JP2013022762A - Printing apparatus, control method of printing apparatus, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus which stores print data generated by an information processing apparatus in the printing apparatus and prevents the stored data from being deleted unless a prior notice for deletion is confirmed by a user.SOLUTION: The print data generated by the information processing apparatus are stored in the printing apparatus and determination is made as to whether or not a prior notice for the deletion of the print data stored in the printing apparatus can be confirmed by the user. When it is determined that the prior notice cannot be confirmed by the user, a deletion period of the stored print data is extended.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that deletes print data when a print instruction for print data stored in a storage device has not been issued for a certain period.

  Currently, when performing secure printing, the printing device stores print data in a storage device, but the user may forget it while it is stored. Unless the print instruction is issued, the print data is continuously stored in the storage device. In many cases, the print data is deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, in many cases, the user is not notified of the print data being deleted, and the user cannot recognize that the print data is deleted.

  Patent Document 1 has been proposed to solve this problem. That is, a technique is disclosed in which pop-up display is continued for a time until print data stored in a printing apparatus is automatically deleted.

JP 2006-344024 A

  In Patent Document 1, the time until the print data stored in the printing apparatus is automatically deleted is notified to the user.

  However, since the deletion extension process of the print data cannot be performed, if the print time cannot be printed for some reason even if the deletion time is known, it is necessary to transmit the print data again. Further, in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the case where the user cannot receive the print data deletion advance notice, and if this is not taken into account, the print data is displayed in a state where the user has not received the advance deletion notice. The possibility of being deleted remains.

  Therefore, the present invention extends the deletion period of the stored print data and prevents it from being deleted when the user cannot receive the advance notification of deletion of the print data stored in the printing apparatus. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus connectable to an information processing apparatus, the print data storing means for receiving and storing print data from the information processing apparatus, and the print data A retention period setting unit for setting a retention period to retain the print data stored in the storage unit for a certain period, and a notification that the print data is to be deleted before the advance notification time of the retention period of the print data Deletion notification means for deleting, print control data deletion means for deleting the print data whose retention period has passed, state determination means for determining the state of the information processing apparatus, and deletion by the deletion notification means by the state determination means A retention period for changing the retention period of the print data set by the retention time period means when a prior notice is not received by the information processing apparatus And having a further means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the print data from being deleted when the user is in a state in which the user cannot confirm the advance deletion notification for the print data stored in the storage device.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printing system according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a table showing a user master list managed by the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a table showing print data control setting information managed by the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a table showing a print data list managed by the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for receiving and storing print data by the printing apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data deletion prior notification and deletion control processing stored in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data retention period change processing of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data instruction reception processing in the panel interface of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the panel interface display of the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses 101 and one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 102 are connected via a network 103.

Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display 210. In FIG. 2, the display (CRT) 210 is described, but the display device is not limited to the CRT but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the user as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is provided in an external storage device (hard disk (HD)), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via the network 103 and executes communication control processing in the network 103. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. Further, the display 210 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the printing apparatus 102 as the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the printing apparatus 102 illustrated in FIG. 1.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that is connected to a scanner unit 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer unit 312 that functions as an image output device, and is connected to the network 103 to input image data and device information. Output.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 is a storage device that stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit UI 308, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit UI 308 to the operation unit UI 308. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit UI 308 to the CPU 301. The operation unit UI 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to the network 103 and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication Card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. Note that the storage medium is not limited to an IC card, and any storage medium that can identify a user may be used. In this case, identification information for identifying the user is stored in the storage medium. This identification information may be a production number of the storage medium or a user code given by the user within the company.
The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit UI308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit UI 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit UI 308 displays a system operation screen, and when a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit UI 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  The start key of the operation unit UI 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. The stop key of the operation unit UI 308 functions to stop the operation in progress. The ID key of the operation unit UI 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user master list 400 as a table. The user master list 400 is stored in the HDD 304 of the printing apparatus 102. Note that the user master list 400 may be stored in the external memory 211 of the information processing apparatus 101.
In the user master list 400, a user ID 402, a mail address 403, and an IP address 404 are managed in association with each user master ID 401, and user information of a plurality of users is stored. If the items of the user master list 400 are managed, the items may be managed by a database or a user information management server (Active Directory (registered trademark) server, LDAP server, etc.).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the print data control setting information 500 as a table. The print data control setting information 500 includes items such as a monitoring start time, a monitoring interval, a holding period, a holding extension time, a prior notification time, a longest holding period, and the like. I have it. The print data control setting information 500 is stored in the HDD 304 of the printing apparatus 102.

  If items of the print data control setting information 500 are managed, they may be managed by a database, a setting file, or the like.

  Here, items of the print data control setting information 500 in FIG. 5 will be described. The monitoring start time is a start time at which the printing apparatus monitors print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus. The monitoring interval is an interval time from when the printing apparatus monitors the previous print data until the next monitoring. The retention period is a period during which print data stored in the printing apparatus is stored. Using this holding period and print data reception time, a scheduled deletion time, which will be described later, is produced. The retention extension time is the time that is extended from the scheduled print data deletion time. The advance notification time is a time indicating how long a print data deletion advance notification is to be transmitted to the user before the scheduled print data deletion time. The longest retention period is the maximum time during which the printing apparatus stores print data.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the print data list 600 as a table. The print data list 600 includes a print ID 601, a transmission source IP address 602, a user ID 603, a reception time 604, a print data name 605, and a scheduled deletion time 606 as items. The print data list 600 is used for managing print data. When printing or deletion is performed on the print data, the target print data is deleted. Accordingly, the print data list 600 is deleted from the print data list 600. The information regarding the print data that has been deleted is deleted. Further, when the deletion time extension process is executed for the print data, the scheduled deletion time of the target print data is updated. It should be noted that it is of course possible to adopt a method of deleting the target print data only after receiving a deletion instruction without deleting the print data when printing is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus 101 and the printing apparatus 102 shown in FIG. The information processing apparatus 101 includes a communication I / F unit 701, a print data generation unit 702, and a notification reception unit 703. The printing apparatus 102 includes a communication I / F unit 711, a print control unit 712, a print data list control unit 713, a user information control unit 714, a notification control unit 715, a retention period control unit 716, and a deletion control unit 717.

  A communication I / F unit 701 communicates with the communication I / F unit 711 of the printing apparatus 102 illustrated in FIG.

  A print data generation unit 702 generates print data to be printed by the printing apparatus 102 and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 102.

  A notification reception unit 703 receives the deletion prior notification transmitted from the printing apparatus 102 and displays the deletion prior notification on the display 210.

  A communication I / F unit 711 communicates with the information processing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG.

  A print control unit 712 receives print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101 and stores the print data in the HDD 304. When a print instruction for print data is received, a printed matter is output.

When the print control unit stores the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101 in the HDD 304, the print data list control unit 713 additionally registers information related to the print data in the print data list 600. In addition, in the cycle of the monitoring interval of the print data control setting information 500, it is confirmed whether the print data list 600 includes print data data to be deleted at the next monitoring.
If there is print data to be deleted next time, it is confirmed whether the information processing apparatus 101 that generated the print data exists on the network 103, so that it is possible to receive a deletion advance notification. If it is determined that the advance notification of deletion is not in a state that can be received, an extension process for deleting the print data is executed. If the advance notification of deletion is in a state that can be received, the print data is deleted next time Execute processing to add to the target print data list.

  The user information control unit 714 matches the transmission source IP address 602 of the print data list 600 stored in the HDD 304 of the printing apparatus 102 with the IP address 404 of the user master list 400 shown in FIG. Get user information of matching target. Note that the user ID may be used for matching between the print data list 600 and the user master list 400.

  The notification control unit 715 executes message transmission to the destination of the user information based on the print data list to be deleted next time created by the print data list control unit 713 and the user information acquired by the user information control unit 714. Note that message transmission may be performed from the printing apparatus 102 to the information processing apparatus 101 with the transmission source IP address 602 of the print data list 600 as a destination.

  The holding period control unit 716 displays the scheduled deletion time 606 of the print data for which the extension instruction has been received by the display 210 of the information processing apparatus 101 or the panel interface 1200 of the printing apparatus 102, the scheduled deletion time 606 of the print data, and the print data control. The setting information 500 is updated to the new scheduled deletion time calculated based on the extended retention time.

  The deletion control unit 717 deletes print data that has passed the scheduled deletion time 606 included in the print data list 600 and deletes print data that has exceeded the longest retention period of the print data control setting information 500. Also, the print data for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is deleted.

  In addition, the detailed control which each functional block processes is demonstrated with the flowchart of FIGS. 8-11 mentioned later.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the printing apparatus 102 receives and stores print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101.

  When the information processing apparatus 101 receives a print instruction for print target data, the information processing apparatus 101 generates print data that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 102 using a printer driver (step S801), and transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus 102. Processing is performed (step S802).

  The printing apparatus 102 receives the print data transmitted in step S802 (step S811), stores the received print data in the HDD 304, print data print ID 601, source IP address 602, user ID 603, and reception time 604. The print data name 605 and the scheduled deletion time 606 are registered in the print data list 600 (step S812). A unique value is set for the print ID 601 of the print data, and a value calculated from the retention period of the print data control setting information 500 and the reception time 604 of the print data is set as the scheduled deletion time 606.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of control of the print data list and transmission of a prior deletion notification.

  The printing apparatus 102 acquires setting values for the items of the monitoring start time, the monitoring interval, the holding period, the holding extension time, the advance notification time, and the longest holding period set in the print data control setting information 500 (step S901).

The printing apparatus 102 determines the monitoring timing based on the current time, the monitoring start time of the print data control setting information 500, and the monitoring interval (step S902).
When the monitoring timing is reached, the printing apparatus 102 deletes the print data that has passed the scheduled deletion time 606 of the print data list 600 and the print data that has passed the longest retention period of the print data control setting information 500, and the print data. The corresponding record in the list 600 is deleted (step S903).
The printing apparatus 102 checks whether the print data to be deleted exists in the print data list 600 at the next monitoring time calculated from the time when the determination processing in step S902 is performed and the monitoring interval of the print data control setting information 500. (Step S904).
The printing apparatus 102 confirms the transmission source IP address 602 of the print data to be deleted next time confirmed in step S <b> 904, and confirms whether the information processing apparatus to which the transmission source IP address 602 is set exists on the network 103. Judgment is made (step S905).

  Whether the information processing apparatus 101 exists on the network 103 is determined by, for example, transmitting a character string from the printing apparatus 102 to the target information processing apparatus 101 for which the transmission source IP address 602 is set, and processing the information processing apparatus. This is performed by checking whether or not there is a reply from 101 (exists if there is a reply, does not exist if there is no reply). With this process, it is possible to determine whether or not the information processing apparatus is in a state where it can receive a prior deletion notification.

  The printing apparatus 102 has already set a new deletion scheduled time of the print data scheduled to be deleted next time among the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101 that has been confirmed not to exist on the network 103 in step S905. Is calculated using the scheduled deletion time set in the above and the retention extension time of the print data control setting information 500 (step S906), and the estimated deletion time of the corresponding record in the print data list 600 is calculated with the calculated new scheduled deletion time. 606 is updated (step S907). With this process, there is an effect that the scheduled deletion time of the print data can be automatically extended when the user cannot confirm the advance deletion notification.

  When the printing apparatus 102 is in a state where printing cannot be performed without toner or paper, the scheduled deletion time of print data may be automatically extended. If the print data to be deleted cannot be deleted because the power of the printing apparatus 102 is OFF, the scheduled deletion time of the print data may be automatically extended when the power is ON.

The printing apparatus 102 creates a next deletion target print data list, which is a list of print data to be deleted next time, for each user (step S908), the transmission source IP address 602 of the created next deletion target print data list, and the user master. The IP address 404 of the list 400 is matched, and the user information of the user master list 400 is acquired as the destination of the deletion prior notification (step S909). Note that the user ID may be used for matching between the print data list 600 and the user master list 400 in step S909.
Thereafter, when the printing apparatus 102 reaches the advance notification time calculated based on the scheduled deletion time 606 of the print data included in the next deletion target print data list created in step S908 and the advance notification time of the print data control setting information 500. By sending the next deletion target print data list, a deletion advance notice is sent to the user (step S910).
The above processing is repeated until it is determined in step S911 that monitoring is ended (YES). For example, when the printing apparatus 102 receives an instruction such as turning off the power of the printing apparatus 102, the printing apparatus 102 determines that monitoring is ended (YES) in step S911.

Note that the presence confirmation of the information processing apparatus 101 in step S905 may confirm whether the user who generated the print data is using the information processing apparatus. For example, a command for confirming the login user is transmitted from the printing apparatus 102 to the target information processing apparatus 101 for which the print data transmission source IP address 602 is set, and the user who is logged in to the information processing apparatus 101 is acquired. Thus, it may be determined whether or not the user can confirm the advance deletion notification transmitted from the printing apparatus.

  Note that the advance notification of deletion may be an email, or an email address of the user master list 400 may be sent as an address. For mail transmission, functions for delivery confirmation and opening notification may be set. With this confirmation function, it is possible to determine whether the user has confirmed the advance deletion notification transmitted from the printing apparatus in step S910. Note that if the user has not confirmed the prior deletion notification, the scheduled deletion time of the print data may be automatically extended.

  Next, FIG. 10 shows a print data deletion extension request in the information processing apparatus 101 and a print data list update process in the printing apparatus 102.

  The information processing apparatus 101 receives the advance deletion notification transmitted in step S910, displays it on the display 210 (step S1001), and displays a print data retention period change screen (not shown) for instructing a print data deletion extension request. Is displayed (step S1002).

  When an instruction to extend the print data retention period is received on the print data retention period change screen displayed on the display 210 of the information processing apparatus 101 (step S1003), the information processing apparatus 101 issues a request to extend the print data retention period. It transmits to the printing apparatus 102 (step S1004). Note that a print data deletion instruction may be accepted on the print data retention period change screen.

  The printing apparatus 102 receives the request for extending the retention period of the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101 (step S1011), and the printing apparatus 102 receives information on the print data for which the request for extending the retention period has been received from the print data list 600. Is registered (step S1012).

  The printing apparatus 102 calculates a new scheduled deletion time of the print data subject to the extension request from the scheduled deletion time of the record acquired in step S1012 and the retention extension time of the print data control setting information 500 (step S1013). The new scheduled deletion time is registered as the scheduled deletion time of the corresponding record in the print data list 600 (step S1014).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in the printing apparatus 102 that receives an instruction for printing, erasing, and extension processing using the panel interface of the printing apparatus.

  Here, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a panel interface display of the printing apparatus 102. In the panel interface 1200, a print data list designation unit 1211 and a print data operation instruction unit 1212 are set. The print data list specifying unit 1211 has a print ID 1201, a reception time 1202, a user ID 1203, a print data name 1204, and a scheduled deletion time 1205 as items of the print data list, and displays the print data list as a record. When a print data list record is pressed and accepted, the record is selected. The print data operation instruction unit 1212 includes an all selection button 1206, a selection release button 1207, a print button 1208, a delete button 1209, and a delete extension button 1210. When a press instruction for the all selection button 1206 is received, all the records in the print data list designation unit 1211 are selected. When an instruction to press the selection cancellation button 1207 is received, all records in the print data list designation unit 1211 are deselected. When an instruction to press the print button 1208 is received, the print data indicated by the record selected by the print data list specifying unit 1211 is printed. When an instruction to press the delete button 1209 is received, the print data indicated by the record selected by the print data list specifying unit 1211 is deleted. The records in the print data list 600 relating to the print data for which printing has been executed and deleted are deleted. When an instruction to press the delete extension button 1210 is received, the scheduled deletion time of the record selected by the print data list specifying unit 1211 is extended.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The printing apparatus 102 displays the print data list 600 on the panel interface 1200 (step S1101), and accepts selection of print data from the displayed print data list (step S1102).

  After accepting the selection of print data, an instruction to press one of the print button 1208, the delete button 1209, and the delete extension button 1210 displayed on the panel interface 1200 is accepted (step S1103).

  If an instruction to press the print button 1208 is received, the print data selected in step S1102 is printed, the print data is deleted, and the record in the print data list 600 is deleted (step S1104). It should be noted that the specification may be such that the print data is not deleted after the print data is executed. In that case, the record of the print data list 600 is not deleted.

  If an instruction to press the delete button 1209 is accepted, the print data selected in step S1102 is deleted, and the record in the print data list 600 is deleted (step S1105).

  When an instruction to press the delete extension button 1210 is received, a new scheduled delete time of the print data is calculated based on the scheduled delete time 606 of the print data selected in step S1102 and the hold extension time of the print data control setting information 500. Then, the calculated new scheduled deletion time is registered in the scheduled deletion time of the corresponding record in the print data list 600 (step S1106).

  After the process of step S1104, step S1105, or step S1106, the printing apparatus 102 updates the print data list displayed on the panel interface 1200 (step S1107).

  If there is no print data instruction on the panel interface 1200, the process ends. (Step S1108).

  In the present invention, by adopting the configuration as described above, when the user cannot receive the advance notification of deletion of the print data stored in the printing apparatus 102, the deletion period of the stored print data is extended. It is possible to prevent deletion.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read (read) by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the recording medium. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  8 to 11 in the present embodiment may be performed by each client by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

101 Information processing apparatus 102 Printing apparatus 103 Network 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 System device 205 Input controller 206 Video controller 207 Memory controller 208 Communication I / F controller 209 Keyboard 210 Display 211 External memory 301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM
304 HDD
305 Network I / F
306 MODEM
307 Operation unit I / F
308 Operation unit UI
309 System Bus 310 RIP
311 Printer I / F
312 Printer unit 313 Scanner I / F
314 Scanner unit 315 Image bus 316 Controller unit 317 Image processing unit 318 External I / F
319 Card Reader 320 IMAGE BUS I / F
400 User master list 500 Print data control setting information 600 Print data list 701 Communication I / F unit 702 Print data generation unit 703 Notification reception unit 711 Communication I / F unit 712 Print control unit 713 Print data list control unit 714 User information control unit 715 Notification control unit 716 Retention period control unit 717 Deletion control unit 1200 Panel interface

Claims (6)

A printing device connectable with an information processing device,
Print data storage means for receiving and storing print data from the information processing apparatus;
Holding period setting means for setting a holding period in order to hold the print data stored in the print data storage means for a certain period;
Deletion notification means for notifying the transmission source of the print data that the print data is to be deleted before the advance notification time of the print data retention period;
Delete control means for deleting print data that has passed the print data retention period;
State determination means for determining the state of the information processing apparatus;
Retention period change that changes the retention period of the print data set by the retention period setting unit when the state determination unit determines that the information processing apparatus cannot receive the deletion advance notification by the deletion notification unit. Means,
A printing apparatus comprising:
Monitoring means for monitoring a retention period of the print data stored in the print data storage means;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
First receiving means for receiving from the information processing apparatus an instruction to change the retention period of the print data stored in the print data storage means;
Changing means for changing a holding period of the print data, which has received a holding time change instruction by the first receiving means;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
Second receiving means for receiving from the information processing apparatus an instruction to delete the print data stored in the print data storage means;
Deleting means for deleting the print data whose print instruction has been received by the second receiving means;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
A method of controlling a printing apparatus connectable with an information processing apparatus,
A print data storage step for receiving and storing print data from the information processing apparatus;
A retention period setting step for setting a retention period in order to retain the print data stored in the print data storage step for a certain period;
A deletion notification step for notifying the transmission source of the print data that the print data is to be deleted before the advance notification time of the print data retention period;
A deletion control step of deleting the print data that has passed the retention period of the print data;
A state determination step of determining a state of the information processing apparatus;
Retention period change for changing the retention period of the print data set in the retention period setting step when it is determined in the state determination step that the advance notice of deletion in the deletion notification step is not received by the information processing apparatus Steps,
A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising:
A computer program executed by a printing apparatus connectable to an information processing apparatus,
The printing device;
Print data storage means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus and storing it in a storage device;
Holding period setting means for setting a holding period in order to hold the print data stored in the print data storage means for a certain period;
Deletion notification means for notifying the transmission source of the print data that the print data is to be deleted before the advance notification time of the print data retention period;
Delete control means for deleting print data that has passed the print data retention period;
State determination means for determining the state of the information processing apparatus;
Retention period change that changes the retention period of the print data set by the retention period setting unit when the state determination unit determines that the information processing apparatus cannot receive the deletion advance notification by the deletion notification unit. A computer program which functions as means.

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