JP2011034221A - Information processor, printer, and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, a printer, and a printing system for setting whether or not to synthesize an additional image with a printing object document for each user. <P>SOLUTION: An information processor 2 accepts the selection of additional image data to be synthesized in the case of printing a print object document in the case of executing a printer driver. When confidential printing is set, the information processor 2 accepts setting information indicating whether or not to synthesize additional image data with a document or whether or not a user should select whether or not to synthesize the additional image data with the document for every user who is permitted to perform confidential printing. The information processor 2 generates and transmits print job information including the print object document, the additional image data, and the setting information to a printer 1. When executing the confidential printing corresponding to the acquired print job information, the printer 1 determines whether or not to synthesize the additional image with the document for every user who has instructed execution, and synthesizes the additional image with the document as necessary, and prints it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a printing system for adding an image for suppressing duplication of printed matter.

  In order to prevent the printed material from being illegally duplicated, a technique is known in which an image is output by synthesizing a background pattern including words such as “copy prohibited” and “confidential document” with a document to be printed. When a printed matter with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is copied, the text contained in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is also copied, so the image quality of the document before the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be reproduced cannot be reproduced, and it is copied to the printed matter itself. The effect of deterring can be given.

  The process of synthesizing the tint block pattern with the document to be printed can be performed by an image forming apparatus (printing apparatus) that performs a copying process or by a printer driver. When synthesizing the tint block pattern with the image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus is set to determine whether to synthesize the tint block pattern with the document. On the other hand, a tint block pattern is synthesized. If it is set not to synthesize a ground pattern in the image forming apparatus, the ground pattern is not synthesized for all documents. In such an image forming apparatus, it is not possible to switch whether to synthesize a tint block pattern for each document.

  When the background pattern is synthesized by the printer driver, for example, a printer driver having a function of synthesizing the background pattern to the image of the document to be printed is used. In this case, in the information processing apparatus in which such a printer driver is incorporated, whether or not to synthesize the background pattern is set for each document, and when the background pattern is combined, the background pattern of the background pattern is set for the set document. Perform synthesis. With such a configuration, it is possible to switch whether to synthesize a tint block pattern for each document.

  Also, a configuration has been proposed in which the printer driver only sets whether to synthesize a background pattern for each document, and the image forming apparatus synthesizes the background pattern on the document based on the setting content ( Patent Document 1). In this case, whether or not to synthesize a background pattern for each document is set in the information processing apparatus, and the document data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the setting contents. When the image forming apparatus acquires the setting contents indicating that the background pattern is to be combined together with the document data, the image forming apparatus combines the background pattern with the acquired document. Therefore, even with such a configuration, it is possible to switch whether to synthesize a tint block pattern for each document.

JP 2005-175959 A

  In the configuration as described above, the user who operates the printer driver sets whether to synthesize a tint block pattern with each document using the printer driver. In other words, when the background pattern is synthesized by the printer driver, if the print processing is performed based on the print data once set, the background pattern is always synthesized.

  By the way, when printing a document, for example, a printer driver assigns a password to the document and transmits the document to the image forming apparatus. When a valid password is input in the image forming apparatus, the document is printed. The technology of “printing” is widespread. As described above, even when the user who instructs printing of the document using the printer driver is different from the user who executes printing of the document, in the printing process based on the print data as described above, the tint block pattern is always displayed. The synthesized image is output. In other words, whether or not to synthesize a tint block pattern for a document is set regardless of the user who executes printing. When different users print the same document by confidential printing or the like, the tint block pattern is synthesized. The document will always be printed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to create a printed matter according to the user by setting for each user whether or not an additional image should be added to the information to be printed. An information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a printing system are provided.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention transmits print information to an external printing apparatus, and causes the printing apparatus to perform print processing based on the transmitted print information. A storage unit for storing image information, a selection receiving unit for receiving selection of image information to be added to print information to be transmitted to the printing apparatus from the image information stored in the storage unit, and permission to execute the print processing A setting unit for setting whether or not the image information received by the selection receiving unit should be added to the print information for each user, the print information, the image information received by the selection receiving unit, And a generation unit that generates print job information including setting information set by the setting unit.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the setting unit adds setting information indicating whether or not the image information that has been selected by the selection receiving unit is added to the print information or the image information to the print information. One of the setting information indicating that the user selects whether or not to perform the setting is set.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the setting unit sets an effective period of set information for each user.

  A printing apparatus according to the present invention acquires print information and performs print processing based on the acquired print information. The print information, image information to be added to the print information, and print processing based on the print information An acquisition unit that acquires print job information including setting information indicating whether or not the image information should be added to the print information for each user who is permitted to execute the operation, and based on the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit Based on the setting information included in the print job information, a determination unit that determines whether or not the image information should be added to the print information, and a determination result by the determination unit for each user who executes print processing An image adding unit that adds the image information to the print information; and a print processing unit that performs a printing process based on the print information to which the image adding unit has added the image information. And features.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present invention, when the setting information included in the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the user selects whether to add the image information to the print information, the image information A receiving unit that receives a selection as to whether or not to add the image information to the print information. When the receiving unit receives a selection to add the image information to the print information, the image is included in the print information. It is characterized in that it is determined that information is added.

  When the setting information included in the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an effective period of the setting information, the printing apparatus according to the present invention acquires the print job information after the acquisition unit acquires the print job information. A determination unit that determines whether or not the print job information has passed, and when the determination unit determines that the validity period has not elapsed, the print unit is configured to perform printing based on setting information included in the print job information. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the image information should be added to the information.

  A printing system according to the present invention includes the above-described information processing apparatus and the above-described printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus performs print processing based on print job information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores one or more image information stores image information to be added to print information to be transmitted to the printing apparatus in order to perform print processing in the storage unit. Select from existing image information. Further, the information processing apparatus sets whether or not the selected image information should be added to the print information for each user who is permitted to execute the print processing, and print information, selected image information, and set setting information. The print job information including is generated. Then, the information processing apparatus transmits the generated print job information to the printing apparatus. Therefore, in order to create a printed matter to which an image such as a tint block pattern is added, print information such as a document to be printed or graphics (document to be printed) and image information such as a tint block pattern can be transmitted to the printing apparatus. . In addition, since it is set for each user whether or not the tint block pattern should be added to the document to be printed, it is possible to create a printed matter according to the user.

  Specifically, for each user, whether to add image information to a document to be printed or whether to allow the user to select whether to add image information to a document to be printed is set. Therefore, it is possible not only to set whether or not to add a tint block pattern to a document, but also to allow the user to select whether or not to add a tint block pattern to a document. In addition, by setting an effective period of conditions set for each user, it is possible to add a tint block pattern to a document for a limited period.

  According to the present invention, a printing apparatus that performs printing processing sets print information (document) to be printed, image information to be added to a document, and whether or not image information to be added to a document is set for each user. Get print job information including information. In addition, the printing apparatus determines whether image information should be added to the document to be printed based on the setting information for each user who executes the printing process, and adds the image information to the document based on the determination result. To do. Then, the printing apparatus performs a printing process based on the document to which the image information is added. Therefore, it is possible to create a printed matter to which an image such as a tint block pattern is added and whether to add a tint block pattern for each user. Further, since the printing apparatus performs printing processing by adding image information to a document acquired from the outside, it is not necessary to prepare image information in its own apparatus in advance.

  When the user can select whether or not to add a tint block pattern, it is possible to select whether or not to add a tint block pattern according to an instruction of the user who performs the printing process. In addition, when the validity period of the setting information on whether or not to add a tint block pattern to the document is set, for example, until the official announcement date, the tint block pattern described as “draft” is added to the document and the formal announcement is made. After the date, processing such as printing without adding a tint block pattern becomes possible.

  In the present invention, for each user who is permitted to execute print processing, whether or not image information should be added to a document to be printed is set. Therefore, it is possible to create a printed material according to the user. Specifically, when a user who needs to prohibit unauthorized duplication of a printed material performs printing, an inadvertent duplication of the printed material can be prevented by adding a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern and printing. In addition, when it is set that the user selects whether to add image information to a document, it is possible to create a printed matter according to the selection of the user who executes printing.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of information processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on a user I / F unit by execution of a printer driver. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the memory content of a user information table and a setting information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the display screen displayed on the user I / F part of a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which the information processing apparatus transmits print job information to the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing in which the printing apparatus acquires print job information from the information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the confidential printing process by a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the confidential printing process by a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a synthetic | combination determination process.

  Hereinafter, a printing system including an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes one printing apparatus 1 and a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2 and 2. The printing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 are each a network 100a such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Are connected to each other. 1 shows a state in which two information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 are connected to the network 100a, one information processing apparatus 2 or three or more information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 are connected to the network 100a. It may be connected to.

  The printing apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus having a print function for forming an image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP film. In addition to the print function, the printing apparatus 1 has a scanner function for reading an image of a document, a copy function for forming a read image on a sheet, a network scanner function for transmitting image data acquired by reading to the outside, and the like. A multifunction machine may be used.

  The information processing apparatus 2 is a personal computer or a workstation. In the information processing apparatus 2, an application program for creating a document, graphics, and the like, and a driver program (printer driver) for using the printing apparatus 1 via the network 100a are installed in advance. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 calls a printer driver from an arbitrary application, and transmits information (print job information) of a print job (print job) generated by the printer driver to the printing apparatus 1. Accordingly, the information processing apparatus 2 is configured to print out the created document, graphics (document), and the like.

  In the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, an additional image stored in advance in the information processing apparatus 2 can be added (synthesized) to a document, graphics (document), or the like created by the user using the information processing apparatus 2. I am doing so. Additional images stored in advance in the information processing apparatus 2 include images including words such as “secret”, “important”, and “draft”, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images for prohibiting or suppressing document copying, department codes, and the like. An image including specific information is included. Hereinafter, these images added to the document to be printed created by the user are collectively referred to as an additional image.

  On the information processing apparatus 2 side, setting information indicating whether or not an additional image needs to be added and which additional image is added is received from the user, print job information including the received setting information is generated, and the printing apparatus Send to 1. The printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not to add an additional image from the received print job information and the additional image to be added. If it is requested to add the additional image, the corresponding additional image is printed. Composite to the target document.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 20, a memory 21, a storage unit 22, a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a user I / F unit) 23, a communication unit 24, and the like. The hardware units described above are connected to each other via a bus. The control unit 20 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The control unit 20 controls each part of the hardware as described above, and appropriately reads and executes a control program stored in the memory 21.

  The memory 21 is an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), a flash ROM, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The memory 21 stores various control programs necessary for operating the information processing apparatus 2, various data generated when the control unit 20 executes the control programs, a printer driver, and the like. Note that the printer driver of this embodiment includes an image data selection function, a setting function, a print job generation function, a print job transmission function, and the like. Therefore, when the control unit 20 executes the printer driver, image data selection processing, setting processing, print job generation processing, print job transmission processing, and the like are performed. Note that the printer driver of this embodiment also has a confidential printing function.

  The storage unit 22 is a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores one or more additional image data indicating additional images to be added to a document to be printed. If the storage unit 22 is a rewritable storage unit, the additional image data stored in the storage unit 22 can be updated as appropriate. The storage unit 22 for storing the additional image data may not be provided, and the additional image data may be stored in the memory 21.

  The user I / F unit 23 includes, for example, an input unit including a keyboard and a mouse, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel or a CRT display. The input unit accepts various types of information based on user operations such as a print instruction and print settings from the user. The display unit displays the operation status of the information processing apparatus 2, information necessary for operating the information processing apparatus 2, and the like.

  The communication unit 24 is an interface for connecting to the network 100a, and performs communication with another information processing apparatus 2 or the printing apparatus 1 via the network 100a. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 24 transmits print job information for printing a document (print information) created by the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1 via the network 100a.

  Hereinafter, in the information processing apparatus 2 having the above-described configuration, a process in which the control unit 20 generates print job information based on a document to be printed by executing a printer driver will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the user I / F unit 23 by execution of the printer driver. When a user of the information processing device 2 wants to print a document created using the information processing device 2, a document acquired from an external device via the network 100a, and the like, the user designates a document to be printed and executes the printer driver. In the information processing apparatus 2, when the control unit 20 executes the printer driver in accordance with an instruction from the user, the control unit 20 performs an image data selection process and displays an additional image selection screen shown in FIG. 3A on the user I / F unit 23. Display.

  The additional image selection screen is a screen for selecting additional image data (image information) to be combined when a document to be printed is printed. The additional image selection screen displays a list of data names (file names) of the additional image data stored in the storage unit 22, and the control unit (selection receiving unit) 20 prints via the selection screen. Selection of an additional image to be combined with the target document is accepted. The selection screen shown in FIG. 3A shows a state in which an additional image with the file name “A.bmp” is selected. When the OK button is operated in this state, the control unit 20 displays the print target. "A.bmp" is accepted as the file name of the additional image to be combined with the document.

  The list of file names of the additional image data includes “No composition”, and when no additional image is to be combined with the document to be printed, the user selects “No composition” and operates the OK button. In this case, the control unit 20 accepts that the additional image is not combined with the document to be printed. A part of the additional image data may be displayed instead of the list of file names of the additional image data, or a thumbnail image generated from the additional image data may be displayed.

  The information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment displays a list of file names of additional image data stored in the storage unit 22 on the selection screen for additional images, thereby allowing the user to store additional files stored in the storage unit 22. In this configuration, an additional image to be combined with the document to be printed is selected from the images. In addition to such a configuration, for example, when the printing apparatus 1 holds additional image data and the information processing apparatus 2 displays the selection screen of the additional image on the user I / F unit 23, the printing apparatus 1 The file name of the additional image data held by may be acquired from the printing apparatus 1.

  When the OK button is operated on the additional image selection screen, the control unit 20 executes setting processing by the printer driver and causes the user I / F unit 23 to display the confidential printing setting screen shown in FIG. . If the cancel button is operated on the additional image selection screen, the control unit 20 ends the execution of the printer driver. The confidential printing setting screen displays whether or not confidential printing is performed on a document to be printed, whether or not a password is required for confidential printing, and image data (additional image data) to be combined with the document is displayed on the printing apparatus 1. A selection button for selecting whether to save or not is displayed. Therefore, the control unit 20 stores whether or not confidential printing is performed via the confidential printing setting screen, whether or not a password is required during confidential printing, and whether image data to be combined is stored in the printing apparatus 1. Accepts settings such as NO.

  Also, the confidential printing setting screen displays a password input field when it is set that password input is required during confidential printing, and the control unit 20 accepts the password input via the setting screen. Note that the setting screen shown in FIG. 3B shows a state in which confidential printing and password entry are required for confidential printing.

  The confidential printing setting screen displays a detailed setting button. When the detailed setting button is operated, the control unit 20 causes the user I / F unit 23 to display the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. . If the cancel button is operated on the confidential print setting screen, the control unit 20 ends the execution of the printer driver. The detailed setting screen registers users who are allowed to execute confidential printing, and for each registered user, should the additional image selected via the selection screen shown in FIG. 3A be combined with the document to be printed? It is a screen for setting whether or not. On the left side of the detailed setting screen, an input field for detailed setting information for users who are permitted to execute confidential printing is displayed, an add button and a delete button are displayed at the center, and detailed settings for each registered user are displayed on the right side. Display a list of information.

  The input column for detailed setting information on the left side of the detailed setting screen displays an input column for the user name of a user who is permitted to execute confidential printing. Further, the detailed setting information input field is for the user with the input user name to always synthesize the additional image data selected via the selection screen shown in FIG. A selection button (radio button) for selecting whether the user does not always combine or selects whether to combine is displayed. Further, the detailed setting information input field displays an effective period input field for the contents set for the user having the input user name.

  In the detailed setting information input field, when the user name and the valid period are input and any setting content is selected and the add button is operated, the control unit 20 displays the input information in detail. Add to the list of detailed setting information on the right side of the setting screen and display it. As for the effective period, “no effective period” can be set. Further, when the delete button is operated in a state where any of the detailed setting information is selected from the detailed setting information list, the control unit 20 deletes the selected detailed setting information from the detailed setting information list.

  In the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 3C, for the user whose user name is “aaaaa”, the information processing apparatus 2 always transmits the print job information to the printing apparatus 1 for three days (unconditionally. ) It is set to combine the additional image data with the document to be printed. In addition, for a user whose user name is “bbbbb”, it is set that the additional image data is not always combined with the document to be printed (unconditionally). Further, in the detailed setting information input field on the left side of the detailed setting screen, for the user whose user name is “ccccc”, three days after the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the print job information to the printing apparatus 1 are added. Detailed setting information indicating that the user selects whether to synthesize image data with a document to be printed is input. Note that in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, after the validity period set via the detailed setting screen has elapsed, the additional image data is printed without being combined with the document to be printed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, whether or not the additional image data is combined with the document to be printed is set for each user. Accordingly, the user who transmits the print job information from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1 can prevent duplication of the printed material on the document to be printed for each of other users who actually execute printing by confidential printing. Whether or not to add a tint block pattern can be varied. In addition, by providing a valid period for the set contents, for example, the background pattern described as “draft” is added to the document to be printed until the official publication date, and the background pattern is not added after the official publication date. Can be operated.

  When the OK button is operated on the detailed setting screen, the control unit 20 receives the detailed setting information displayed on the right side of the detailed setting screen, and the user I / F unit of the confidential printing setting screen shown in FIG. The display returns to 23. When the OK button is operated on the confidential print setting screen, the control unit 20 executes print job generation processing of the printer driver to generate print job information. When the cancel button is operated on the detail setting screen, the control unit 20 ends the execution of the printer driver.

  The control unit (generation unit) 20 that has executed the print job generation process receives setting information (including detailed setting information) set via the screens shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C as shown in FIG. Print job information is generated by adding to the document to be printed together with the additional image data selected via the selection screen shown in a). As a result, the control unit (setting unit) 20 adds, for each user who is permitted to execute confidential printing, an addition selected via the selection screen shown in FIG. Sets whether to synthesize image data. In addition, the control unit 20 executes a print job transmission process of the printer driver, transmits the generated print job information to the communication unit 24, and transmits the print job information from the communication unit 24 to the printing apparatus 1 via the network 100a.

  In addition, when “NO COMPOSITION” is selected on the additional image selection screen and the OK button is operated, the image data to be combined with the document is stored in the printing apparatus 1 on the confidential print setting screen that is displayed next. A selection button for selecting whether or not to leave is displayed so that it cannot be selected. Further, on the detail setting screen displayed next, a selection button for selecting whether or not to synthesize an additional image with the document is displayed so that it cannot be selected, and the valid period cannot be set. In other words, when “No composition” is selected on the additional image selection screen, confidential printing can be set on the confidential printing setting screen, but only the setting of the user who permits confidential printing is displayed on the detailed setting screen. Will do.

  In the confidential printing setting screen, when it is set not to perform confidential printing, a selection button and a detailed setting button for selecting whether or not to set a password are displayed so that they cannot be selected. That is, when it is set not to perform confidential printing, if an additional image to be combined with a document is selected on the additional image selection screen, image data to be combined with the document is displayed on the confidential printing setting screen. Only the selection of whether or not to save in 1 is performed.

  Accordingly, the setting information set via the respective screens shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C is information indicating whether or not confidential printing is set. When confidential printing is set, a password is set. Information indicating whether or not, and if a password is set, the password and user information (user name) of the user who permits confidential printing are included. In addition, when it is set to synthesize an additional image on a document on the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 3A, the setting information includes information indicating whether or not the additional image is stored in the printing apparatus 1. Furthermore, when it is set to synthesize an additional image with a document and confidential printing is set, the setting information sets whether or not to synthesize an additional image with the document for each user who permits confidential printing. Detailed setting information.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage unit 12, a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a user I / F unit) 13, a communication unit 14, a print processing unit 15, and the like. The hardware units described above are connected to each other via a bus. The control unit 10 is a CPU or MPU. The control unit 10 controls each part of the hardware as described above, and appropriately reads and executes a control program stored in the memory 11.

  The memory 11 is an EEPROM, a flash ROM, an HDD, or the like. The memory 11 stores various control programs necessary for operating the printing apparatus 1 and various data generated when the control unit 10 executes the control programs. In the present embodiment, a user authentication processing program, an image composition control processing program, an image composition processing program, an image output processing program, and the like are stored in the memory 11 as control programs executed by the control unit 10. Therefore, the control part 10 implement | achieves a user authentication function, an image composition control function, an image composition function, an image output function, etc. by executing these control programs.

  The storage unit 12 is a storage unit such as a RAM or a flash memory. The storage unit 12 includes a user information table as illustrated in FIG. 5A, additional image data indicating an additional image to be combined (added) to a document to be printed, a setting information table as illustrated in FIG. The print job information acquired from the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 is stored. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not provide the memory | storage part 12 but stores each data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 12 in the memory 11. FIG.

  The user I / F unit 13 is, for example, a touch panel display, a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays information necessary for operating the printing apparatus 1, and a touch panel that receives various types of information based on user operations. And an input unit.

  The communication unit 14 is an interface for connecting to the network 100a, and communicates with the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 via the network 100a. In the present embodiment, the communication unit (acquisition unit) 14 acquires the print job information generated by the information processing apparatus 2 as described above. Specifically, the print job information includes the document to be printed, the additional image data selected via the selection screen shown in FIG. 3A, and the screens shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Including the setting information set via.

  The print processing unit 15 is a printer of an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system, and performs a printing process based on the print job information acquired from the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 to form an image on a sheet of recording paper or an OHP film. To do.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the contents stored in the user information table and the setting information table. FIG. 5A shows a user information table, and FIG. 5B shows a setting information table. In the user information table, user information related to users who are permitted to use the printing apparatus 1 is registered, and the user information is preset for each user name, authority given to each user, and each user. Including passwords. The user information stored in the user information table is stored in the user information table by the administrator of the printing apparatus 1 using the user I / F unit 13 to register new user information, delete registered user information, or register registered user information. When a change is made, it is added, deleted or updated by the control unit 10.

  The setting information table stores setting information included in the print job information in association with a job ID for identifying the print job information acquired by the printing apparatus 1 from the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2. The setting information includes a password required for confidential printing of a document to be printed, detailed setting information regarding confidential printing, and the like. The detailed setting information includes the user name of the user who is permitted to execute confidential printing, the setting contents set for the user, the validity period for the setting contents, and the like. The detailed setting information is information set in the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2 through the screens shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. The setting information stored in the setting information table is added by the control unit 10 every time the printing apparatus 1 acquires print job information from the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2, and the print job information stored in the printing apparatus 1 is deleted. Is deleted by the control unit 10 each time.

  In the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 10 acquires print job information from the information processing apparatuses 2 and 2, the acquired print job information is combined with a document when printing the document to be printed and the document. Are separated into additional image data and setting information. Note that when setting is made not to synthesize an additional image with a document to be printed, the additional image data is not included in the print job information.

  Based on the separated setting information, the control unit 10 determines whether confidential printing is set for the document to be printed. If it is determined that confidential printing is not set, the control unit 10 executes an image composition control processing program and determines whether or not an additional image should be synthesized with the document to be printed. Specifically, if the additional image data can be separated from the print job information, the control unit 10 determines that there is an additional image to be combined with the document.

  If it is determined that there is an additional image to be combined with the document, the control unit 10 executes an image combining processing program and combines the additional image data with the document separated from the print job information. Then, the control unit 10 executes the image output processing program, transmits the print data obtained by the synthesis to the print processing unit 15, and causes the print processing unit 15 to execute the printing process. If it is determined that there is no additional image to be combined with the document, the control unit 10 executes the image output processing program, generates print data from the document separated from the print job information, and transmits the print data to the print processing unit 15. Then, the print processing unit 15 is caused to execute print processing.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that confidential printing is set for the document to be printed, the control unit 10 assigns a job ID for identifying the print job information, and associates the job ID with the assigned job ID from the print job information. The separated setting information is stored in the setting information table. The setting information includes a password and detailed setting information. Further, the control unit 10 detects the reception date / time (reception date / time) of the print job information, and accumulates the document and additional image data separated from the print job information together with the detected reception date / time and job ID in the storage unit 12. Note that the control unit 10 may store the print job information acquired from the information processing apparatus 2 together with the reception date and time and the job ID in the storage unit 12 as they are.

  Further, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the printing apparatus 1 is set to store the additional image data separated from the print job information based on the setting information separated from the print job information. When it is determined that the additional image data is set to be stored in the printing apparatus 1, the control unit 10 causes the storage unit 12 to store the additional image data separated from the print job information.

  Hereinafter, in the printing apparatus 1 in which the print job information for which confidential printing is set is accumulated in the storage unit 12 by the above-described processing, the processing performed by the printing apparatus 1 when the user executes confidential printing addressed to himself / herself. Will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the user I / F unit 13 of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 has a login function. When the printing apparatus 1 is in a standby state, the control unit 10 executes a user authentication processing program stored in the memory 11 and displays a login screen ( (Authentication screen) is displayed on the user I / F unit 13. Note that the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that a user who is permitted to use the printing apparatus 1, that is, a user whose user information is registered in the user information table logs in to the printing apparatus 1 via the login screen. used.

  The login screen shown in FIG. 6A displays a user name input field, a password input field, and a login button of the user who logs in. A user who wants to use the printing apparatus 1 inputs his / her user name and password via the user I / F unit 13 via the login screen and operates the login button. The user name input field may be configured to display a user name of a user whose user information is registered in the user information table in a pull-down menu. In this case, each user may select his / her user name from the user names displayed in the pull-down menu.

  When the login button is operated on the login screen, the control unit 10 receives the input user name and password, and determines whether or not the received user name and password are registered in the user information table. Only when it is determined that the received user name and password are registered in the user information table, the control unit 10 can use the printing apparatus 1 of the user.

  When it is determined that the received user name and password are registered in the user information table, the control unit 10 searches whether there is confidential printing addressed to the logged-in user. The confidential print list as shown in b) is displayed on the user I / F unit 13. Specifically, the control unit 10 searches whether the user name input via the login screen is registered in the setting information table, and if it is registered, reads all the corresponding job IDs.

  The control unit 10 also stores the print job information stored in the storage unit 12 with the file name of the document included in the print job information to which the job ID read from the setting information table is assigned and the reception date and time of the print job information. Search from. If the search is possible from the storage unit 12, the control unit 10 acquires the file name and the reception date / time of the searched document from the storage unit 12, and creates a confidential print list that displays a list of the acquired file name and reception date / time. And displayed on the user I / F unit 13.

  The confidential print list accepts execution of confidential printing for a print job (print job information) displaying the file name and the reception date and time. When the file name and reception date / time of any print job is selected (operated) in the confidential print list, the control unit 10 displays a process selection screen as shown in FIG. 6C on the user I / F unit 13. indicate. The process selection screen displays a print button for instructing execution of printing and a delete button for instructing deletion of print job information from the storage unit 12 for the print job selected via the confidential print list.

  When the delete button is operated on the process selection screen, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a password is set for the print job based on the setting information registered in the setting information table. The control unit 10 determines whether or not a password is included in the setting information registered in the setting information table. If the password is included, the control unit 10 determines that a password is set for the print job. If it is determined that a password is set, the control unit 10 displays a password input field as shown in FIG.

  When acquiring the password input in the password input field, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the password matches the password included in the setting information registered in the setting information table. When determining that the passwords match, the control unit 10 deletes the print job information of the print job selected via the confidential print list from the storage unit 12. Further, the control unit 10 deletes the setting information corresponding to the job ID of this print job information from the setting information table. Since multiple users may be permitted to perform confidential printing for the same print job, when the delete button is operated on the process selection screen, the control unit 10 is the user who is logged in at this time Only the setting information may be deleted from the setting information table.

  When the print button is operated on the process selection screen, the control unit 10 determines the password for this print job based on the setting information registered in the setting information table, similarly to the case where the delete button is operated. Is set, and if necessary, a password input field is displayed as shown in FIG. 6 (d).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the password input in the password input field matches the password included in the setting information registered in the setting information table. When it is determined that they match, the control unit (determination unit) 10 executes the image composition control processing program, and when the currently logged-in user performs confidential printing based on the setting information registered in the setting information table. It is determined whether or not an additional image should be combined with the document. Specifically, the control unit 10 reads out detailed setting information corresponding to the currently logged-in user from the setting information registered in the setting information table.

  The control unit (determination unit) 10 determines whether or not the effective period included in the read detailed setting information has elapsed from the reception date and time and the current date and time of the print job information. It is determined that the additional image is not combined. On the other hand, if it is determined that the valid period has not elapsed, the control unit 10 determines that the additional image is combined with the document if the setting content included in the read detailed setting information is “always combine”. If “always does not synthesize”, it is determined that the additional image is not synthesized with the document.

  If the setting content included in the read detailed setting information is “user selected”, the control unit 10 selects to accept selection of whether or not to synthesize an additional image as shown in FIG. The screen is displayed on the user I / F unit 13. The logged-in user operates a “synthesize” button or a “do not combine” button based on whether or not the additional image is to be combined with the document. The control unit (accepting unit) 10 accepts a selection as to whether or not to synthesize an additional image with a document to be printed via a selection screen. The control unit 10 determines that the additional image is combined with the document when the user operates the “synthesize” button, and determines that the additional image is not combined with the document when the user operates the “do not combine” button. .

  If it is determined that the additional image is to be combined with the document, the control unit (image adding unit) 10 executes the image synthesis processing program, and similarly separates the document stored in the storage unit 12 from the print job information. The additional image data stored in the storage unit 12 is synthesized. Further, the control unit 10 executes the image output processing program, transmits the print data obtained by the synthesis to the print processing unit 15, and causes the print processing unit 15 to execute the printing process. On the other hand, when determining that the additional image is not combined with the document, the control unit 10 executes the image output processing program and transmits the document stored in the storage unit 12 separated from the print job information to the print processing unit 15. Then, the print processing unit 15 is caused to execute print processing. The control unit 10 may be configured to generate print data from a document and then transmit the print data to the print processing unit 15.

  Hereinafter, processing performed when the information processing apparatus 2 transmits print job information to the printing apparatus 1 in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing in which the information processing apparatus 2 transmits print job information to the printing apparatus 1. The following processing is executed by the control unit 20 according to a control program (printer driver) stored in the memory 21 of the information processing apparatus 2.

  When the printer driver is executed in accordance with an instruction from the user, the control unit 20 of the information processing apparatus 2 causes the user I / F unit 23 to display an additional image selection screen illustrated in FIG. 3A (S1). When an arbitrary additional image is selected on the additional image selection screen and the OK button is operated, the control unit 20 accepts the selection of the arbitrary additional image (S2). When “no composition” is selected on the additional image selection screen, the control unit 20 accepts that the additional image is not combined with the document to be printed.

  Next, the control unit 20 causes the user I / F unit 23 to display a confidential print setting screen shown in FIG. 3B (S3). The control unit 20 receives setting information set by the user regarding confidential printing via the confidential printing setting screen and the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 3C (S4). Specifically, the control unit 20 prints image data (additional image data) to be combined with the document, whether to perform confidential printing on the document to be printed, whether to input a password during confidential printing, or not. Setting information such as whether or not to save in the apparatus 1 is received. Further, the control unit 20 receives detailed setting information set for each user together with the user name of the user who is permitted to execute confidential printing.

  The control unit 20 generates the print job information by adding the setting information received in step S4 to the document to be printed together with the additional image data selected in step S2 (S5). Then, the control unit 20 transmits the generated print job information from the communication unit 24 to the printing apparatus 1 (S6).

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, not only can an additional image to be combined when printing be performed on a document to be printed, but also confidential printing when confidential printing is set. Whether or not to synthesize an additional image can be set for each user who is permitted to do so. Therefore, it is possible to create a different printed matter for each user who executes confidential printing. For example, it is possible to set so as to synthesize an additional image for a user who wants to prohibit copying of a printed material, and not to synthesize an additional image for a user who does not need to prohibit copying of a printed material. In addition, by setting a valid period for the setting contents of whether or not to synthesize an additional image with a document to be printed, for example, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern described as “draft” is synthesized until the official issue date. It can be set not to synthesize a background pattern after the official announcement date.

  Next, processing performed by the printing apparatus 1 that has received print job information from the information processing apparatus 2 in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which the printing apparatus 1 acquires print job information from the information processing apparatus 2. The following process is executed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 11 of the printing apparatus 1.

  When the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 acquires the print job information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2, the acquired print job information is combined with the document to be printed when the print target document is printed. Data and setting information are separated (S11). The control unit 10 determines whether confidential printing is set based on whether the separated setting information includes information indicating that confidential printing is set in the document to be printed. (S12).

  If it is determined that confidential printing is set (S12: YES), the control unit 10 stores the document, additional image data, and setting information separated from the print job information in the storage unit 12 (S13), and ends the processing. To do. Specifically, the control unit 10 assigns a job ID to the acquired print job information and detects the reception date / time (reception date / time) of the print job information. Then, the control unit 10 stores the received date and time, the document separated from the print job information, and the additional image data in the storage unit 12 in association with the assigned job ID.

  Further, the control unit 10 stores the password and the detailed setting information included in the setting information separated from the print job information in the setting information table in association with the job ID. Note that the control unit 10 determines whether the setting information separated from the print job information is set to store the additional image data in the printing apparatus 1. When the information indicating that the additional image data is set to be stored in the printing apparatus 1 is included, the control unit 10 stores the additional image data separated from the print job information in a predetermined storage in the storage unit 12. Remember to area.

  If it is determined that confidential printing is not set (S12: NO), the control unit 10 has an additional image to be combined with the document to be printed based on whether or not the additional image data has been separated in step S11. Whether or not (S14). When it is determined that there is an additional image to be combined (S14: YES), the control unit 10 combines the additional image data with the document separated in step S11 (S15). Then, the control unit 10 performs printing based on the obtained printing data (S16) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when determining that there is no additional image to be synthesized (S14: NO), the control unit 10 skips the process of step S15 and performs printing based on the document separated in step S11 (S16). Exit. If the additional image data cannot be separated from the print job information in step S11, the control unit 10 determines that there is no additional image to be combined with the document to be printed.

  As described above, when the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment acquires print job information for which confidential printing is set, the printing apparatus 1 temporarily stores the acquired print job information in the storage unit 12. When print job information for which confidential printing is not set is acquired, the printing apparatus 1 performs print processing based on the acquired print job information. At this time, if it is set to synthesize the additional image at the time of printing with respect to the document to be printed, the printing apparatus 1 generates a printed matter in which the additional image is synthesized, and synthesizes the additional image at the time of printing. If it is set so as not to perform, a printed matter in which no additional image is synthesized is generated. Therefore, for a document for which confidential printing is not set, it is possible to set whether to synthesize an additional image for each document.

  Next, confidential printing processing performed by the printing apparatus 1 that stores the print job information in which confidential printing is set by the above-described processing in the storage unit 12 will be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the procedure of confidential printing processing by the printing apparatus 1. The following process is executed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 11 of the printing apparatus 1.

  When the user name and password are input by the user while the login screen shown in FIG. 6A is displayed, the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 receives the user name and password (S21). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the received user name and password are registered in the user information table (S22), and when determining that the received user name and password are not registered (S22: NO), returns the process to step S21. Specifically, the control unit 10 returns the processing to the display of the login screen shown in FIG.

  When it is determined that the received user name and password are registered in the user information table (S22: YES), the control unit 10 generates a confidential print list shown in FIG. 6B, and the user I / F unit 13 (S23). Specifically, the control unit 10 searches whether or not the user name received in step S21 is registered in the setting information table, and if it is registered, it is included in the print job information of the corresponding job ID. The document file name and the reception date and time are read from the storage unit 12. Then, the control unit 10 generates a confidential print list that displays a list of read file names and reception dates.

  The control unit 10 accepts execution of confidential printing for any print job displayed in the confidential printing list (S24). Specifically, the control unit 10 prints this print job when an arbitrary print job selected via the confidential print list is selected on the process selection screen shown in FIG. 6C. Accepts execution of confidential printing for a job.

  When accepting execution of confidential printing for any print job, the control unit 10 determines whether a password is set for the selected print job (S25). Specifically, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a password is included in the setting information corresponding to the selected print job, and if it is included, that is, determines that a password is set. In the case (S25: YES), the password input field shown in FIG. 6D is displayed (S26).

  The control unit 10 receives a password input via the password input field (S27), and determines whether the received password matches the password set for the selected print job (S28). ). If it is determined that the passwords do not match (S28: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S26 and displays the password input field shown in FIG. 6D (S26). If it is determined that no password is set for the selected print job (S25: NO), the control unit 10 skips the processes of steps S26 to S28.

  If it is determined that the passwords match (S28: YES), the control unit 10 performs a composition determination process (S29), and accepts a user name in step S21 for a print job for which confidential printing is accepted in step S24. When the user performs confidential printing, it is determined whether or not the additional image should be synthesized. Details of the synthesis determination process will be described later.

  As a result of the synthesis determination process, the control unit 10 determines whether or not it is determined to combine (S30). If it is determined to combine (S30: YES), the control unit 10 adds the additional image data to the document stored in the storage unit 12. Synthesize (S31). Then, the control unit 10 performs printing based on the obtained printing data (S32) and ends the process. On the other hand, when it determines with not combining (S30: NO), the control part 10 skips the process of step S31, prints based on the document memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 12 (S32), and complete | finishes a process. .

  Next, the composition determination process (step S29 in FIG. 10) in the confidential printing process by the printing apparatus 1 described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the composition determination process. The following process is executed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 11 of the printing apparatus 1.

  The control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 reads out detailed setting information corresponding to the currently logged-in user among the setting information corresponding to the print job for which execution of confidential printing has been accepted in step S24 (S41). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the valid period included in the read detailed setting information has elapsed from the reception date and time and the current date and time of this print job (S42). When it is determined that the valid period has elapsed (S42: YES), the control unit 10 determines that the additional image is not combined with the document to be printed (S48), and returns to the confidential printing process illustrated in FIG.

  When it is determined that the valid period has not elapsed (S42: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether “always combine” is set in the detailed setting information read in step S41 (S43). . If it is determined that “always combine” is set (S43: YES), the control unit 10 determines to combine the additional image with the document to be printed (S44), and returns to the confidential printing process shown in FIG. .

  When it is determined that “always combine” is not set (S43: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether or not “user selected” is set in the detailed setting information read in step S41. (S45). If it is determined that “user selected” is not set (S45: NO), that is, if “do not always combine” is set, the control unit 10 must combine the additional image with the document to be printed. It judges (S48) and returns to the confidential printing process shown in FIG.

  When it is determined that “user selected” is set (S45: YES), the control unit 10 displays a selection screen for accepting selection as to whether or not to synthesize an additional image, as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the user I / F unit 13 (S46). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the “synthesize” button has been operated via the selection screen (S47), and if it is determined that the “synthesize” button has been operated (S47: YES), the document to be printed (S44), the process returns to the confidential printing process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the “synthesize” button is not operated (S47: NO), that is, when the “do not combine” button is operated, the control unit 10 does not combine the additional image with the document to be printed. (S48), the process returns to the confidential printing process shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment, when an electronic document (document) is printed, it is possible to prevent duplication of the created printed matter by combining arbitrary additional images. More specifically, by synthesizing and printing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern or the like for prohibiting duplication on a document, illegal duplication of printed matter can be suppressed and information leakage can be limited. Further, when the multifunction peripheral is configured to prohibit copying when a document (printed material) combined with a predetermined background pattern (additional image) is read, copying of the printed material can be automatically prohibited.

  Further, in the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment, when confidential printing is set for an electronic document, it is possible to set whether to synthesize an additional image with the document for each user who is permitted to execute confidential printing. Therefore, for each user, it is possible to provide a printed material in which the additional images are combined and a printed material in which the additional images are not combined. In other words, for users who need to prohibit unauthorized duplication of printed matter, we provide prints that are synthesized with additional images such as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, and for users who do not need to prohibit unauthorized duplication of printed matter. Provide printed matter that does not combine images. Also, it can be set so that a user who is permitted to execute confidential printing can select whether or not to synthesize an additional image with a document. In this case, for each user who receives the provision of the printed matter, a printed matter in which the additional image is synthesized or a printed matter in which the additional image is not synthesized can be selected.

  Furthermore, in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, an additional image such as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be combined and added to a document for a limited period of time by setting an effective period as a condition set for each user. For example, when it is desired to keep the latest information in its own department for a predetermined period, it is possible to perform processing such as combining a pattern describing the fact with a document and printing only within the predetermined period.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above. However, each configuration, operation, and the like can be changed as appropriate, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 10 Control part 2 Information processing apparatus 20 Control part 22 Storage part 100 Printing system

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus that transmits print information to an external printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to perform print processing based on the transmitted print information.
A storage unit for storing one or more pieces of image information to be added to the print information;
A selection accepting unit that accepts selection of image information to be added to print information to be transmitted to the printing apparatus from image information stored in the storage unit;
For each user who is permitted to execute the printing process, a setting unit that sets whether or not the image information accepted by the selection accepting unit should be added to the print information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: the print information; image information received by the selection reception unit; and a generation unit that generates print job information including setting information set by the setting unit.   The setting unit causes the user to select setting information indicating whether to add the image information received by the selection receiving unit to the print information, or whether to add the image information to the print information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of setting information indicating that is set.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets an effective period of set information for each user. In a printing apparatus that acquires print information and performs print processing based on the acquired print information.
Print information, image information to be added to the print information, and setting information indicating whether or not the image information should be added to the print information for each user who is permitted to execute print processing based on the print information An acquisition unit for acquiring print job information;
Determination for determining whether or not to add the image information to the print information based on setting information included in the print job information for each user who executes print processing based on the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit And
An image addition unit for adding the image information to the print information based on a determination result by the determination unit;
A printing apparatus, comprising: a printing processing unit that performs printing processing based on the printing information to which the image information is added. If the setting information included in the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the user selects whether to add the image information to the print information, whether to add the image information to the print information It has a reception part that accepts selection of whether or not,
5. The determination unit according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines to add the image information to the print information when the reception unit receives a selection of adding the image information to the print information. The printing apparatus as described. When the setting information included in the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit includes a valid period of the setting information, it is determined whether or not the valid period has passed since the acquisition unit acquired the print job information. A determination unit to
The determination unit determines whether the image information should be added to the print information based on setting information included in the print job information when the determination unit determines that the valid period has not elapsed. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus is configured as described above. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1;
A printing apparatus according to claim 4,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus performs a printing process based on print job information transmitted from the information processing apparatus.

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