JP2018169858A - Image forming system, image forming device, information processing device, device driver, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system capable of printing a printed matter by balancing information leakage suppression function and practicality.SOLUTION: An image forming system comprises an image forming device and a first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming device to perform printing by an information processing device, wherein the image forming device, when there is setting of trace character printing on the image forming device, does not perform printing of a trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay, or does not perform printing of the overlay but performs printing of the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver does not include information for printing the overlay.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a device driver, and a printing method, and in particular, an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and an information processing capable of printing overlay or tracking characters in addition to the text. The present invention relates to an apparatus, a device driver, and a printing method.

  A multifunction device including an image forming apparatus is used for various purposes. In particular, it can be used to print a document created by an application program in response to an instruction from a personal computer in a company as a printed matter. Many.

  Printed materials printed at a company include those handled as confidential information within the company, those handled as trade secrets, or equivalents thereof. It is necessary to prevent or suppress such confidential or trade secret printed matter from leaking outside the company.

  Therefore, conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, in order to suppress information leakage, the administrator sets the tracking character composition function of the MFP to apply to all printed materials. , Forcing the characters to be printed on the printed material.

JP 2000-313156 A

  However, since the tracking characters are synthesized for all the printed materials, it may not look good depending on the intended use of the printed matter (submitted to customers, etc.), and may not be suitable for the intended use.

  In order to prevent this, it is sufficient that the user can freely turn on / off the tracking character, but the original suppression function is lost.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention provides an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a device driver, and a printing method capable of printing a printed matter while balancing information leakage suppression function and practicality. The purpose is to do.

According to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. An image forming system that prints trace characters without printing an overlay unless printing is performed and information for printing an overlay is not included in a print job coming from the first device driver. Is provided.

Moreover, according to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. Instead, an overlay is printed, and if the information for printing the overlay is not included in the print job coming from the first device driver, the overlay character is not printed and the trace character is printed. A forming system is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus that performs printing according to a print job received from a device driver,
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver does not include a tracking character cancel command, the tracking character is printed.
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing, and the tracking job cancel command is included in the print job coming from the device driver, the image forming apparatus does not print the tracking character Is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming method in an image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. An image forming method for printing a trace character without printing an overlay unless printing is performed and the print job coming from the first device driver does not include information for printing the overlay Is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming method in an image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. Instead, an overlay is printed, and if the information for printing the overlay is not included in the print job coming from the first device driver, the overlay character is not printed and the trace character is printed. A forming method is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus;
A device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming method in an image forming system comprising:
The image forming apparatus includes:
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver does not include a tracking character cancel command, the tracking character is printed.
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver includes a tracking character cancel command, the image forming method does not print the tracking character Is provided.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, a program for causing a computer to function as the above-described image forming apparatus is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
A device driver for sending a print job for causing an image forming apparatus to print,
Means for sending a print job that does not include an overlay print command and does not include a trace character cancel command;
Means for sending a print job that includes an overlay print instruction and also includes a trace character cancel instruction;
A device driver is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
A device driver for sending a print job for causing an image forming apparatus to print,
Means for sending a print job that does not include overlay image data superimposed on the image data of the document and does not include a tracking character cancel command;
Means for sending a print job including overlay image data superimposed on the original image data in the print job and also including a tracking character cancel command;
A device driver is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
An image forming method in which an information processing apparatus causes an image forming apparatus to perform image formation using a device driver,
A step of receiving an overlay execution instruction by a user operation and controlling overlay image data superimposition on document image data on a device driver side according to whether or not the execution instruction is received;
A control command for instructing control of synthesis of trace characters on the image forming apparatus side according to whether or not the execution instruction is accepted is associated with the original image data on which the original image data or overlay image data is superimposed. Transmitting to the image forming apparatus;
A step of controlling tracking character composition on the image forming apparatus side based on the setting of tracking character composition in the image forming apparatus or the control command;
Performing image formation based on the print job;
An image forming method is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
In the information processing apparatus, a step of receiving presence / absence of insertion of an overlay into the print image;
In the information processing apparatus, whether or not to superimpose the overlay image data on the image data of the document to be included in the print job and whether to insert a tracking character cancel instruction in the print job, depending on whether or not the overlay is inserted A step of controlling the movement in conjunction,
In the image forming apparatus that has received the print job, whether or not tracking character printing is set in the image forming apparatus and whether or not the tracking image should be included in the print image according to both the contents of the print job. A step of controlling
There is provided a tracking character printing control method characterized by comprising:

  According to the present invention, it is possible to print a printed matter while balancing the information information leakage suppression function and practicality.

1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing content by the image forming system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the printing process part shown in FIG. 3 and its peripheral part in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the content of the printing item truth value table shown in FIG. It is a table | surface which shows the content of the print item truth table shown in FIG. 3 in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the content of the printing item truth value table shown in FIG. 3 in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when a normal version device driver is used in an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when a special device driver is used in the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the printing process part shown in FIG. 3 in the 7th Embodiment of this invention, and its peripheral part. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when a normal version device driver is used in an image forming system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when a special version of a device driver is used in an image forming system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the overlay by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of the overlay by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of the overlay by embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment is used in the second and following embodiments. 1 and 2 show a configuration of a multi-function device 800 as an example of an image processing apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the MFP 800 includes an original reading device 820 that reads an image of an original, an MFP main body (image forming unit main body) 830 that forms an image on a sheet, an original reading device 820, and an MFP. An operation panel unit 843 for operating the machine main body 830 and an arithmetic processing unit 841 for controlling the document reading device 820 and the multifunction machine main body 830 based on an operation by the operation panel unit 843 are provided. The multi-function device 800 also includes an input / output interface 305, which will be described later.

  In addition to using the original reading device 820 alone for image reading and using the multi-function device main body 830 alone for image formation, they can also be linked to copy an image. The multi-function device 800 may include a storage device and a facsimile device (not shown). The storage device can store an image read by the document reading device 820 and an image received by the facsimile device. The facsimile apparatus can transmit an image read by the document reading device 820 or an image stored in the storage device, and can receive an image from the outside. Furthermore, the multi-function device 800 may include an interface for connecting to a personal computer via a network. A personal computer connected to the multi-function device 800 can use the function of the multi-function device for data that can be managed.

  The document reader 820 includes an automatic document feeder SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 824 that automatically feeds a document, and a reader main body 822 that reads an image of the document. Document reading device 820 includes the components shown in FIG. 1 although not shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the components shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the reading apparatus main body 822 is provided with a document table 826.

  The MFP main body 830 includes a sheet feeding unit 10 that feeds sheets, a manual feeding unit 20 that can manually feed sheets, and a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10 or the manual feeding unit 20. And an image forming unit 30 for forming an image.

  The sheet feeding unit 10 includes a sheet stacking unit 11 that stacks sheets and a separation feeding unit 12 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 one by one. The sheet stacking unit 11 includes an intermediate plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13. The intermediate plate 14 rotates to lift the sheet upward when the sheet is fed. The separation feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds a sheet lifted by the intermediate plate 14 and a separation roller pair 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. .

  The manual feeding unit 20 includes a manual tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation feeding unit 22 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the multi-function device main body 830. When the manual feed tray 21 is manually fed, sheets can be stacked by being fixed at a predetermined angle. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 for feeding sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 21, and a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 for separating the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. I have.

  The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images, and photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K, which will be described later. An exposure device 32 that exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum, a transfer portion (transfer means) 33 that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K to the sheet, and a fixing portion 34 that fixes the transferred toner image to the sheet. And. Note that alphabets (Y, M, C, K) attached to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

  Each of the four process cartridges 31 </ b> Y to 31 </ b> K is configured to be removable from the multi-function peripheral body 830 and can be replaced. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K have the same configuration except that the color of the image to be formed is different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms a yellow (Y) image will be described, and the process cartridge 31M will be described. Description of ~ 31K is omitted.

  The process cartridge 31Y includes a photosensitive drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y that charges the photosensitive drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a photosensitive member. A drum cleaner that removes toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) that develops the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) that supplies toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body, and can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced when the stored toner runs out.

  The exposure device 32 includes a light source (not shown) that emits laser light, and a plurality of mirrors (not shown) that guide the laser light to the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K. The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K, and a primary transfer roller that primarily transfers the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is stretched around a driving roller 39a and a driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K by primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (nips) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the driving roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip portion N. The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 34b that presses the heating roller 34a.

  The operation panel unit 843 includes a display unit 845 that displays predetermined information, and an input unit 847 that allows a user to input instructions to the document reading device 820 and the MFP main body 830. In the present embodiment, the operation panel unit 843 is disposed on the front side of the reading apparatus main body 822. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1, and the back side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the arithmetic processing unit 841 includes a CPU 841 a that drives and controls the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820, and various programs for operating the CPU 841 a And a memory 841b for storing various information used by the CPU 841a. The arithmetic processing unit 841 integrates and controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820 based on an operation on the operation panel unit 843 by the user. An image is formed on the sheet.

  Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the arithmetic processing unit 841) by the MFP 800 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms an image of a read document fed by the automatic document feeding unit 824 and read by the reading apparatus main body 822 on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

  When an image formation start signal is transmitted by an input to the input unit 847 of the operation panel unit 843 by the user, the read document placed on the automatic document feeder 824 is automatically directed toward the document reading position by the user. Then, the image is read by the reading device main body 822 at the document reading position.

  When the image of the original is read by the reading device main body 822, the exposure device 32 irradiates the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K with a plurality of corresponding laser beams based on the read image information of the original. At this time, the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are precharged by the chargers 741Y to 741K, respectively, and the respective electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are irradiated by irradiating the corresponding laser beams. An image is formed. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images respectively formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y to 742K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) are developed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the toner image (full color toner image) that is superimposed and transferred is an intermediate transfer belt. It is conveyed to the nip portion N while being carried on 35.

  In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 are fed to the sheet conveyance path 26 by the pickup roller 15 while being separated one by one by the separation feeding unit 12. Then, the skew feeding is corrected by the registration roller pair 27 upstream of the nip portion N in the sheet conveyance direction and is conveyed to the nip portion N at a predetermined conveyance timing. A full color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip portion N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

  The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 18. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on the discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

  When images are formed on both surfaces (first surface and second surface) of the sheet, the discharge roller pair 18 is reversely rotated before the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface is discharged outside the apparatus. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 17 and re-conveyed to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided conveyance path 17. Then, similarly to the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged outside the apparatus. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on the discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

[Second Embodiment]
Referring to FIG. 3, which is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, this system includes a first information processing apparatus 101, a second information processing apparatus 201, and a multifunction device 800. Including. These are connected by a network 501 and can communicate with each other. Further, an information processing apparatus having a similar configuration may be connected to the network 501.

  The first information processing apparatus 101 includes an operating system 103, an application program 105, a normal version device driver 107, and an input / output interface 109.

  The second information processing apparatus 201 includes an operating system 203, an application program 205, a special version device driver 207, and an input / output interface 209.

  The multi-function device 800 includes a print processing unit 303, an image forming unit 830, and an input / output interface 305 as portions related to the present embodiment. The arithmetic processing unit 841 shown in FIG. 2 can function as the print processing unit 303, but another similar arithmetic processing unit (not shown) can also function as the print processing unit 303. You may comprise by hardware.

  The first information processing apparatus 101 includes a CPU and a main storage device and is connected to an external storage device as in a normal computer, but these are not shown. The operating system 103, the application program 105, and the normal version device driver 107 are realized by temporarily copying a program read from the external storage device to the main storage device and executing the program. The CPU reads / writes data from / to the external storage device and / or the main storage device when executing the program.

  The operating system 103 controls the overall operation of the first information processing apparatus 101.

  The application program 105 is a program that runs on the operating system 103, and is, for example, a word processor, a spreadsheet program, or a drawing program. There may be two or more application programs.

  The input / output interface 109 is configured by hardware, and exchanges data with other devices connected thereto via the network 501. In particular, the input / output interface 305 included in the multi-function device 800. A print job is sent to. The input / output interface 109 may be combined with software such as firmware.

  The normal version device driver 107 drives the input / output interface 109 in accordance with an instruction from the operating system 103, and mediates input / output of data between the operating system 103 and the network 501. The normal version device driver 107 may drive the input / output interface 109 in accordance with an instruction from the application program 105 to intervene data input / output between the application program 105 and the network 501.

  The second information processing apparatus 201 has the same configuration as that of the first information processing apparatus 101 except that the normal version device driver 107 is replaced with a special version device driver 207.

  The print processing unit 303 generates print data and the like according to the print job received from the first information processing apparatus 101 or the second information processing apparatus 201, and causes the image forming unit 830 to form an image using them.

  The input / output interface 305 is configured by hardware, and exchanges data with other devices connected to the input / output interface 305 via the network 501, and in particular, the first information processing device 101 and the second information processing device 101. The print job is received from the input / output interfaces 109 and 209 included in the information processing apparatus 201, respectively. The input / output interface 305 may be combined with software such as firmware.

  When the document created by the application program 105 is printed by the image forming unit 830, the normal version device driver 107 selected on the print dialog screen of the application program 105 is used. The application program 105 outputs document data and a print command created by the application program 105 to the normal device driver 107 directly or via the operating system 103. The normal version device driver 107 converts document data and a print command input from the application program 105 into a print job, and transmits the print job to the print processing unit 303.

  Also, the user can turn on / off overlay printing and select overlay on the setting screen provided by the normal version device driver 107 called from the print dialog screen of the application program 105.

  When a document created by the application program 205 is printed by the image forming unit 830, the special device driver 207 selected on the print dialog screen of the application program 205 is used. The application program 205 outputs the document data and the print command created by the application program 105 to the special device driver 207 directly or via the operating system 203. The special device driver 207 converts document data and a print command input from the application program 205 into a print job, and transmits the print job to the print processing unit 303.

  Also, the user can turn on / off overlay printing and select overlay on the setting screen provided by the special device driver 207 called from the print dialog screen of the application program 205.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, the MFP 800 prints only the body text 401 on each sheet (see FIG. 4A), and prints with the tracking character 403 added to the body text 401 (see FIG. 4B). ), Printing in which an overlay 405 is added to the body text 401 (see FIG. 4C) can be performed.

  As shown in an example in FIG. 4B, the tracking character 403 includes a company name, a department, a printer, a printing date, use software (use application), and use printer (use image processing apparatus). As a result, anyone who sees the printed matter can identify them, so the manageability of the printed matter can be improved. Although not shown, the tracking character 403 includes characters (for example, “confidential”, “limited to related parties”, “confidential”) indicating that the printed matter is secretly managed. Also good. By printing the tracking character 403 on a printed matter, an information leakage suppression function can be exhibited. In other words, the trade secret of the printed material can be ensured on one side, and unauthorized printing can be suppressed. In addition, if the printed material flows out, the source flow can be traced, so it is possible to check outflow and to know the outflow source and outflow route even if it should flow out. It becomes like this.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the overlay 405 includes a company logo, a company name, and a department name. By these, the person who saw this printed matter can specify these.

  However, as the overlay 405, a material that can identify the company and department from which the printed material comes from is used, but it is not always necessary to represent these by the company name character and the department name character. For example, the company and department may be represented by a company logo and a background color corresponding to the department. That way, the average person can identify the company but not the department, while the only employee who knows the correspondence between the department name and the background color is their print. In other words, the department corresponding to the background color can be recognized as the department that performed printing. The overlay is not limited to this example, and the information can be decrypted only by a person who knows what information is converted according to what rules and knowledge and embedded in the overlay. By using the one with good design, the overlay can be used effectively.

  As the overlay 405, a watermark that can be recognized by normal vision as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 may be used. In these figures, the character string rising to the right is the overlay.

  Furthermore, a digital watermark that cannot be recognized by normal vision may be included in the overlay. The digital watermark may include all of the contents represented by the tracking characters.

  A plurality of overlays may be prepared in the information processing apparatuses 101 and 102 so that the user can select one of them. In addition, the user may be able to create a unique overlay.

  In the present embodiment, the printed matter in any form of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C can be selectively printed according to the settings for the multi-function device 800 and the commands from the device drivers 107 and 207. However, for this purpose, as shown in FIG. 5, the print processing unit 303 causes the trace character flag 307 reflecting the setting for the multi-function device 800, the overlay flag 309 reflecting the commands from the device drivers 107 and 207, and the device driver 107. , 207, the tracking character cancel flag 311 reflecting the command is used.

  The multi-function device 800 can receive designation of whether or not to print the tracking character 403 via the operation panel 843. The received content is held by the tracking character flag 307. The tracking character flag 307 is set if the tracking character 403 is designated to be printed, and is reset if the tracking character 403 is not designated to be printed.

  The print job received from the first or second information processing apparatus 101 or 201 includes information regarding printing of the overlay 405, but this information is held by the overlay flag 309. The overlay flag 309 is set if the print job includes an overlay print command, and is reset if the print job does not include an overlay print command.

  Further, the print job received from the first or second information processing apparatus 101 or 201 may or may not include a tracking character cancel command. However, the tracking character cancel flag 311 indicates a tracking character cancel command. Information is retained. The tracking character cancel flag 311 is set if a tracking character cancel command is included in the print job, and is reset if the tracking job cancel command is not included in the print job.

  Note that the first or second device driver 107 or 207 sets information related to the overlay 405 of the print job to be transmitted to the multi-function device 800 in accordance with a user operation. When the user makes a setting or instruction for overlay printing, the second device driver 107 or the special device driver 207 of the normal version sets the information regarding the overlay 405 of the print job as such.

  Further, the normal version device driver 107 does not always include a tracking character cancel instruction in the print job. In other words, the normal version device driver 107 does not include the tracking character cancel instruction in the print job, regardless of whether the user has set or instructed to perform overlay printing.

  The special version device driver 207 includes a tracking character cancel command in the print job when the user makes settings and instructions for overlay printing. Otherwise, the special character device driver 207 includes the tracking character cancel command in the print job. exclude.

  With reference to FIG. 6A showing the contents of the print item truth table 313 referred to by the print processing unit 303, the presence / absence of execution of overlay and trace character printing corresponding to various cases will be described.

  When tracking character printing is set to OFF for the multifunction device 800, the multifunction device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the normal version device driver 107. In other words, tracking characters are not always printed. Also, overlay printing is executed or not executed depending on whether or not there is an overlay printing command.

  When tracking character printing is set to ON for the multi-function device 800, the multi-function device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the normal version device driver 107. That is, the tracking character is always printed. In addition, regardless of whether there is an overlay print command, overlay printing is not executed.

  If tracking character printing is set to OFF for the multifunction device 800, the multifunction device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the special device driver 207. In other words, tracking characters are not always printed. Also, overlay printing is executed or not executed depending on whether or not there is an overlay printing command. This is the same as in the case of the normal version device driver 107.

  When tracking character printing is set to ON for the multi-function device 800, the multi-function device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the special device driver 207. That is, when there is no overlay print command, the trace character is printed, and conversely, when there is an overlay print command, the overlay is printed instead of the trace character.

  The above operation will be described below with a focus on the tracking character cancel command.

  When the trace character printing is set to OFF for the multifunction device 800, the multifunction device 800 for the print job from both the normal device driver 107 and the special device driver 207, as follows. Operate. In other words, tracking characters are not always printed. Also, overlay printing is executed or not executed depending on whether or not there is an overlay printing command.

  When tracking character printing is set to ON for the multi-function device 800, the multi-function device 800 performs the following for print jobs from both the normal device driver 107 and the special device driver 207. Operate. That is, if there is no tracking character cancel command, the tracking character is printed regardless of whether there is an overlay printing command, but overlay printing is not executed. If there is a tracking character cancel command, an overlay is printed instead of the tracking character.

  Next, the normal version device driver 107 does not include a tracking character cancel instruction in the print job, regardless of whether overlay printing is designated or not. Further, the special version device driver 207 does not include the tracking character cancel command in the print job unless receiving the designation for overlay printing, but includes the tracking character cancel command in the print job if the designation for overlay printing is received.

  Further, if both the normal version device driver 107 and the special version device driver 207 receive the designation of overlay printing, the overlay printing command is included in the print job.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation example when the normal version device driver 107 is used will be described.

  First, the administrator sets tracking character printing OFF for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S501).

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the setting of overlay OFF (step S503).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S505). The print job here includes neither an overlay print command nor a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S507). Here, the text is printed, but the trace characters and overlay are not printed.

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the setting of overlay ON (step S509).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S511). The print job here includes an overlay print command, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S513). Here, the text and the overlay are printed, but the tracking character is not printed.

  Next, the administrator sets tracking character printing ON for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S515).

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the setting of overlay OFF (step S517).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S519). The print job here includes neither an overlay print command nor a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S521). Here, the text and tracking characters are printed, but the overlay is not printed.

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the overlay ON setting (step S523).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S525). The print job here includes an overlay print command, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S527). Here, the text and tracking characters are printed, but the overlay is not printed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an operation example when the special device driver 207 is used will be described.

  First, the administrator sets tracking character printing OFF for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S531).

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing together with setting of overlay OFF to the second information processing apparatus 201 (step S533).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S535). The print job here includes neither an overlay print command nor a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S537). Here, the text is printed, but the trace characters and overlay are not printed.

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the second information processing apparatus 201 together with the setting of overlay ON (step S539).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S541). The print job here includes an overlay print command, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S543). Here, the text and the overlay are printed, but the tracking character is not printed.

  Next, the administrator sets tracking character printing ON for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S545).

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing together with setting of overlay OFF to the second information processing apparatus 201 (step S547).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multifunction device 800 (step S549). The print job here includes neither an overlay print command nor a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S551). Here, the text and tracking characters are printed, but the overlay is not printed.

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the second information processing apparatus 201 together with the setting of overlay ON (step S553).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S555). The print job here includes an overlay print command and also includes a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S557). Here, the text and overlay are printed, but the trace characters are not printed. That is, the overlay is printed instead of the trace character.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, using the tracking character cancel instruction, the multi-function device 800 executes printing of overlay and tracking characters depending on whether the device driver is a normal device driver or a special device driver. Do not execute.

  In contrast, in the second embodiment, the multi-function device 800 determines whether the device driver is a normal device driver or a special device driver before receiving a print job or when receiving a print job. Based on the identification result, the presence / absence of an overlay print command, and the contents of the trace character print setting, overlay and trace character printing is not executed or executed as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the tracking character cancel command.

[Third Embodiment]
If only one user uses the same information processing device, install either the normal version device driver or the special version device driver for each information processing device according to the user. That's fine. For example, if the only user who uses the information processing apparatus is a user with the authority of the special version, the special version device driver is installed in the information processing apparatus, and the only user who uses the information processing apparatus is the special user. If the user has no version authority, the normal version device driver is installed in the information processing apparatus. If the only user who uses the information processing apparatus is a user with the authority of the special version, the special version device driver and the normal version device driver can be installed in the information processing apparatus, and the user can select one of them. You may do it.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Even if the same information processing device is used, only a user who has been able to authenticate can use the special device driver or use the special device driver or the normal device driver. The other users may be able to use only the normal version device driver.

  In addition, only authorized users among authorized users can use the special version device driver, or use the special version device driver or the normal version device driver. Other users may be able to use only the normal version device driver.

  In such a case, the normal version device driver 107 and the special version device driver 207 are installed in advance in both the first information processing apparatus 101 and the second information processing apparatus 201 shown in FIG. deep.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the present invention, the overlay includes one having no print content. When such an overlay is added, the print content is the same as the print content when no overlay is added. When such an overlay is used, when the overlay is printed instead of the trace character, the print content is such that neither the trace character nor the overlay is added.

[Sixth embodiment]
The same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can also be obtained by changing the print contents when the command for tracking character cancellation is included. That is, in the second to fifth embodiments, the contents of the print item truth table 313 shown in FIG. 6A are followed, but this is changed to follow the contents of the print item truth table 313 of FIG. 6B. The contents of the print item truth table 313 in FIG. 6A and the contents of the print item truth table 313 in FIG. 6B differ only in the bottom line. That is, according to the contents of the print item truth table 313 in FIG. 6B, when the trace character setting is ON and the overlay designation is ON, the special edition device corresponds to the overlay designation being ON. Although the tracking character cancel command is turned on from the driver, in this case, not only the tracking character is printed but also the overlay printing is also refrained.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the overlay image data may be stored in advance in the multi-function device 800, or may be stored in advance in the information processing apparatuses 101 and 201. When the information processing apparatuses 101 and 201 store in advance, when the print job is transmitted, the overlay image data is included in the print job separately from the original image data from the information processing apparatuses 101 and 201. The data is transmitted to the multi-function device 800, and the multi-function device 800 combines these image data.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, overlay image data is stored in advance in the information processing apparatuses 101 and 201. Then, the image data of the document and the overlay image data are synthesized in advance, and when the print job is transmitted, the synthesized image data is transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 101 and 201 to the multifunction device 800.

  In the present embodiment, the printed matter in any form of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C can be selectively printed according to the settings for the multi-function device 800 and the commands from the device drivers 107 and 207. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the print processing unit 303 uses a tracking character flag 307 that reflects settings for the multi-function device 800 and a tracking character cancellation flag 311 that reflects commands from the device drivers 107 and 207. To do. Unlike the first embodiment, the overlay print command is not always output from the device drivers 107 and 207. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 9, a tracking character setting flag 307, a tracking character cancel flag 311, and a print item table 313 are provided in the periphery of the print processing unit 303 of the MFP 800 according to the present embodiment. However, no overlay flag is provided.

  The multi-function device 800 can receive designation of whether or not to print the tracking character 403 via the operation panel 843. The received content is held by the tracking character flag 307. The tracking character flag 307 is set if the tracking character 403 is designated to be printed, and is reset if the tracking character 403 is not designated to be printed.

  Further, the print job received from the first or second information processing apparatus 101 or 201 may or may not include a tracking character cancel command. Information is retained. The tracking character cancel flag 311 is set if a tracking character cancel command is included in the print job, and is reset if the tracking job cancel command is not included in the print job.

  Note that the first or second device driver 107 or 207 sets information related to the overlay 405 of the print job to be transmitted to the multi-function device 800 in accordance with a user operation. When the user makes a setting or instruction for overlay printing, the normal version second device driver 107 or the special version device driver 207 receives the original image data and the overlay image data as described above. When combining and sending a print job, the combined image data is included in the print job.

  Further, the normal version device driver 107 does not always include a tracking character cancel instruction in the print job. In other words, the normal version device driver 107 does not include the tracking character cancel instruction in the print job, regardless of whether the user has set or instructed to perform overlay printing.

  The special version device driver 207 includes a tracking character cancel command in the print job when the user makes settings and instructions for overlay printing. Otherwise, the special character device driver 207 includes the tracking character cancel command in the print job. exclude.

  With reference to FIG. 6C which shows the contents of the print item truth table 313 referred to by the print processing unit 303, the presence / absence of execution of overlay and trace character printing corresponding to various cases will be described.

  When tracking character printing is set to OFF for the multifunction device 800, the multifunction device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the normal version device driver 107. In other words, tracking characters are not always printed. If the overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image, the overlay is printed as it is.

  When tracking character printing is set to ON for the multi-function device 800, the multi-function device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the normal version device driver 107. That is, the tracking character is always printed. If the overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image, the overlay is printed as it is.

  If tracking character printing is set to OFF for the multifunction device 800, the multifunction device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the special device driver 207. In other words, tracking characters are not always printed. If the overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image, the overlay is printed as it is. This is the same as in the case of the normal version device driver 107.

  When tracking character printing is set to ON for the multi-function device 800, the multi-function device 800 operates as follows for a print job from the special device driver 207. That is, when the user designates overlay printing, the trace character is printed. If the overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image, the overlay is printed as it is.

  The above operation will be described below with a focus on the tracking character cancel command.

  When the trace character printing is set to OFF for the multifunction device 800, the multifunction device 800 for the print job from both the normal device driver 107 and the special device driver 207, as follows. Operate. In other words, tracking characters are not always printed. Although the description overlaps, if overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image, the overlay is printed as it is.

  When tracking character printing is set to ON for the multi-function device 800, the multi-function device 800 performs the following for print jobs from both the normal device driver 107 and the special device driver 207. Operate. That is, if there is no tracking character cancel command, the tracking character is printed regardless of whether overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the document image. Although the description overlaps, if overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image, the overlay is printed as it is.

  Next, the normal version device driver 107 does not include a tracking character cancel instruction in the print job, regardless of whether overlay printing is designated or not. Further, the special version device driver 207 does not include the tracking character cancel command in the print job unless receiving the designation for overlay printing, but includes the tracking character cancel command in the print job if the designation for overlay printing is received.

  In addition, when both the normal version device driver 107 and the special version device driver 207 receive an overlay printing designation, the overlay image data is superimposed on the image data of the original image.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an operation example when the normal version device driver 107 is used will be described.

  First, the administrator sets tracking character printing OFF for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S601).

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the setting of overlay OFF (step S603).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S605). The print job here includes image data of only the original, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S607). Here, the text is printed, but the trace characters and overlay are not printed.

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the overlay ON setting (step S609).

  Next, the normal version device driver superimposes the overlay image data on the document image data (step S610).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S611). The print job here includes image data obtained by superimposing original image data and overlay image data, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S613). Here, the text and the overlay are printed, but the tracking character is not printed.

  Next, the administrator sets tracking character printing ON for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S615).

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the setting of overlay OFF (step S617).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S619). The print job here includes image data of only the original, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S621). Here, the text and tracking characters are printed, but the overlay is not printed.

  Next, the normal version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the first information processing apparatus 101 together with the setting of overlay ON (step S623).

  Next, the normal version device driver superimposes the overlay image data on the document image data (step S624).

  Next, the first information processing apparatus 101 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S625). The print job here includes image data obtained by superimposing original image data and overlay image data, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multifunction device 800 executes printing (step S627). Here, the body, the tracking character, and the overlay are printed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of operation when the special device driver 207 is used will be described.

  First, the administrator sets tracking character printing OFF for the image processing apparatus 501 (step S631).

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing together with setting of overlay OFF to the second information processing apparatus 201 (step S633).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S635). The print job here includes image data of only the original, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S637). Here, the text is printed, but the trace characters and overlay are not printed.

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the second information processing apparatus 201 together with the setting of overlay ON (step S639).

  Next, the special version device driver superimposes the overlay image data on the image data of the document (step S640).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S641). The print job here includes image data obtained by superimposing document image data and overlay image data, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S643). Here, the text and the overlay are printed, but the tracking character is not printed.

  Next, the administrator sets tracking character printing ON to the image processing apparatus 501 (step S645).

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the second information processing apparatus 201 together with the setting of overlay OFF (step S647).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multi-function device 800 (step S649). The print job here includes image data of only the original, but does not include a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S651). Here, the text and tracking characters are printed, but the overlay is not printed.

  Next, the special version device driver user performs an operation for printing on the second information processing apparatus 201 together with the overlay ON setting (step S653).

  Next, the special version device driver superimposes the overlay image data on the image data of the document (step S654).

  Next, the second information processing apparatus 201 transmits a print job to the multifunction device 800 (step S655). The print job here includes image data obtained by superimposing original image data and overlay image data, and also includes a tracking character cancel command.

  Next, the multi-function device 800 executes printing (step S657). Here, the text and overlay are printed, but the trace characters are not printed. That is, the overlay is printed instead of the trace character.

  In the same manner as the third to sixth embodiments are derived from the second embodiment, other embodiments can be derived from the seventh embodiment.

  It should be noted that the fact that the designation of overlay printing is not included in the print job includes the inclusion of an overlay print command having an invalid value operand or a negative value operand. Also, not including the trace character cancel instruction includes including a trace character cancel instruction having an invalid value operand or a negative value operand.

  The image forming apparatus or information processing apparatus described above can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In addition, the image forming method performed by the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus, or a combination thereof can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “realized by software” means realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

  The program may be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (for example, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

  The present invention can be used to form an image on a print medium. The present invention can also be used to manage the security of printed matter.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 1st information processing apparatus 103 Operating system 105 Application program 107 Normal version device driver 109 Input / output interface 201 2nd information processing apparatus 203 Operating system 205 Application program 207 Special version device driver 209 Input / output interface 301 Image processing apparatus 303 Printing Processing unit 305 Input / output interface 307 Tracking character flag 309 Overlay flag 311 Tracking character cancellation flag 313 Print item truth table 501 Network 830 Image forming unit

Claims (22)

An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. An image forming system that prints trace characters without printing an overlay unless printing is performed and information for printing an overlay is not included in a print job coming from the first device driver. . An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. Instead, an overlay is printed, and if the information for printing the overlay is not included in the print job coming from the first device driver, the overlay character is not printed and the trace character is printed. Forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
A second device driver that sends a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
The image forming apparatus determines whether or not the print job coming from the second device driver includes information for printing an overlay when the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing. An image forming system characterized in that a tracking character is printed. The image forming system according to claim 3,
The image forming apparatus determines whether or not the print job coming from the second device driver includes information for printing an overlay when the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing. An image forming system characterized in that no overlay printing is performed. The image forming system according to claim 3,
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing, and if the print job coming from the second device driver includes information for printing the overlay, the image forming apparatus An image forming system for printing. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The image forming apparatus does not print the tracking character when the tracking character printing is not set for the image forming apparatus, and the print job from the first device driver or the second device driver is not printed. An image forming system that switches whether or not to perform overlay printing according to whether or not information for printing an overlay is included. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The information for printing the overlay is an overlay print command or overlay image data superimposed on image data of a document. An image forming apparatus that performs printing according to a print job received from a device driver,
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver does not include a tracking character cancel command, the tracking character is printed.
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing, and the tracking job cancel command is included in the print job coming from the device driver, the image forming apparatus does not print the tracking character . The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job from the device driver does not include a tracking character cancel command, whether or not the print job includes an overlay print command Regardless of the method, an image forming apparatus characterized by not performing overlay printing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver includes an overlay print command,
If there is a tracking character cancel command in the print job, the overlay is printed,
An image forming apparatus, wherein an overlay is not printed if there is no tracking character cancel command in the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10,
If there is no setting for tracking character printing in the image forming apparatus, printing of tracking characters is not performed, and whether or not to perform overlay printing is switched according to whether or not an overlay printing command is included in the print job. An image forming system. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
An image forming apparatus, wherein an overlay is printed when an overlay image data superimposed on an original image data is included in a print job coming from a device driver. An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming method in an image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. An image forming method for printing a trace character without printing an overlay unless printing is performed and the print job coming from the first device driver does not include information for printing the overlay . An image forming apparatus;
A first device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming method in an image forming system comprising:
If the image forming apparatus is set to print the trace character, the image forming apparatus can detect the trace character if the print job coming from the first device driver includes information for printing an overlay. Instead, an overlay is printed, and if the information for printing the overlay is not included in the print job coming from the first device driver, the overlay character is not printed and the trace character is printed. Forming method. An image forming apparatus;
A device driver for sending a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to print by the information processing apparatus;
An image forming method in an image forming system comprising:
The image forming apparatus includes:
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver does not include a tracking character cancel command, the tracking character is printed.
If the image forming apparatus has a setting for tracking character printing and the print job coming from the device driver includes a tracking character cancel command, the image forming method does not print the tracking character .   A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12. A device driver for sending a print job for causing an image forming apparatus to print,
Means for sending a print job that does not include an overlay print command and does not include a trace character cancel command;
Means for sending a print job that includes an overlay print instruction and also includes a trace character cancel instruction;
A device driver comprising: A device driver set including the device driver according to claim 17 and another device driver,
The other device driver is:
Means for sending a print job that does not include an overlay print command and does not include a trace character cancel command;
Means for sending a print job including an overlay print instruction and not including a trace character cancel instruction;
A device driver set comprising: A device driver for sending a print job for causing an image forming apparatus to print,
Means for sending a print job that does not include overlay image data superimposed on the image data of the document and does not include a tracking character cancel command;
Means for sending a print job including overlay image data superimposed on the original image data in the print job and also including a tracking character cancel command;
A device driver comprising: A device driver set including the device driver according to claim 19 and another device driver,
The other device driver is:
Means for sending a print job that does not include overlay image data superimposed on the image data of the document and does not include a tracking character cancel command;
Means for sending a print job that includes overlay image data superimposed on the image data of the document and does not include a tracking character cancel command;
A device driver set comprising: An image forming method in which an information processing apparatus causes an image forming apparatus to perform image formation using a device driver,
Receiving an overlay execution instruction by a user operation;
Controlling overlay image data superimposition on document image data on the device driver side according to whether or not the execution instruction is received;
A control command for instructing control of synthesis of trace characters on the image forming apparatus side according to whether or not the execution instruction is accepted is associated with the original image data on which the original image data or overlay image data is superimposed. Transmitting to the image forming apparatus;
A step of controlling tracking character composition on the image forming apparatus side based on the setting of tracking character composition in the image forming apparatus or the control command;
Performing image formation based on the print job;
An image forming method comprising: In the information processing apparatus, a step of receiving presence / absence of insertion of an overlay into the print image;
In the information processing apparatus, whether or not to superimpose the overlay image data on the image data of the document to be included in the print job and whether to insert a tracking character cancel instruction in the print job, depending on whether or not the overlay is inserted A step of controlling the movement in conjunction,
In the image forming apparatus that has received the print job, whether or not tracking character printing is set in the image forming apparatus and whether or not the tracking image should be included in the print image according to both the contents of the print job. A step of controlling
The tracking character printing control method characterized by having.