthermore, “setting information” indicates the setting contents of the notification timing indicated by the notification timing information. It should be noted that the setting contents of the notification timing are the jobs waiting for authentication according to the codes of options (a) to (e) selected and specified on the property screen of FIG. 4 displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. Displayed on the list screen.

  In the authentication waiting job list screen of FIG. 16, when a print job for which “permitted” is displayed in the “authentication acceptance” column is selected by a touch operation, the authentication input acceptance screen of FIG. 17 is displayed instead of the authentication waiting job list screen. Is displayed in an overlapping manner.

  On the authentication input acceptance screen, authentication input items of the print job selected on the authentication waiting job list screen are displayed. Various known methods can be used for print job authentication. Here, using the table stored in the external storage device 93, the user ID associated with the client ID and the password, biometric data, or individual identification code associated with the user ID are It is assumed that the print job can be authenticated by inputting the correct contents.

  Accordingly, the user ID corresponding to the client ID of the print job selected on the authentication waiting job list screen of FIG. 16 is displayed by default on the authentication input acceptance screen of FIG. 16, and the password, biometric data, Alternatively, a field (or a message thereof) requesting input of the individual identification code is displayed.

  The password, biometric data, or individual identification code corresponding to the user ID can be input as follows. First, the password can be input by, for example, displaying a numeric keypad or the like on the display 110 by a touch operation of a numeric keypad on the authentication input reception screen and performing the touch operation. For the input of biometric data, for example, a scanner (not shown) prepared in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is validated by touching a biometric authentication button on the authentication input acceptance screen, thereby reading a pattern such as a hand vein or a fingerprint. Can be done. The input of the individual identification code can be performed using, for example, an electronic or magnetic card reader prepared in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. When the correct authentication input is performed, the display on the display 110 returns to the basic input screen of FIG. 15 and the print job is executed.

  The operation as described above in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is realized by the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 executing a control program stored in the ROM 91. A procedure of processing performed by the CPU 90 by executing this control program will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, after the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on, the CPU 90 waits until the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned off, the print job reception interrupt request confirmation process, the authentication request timing interrupt request confirmation process, and The authentication input interrupt request confirmation process is repeatedly executed for each appropriate period set individually.

  Among these, in the print job reception interrupt request confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 18, it is confirmed whether or not a print job has been input (step S101a). If it has not been input (NO in step S101a), the CPU 90 Finishes the print job interrupt request confirmation process. On the other hand, if a print job is input (YES in step S101a), the CPU 90 performs a print job reception process described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S101b), and then ends the print job interrupt request confirmation process. To do.

  Further, in the authentication request timing interrupt request confirmation processing, as shown in FIG. 19, it is confirmed whether or not the authentication request timing monitoring flag in the RAM 92 is “1” (step S301a). In step S301a, NO), the CPU 90 ends the authentication request timing interrupt request confirmation process. On the other hand, when the authentication request timing monitoring flag is “1” (YES in step S301a), the CPU 90 performs an authentication request management process described later with reference to FIG. 22 (step S301b), and then performs an authentication request timing allocation. The confirmation request confirmation process ends.

  Further, in the authentication input interrupt request confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not a print job whose authentication input acceptance start timing has already been selected is specified on the authentication waiting job list screen of FIG. Confirm (step S501a). This confirmation can be performed depending on whether or not a print job for which “permitted” is displayed in the “authentication acceptance” field on the authentication waiting job list screen in FIG. 16 has been touched.

  If the selection is not specified (NO in step S501a), the CPU 90 ends the authentication input interrupt request confirmation process. On the other hand, if it is selected and specified (YES in step S501a), the CPU 90 performs an authentication input acceptance process described later with reference to FIG. 23 (step S501b), and then ends the authentication input interrupt request confirmation process.

  In the print job reception process in step S101b of FIG. 18, the CPU 90 generates raster data for printing a document image from the intermediate data of the input print job and prints the print job as shown in FIG. Based on the environmental data and attribute data, print condition data indicating print conditions is generated, and the data is associated with the client ID of the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the print job, and the external storage device as a print job on standby 93 (step S111). At this time, the list for adding the input print job to the list of waiting print jobs (waiting for authentication input) stored in the external storage device 93 is also updated. Thereafter, the CPU 90 shifts the process to step S113.

  In step S113, the input is confirmed in step S101a of FIG. 18 based on the contents of other standby print jobs already stored in the external storage device 93 (such as the print processing contents of the original image by the print job). The reception start timing at which the authentication input for the print job can be received is estimated by calculation, and the reception start timing thus estimated by calculation is associated with the client ID of the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the input print job. And stored in the external storage device 93. When this reception start timing actually arrives, the display of the “authentication reception” column on the authentication waiting job list screen of FIG.

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the notification timing information is input together with the print job whose input is confirmed in step S101a of FIG. 18 (step S115). If not (NO in step S115), the CPU 90 performs processing. The process proceeds to step S123 described later. On the other hand, if input (YES in step S115), the input is confirmed in step S101a of FIG. 18 based on the notification timing set in the input notification timing information and the reception start timing estimated in step S113. The authentication request timing for requesting the authentication input for the print job is determined. The determined authentication request timing is stored in the external storage device 93 in association with the client ID of the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the print job (step S117).

  For example, when the notification timing set in the notification timing information is the content of the option (a) on the property screen in FIG. 4, it was input one before the print job whose input was confirmed in step S101a in FIG. Immediately after the completion of the print processing by the print job is determined as the authentication request timing of the print job whose input is confirmed in step S101a of FIG.

  If the authentication request timing is later than the reception start timing estimated in step S113, the reception start timing stored in the external storage device 93 is set to the same timing as the authentication request timing determined in step S117. You may make it update.

  Next, the CPU 90 confirms whether or not the authentication request timing monitoring flag is “1” (step S119). If it is “1” (YES in step S119), the CPU 90 proceeds to step S123. Transition. On the other hand, if it is not “1” (NO in step S119), the CPU 90 sets the authentication request timing monitoring flag to “1” (step S121), and then proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, the CPU 90 generates an authentication order notification signal for the print job whose input has been confirmed in step S101a of FIG. 18, and outputs it to the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the print job. This authentication order notification signal includes the job name of the print job, the order in which the authentication input acceptance start timing estimated in step S113 comes in all the waiting print jobs stored in the external storage device 93 (authentication waiting order). ), And each information of the expected waiting time until the reception start timing of the authentication input comes. Thereafter, the CPU 90 ends the print job reception process.

  Next, in the authentication request management process in step S301b of FIG. 19, as shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 90 checks whether or not an inquiry signal is input from the client terminal 14 (step S311). (YES in step S311), CPU 90 outputs an inquiry response signal to client terminal 14 that is the output source of the inquiry signal (step S312), and ends the authentication request management process. This inquiry response signal includes information on whether the reception start timing has not arrived and the remaining waiting time until the reception start timing.

  On the other hand, when the inquiry signal is not input from the client terminal 14 (NO in step S311), the CPU 90 determines that the authentication request timing actually arrived among the authentication request timings stored in the external storage device 93. It is confirmed whether or not timing exists (step S313).

  If there is no authentication request timing that has arrived (NO in step S313), the authentication request management process ends. On the other hand, if it exists (YES in step S313), an authentication input request signal for requesting an authentication input is output to the client terminal 14 corresponding to the client ID associated with the authentication request timing (step S315).

  At this time, when there are elements (paper shortage, ink shortage, etc.) that make it impossible to execute the print processing in the paper, ink, etc. necessary for executing the print processing by the previously input print job, Warning information indicating that fact may be included in the authentication input request signal and output.

  Further, when the authentication input is not made from the display 110 or the like from the time when the authentication request timing has already arrived and the authentication input request signal is output to the reception end timing after a predetermined time, the same client terminal 14 is again used. An authentication input request signal may be output to (as step S315). Alternatively, an authentication input request signal may be output to the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the next standby print job at the reception end timing (step S315). Then, the CPU 90 ends the authentication request management process.

  Subsequently, in the authentication input acceptance process in step S501b of FIG. 20, as shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 90 performs authentication using a password, biometric authentication data, an individual identification code, or the like on the authentication input acceptance screen of FIG. An input is accepted (step S511).

  Here, during the period from when the authentication input acceptance start timing arrives until the acceptance end timing after a predetermined time, the target print jobs that accept the authentication input are limited to the print jobs that have recently received the acceptance start timing. You may do it. Further, if there is no authentication input for the target print job until the reception end timing, the authentication input for the next waiting print job may be received limitedly (or preferentially). .

  Then, whether the content of the received authentication input is valid content that matches the content associated with the user ID displayed as default on the authentication input reception screen of FIG. 17 in the table of the external storage device 93. It is confirmed whether or not (step S513).

  If the content of the accepted authentication input is not valid (NO in step S513), the CPU 90 ends the authentication input acceptance process. If it is valid (YES in step S513), the CPU 90 executes a printing process using the received print job as an authentication input target (step S515). This print processing is executed based on raster data for printing a manuscript image, print environment data, and attribute data stored in the external storage device 93 for the received print job that is a target of authentication input.

  Here, the printing environment data includes data of setting contents relating to the printing environment of the document image. The print environment data includes, for example, the document size of the document image, the print size (printing magnification), the number of pages, the type of the recording paper S used for printing, and the mode indicating the printing resolution (high quality mode, normal quality) Mode) and data indicating the contents of the layout setting of the image of the data document on the recording paper S are included. In the layout setting, the printing surface (double-sided printing or single-sided printing) of the recording paper S on which the image of the data document is printed, the presence / absence of image aggregation or division (imposition printing), and the contents thereof are designated.

  Further, the attribute data includes data indicating modes (high-definition mode, standard mode) data indicating the resolution of a photo, and data indicating setting contents such as a font used for character printing, a character size, and character decoration.

  Next, the CPU 90 deletes all the contents of the print job, the reception start timing, the authentication request timing, etc. stored in the external storage device 93 with respect to the print job that has been subjected to the printing process (step S517). Then, it is checked whether the standby print job, the reception start timing related thereto, and the authentication request timing are still stored in the external storage device 93 (step S519).

  If it is still stored (YES in step S519), the CPU 90 ends the authentication input acceptance process. If not stored (NO in step S519), the CPU 90 sets the authentication request timing monitoring flag to “0” (step S521), and ends the authentication input acceptance process.

  As is apparent from the above description, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, step S113 in the flowchart of FIG. 21 is a process corresponding to the estimation means in the claims, and the step in FIG. S117 is a process corresponding to the determining means in the claims.

  Further, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, step S315 in the flowchart of FIG. 22 is a process corresponding to the request unit and the information output unit in the claims, and step S511 in the flowchart of FIG. This process corresponds to the limiting means in the claims.

  Next, a flow of operations related to print job authentication in the printer network system of the present embodiment in which the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 and the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 respectively execute the processing according to the above-described procedure. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a print job is output from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the content of the timing (notification timing) at which a message requesting authentication input of the print job is displayed on the output unit 20 is also displayed. The notification timing information shown is output from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 ((1) in FIG. 24). Here, according to the option (a) on the property screen of FIG. 4 displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14 (the previous print job (the print job whose input order to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is one earlier)). It is assumed that “immediately after completion of the printing process” is selected and designated as the notification timing.

  In the control unit 10 to which the print job is input, the print job is registered in the list of print jobs waiting in the external storage device 93, and the notification timing indicated by the notification timing information input together with the print job is input. The data is stored in the external storage device 93 in association with the client ID of the original client terminal 14. Also, the reception start timing of authentication input for the input print job is estimated ((2) in FIG. 24).

  Then, an authentication order notification signal is output from the control unit 10 to the client terminal 14 that is the output source of the print job. By this authentication order notification signal, the job name of the print job registered as the standby print job, that is, the job name of the print job input from the client terminal 14 is notified to the client terminal 14. In addition, the authentication waiting order indicating the estimated authentication input acceptance start timing of all waiting print jobs stored in the external storage device 93 and the authentication input acceptance start timing have arrived. The expected waiting time until the notification is notified to the client terminal 14 by the authentication order notification signal ((3) in FIG. 24).

  Thereafter, an inquiry signal is input from the client terminal 14 to which these are notified to the control unit 10 ((4) in FIG. 24). When the inquiry signal is input, the control unit 10 indicates that the reception start timing has not arrived until the reception start timing of the authentication input stored in the external storage device 93 has arrived, and the reception start timing. The remaining waiting time and the waiting order for authentication are confirmed ((5) in FIG. 24), and these are notified to the client terminal 14 as an inquiry response signal ((6) in FIG. 24).

  Then, the input of the inquiry signal from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 described above ((4) in FIG. 24), the confirmation by the control unit 10 ((5) in FIG. 24) and the inquiry response to the client terminal 14 The notification by the output of the signal ((6) in FIG. 24) is repeatedly executed at regular time intervals until the authentication input request signal is input from the control unit 10.

  Further, when a print job input immediately before the print job output from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 is executed and the print processing is completed in the printer unit 102 ((7) in FIG. 24), authentication is performed. The control unit 10 confirms that the input acceptance start timing has arrived and that the notification timing for requesting the authentication input has arrived ((8) in FIG. 24). Then, the authentication input request signal is input to the client terminal 14, and the authentication input request screen shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is displayed on the output unit 20 ((9) in FIG. 24).

  When an authentication input is made from the display 110 or the like by the user of the client terminal 14 who has moved to the ink jet recording apparatus 1 by looking at the authentication input request screen, whether or not the input content is valid by the control unit 10 is determined. It is confirmed. When the control unit 10 confirms that the input authentication is valid ((10) in FIG. 24), the control unit 10 outputs a print instruction regarding the authenticated print job to the printer unit 102 (FIG. 24). 24 (11)), the printer unit 102 executes print processing corresponding to the print job (FIG. 24 (12)).

  Note that in the above-described operation flow related to print job authentication described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG. 24, the notification timing set in the notification timing information is the content of the option (a) on the property screen of FIG. It is premised on the case. Therefore, if the notification timing setting is different, the operation flow related to print job authentication is slightly different accordingly.

  For example, when the notification timing set in the notification timing information is the content of the option (b) on the property screen in FIG. 4 (completion of print processing by the previous print job XX minutes ×× seconds ago), The contents of the operations (7) and (8) in FIG. 24 are changed to the contents shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG.

  That is, when the printer unit 102 starts a printing process using a print job input immediately before the print job output from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 ((7 ′) in FIG. 25), the control unit 10 Thus, the estimated end time of the printing process by the print job is estimated. In addition, the control unit 10 confirms whether or not the notification timing (print processing completion XX minutes xx seconds before) indicated in the notification timing information has arrived by calculating backward from the estimated expected end time. This is performed ((8 ′) in FIG. 25).

  When the notification timing arrives, an authentication input request signal is input from the control unit 10 to the client terminal 14, and the authentication input request screen shown in FIG. 6 or 7 is displayed on the output unit 20 ((9 in FIG. 24). )). The subsequent operation is the same as that described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG.

  As described above, according to the printer network system of the present embodiment, when the print request for the document image to be printed is input from the input unit 19 from the client terminal 14, the property screen of FIG. Thus, it is possible to select and specify the notification timing at which a message requesting authentication input of a print job is displayed on the output unit 20 from the options (a) to (e). Information on the notification timing selected and designated can be output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 together with the print job.

  Also, according to the printer network system of this embodiment, the authentication input acceptance start timing for the input print job is estimated by the control unit 10 to which the notification timing information is input together with the print job. At the same time, a notification timing is determined by the control unit 10 from the notification timing information, and when the notification timing arrives, an authentication input request signal for requesting an authentication input is output from the output source of the print job to be authenticated. It is output to the client terminal 14.

  Accordingly, an authentication input request screen for requesting authentication input for the previously output print job is displayed on the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14 to which the authentication input request signal is input at the timing selected and designated as the notification timing, and the client terminal The user can be sent to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 for authentication input of a print job at a desired timing.

  As a result, when a plurality of client terminals 14 and a plurality of ink jet recording apparatuses 1 are connected to a network and a plurality of users share the plurality of ink jet recording apparatuses 1, the stay of authentication input for a print job is reduced. Thus, it is possible to easily optimize the arrangement and the number of the inkjet recording apparatuses 1.

  In the client terminal 14 of the above-described embodiment, if the “perform authentication” check box is not checked on the print setting screen of FIG. 3 displayed on the output unit 20, the authentication input request screen is displayed on the output unit. The notification timing information indicating the notification timing to be displayed on the printer 20 is not output to the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 together with the print job. In this case, the authentication input request screen is not displayed on the output unit 20 even when the authentication input acceptance timing comes.

  The configuration for doing so may be omitted. If omitted, the notification timing information is always output accompanying all print jobs, and the authentication input request screen is displayed on the output unit 20 when the authentication input acceptance start timing comes.

  In the present embodiment, the case where an authentication printer that requires authentication for all print jobs is used as the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has been described as an example. However, the user can set security settings (whether authentication is necessary or not) for each print job. The present invention can also be applied to the case where an authentication-compatible printer that can perform the above-described process is used as the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that prints a document image by the inkjet method, the client terminal 14 connected to the inkjet recording apparatus 1, or a printer control program and a printer driver program used in each of them will be described as an example. did. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet method, but also includes a printer using a method other than the ink jet method such as an electrophotographic method or a stencil printing method, a printer control program or a printer driver program used in this printer or a connected client terminal. Can be widely applied.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the printer driver program that is read from the disk-shaped recording medium 50 such as an optical disk by the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14 and is installed (stored) in the external storage device 21 has been described as an example. . However, the present invention can also be applied to a printer driver program that is directly preinstalled in the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the inkjet recording device of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print setting screen for a document image displayed on the output unit of the client terminal of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the property screen of the notification order arrival notification setting displayed in the output part of the client terminal of FIG. 1 based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the authentication order notification screen displayed in the output part of the client terminal of FIG. 1 based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the authentication order notification screen displayed in the output part of the client terminal of FIG. 1 based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the authentication order notification screen displayed in the output part of the client terminal of FIG. 1 based on one Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of document image printing processing performed by the CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the basic input screen displayed on the display of the inkjet recording device of FIG. 1 based on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an authentication waiting job list screen displayed on the display of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the authentication input reception screen displayed on the display of the inkjet recording device of FIG. 1 based on one Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document image printing process performed by a CPU of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of operation | movement regarding the authentication of the print job of the printer network system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of operation | movement regarding the authentication of the print job of the printer network system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Inkjet recording device (printer device)
10 Control Unit 11 External Interface Unit 14 Client Terminal (Printer Driver Device)
15 External interface section 16 CPU (information output means, setting means, notification output means, output control means)
17 ROM
18 RAM
19 Input section (setting means)
20 Output unit (setting means, message output means)
21 external storage device 22 disk drive 50 disk-shaped recording medium 90 CPU (estimating means, determining means, requesting means, limiting means, information output means)
91 ROM
92 RAM
93 external storage device 101 scanner unit 102 printer unit 105 paper feed unit 109 paper discharge unit 110 display (accepting means)
S Recording paper

Claims (8)

When an authentication input from a reception unit for a print job input from the outside is received, and the content of the received authentication input is compared with the content of authentication data input from the outside together with the print job and it is determined that authentication is possible In the printer device that executes the printing process by the print job,
When the print job is input from the outside, the reception start timing at which the authentication input for the input print job can be received is based on the input order of the waiting print jobs that have not received the authentication input. Estimating means for estimating;
Based on the notification start timing of the authentication input request based on the reception start timing, which is input from the outside together with the print job, based on the reception start timing estimated by the estimation unit, the input print job Determining means for determining an authentication request timing for requesting the authentication input;
Requesting means for requesting the authentication input for the input print job to the output source of the input print job at the authentication request timing determined by the determination means;
A printer apparatus comprising:   2. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the requesting unit requests the authentication source not yet input to the output source again at a reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing.   The requesting unit sets an output source of a print job input next to a print job input from the output source from which the requesting unit requested the authentication input at a reception end timing after a predetermined time from the reception start timing. 2. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication input for the next input print job is requested.   From the reception start timing of the authentication input requested by the request means to the output source to a reception end timing after a predetermined time of the reception start timing, a target for receiving the authentication input from the reception means, 4. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting unit that restricts only the authentication input with respect to a print job input from the output source from which the requesting unit requested the authentication input.   And further comprising an information output means for outputting warning information related to the print processing by the inputted print job which is a target of the authentication input when the request means requests the authentication input from the output source. 5. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4. In a printer driver device that outputs a print job to a printer device that executes print processing according to the print job,
Setting means for setting a notification timing of the authentication input request by the printer device based on a reception start timing at which the authentication input for the print job in the printer device can be received;
Notification output means for outputting the notification timing input by the setting means to the printer device together with the print job;
A printer driver device comprising:   The print job that is input from the printer device and output to the printer device at the authentication request timing determined by the printer device based on the input order of the print jobs that have not received the authentication input and the notification timing. 7. The printer driver apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising output control means for outputting a request message for authentication input from the message output means in response to a request for authentication input.   The output control means receives warning information related to the print processing by the input print job that is a target of the authentication input, which is input from the printer device together with the authentication input request for the print job output to the printer device. 8. The printer driver apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a warning information notification message is output from the message output means together with the authentication input request message.

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