JP2024051187A - Printing method, printing system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To make it possible to store variable data in a server-side storage device while ensuring security. [Solution] A program causes a computer to function as a first sending means for sending variable data used in variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to a server prepared for variable printing, a storage means for storing the password in a storage unit inside or outside the computer, a second sending means for sending a print instruction and the password stored in the storage unit to the server in response to receiving a print instruction that uses variable data, and a launching means for launching a print application program that is interposed between the server and the printing device. [Selected Figure] Figure 12

Description

The present disclosure relates to a printing method, a printing system, and a program for causing a computer to function as various means included in the printing system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a printing method for performing variable printing, a printing system, and a program for causing a computer to function as various means included in the printing system.

For example, when printing addresses on multiple postcards addressed to multiple recipients, a technique known as variable printing is used. Variable printing involves inserting different variable data for each printed material into a fixed position in a template that is commonly applied to multiple printed materials, and printing the resulting image on each printed material. For example, when printing different addresses, names, etc. for each recipient on the address side of a postcard, it is usually necessary to prepare an image of the address side for each postcard. In contrast, when variable printing is applied, it is only necessary to prepare one template for the image of the address side, and also prepare an address book containing text such as the address and name for each recipient, improving work efficiency.

JP 2007-226660 A

In recent years, Web printing systems have been provided that can produce and print various printed materials using a Web server and a computer and printer installed at home or at work. Therefore, it is possible to imagine a form in which variable printing is performed using such a Web printing system. When performing variable printing using a Web printing system, variable data is inserted into a template in the Web server to generate an image. In such a case, it becomes necessary to send an address book containing personal information such as addresses and names as variable data from a computer installed at home or at work to the Web server. In addition, it becomes necessary to store the data in a storage device that can be accessed from the Web server for at least a certain period of time. Therefore, for example, it becomes necessary to ensure security in the communication line and storage device. The printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs variable printing. In this printing system, variable data is encrypted using a public key system in the communication line between the client terminal and the printing device, but the security of the variable data in the storage device is not ensured.

This disclosure was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to make it possible to store variable data in a server-side storage device while ensuring security.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a program that causes the computer to function as a first transmission means for transmitting variable data used in variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to a server prepared for the variable printing, a storage means for storing the password in a storage unit inside or outside the computer, a second transmission means for transmitting the print instruction and the password stored in the storage unit to the server in response to receiving a print instruction using the variable data, and a launch means for launching a print application program interposed between the server and a printing device.

The present invention makes it possible to store variable data in a server-side storage device while ensuring security.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the Web server shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the Web server shown in FIG. 1 . 2A is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a computer serving as the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a mobile terminal serving as the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 . 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a screen of a terminal device by a front-end program included in the Web application shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the screen of the terminal device by a back-end program included in the Web application shown in FIG. 5. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a template, which is displayed on the screen of a terminal device by a front-end program included in the Web application shown in FIG. 5 when variable printing is executed. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing variable data. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a preview, which is displayed on the screen of a terminal device by a front-end program included in the Web application shown in FIG. 5 when variable printing is executed. FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a printing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a printing system according to a third embodiment.

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print processing system according to the present embodiment. The print processing system includes a terminal device 101, a printing device 102, and a Web server 103, and a user can print data created by a Web application provided by the Web server 103 via the printing application. The terminal device 101 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The printing device 102 is a printer that forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as paper by adding a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium. The printing device 102 may be a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function. In this embodiment, the printing device 102 is a device that performs printing by an inkjet method, but is not limited to this form, and may be a device that performs printing by an electrophotographic method or a thermal dye sublimation method, for example.

The terminal device 101 communicates with the printing device 102 via a network established by the access point 100. The terminal device 101 stores programs such as a printing application, which will be described later. Thus, print data created using the printing application is transmitted from the terminal device 101 to the printing device 102 via the network. The access point 100 also functions as, for example, a wireless LAN router, and the terminal device 101 is connected to the Internet via this wireless LAN router. Thus, the terminal device 101 can communicate with a Web server 103 for controlling a Web application, which will be described later, via the Internet. The terminal device 101 and the printing device 102 may each be connected to the access point 100 via a wired LAN. The terminal device 101 and the printing device 102 may also be connected to each other via a wired LAN.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 101. As an example, the terminal device 101 has an input interface 201, a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a display unit 204, a RAM 205, an external storage device 206, a communication unit 207, and a short-range wireless communication unit 208. These functional blocks are interconnected by an internal bus. Also, multiple functional blocks may be combined into one, or one functional block may be divided into two or more functional blocks. The same applies to Figures 3 and 4.

The CPU 202 is a system control unit and controls the entire device. The RAM 205 is composed of, for example, an SRAM (Static RAM) that requires a backup power source. The RAM 205 holds data using a primary battery for data backup (not shown), so data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 205 also has a memory area for storing setting information and management data of the terminal device 101. The RAM 205 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 202. The ROM 203 stores fixed data such as the control program, data table, and OS program executed by the CPU 202. The above-mentioned print application is also stored in the ROM 203. The operation of the terminal device 101 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 202 transferring the program stored in the ROM 203 to the RAM 205, and then reading and executing the program from the RAM 205.

The display unit 204 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays a UI screen based on various data. The display unit 204 may be composed of a touch display or the like and have the function of accepting various inputs from the user. In other words, the display unit 204 is an interface for accepting data inputs and operational instructions from the user, and may be an operation panel composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc.

The communication unit 207 includes a circuit and an antenna for communicating according to a specific wireless communication method. For example, the communication unit 207 can wirelessly connect to the access point 100. The communication unit 207 may also operate as an access point that is used temporarily. The wireless communication used in this embodiment may be communication that operates according to a wireless communication method (Wi-Fi) of a wireless LAN that complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or communication that operates according to another wireless communication method.

The short-range wireless communication unit 208 performs short-range wireless communication with other devices that are present within a certain short-range range of the terminal device 101. The short-range wireless communication unit 208 communicates using a wireless communication method different from that of the communication unit 207. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 102. In the printing device 102, the printing function is realized by a printer unit 301, the scanner function is realized by a scanner unit 302, and the storage function is realized by a memory card mounting unit 303 and a memory card 304.

The printer unit 301 executes printing based on image data received from an external source or image data stored on the memory card 304. The printer unit 301 also manages information on consumables, such as the remaining amount of ink and paper.

The scanner unit 302 optically reads an original document set on a platen (not shown) and converts it into electronic data. The converted electronic data is further converted into a specified file format, and the converted image data is sent to an external device via a network or stored in a storage area (not shown) such as a HDD. The copy function is realized by transferring image data generated by the scanner unit 302 reading an original document set on the platen to the printer unit 301, which then prints an image based on the image data on a recording medium.

Various file data are stored in the memory card 304 inserted in the memory card insertion section 303. This file data can be read and edited by an external device via a network. The external device can also store file data in the memory card 304.

The printing device 102 further includes a CPU 305, a program memory 306, a work memory 307, a display unit 308, an operation unit 309, a network communication unit 310, a network connection unit 311, and a flash memory 312. The CPU 305 is a processor for controlling each unit in the printing device 102 in an integrated manner. The program memory 306 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores various program codes and an application 315 for communicating with the Web server 103. The application 314 can also access the printer unit 301 to obtain consumable information, and for example, transmits the remaining amount of consumables to the Web server 103 at a predetermined timing. The work memory 307 is composed of a RAM or the like, and temporarily stores or buffers image data when each service is executed. The operation of the printing device 102 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 305 reading a program stored in the program memory 306 into the work memory 307 and executing it.

The display unit 308 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a UI screen based on various data. The operation unit 309 is composed of a switch for the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 310 is connected to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 311, and performs various communications. The network communication unit 310 communicates with the outside world, for example, via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. When the network communication unit 310 is compatible with a wired LAN, the network connection unit 311 is, for example, a connector for connecting a cable of the wired LAN, and when the network communication unit 310 is compatible with a wireless LAN, the network connection unit 311 is, for example, an antenna. The network connection unit 311 may be compatible with both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the network communication unit 310 is compatible with a wireless LAN, and is connected to an access point according to a wireless communication method of the wireless LAN that complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard series. The flash memory 312 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data and the like received by the network communication unit 310. The above-mentioned units are connected to each other via a bus 313.

In this embodiment, the printing device 102 is a printer that forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as paper by adding a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium. The printing device 102 may be a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function. In this embodiment, the printing device 102 is a device that prints using an inkjet recording method, but is not limited to this form and may be a device that prints using an electrophotographic method or a thermal sublimation method. In this embodiment, the printing device 102 may also be a printing device that can print using special color ink. Special color ink is an ink that produces a special color (hereinafter also referred to as a "spot color"), and is an ink that cannot display the color produced during printing in the SRGB color space, for example. In other words, the printer 14 is configured to be capable of spot color printing, which is printing using spot color ink other than normal ink (i.e., special color ink, hereinafter also referred to as a "spot color ink"). The "normal ink" is an ink for printing process colors (normal colors), and is an ink of a color such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or black (K) that is the basis of the process colors. The process color is a color expressed by one color of CMYK or a combination of two or more colors of CMYK. In addition, in this embodiment, fluorescent pink ink and fluorescent orange ink are used as spot color inks. That is, the spot color is a color different from the process color, and is a color that cannot be expressed by only one color of CMYK or a combination of two or more colors of CMYK. However, this is not limited to this form, and the number and colors of the spot color inks may be arbitrary, and ink of a color that is not fluorescent may be used. For example, violet ink, green ink, orange ink, gold ink, silver ink, etc. may be used as spot color inks. In addition, ink of other metallic colors may be used. Furthermore, ink obtained by mixing a special color ink with another ink (for example, a normal ink) may also be treated as a special color ink. In this embodiment, an object in the image data that is to be printed in a spot color is associated with information (called spot color information) indicating that the object will be printed in a spot color. A pixel to which spot color information has been added is printed in the spot color corresponding to the RGB value of the pixel. The RGB value of a pixel corresponding to a spot color can also be used as the RGB value of a pixel corresponding to a color that is expressed only with normal ink (i.e., a normal color). In other words, the same RGB value as the RGB value of a pixel corresponding to a spot color may also be set for a pixel corresponding to a color that is expressed only with normal ink. In this case, whether or not special ink is used to print a pixel of that RGB value is controlled by whether or not spot color information has been added.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the Web server 103. The CPU 401 is a processor for controlling the device as a whole. The disk device 402 stores various files, as well as a print application program 412, a database 413, and an OS that are read by the CPU 401. The external storage medium reader 403 is a device for reading information such as files stored in an external storage medium such as an SD card. The memory 404 is composed of a RAM or the like, and the CPU 401 temporarily stores and buffers data as necessary. In this embodiment, the operation of the Web server 103 is realized, for example, by the CPU 401 reading a program stored in the disk device 402 into the memory 404 and executing it.

The display unit 405 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a UI screen based on various data. The operation unit 406 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse for the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 407 is connected to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 408, and performs various communications. The network communication unit 407 communicates, for example, via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. When the network communication unit 407 is compatible with a wired LAN, the network connection unit 408 is, for example, a connector for connecting a cable of the wired LAN, and when the network communication unit 407 is compatible with a wireless LAN, the network connection unit 408 is, for example, an antenna. The network connection unit 408 may be compatible with both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. The USB communication unit 410 (Universal Serial Bus) is connected to various peripheral devices via a USB connection unit 411, and performs various communications according to the USB standard. The above-mentioned units are connected to each other via a bus 409. The web server 103 may be a server system made up of one or more servers. That is, for example, multiple servers may work in cooperation with each other to function as a single web server 103.

<Application configuration>
5 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the Web server 103. The Web server 103 has a Web application 501 including a front end 502 and a back end 506 as software.
The front end 502 mainly controls the display of the Web browser of the terminal device 101. Specifically, the front end 502 manages and holds a program (JavaScript) executed on the Web browser. More specifically, the front end 502 includes a UI control unit 504, a poster editing unit 503, and a password generating unit 505. Here, the UI control unit 504 controls user operations on the Web browser. The poster editing unit 503 performs editing processing of an image created by an application. The password generating unit 505 generates a password for encrypting variable data. In addition, the image is, for example, a poster image. Then, the front end 502 is transmitted (downloaded) to the terminal device 101, and causes the Web browser of the terminal device 101 to display according to the above program. That is, when the terminal device 101 receives the above program, the terminal device 101 uses the program to display a screen corresponding to the program on the Web browser. The backend 506 includes a user management unit 507, a user authentication unit 508, a content management unit 509, and a rendering processing unit 510. The user management unit 507 manages user information for identifying a user. For example, the user management unit 507 manages user information included in a cookie. The user authentication unit 508 issues a unique identifier for each user in association with the user information. The content management unit 509 manages content such as image data created by an application. The rendering processing unit 510 performs rendering processing on content managed by the content management unit 509. Note that the frontend 502 and the backend 506 are held in a single server, the Web server 103, in this embodiment, but may be held by separate servers.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration when the terminal device 101 is a personal computer. The web browser 601 is a web browser, and for example, "Microsoft Edge", "Google Chrome (registered trademark)", "Firefox (registered trademark)", or "Safari (registered trademark)" may be used. The terminal device 101 downloads the front end 502 by accessing the web server 103 using a specific URL with the web browser 601. The front end 502 is then operated on the web browser 601. In other words, when the front end 502 has been downloaded, the front end 502 also becomes part of the software configuration of the terminal device 101.

The print application 602 is an application program (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application) for printing based on print settings set by the user, and includes a print setting processing unit 603 and a thumbnail display unit 604. For example, the print application 602 is a native application associated with the Web application 501, and is an application for causing the printing device to print content data created by the Web application 501. The print setting processing unit 603 performs print settings. The thumbnail display unit 604 performs thumbnail display based on poster image data (poster data) created by the user. In this embodiment, the print application 602 is downloaded and installed from a server different from the Web server 103 to the terminal device 101, and is stored in the terminal device 101. When the terminal device 101 is a PC, the printer driver 605 generates print data for printing on the printing device 102. The printer driver 605 includes printer model information 606 and a print data generation processing unit 607. The printer driver 605 is distributed by the printer vendor, and can be used by the user by installing it. The printer driver 605 may also be included with the OS. The model information 606 stores setting information that can be set when printing for each printer. Usable setting values include, for example, settings for the paper feed method, paper type, etc.

Figure 6 (b) is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration when the terminal device 101 is a mobile terminal. The differences from Figure 6 (a) will be explained. When the terminal device 101 is a mobile terminal, the printer driver 605 does not exist. Therefore, the terminal device 101 is configured with a print processing module 608 that performs print data generation processing. The print processing module 608 includes a model information acquisition processing unit 609. The model information acquisition processing unit 609 acquires model information 606 from the printing device 102. The acquired model information acquisition processing unit 609 is stored in, for example, the external storage device 206.

7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the Web application 501 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 101 by the UI control unit 504 of the front end 502 via the Web browser 601. As described above, the screen is displayed on the Web browser 601 of the terminal device 101 by the front end 502. In this embodiment, a Web application for creating and printing a poster image will be described as an example. Area 701 is an area where a menu 702 of a poster template image, clip art, etc. is displayed in a list. Area 703 is an area where the contents of the function selected in the menu 702 are displayed in a list. For example, when a template is selected from the menu 702 in area 701, the templates are displayed in a list in area 703, and when the user selects the desired template, the selected template is displayed in the editing area 704 and becomes editable. The user can edit the template displayed in the editing area 704 and generate poster data. Next, when clip art is selected from the menu 702 and the user selects the desired clip art from the list in area 703, the selected clip art is displayed superimposed on the template displayed in the editing area 704. When the user presses the save button 705, the poster data created by the user is saved as content in the content management unit 509. When the user presses the print button 706, the print application 602, which will be described later, is started.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that the print application 602 displays on the screen of the terminal device 101. Since this screen is the screen of the print application 602, it is a screen that is displayed without using the web browser 601. A thumbnail of the poster data created by the backend 506 is displayed in the preview display area 801. Printer selection 802 is a button that enables the user to select the desired printer, and when pressed, a list of connected printers is displayed. When the user presses the print button 803 while a thumbnail of the poster data is displayed in the preview display area 801, a process of printing the poster image on the printer selected in printer selection 802 is started.

In the print processing system shown in FIG. 1, a user creates a poster image on a web application 501 using a web browser 601 on a terminal device 101. The created poster image is printed on a recording medium by a print application 602 using a printer driver (not shown) and the printing device 102.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen for variable printing. Variable printing is a printing method for printing an image including a common part printed in common to multiple printed materials and individual parts in which different contents are printed on each of the multiple printed materials. Data for variable printing includes a template and variable data. The template is information including data for printing the common part, data indicating the position of the individual part in the image to be printed, and information indicating which individual part corresponds to which variable data when there are multiple individual parts. The variable data is data for printing the individual parts, and is data indicating the specific contents of the object printed in each individual part of the multiple printed materials, which is an object printed in each individual part of the multiple printed materials and differs for each printed material. The variable data is data indicating which individual part the data corresponds to. In this embodiment, the variable object printed in each individual part of the multiple printed materials, which is an object printed in each individual part of the multiple printed materials and differs for each printed material, is text. The printed materials printed by variable printing are specifically, for example, New Year's cards, direct mail, business cards, and posters. More specifically, objects that are printed in individual portions of each of the multiple printed materials and that differ for each printed material are, for example, addresses, names, and serial numbers. When the user selects variable printing from menu 702 in area 701, a variable data download button 901, a variable data load button 902, and a preview button 903 are displayed in area 703. When the user presses the variable data download button 901, a file into which each object in the editing area 704 has been transcribed is downloaded.

When the variable data download button 901 is pressed, the front end 502 generates variable data, and the generated variable data is downloaded to the terminal device 101. FIG. 10(a) shows an example of a file downloaded by pressing the variable data download button 901. In this embodiment, the variable data just downloaded contains only data indicating which individual part in the template each piece of data in each row from the second row onwards corresponds to. In the example of FIG. 9, since there are text objects of "<ADDRESS>" and "<NAME>" in the editing area 704, "<ADDRESS>" and "<NAME>" are also written in the downloaded file. The downloaded file may be in CSV (Comma Separated Value) format or Excel (registered trademark) format, but in this embodiment, the file will be described as a CSV format file. After that, the user inputs specific contents of the variable object, and the variable data contains data indicating the variable object. That is, the user inputs specific contents of the variable object in the front end 502, and the CSV file downloaded to the terminal device 101 is edited as shown in FIG. 10(b). In the example of FIG. 9, poster data including an address and a name is being created. Therefore, the character string to be inserted into the text object "<ADDRESS>" and the character string to be inserted into "<NAME>" are input on the second and subsequent lines of the CSV file together with the quotation symbol and the item separator symbol. In the example of FIG. 9, the character string to be inserted into "<ADDRESS>" is, for example, "Shimomaruko 1, Ota-ku, Tokyo." Also, the character string to be inserted into "<NAME>" is, for example, "Shimomaruko Taro."

When the variable data load button 902 is pressed, the front end 502 loads the variable data after it has been edited by the user's input. FIG. 11 shows an example of the editing screen after the user loads a CSV file by pressing the variable data load button 902 in area 703 and then pressing the preview button 903. The data entered in the second line of the CSV file is replaced and displayed in the editing area 704. By pressing the switch button 1101, it is also possible to preview the poster data in which the contents of the text object have been replaced with data from the third line onwards in the CSV file.

12 is a sequence diagram after the user accesses the Web application 501 using the Web browser 601, reads the variable data, and presses the print button 706. This sequence diagram shows the sequence from when the print application 602 is started to when the printing device 102 prints an image in which the variable data is inserted into the template. Note that FIG. 12 shows the sequence between the front end 502, which accepts user operations via the Web browser 601 of the terminal device 101, and the back end 506 on the Web server 103 side. Note that the processing of the front end 502 is executed in a state in which the front end 502 is downloaded to the terminal device 101. In other words, the processing of the front end 502 corresponds to the processing executed by the terminal device 101 using the front end 502. More specifically, the processing of the front end 502 is realized by the Web browser 601 in the terminal device 101 downloading the front end 502 stored in the disk device 402 of the Web server 103 from the Web server 103 and executing it. Furthermore, the processing of the print application 602 corresponds to the processing executed by the terminal device 101 using the print application 602. More specifically, the processing of the print application 602 is realized by the CPU 202 executing a program such as the print application 602 stored in the ROM 203 or the like. Furthermore, the processing of the backend 506 corresponds to the processing executed by the web server 103 using the backend 506. More specifically, the processing of the backend 506 is realized by the CPU 401 executing a program such as the backend 506 stored in the disk device 402 or the like.

In S1201, the user presses the print button 706 from the Web application 501 displayed on the Web browser 601 of the terminal device 101. In S1202, the front end 502 transmits the poster data displayed in the editing area 704 to the back end 506. When the poster data is transmitted, the Web browser 601 also transmits cookies and the like containing user information to the Web server 103 (back end 506). In S1203, the back end 506 determines whether or not user information is included in the transmission request for poster data from the front end 502. If it is determined that user information is included, the back end 506 further determines whether or not the user information exists in the user management unit 507. Although the following description is omitted, when a request is made from the front end 502 to the back end 506, the user information is always determined as described above. At this time, assuming that only one piece of poster data is printed, the effect of encrypting the variable data only from S1205 to S1208 is small. However, when there is a time lag between sending the front side to the Web server 103 and completing the back side, such as during double-sided printing, it is very effective to encrypt the variable data and store it in the Web server 103. If user information exists in the user management unit 507, a normal response is sent to the front end 502, and the user identifier and poster data are associated and stored in the content management unit 509. An external storage device (not shown) may be used as the storage destination. The storage destination for other data is not limited to the disk device 402 or memory 404, and may be an external storage device.

In S1204, if the front end 502 determines that the Web browser 601 does not have a password for encrypting the variable data, the password generation unit 505 generates a password for encrypting the variable data. The front end 502 then stores the password in the Web browser 601. In S1205, the front end 502 transmits the variable data to the back end 506. However, since the variable data may contain secure information such as an address or a name, a mechanism is required to suppress the possibility of leakage. Therefore, in S1205, the password generated in S1204 is also transmitted to the back end 506 together with the variable data. In S1206, the back end 506 encrypts the variable data with the password based on the variable data and password information received from the front end 502, and stores the encrypted variable data in the content management unit 509. If the encrypted variable data is saved together with the password, there is a possibility that the variable data will be decrypted and its contents will be passed on to a third party if the data on the server is leaked, so the password is discarded in step S1207.

In S1208, the front end 502 issues a print instruction to the back end 506, and at this time, the password stored in the Web browser 601 is also sent. In S1209, the back end 506 decrypts the encrypted variable data with the received password. After the variable data is decrypted, the password that is no longer necessary in S1210 is discarded. In this case, assuming that only one piece of poster data is printed, the effect of encrypting the variable data only from S1205 to S1208 is small. However, in the case of double-sided printing, for example, when there is a time lag between sending the front side to the Web server 103 and completing the back side, the effect of encrypting the variable data and storing it in the Web server 103 is large. In S1211, the back end 506 creates a print job based on the poster data stored in the content management unit 509 and the variable data decrypted in S1209. More specifically, the back end 506 renders the contents of the variable data while inserting them into the poster data line by line, and creates a print job. In addition, in S1212, the front end 502 launches the print application 602 using the URL scheme.

When the print application 602 is launched for the first time, the print application 602 does not have user information. Although details are omitted, at this time, a session has already been established between the web browser 601 and the web server 103. Therefore, by launching the web browser 601, the print application 602 can obtain user information from the backend 506 via the web browser 601.

In S1213, the print application 602 sends a request for print data to the backend 506. In S1214, the backend 506 renders the poster data requested in S1213 to create a print job and sends it to the print application 602. In S1215, the print application 602 submits the print job to the printing device 102, and in S1216, the printing device 102 prints the poster image on a recording medium.

As described above, according to this embodiment, variable data can be encrypted using a password automatically generated by the front end 502 and stored on the Web server 103, and the rendered poster data can be decrypted and printed at the time of printing. As a result, users do not need to be aware of passwords, making it possible to provide a highly secure printing system while maintaining convenience.

In this embodiment, poster data has been described as an example of print data to be printed by the printing device 102, but the data is not limited to poster data. It is not limited to data for large-format printing such as poster printing, and may be print data of a relatively small size such as a postcard. The operation of this embodiment can be applied as long as the image data created by the user on the web application 501 can be printed on the printing device 102 by the print application 602.

[Second embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In Fig. 12, a password for decrypting the variable data in the backend 506 is received from the frontend 502 in S1208. Because rendering of the poster data starts before the print application 602 is started, even if the user cancels printing after pressing the print button 706, rendering costs are incurred on the server. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process is performed in which a password for decrypting the variable data in the backend 506 is sent from the print application 602.

Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process of decrypting encrypted variable data stored in the backend 506 using the print application 602. Since steps S1301 to S1307 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the process up to S1307 has been completed.

In S1308, the front end 502 issues a print instruction to the back end 506. In S1309, the front end 502 adds the password to the URL scheme and launches the print application 602. Through this launch operation, the front end 502 passes the password to the print application 602.

In S1310, the print application 602 adds a password and sends a request for print data to the backend 506. In S1311, the backend 506 decrypts the encrypted variable data, and in S1312 discards the password. In S1313, the backend 506 renders the poster data requested in S1310 to create a print job, and in S1314 sends it to the print application 602. In S1315, the print application 602 submits the print job to the printing device 102, and in S1316, the printing device 102 prints the poster image on a recording medium.

As described above, according to this embodiment, variable data sent from the web browser 601 and encrypted and stored inside the web server 103 can be decrypted using a password received from the print application 602 to create a print job.

[Third embodiment]
The third embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first and second embodiments. In Fig. 13, the poster data is rendered by the Web server 103 and transmitted to the print application 602. Unlike normal printing, variable printing handles print data spanning multiple pages in one print run, so rendering the poster data on the Web server 103 places a heavy load on the Web server 103. In addition, the hardware performance of the terminal device 101 has improved in recent years, so it is becoming possible for the print application 602 to perform the rendering process of the poster data. Therefore, in this embodiment, the print application 602 on the terminal device 101 performs the process of rendering the poster data.

Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing a process of decrypting encrypted variable data stored in the backend 506 using the print application 602 and rendering poster data with the print application 602. Since steps S1401 to S1409 in this embodiment are common to the second embodiment, it is assumed that the process up to S1409 has been completed.

In S1410, the print application 602 adds the password received from the front end 502 via the URL scheme and sends a print data request to the back end 506. In S1411, the back end 506 decrypts the encrypted variable data, and in S1412 discards the password. In the second embodiment, after S1312, rendering is performed on the web server 103 to create a print job, but in this embodiment, the poster data and variable data are returned to the print application 602.

In S1413, the print application 602 performs rendering processing based on the poster data and variable data received from the backend 506 to create a print job, and submits the print job to the printing device 102.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the variable data sent from the web browser 601 and encrypted and stored inside the web server 103 is decrypted using a password received from the print application 602. Then, the poster data and the decrypted variable data are used to perform rendering in the print application 602, allowing a print job to be created.

The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions.

<Technical Features of the Present Disclosure>
The present disclosure includes the following programs, configurations, and methods.

[Program 1]
a first transmission means for transmitting variable data used in variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to a server prepared for the variable printing;
A storage means for storing the password in a storage unit inside or outside a computer;
a second transmission means for transmitting the print instruction and the password stored in the storage unit to the server in response to receiving the print instruction using the variable data;
a start means for starting a print application program interposed between the server and a printing device;
and causing the computer to function as:
program.

[Program 2]
the second transmission means transmits the password stored in the storage unit to the server without passing through the print application program;
The program described in Program 1.

[Program 3]
the second transmission means transmits the password stored in the storage unit to the server via the print application program by adding the password stored in the storage unit to a request for starting the print application program;
The program described in Program 1.

[Program 4]
and causing the computer to further function as a third transmission unit that transmits to the server a template into which the variable data is to be inserted in the variable printing.
The program described in Program 1.

[Program 5]
a first receiving means for receiving variable data used in variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data from a terminal;
an encryption means for encrypting the variable data received by the first receiving means using the password received by the first receiving means;
A storage means for storing the encrypted variable data in a storage unit inside or outside a computer;
a first discarding means for discarding the password received by the first receiving means when the encryption of the variable data by the encryption means is completed;
a second receiving means for receiving a print instruction using the variable data from the terminal and receiving the password again from the terminal;
a decryption means for decrypting the variable data encrypted by the encryption means and stored in the storage unit, using the password received by the second receiving means, in response to the print instruction received by the second receiving means;
a second discarding means for discarding the password received by the second receiving means when the decryption means has completed decrypting the variable data;
and causing the computer to function as:
program.

[Program 6]
the second receiving means receives the password from the terminal without going through a print application program intervening between the computer and the printing device;
The program described in Program 5.

[Program 7]
the second receiving means receives the password from the terminal via a print application program interposed between the computer and the printing device;
The program described in Program 5.

[Program 8]
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering based at least on the variable data decoded by the decoding means;
a transmitting means for transmitting the rendering data to a print application program for causing a printing device to execute printing;
4. The computer further functions as
The program described in Program 5.

[Program 9]
a computer further functioning as a transmitting unit that transmits at least the variable data decoded by the decoding unit to a printing application program for causing a printing device to execute printing;
The program described in Program 5.

[Program 10]
a first receiving means for receiving from a terminal a password for decrypting encrypted variable data used in variable printing;
a transmission means for transmitting the password received by the first reception means together with a request for transmission of rendering data to a server prepared for the variable printing;
a second receiving means for receiving from the server the rendering data generated at least based on the variable data decrypted by the server using the password in response to a request for transmission of the rendering data;
a sending means for sending a print instruction including the rendering data to a printing device;
A program that makes a computer function as a

[Program 11]
a first receiving means for receiving from a terminal a password for decrypting encrypted variable data used in variable printing;
a transmission means for transmitting the password received by the first reception means together with a request for transmission of the variable data to a server prepared for the variable printing;
a second receiving means for receiving from the server the variable data decrypted by using the password in the server in response to a request for transmission of the variable data;
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering based at least on the variable data received by the second receiving means;
a sending means for sending a print instruction including the rendering data generated by the rendering means to a printing device;
A program that makes a computer function as a

[Program 12]
the second receiving means receives from the server the variable data including a template into which the variable data is to be inserted in the variable printing;
the rendering means generates rendering data by performing rendering based on the variable data and the template received by the second receiving means.
The program described in Program 11.

[Configuration 1]
A printing system that performs variable printing, comprising a terminal and a server,
A front-end program and a print application program that is interposed between the server and a printing device can be executed on the terminal;
A back-end program is executable on the server;
The front-end program
a first transmission means for transmitting variable data used in the variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to the server;
A first storage means for storing the password in a first storage unit inside or outside the terminal;
a second transmission means for transmitting the print instruction and the password stored in the first storage unit to the server in response to receiving the print instruction using the variable data;
a starting means for starting the print application program;
and causing the terminal to function as
The back-end program is
a first receiving means for receiving the variable data and the password transmitted by the first transmitting means;
an encryption means for encrypting the variable data received by the first receiving means using the password received by the first receiving means;
A second storage means for storing the encrypted variable data in a second storage unit inside or outside the server;
a first discarding means for discarding the password received by the first receiving means when the encryption of the variable data by the encryption means is completed;
a second receiving means for receiving the print instruction and the password transmitted by the second transmitting means from the terminal;
a decryption means for decrypting the variable data encrypted by the encryption means and stored in the second storage unit, in response to the print instruction received by the second receiving means, using the password received by the second receiving means;
a second discarding means for discarding the password received by the second receiving means when the decryption means has completed decrypting the variable data;
causing the server to function as
Printing system.

[Configuration 2]
The second transmission means transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the server without passing through the print application program,
the second receiving means receives the password transmitted by the second transmitting means without passing through the print application program;
The back-end program is
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded by the decoding means;
a third transmitting means for transmitting the rendering data to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal;
and further causing the server to function as
The print application program
a rendering data transmission request means for requesting the server to transmit rendering data;
a third receiving means for receiving the rendering data transmitted from the server in response to the request;
a print instruction means for instructing a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received by the third receiving means;
and causing the terminal to function as
2. The printing system of claim 1.

[Configuration 3]
The second transmission means transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the server via the print application program,
the second receiving means receives the password transmitted by the second transmitting means via the print application program;
The back-end program is
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded by the decoding means;
a fourth transmitting means for transmitting the rendering data to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal;
and further causing the server to function as
The print application program
a fourth receiving means for receiving the password from the second transmitting means;
a rendering data transmission request means for requesting the server to transmit rendering data and, at the same time, transmitting the password received by the fourth receiving means to the second receiving means;
a fifth receiving means for receiving the rendering data transmitted from the server in response to the request;
a print instruction means for instructing a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received by the fifth receiving means;
and causing the terminal to function as
2. The printing system of claim 1.

[Configuration 4]
The second transmission means transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the server via the print application program,
the second receiving means receives the password transmitted by the second transmitting means via the print application program;
The back-end program is
a fifth transmitting means for transmitting the variable data decoded by the decoding means to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal;
and further causing the server to function as
The print application program
a sixth receiving means for receiving the password from the second transmitting means;
a variable data transmission request means for requesting the terminal to transmit variable data and, at the same time, transmitting the password received by the sixth receiving means to the second receiving means;
a seventh receiving means for receiving the variable data transmitted from the server in response to the request;
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data received by the seventh receiving means;
a print instruction means for instructing a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data generated by the rendering means;
and causing the terminal to function as
2. The printing system of claim 1.

[Method 1]
A variable printing method executed in a printing system including a terminal and a server, comprising:
A front-end program and a print application program that is interposed between the server and a printing device can be executed on the terminal;
A back-end program is executable on the server;
The method comprises:
a first transmission step in which the front-end program transmits variable data used in the variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to the back-end program;
a first storage step in which the front-end program stores the password in a first storage unit inside or outside the terminal;
a first receiving step in which the back-end program receives the variable data and the password transmitted in the first transmitting step;
an encryption step in which the back-end program encrypts the variable data received in the first receiving step using the password received in the first receiving step;
a second storage step in which the back-end program stores the encrypted variable data in a second storage unit inside or outside the server;
a first discarding step in which the back-end program discards the password received in the first receiving step when the encryption of the variable data in the encryption step is completed;
a second transmission step of transmitting, to the back-end program, the print instruction and the password stored in the first storage unit by the first storage step in response to receiving a print instruction using the variable data by the front-end program;
a second receiving step in which the back-end program receives the print instruction and the password transmitted in the second transmitting step from the front-end program;
a start step in which the front-end program starts a print application program that is interposed between the back-end program and a printing device;
a decryption step in which the back-end program decrypts the variable data encrypted in the encryption step and stored in the second storage unit in the second storage step by using the password received in the second reception step in response to the print instruction received in the second reception step;
a second discarding step in which the back-end program discards the password received in the second receiving step when the decryption of the variable data in the decryption step is completed;
A printing method comprising the steps of:

[Method 2]
In the second transmission step, the front-end program transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the back-end program without passing through the print application program,
In the second receiving step, the back-end program receives the password transmitted in the second transmitting step without passing through the print application program;
The printing method includes:
a rendering data transmission request step in which the print application program requests the back-end program to transmit rendering data;
a rendering step in which the back-end program generates rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded in the decoding step;
a third sending step in which the back-end program sends the rendering data to the print application program in response to a request from the print application program;
a third receiving step in which the print application program receives the rendering data transmitted from the back-end program in response to the request;
a print instruction step in which the print application program instructs a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received in the third receiving step;
Further comprising
The printing method according to method 1.

[Method 3]
In the second transmission step, the front-end program transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the back-end program via the print application program,
In the second receiving step, the back-end program receives the password transmitted in the second transmitting step via the print application program;
The printing method includes:
a rendering data transmission request step in which the print application program requests the back-end program to transmit rendering data and, at the same time, transmits the password received in the second receiving step to the back-end program;
a rendering step in which the back-end program generates rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded by the decoding step;
a fourth sending step in which the back-end program sends the rendering data to the print application program in response to a request from the print application program;
a fourth receiving step in which the print application program receives the rendering data transmitted from the back-end program in response to the request;
a print instruction step in which the print application program instructs a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received in the fourth receiving step;
Further comprising
The printing method according to method 1.

[Method 4]
In the second transmission step, the front-end program transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the back-end program via the print application program,
In the second receiving step, the back-end program receives the password transmitted in the second transmitting step via the print application program;
The printing method includes:
a variable data transmission request step in which the print application program requests the front-end program to transmit variable data and, at the same time, transmits the password received in the second receiving step to the back-end program;
a fifth transmission step in which the back-end program transmits the variable data decoded in the decoding step to the print application program in response to a request from the print application program;
a fifth receiving step in which the print application program receives the variable data transmitted from the back-end program in response to the request;
a rendering step of generating rendering data by performing rendering by the print application program using at least the variable data received in the fifth receiving step;
a print instruction step in which the print application program instructs a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data generated in the rendering step;
Further comprising
The printing method according to method 1.

502 Front end 506 Back end 602 Print application

Claims (20)

a first transmission means for transmitting variable data used in variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to a server prepared for the variable printing;
A storage means for storing the password in a storage unit inside or outside a computer;
a second transmission means for transmitting the print instruction and the password stored in the storage unit to the server in response to receiving the print instruction using the variable data;
a start means for starting a print application program interposed between the server and a printing device;
and causing the computer to function as:
program. the second transmission means transmits the password stored in the storage unit to the server without passing through the print application program;
The program according to claim 1. the second transmission means transmits the password stored in the storage unit to the server via the print application program by adding the password stored in the storage unit to a request for starting the print application program;
The program according to claim 1. and causing the computer to further function as a third transmission unit that transmits to the server a template into which the variable data is to be inserted in the variable printing.
The program according to claim 1. a first receiving means for receiving variable data used in variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data from a terminal;
an encryption means for encrypting the variable data received by the first receiving means using the password received by the first receiving means;
A storage means for storing the encrypted variable data in a storage unit inside or outside a computer;
a first discarding means for discarding the password received by the first receiving means when the encryption of the variable data by the encryption means is completed;
a second receiving means for receiving a print instruction using the variable data from the terminal and receiving the password again from the terminal;
a decryption means for decrypting the variable data encrypted by the encryption means and stored in the storage unit, using the password received by the second receiving means, in response to the print instruction received by the second receiving means;
a second discarding means for discarding the password received by the second receiving means when the decryption means has completed decrypting the variable data;
and causing the computer to function as:
program. the second receiving means receives the password from the terminal without going through a print application program intervening between the computer and the printing device;
The program according to claim 5. the second receiving means receives the password from the terminal via a print application program interposed between the computer and the printing device;
The program according to claim 5. a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering based at least on the variable data decoded by the decoding means;
a transmitting means for transmitting the rendering data to a print application program for causing a printing device to execute printing;
4. The computer further functions as
The program according to claim 5. a computer further functioning as a transmitting unit that transmits at least the variable data decoded by the decoding unit to a printing application program for causing a printing device to execute printing;
The program according to claim 5. a first receiving means for receiving from a terminal a password for decrypting encrypted variable data used in variable printing;
a transmission means for transmitting the password received by the first reception means together with a request for transmission of rendering data to a server prepared for the variable printing;
a second receiving means for receiving from the server the rendering data generated at least based on the variable data decrypted by the server using the password in response to a request for transmission of the rendering data;
a sending means for sending a print instruction including the rendering data to a printing device;
A program that makes a computer function as a a first receiving means for receiving from a terminal a password for decrypting encrypted variable data used in variable printing;
a transmission means for transmitting the password received by the first reception means together with a request for transmission of the variable data to a server prepared for the variable printing;
a second receiving means for receiving from the server the variable data decrypted by using the password in the server in response to a request for transmission of the variable data;
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering based at least on the variable data received by the second receiving means;
a sending means for sending a print instruction including the rendering data generated by the rendering means to a printing device;
A program that makes a computer function as a the second receiving means receives from the server the variable data including a template into which the variable data is to be inserted in the variable printing;
the rendering means generates rendering data by performing rendering based on the variable data and the template received by the second receiving means.
The program according to claim 11. A printing system that performs variable printing, comprising a terminal and a server,
A front-end program and a print application program that is interposed between the server and a printing device can be executed on the terminal;
A back-end program is executable on the server;
The front-end program
a first transmission means for transmitting variable data used in the variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to the server;
A first storage means for storing the password in a first storage unit inside or outside the terminal;
a second transmission means for transmitting the print instruction and the password stored in the first storage unit to the server in response to receiving the print instruction using the variable data;
a starting means for starting the print application program;
and causing the terminal to function as
The back-end program is
a first receiving means for receiving the variable data and the password transmitted by the first transmitting means;
an encryption means for encrypting the variable data received by the first receiving means using the password received by the first receiving means;
A second storage means for storing the encrypted variable data in a second storage unit inside or outside the server;
a first discarding means for discarding the password received by the first receiving means when the encryption of the variable data by the encryption means is completed;
a second receiving means for receiving the print instruction and the password transmitted by the second transmitting means from the terminal;
a decryption means for decrypting the variable data encrypted by the encryption means and stored in the second storage unit, in response to the print instruction received by the second receiving means, using the password received by the second receiving means;
a second discarding means for discarding the password received by the second receiving means when the decryption means has completed decrypting the variable data;
causing the server to function as
Printing system. The second transmission means transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the server without passing through the print application program,
the second receiving means receives the password transmitted by the second transmitting means without passing through the print application program;
The back-end program is
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded by the decoding means;
a third transmitting means for transmitting the rendering data to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal;
and further causing the server to function as
The print application program
a rendering data transmission request means for requesting the server to transmit rendering data;
a third receiving means for receiving the rendering data transmitted from the server in response to the request;
a print instruction means for instructing a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received by the third receiving means;
and causing the terminal to function as
The printing system of claim 13. The second transmission means transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the server via the print application program,
the second receiving means receives the password transmitted by the second transmitting means via the print application program;
The back-end program is
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded by the decoding means;
a fourth transmitting means for transmitting the rendering data to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal;
and further causing the server to function as
The print application program
a fourth receiving means for receiving the password from the second transmitting means;
a rendering data transmission request means for requesting the server to transmit rendering data and, at the same time, transmitting the password received by the fourth receiving means to the second receiving means;
a fifth receiving means for receiving the rendering data transmitted from the server in response to the request;
a print instruction means for instructing a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received by the fifth receiving means;
and causing the terminal to function as
The printing system of claim 13. The second transmission means transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the server via the print application program,
the second receiving means receives the password transmitted by the second transmitting means via the print application program;
The back-end program is
a fifth transmitting means for transmitting the variable data decoded by the decoding means to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal;
and further causing the server to function as
The print application program
a sixth receiving means for receiving the password from the second transmitting means;
a variable data transmission request means for requesting the terminal to transmit variable data and, at the same time, transmitting the password received by the sixth receiving means to the second receiving means;
a seventh receiving means for receiving the variable data transmitted from the server in response to the request;
a rendering means for generating rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data received by the seventh receiving means;
a print instruction means for instructing a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data generated by the rendering means;
and causing the terminal to function as
The printing system of claim 13. A variable printing method executed in a printing system including a terminal and a server, comprising:
A front-end program and a print application program that is interposed between the server and a printing device can be executed on the terminal;
A back-end program is executable on the server;
The method comprises:
a first transmission step in which the front-end program transmits variable data used in the variable printing and a password for encrypting the variable data to the back-end program;
a first storage step in which the front-end program stores the password in a first storage unit inside or outside the terminal;
a first receiving step in which the back-end program receives the variable data and the password transmitted in the first transmitting step;
an encryption step in which the back-end program encrypts the variable data received in the first receiving step using the password received in the first receiving step;
a second storage step in which the back-end program stores the encrypted variable data in a second storage unit inside or outside the server;
a first discarding step in which the back-end program discards the password received in the first receiving step when the encryption of the variable data in the encryption step is completed;
a second transmission step of transmitting, to the back-end program, the print instruction and the password stored in the first storage unit by the first storage step in response to receiving a print instruction using the variable data by the front-end program;
a second receiving step in which the back-end program receives the print instruction and the password transmitted in the second transmitting step from the front-end program;
a start step in which the front-end program starts a print application program that is interposed between the back-end program and a printing device;
a decryption step in which the back-end program decrypts the variable data encrypted in the encryption step and stored in the second storage unit in the second storage step by using the password received in the second reception step in response to the print instruction received in the second reception step;
a second discarding step in which the back-end program discards the password received in the second receiving step when the decryption of the variable data in the decryption step is completed;
A printing method comprising the steps of: In the second transmission step, the front-end program transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the back-end program without passing through the print application program,
In the second receiving step, the back-end program receives the password transmitted in the second transmitting step without passing through the print application program;
The printing method includes:
a rendering data transmission request step in which the print application program requests the back-end program to transmit rendering data;
a rendering step in which the back-end program generates rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded in the decoding step;
a third sending step in which the back-end program sends the rendering data to the print application program in response to a request from the print application program;
a third receiving step in which the print application program receives the rendering data transmitted from the back-end program in response to the request;
a print instruction step in which the print application program instructs a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received in the third receiving step;
Further comprising
20. The printing method of claim 17. In the second transmission step, the front-end program transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the back-end program via the print application program,
In the second receiving step, the back-end program receives the password transmitted in the second transmitting step via the print application program;
The printing method includes:
a rendering data transmission request step in which the print application program requests the back-end program to transmit rendering data and, at the same time, transmits the password received in the second receiving step to the back-end program;
a rendering step in which the back-end program generates rendering data by performing rendering using at least the variable data decoded by the decoding step;
a fourth sending step in which the back-end program sends the rendering data to the print application program in response to a request from the print application program;
a fourth receiving step in which the print application program receives the rendering data transmitted from the back-end program in response to the request;
a print instruction step in which the print application program instructs a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data received in the fourth receiving step;
Further comprising
20. The printing method of claim 17. In the second transmission step, the front-end program transmits the password stored in the first storage unit to the back-end program via the print application program,
In the second receiving step, the back-end program receives the password transmitted in the second transmitting step via the print application program;
The printing method includes:
a variable data transmission request step in which the print application program requests the front-end program to transmit variable data and, at the same time, transmits the password received in the second receiving step to the back-end program;
a fifth transmission step in which the back-end program transmits the variable data decoded in the decoding step to the print application program in response to a request from the print application program;
a fifth receiving step in which the print application program receives the variable data transmitted from the back-end program in response to the request;
a rendering step of generating rendering data by performing rendering by the print application program using at least the variable data received in the fifth receiving step;
a print instruction step in which the print application program instructs a printing device to execute printing using the rendering data generated in the rendering step;
Further comprising
20. The printing method of claim 17.

Images