JP3994115B1 - Print system and its management server and terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique for allowing a user to reliably collect printed matter output to a printer.
In a print system configured by connecting a terminal 1, a management server 2 that manages the terminal 1, and a printer 3 to each other via a network, the terminal 1 describes the contents of the print job in response to the transmission of the print job. The print log information is transmitted to the management server 2, and the management server 2 transmits an operation restriction command for restricting the operation of the terminal based on the print log information to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 performs the operation restriction command operation restriction command. The operation is restricted on the basis of, for example, the input operation is locked. On the other hand, the print code information generated by the management server 2 is added to the print data of the print job, and this print code is added to the printed matter output by the printer. Then, the operation lock state is released by inputting this print code to the terminal.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system configured by connecting a terminal, a management server that manages the terminal, and a printer to a network, and more particularly, to a technique for preventing a user from forgetting to remove printed matter output from the printer.

  As a technique for preventing forgetting to remove a printed matter in a printer, for example, a printer device described in Patent Document 1 is known. The printer apparatus is configured to receive print jobs from a plurality of user PCs, to determine from which user PC the received print job is transmitted, to determine whether there is a printed material in the paper discharge unit, and to determine that there is a printed material. When a certain time has elapsed since the start of time measurement, a banner forgetting to remove the printed matter (information on the user PC that printed the printed matter) or a printed matter was printed. By sending a forgetting warning message to the user PC, forgetting to take a printed matter is prevented.

  Further, as a technique for preventing a printed matter from being mistakenly taken away or left in a printer, for example, a printing system described in Patent Document 2 is known. The printing system includes a destination information recording unit that records user destination information, a message transmission reception unit that receives a transmission instruction of a specific message for the user, and acquires a destination based on the received message transmission instruction. A message transmission means for transmitting the message to the destination, thereby enabling the user to transmit a specific message such as a return request message for erroneous removal of the printed material or a collection request message for the left printed material to the user. .

JP 2004-299242 A (paragraph numbers 0006, 0008, 0012 to 0013) JP 2004-362255 A (paragraph numbers 0009 to 0010, FIGS. 4 and 5)

  However, in a printing system such as the above-mentioned patent document, a warning message is transmitted to the user when the printed material is forgotten. However, after such a message is confirmed and erased, the printed material is again collected. There is a possibility of forgetting.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for allowing a user to more reliably collect printed matter output from a printer.

In a print system configured by connecting a terminal, a management server that manages the terminal, and a printer to a network, in order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, the terminal responds to the print job content in response to transmission of the print job. A print log information generation unit that generates print log information describing the operation and an operation control unit that controls an operation of the terminal, and the management server is configured to output the terminal based on the print log information transmitted from the terminal. includes a command generator for generating an operation prohibition command for regulating the input operation in the input operation in the terminal based on the operation prohibition command transmitted from the management server is restricted by the operation control unit further, A print code information generation unit for generating print code information to be added to print data of the print job; and the print job A print data generation unit that generates the print data with code by adding the print code information to the print data, and cancels the input operation restriction on the terminal based on the print code of the print data with code output to the print medium Operation restriction release means .

With this configuration, when the user transmits a print job from the terminal to the printer, an operation restriction command is transmitted from the management server to the terminal, and a subsequent input operation is restricted at the terminal. Here, the state in which the input operation is restricted includes, for example, an operation lock state in which the input operation from the keyboard or mouse cannot be performed, a state in which the response speed of the keyboard or mouse becomes slow, and the input operation becomes difficult There is. Accordingly, since it is difficult for the user to continue working at the terminal, the printed matter output from the printer is collected, and the user can be surely collected the printed matter. The generation of the operation restriction command in the management server includes reading of the operation restriction command stored in advance.

By performing printing in this way, the input operation at the terminal is restricted, and the user is prompted to collect the printed material. However, this input operation restriction needs to be properly canceled by collecting the printed material. For this reason, a print code is added to the printed matter output by the printer, and the input operation restriction is canceled using this print code. That is, in the above configuration, a print code information generating unit that generates print code information to be added to the print data of the print job, and generating print data with code by adding the print code information to the print data of the print job A print data generation unit that performs the operation control canceling unit that cancels the input operation control in the terminal based on the print code of the code-added print data output to the print medium.

The generation of the print code information in the print code information generation unit can be performed using arbitrary data. For example, the terminal ID, the file name, the transmission date and time included in the print log information, or the reception date and time of the print log information For example, it can be performed by a known method using data relating to a terminal or a print job. Further, the print code information output to the paper (print medium), that is, the print code may be a bar code or a QR code. With this configuration, the user must collect the printed material on which the print code is expressed in order to cancel the input operation restriction, and can further prompt the user to collect the printed material.

Further, as the operation restriction release means described above, a configuration in which the input operation restriction is released by reading a barcode or QR code as a print code can be adopted, but a character string is used as the print code. In some cases, a simpler configuration can be obtained. For example, when the print code is a one-dimensional code composed of a character string, a display control unit that displays a print code input screen on the terminal screen is provided, and the one-dimensional code is input by inputting the one-dimensional code on the print code input screen. The operation restriction canceling means can be configured so that the input operation restriction at the terminal is released.

Various timings can be set, for example, immediately after the print log information is received from the terminal, as the timing at which the operation restriction command is transmitted from the management server to the terminal. In particular, when the amount of printing is large, it takes time to complete the printing.If the input operation is not restricted immediately but the input operation is restricted at the timing of completion of printing, the user can detect the completion of printing and the work efficiency can be improved. Is preferred. For this reason, in one embodiment of the print system according to the present invention, the print server includes a print status monitoring unit that monitors the print status of the print job in the printer, and when the completion of printing of the print job is detected, the management server The operation restriction command is transmitted from the terminal to the terminal. In the case of a file with high confidentiality, an operation restriction command may be transmitted when the start of printing is detected.

  In addition, the management server includes a terminal information storage unit that stores unique information of the terminal and the print code information generation unit, and generates the print code information based on the unique information of the terminal that transmits the print job. Even if it does, it is suitable. As the specific information of the terminal, information such as the MAC address of the communication device used in the terminal can be adopted. This configuration has an advantage that the print code information generation function can be integrated into the management server.

  A print data generation unit that generates print data with code by adding the print code information to the print data output by the printer may be provided on the terminal side or the printer side. Further, when the printer is provided on the printer side, the printer may be provided in a separately provided printer server.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the print system according to the present invention, the terminal includes a print event information generation unit that generates print event information related to the print job prior to transmission of the print job, the print data generation unit, The management server generates print code information based on the print event information transmitted from the terminal and unique information of the terminal, and transmits the generated print code information to the terminal. The terminal transmits a print job including the generated code-added print data to the printer.

  In other words, print event information is transmitted from the terminal side to the management server to generate print code information, the generated print code information is received by the terminal that is the transmission source, and code-added print data is generated on the terminal side. Then, by transmitting the print data with code to the printer as print data included in the print job, a printed matter to which the print code is added can be output from the printer. In particular, when print code information is generated, print event information is used in addition to terminal-specific information, so the print code printed on the printed material is unique for each printed material. If it is not collected each time, it is not possible to obtain a unique print code necessary for canceling the operation restriction, and it is possible to urge the user to collect printed matter more strongly.

  In another embodiment of the print system according to the present invention, a print job is transmitted from the terminal, and a printer server having the print data generation unit is further connected to the network. The print code information is generated based on the print log information transmitted from the terminal and the specific information of the terminal, and the generated print code information is transmitted to the printer server. A print job including code-added print data is transmitted to the printer. Thus, it is also preferable to use a printer server that includes a print data generation unit that generates code-added print data. Also in this case, when generating the print code information, the print log information is used in addition to the specific information of the terminal, so the print code printed on the printed material is unique for each printed material. If it is not collected each time, it is not possible to obtain a unique print code necessary for canceling the operation restriction, and it is possible to urge the user to collect printed matter more strongly.

The management server constituting the above-described print system and the program installed in this management server are also included in the scope of the rights of the present invention. The printer is connected via a network to a printer that outputs code-added print data to which such print code information has been added to a print medium, and a terminal that generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job. management server for managing the terminals constituting the printing system includes a command generator for generating an operation prohibition command for regulating the input operation in the terminal based on the print log information received from the terminal, the output from the printer A print code information generation unit that generates the print code information used when canceling the input operation restriction in the terminal, and a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives the print log information, the operation restriction command, and the print code information . In addition, printing is performed via a network connection to a printer that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium, and a terminal that generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to the transmission of the print job. terminal manager for management server for managing the terminal constituting the system has a function of generating an operation prohibition command for regulating the input operation in the terminal based on the print log information received from the terminal, from the printer A function for generating the print code information that is output and used when canceling the input operation restriction in the terminal and a function for transmitting and receiving the print log information, the operation restriction command, and the print code information are realized in a computer. .

Furthermore, the terminals constituting the above-described print system and programs installed in the terminals are also included in the scope of rights of the present invention. A terminal that is connected to a printer and a management server that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium and that constitutes a print system receives the print job contents in response to the transmission of the print job. A print log information generation unit that generates the described print log information, and a transmission / reception unit that transmits the print log information to the management server and receives an operation restriction command generated based on the print log information in the management server And an operation control unit for restricting an input operation at the terminal based on the received operation restriction command and releasing an input operation restriction at the terminal based on a print code output from the printer . An operation management program for a terminal that constitutes a print system connected to a printer and a management server that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium is provided in accordance with transmission of a print job. A function of generating print log information describing the contents of the print job, and a function of transmitting the print log information to the management server and receiving an operation restriction command generated based on the print log information in the management server And a function of restricting an input operation at the terminal based on the received operation restriction command and a function of releasing the input operation restriction at the terminal based on a print code output from the printer. is there.

  Of course, the management server and the terminal, and the program mounted on them also have the same operational effects as the above-described print system, and can have various additional characteristic configurations described above.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a plurality of terminals 1 as client computers (only one terminal is shown in FIG. 1), a management server 2 as a server computer, and a network printer capable of printing out from a plurality of terminals 1. A print system is shown in which a shared printer 3 is connected through a network 4 such as a LAN. As will be described in detail below, the terminal 1 has a function of generating / transmitting / receiving print log information and the like and a function of controlling the operation of the terminal based on a command received from the management server 2. The shared printer 3 has a function of generating a print job transmitted from the terminal 1 and a function of generating / transmitting / receiving code information and an operation restriction command.

  First, when a user who owns the terminal 1 tries to print the created document file or the like with the shared printer 3, print event information is generated in the terminal 1 (# 01) and sent to the management server 2. (# 02). This print event information is a kind of so-called operation log, and describes information such as a terminal ID and a file to be printed. Details thereof will be described later.

  The management server 2 that has received the print event information generates print code information to be added to the print data of the file to be printed, using the information read from the print event information and the terminal-specific information stored in advance. (# 03), the print code information is transmitted to the terminal 1 that is the transmission source of the print event information (# 04). In addition, as the unique information of the terminal, the MAC address of the communication device used in each terminal can be adopted.

  Upon receiving the print code information from the management server 2, the terminal 1 adds the print code information to the print data of the file to be printed to generate print data with code (# 05). Then, using the code-attached print data as the print data of the file to be printed, that is, a print job including the code-added print data is generated, and the print job is transmitted to the shared printer 3 (# 06). On the other hand, in response to the transmission of the print job, the terminal 1 generates print log information describing the contents of the print job (# 07), and transmits the print log information to the management server 2 (# 08).

  When the management server 2 receives the print log information from the terminal 1, the management server 2 generates an operation restriction command for restricting the operation of the terminal 1 that is the transmission source of the print log information. At the same time, an operation restriction release command is generated that uses the read information of the print code printed on the printed matter Pc, which will be described later, as a condition for releasing the operation restriction, and an operation restriction command composed of the operation restriction command and the operation restriction release command. A group is generated (# 09). On the other hand, in the shared printer 3, printing of the print job received from the terminal 1, that is, printing of code-added print data is executed (# 10), and the print status of the print job is monitored by the management server 2. When the completion of printing is detected (# 11), the generated operation restriction command group is transmitted to the terminal 1 (# 12).

  In the terminal 1 that has received the operation restriction command group from the management server 2, the subsequent input operation is locked based on the operation restriction command, and the operation is restricted (# 13). Or you may employ | adopt the operation control form which slows down the reaction speed with respect to input operation from a keyboard, a mouse | mouth, etc. This makes it difficult for the user of the terminal 1 to continue the subsequent operation, and the user has to perform an operation to cancel the operation restriction. In order to cancel the operation restriction, the print code of the print data with code (printed matter Pc) transmitted from the terminal 1 to the shared printer 3 and printed is used. That is, the user collects the printed material Pc on which the printing code is printed from the shared printer 3, and inputs information read from the printing code of the printed material Pc to the terminal 1 (# 14). The terminal 1 is released from the operation restriction based on the operation restriction release command by inputting the print code reading information (# 15).

  As described above, in the print system according to the present invention, when the file is printed by the shared printer 3, the operation of the terminal 1 is restricted, and it is necessary to collect the printed matter Pc, acquire the print code, and cancel the operation restriction. In order to continue the subsequent operation, the printed material Pc must be collected, and the shared printer 3 can be more reliably prevented from forgetting to remove the printed material.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific system configuration of the printing system employing the above-described technique for preventing forgetting to remove a printed matter. First, in the computer of the terminal 1a (the same applies to the other terminals 1b), printing that instructs the shared printer 3 to print the created file or the like as a function related to the present invention using software and / or hardware. An instruction unit 11, a display control / operation control unit 12 for controlling an output to the monitor 5, an input from an operation input device 6 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a data processing unit for performing data processing by a user including various file processing such as file creation 13. A terminal management unit 14 that manages various operations such as login / logoff in the terminal 1a, a network interface 15 as a transmission / reception unit that performs data transmission to the network 4, and the like are constructed.

  The print instruction unit 11 generates a print data generation unit 11 a that generates print data to be output by the shared printer 3, and generates a print job that includes the generated print data and specified print conditions (such as the number of print copies and the number of print pages). A print job generation unit 11b. In particular, the print data generation unit 11a has a function of generating code-added print data by adding print code information described later to print data of a file to be printed.

  As will be described later, the display control / operation control unit 12 is shared with the operation restriction unit 12 a that restricts the operation of the terminal 1 based on the operation restriction command received from the management server 2 and the operation restriction release command received from the management server 2. Based on the reading information of the print code printed on the printed matter Pc output by the printer 3, the operation restriction releasing unit 12b for releasing the operation restriction is provided.

  The terminal management unit 14 generates an operation event information generation unit 14a that generates an operation event prior to a predetermined operation on the terminal 1a, and generates an operation log information when a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal 1 It has a portion 14b. When the user tries to print, that is, the print event information generated prior to the transmission of the print job is the operation event information generation unit 14a, when the user issues a print instruction to the shared printer 3, That is, the print log information generated when the print job is transmitted to the shared printer 3 is generated in the operation log information generation unit 14b.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the data structure of the generated print event information and print log information includes a terminal ID for identifying the terminal 1, a user ID (or login name) for identifying the login user, and date / time. It includes data, file name, output destination printer ID, printing conditions such as the number of copies and the number of print pages. In the present embodiment, the print event information and the print log information are configured with the same type of data structure. For this reason, both are different in date and time, and other contents have a common data structure. .

  The generated code-added print data is transmitted to the shared printer 3 as a print job, and is printed by the shared printer 3. FIG. 4 illustrates a printed matter Pc that is code-added print data printed on a sheet. In FIG. 4A, a character code C1 as a one-dimensional code is printed, and in FIG. 4B, a QR code C2 as a two-dimensional code is printed at the upper right position of the sheet. The character code C1 is composed of a character string generated from the user ID, the MAC address, and the file name using a predetermined conversion formula, and is all represented by alphanumeric characters.

  On the other hand, the computer of the management server 2 includes a terminal monitoring unit 21 that monitors and manages the terminal 1 as a function related to the present invention in software and / or hardware, and starts printing of a print job in the shared printer 3. A printer monitoring unit 22 that monitors a printing status such as printing completion, a terminal information storage unit 23 that stores unique information (such as a MAC address) of each terminal 1, operation log information and operation event information acquired from the terminal 1, etc. An operation information storage unit 24 to be stored every time, a network interface 25 as a transmission / reception unit for data transmission to the network 4 and the like are constructed.

  The terminal monitoring unit 21 includes an operation information acquisition unit 21a that acquires operation information such as operation event information (print event information) and operation log information (print log information) generated in the terminal 1, the acquired print event information, and the terminal The print code information generation unit 21b that generates print code information using a known method based on the unique information of the terminal that is the transmission source of the print event information read from the information storage unit 23, and the acquired operation log information A command generation unit 21c that generates various commands based on the information and a notification unit 21d that notifies the terminal 1 of various types of information such as collection information of printed matter. An operation restriction command for restricting the operation of the terminal 1 is generated in the command generation unit 21c. In addition, an operation restriction release command that uses the read information of the print code printed on the printed material Pc as a condition for releasing the operation restriction is also generated using the corresponding print code information, whereby the operation restriction command and the operation restriction release command are generated. An operation restriction command group composed of The operation restriction command group is transmitted from the management server 2 to the terminal 1 when the printer monitoring unit 22 detects the completion of printing of the print job corresponding to the print log information. The generation of various commands in the command generation unit 21c includes reading of various commands stored in advance in a command storage unit (not shown).

  The shared printer 3 includes a print unit 31 that performs printing, a spool of a print job transmitted from the terminal 1, a print management unit 32 that manages the progress of printing in the print unit 31, and transmission / reception that transmits data to the network 4. A network interface 33 as a unit.

  Next, the flow from the printing instruction to the cancellation of the operation restriction by collecting printed matter in the printing system configured as shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in order to print a file or the like created in the terminal 1, the user selects a shared printer 3 as an output destination and inputs printing conditions such as the number of print copies and the number of print pages as a print range. When the input of the print conditions and the like is completed, a print job transmission request to the output destination shared printer 3 is made from the print instruction unit 11 to the terminal management unit 14 (# 100). When the terminal management unit 14 receives this print job transmission request, the contents of the print job such as the print conditions are transferred to the print event information generation unit 14a, and print event information is generated (# 101). The generated print event information is sent to the management server 2 by the terminal management unit 14 (# 102). The data structure of the transmitted print event information is as shown in FIG.

  Next, when receiving the print event information from the terminal 1, the management server 2 reads out the unique information of the terminal 1 that is the transmission source of the print event information from the terminal information storage unit 23 (# 200). Then, unique print code information is generated based on the read unique information and the received print event information (# 201). The generated print code information is sent out by the terminal monitoring unit 21 to the terminal 1 that is the transmission source of the print event information (# 202). The print code information is stored in the operation information storage unit 24 of the management server 2 together with the print event information.

  In the terminal 1 that has received the print code information, the print data generation unit 11a adds the print code information to the print data of the file to be printed to generate print data with code (# 103). Then, the generated print data with code is used as print data included in the print job, and the print job is sent to the shared printer 3 by the terminal management unit 14 (# 104).

  The shared printer 3 that has received the print job from the terminal 1 spools the print job in the print management unit 32, and prints the code-added print data in the print unit 31 (# 300). On the other hand, in the terminal 1, print log information describing the contents of the print job is generated by the operation log information generating unit 14b in response to the transmission of the print job (# 105). The generated print log information is sent from the terminal 1 to the management server 2 (# 106). When the management server 2 receives the print log information, the command generation unit 21c generates an operation restriction command for restricting the operation of the terminal that has transmitted the print log information. At the same time, an operation restriction release command is generated that uses the read information of the print code printed on the printed matter Pc as a condition for releasing the operation restriction. At this time, print code information stored together with print event information corresponding to the print log information is used. As a result, an operation restriction command group including the operation restriction command and the operation restriction release command is generated (# 203).

  As described above, the print job (code-added print data) is printed in the shared printer 3 in parallel with the generation of the print log information and the generation of the operation restriction command group (# 300). As a result, in the shared printer 3, a printed matter of print data with code, that is, a printed matter Pc on which a print code as illustrated in FIG. 4 is printed, is obtained.

  When printing of one print job is completed in the shared printer 3 (# 301), the completion of printing of this print job is detected by the printer monitoring unit 22 (# 204). At this timing, the terminal monitoring unit 21 sends the operation restriction command group to the terminal 1 that has transmitted the print job (# 205). The terminal 1 that has received this operation restriction command group is locked in an operation lock state in which the input operation is locked by the operation restriction unit 12a based on the operation restriction command and no input is accepted even if the keyboard or mouse is operated ( # 107).

  In order to release the operation lock state, a print code printed on the printed material Pc is used. Accordingly, the user of the terminal 1 promptly collects the printed matter from the shared printer 3 in order to continue the subsequent work (# 302). Then, the operation lock state is released using the print code of the collected printed matter Pc. Here, the character code C1 is adopted as the print code, and when the operation lock state is entered, the screen illustrated in FIG. A print code information input screen 100 is displayed. When the user inputs a print code (character code) printed on the collected printed matter Pc in the input field 101 of the input screen 100 (# 108), the operation restriction release unit 12b of the terminal 1 performs the operation restriction release command based on the operation restriction release command. The operation lock state is released (# 109), and the user can continue working.

  Here, the above-described operation release is realized based on an operation restriction release command that uses the read information of the printed print code as an operation restriction release condition, that is, an operation restriction release command that is executed by inputting the print code reading information. However, when such an operation restriction release command is not transmitted together with the operation restriction command and is input to the input field 101, the input contents are inquired to the management server 2, and the input contents and the operation information storage unit 24 may be collated with the print code information stored in 24, and an operation restriction release command may be sent from the management server 2 to the terminal 1 based on the determination result. At this time, it is preferable to notify the collection information based on the transmitted reading information of the print code by the notification unit 21b of the management server 2. For example, when the collected printed matter Pc belongs to another user, its own operation restriction is not released, but collection information including information (terminal, user name, etc.) obtained based on the print code is displayed. This makes it possible to recognize who has taken away the printed matter by mistake.

  Note that the addition of the print code information to the print data described above can be set in the terminal 1, and FIG. 7 illustrates the setting screen 110 thereof. First, FIG. 7A is a screen for setting whether or not to add a print code to a printed material. When “Yes” is selected for the print code addition, the detail setting button 111 on the right side is activated. It is configured. When the detailed setting 111 button is clicked, a print code detailed setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed. The detailed setting screen 120 is configured such that conditions regarding the type of print code, the number of displayed sheets, page information, and the display position can be input. In the print code type column 121, a character code (one-dimensional code) or a QR code (two-dimensional code) can be selected. In the display number column 122, “all pages” or “specified page” of the printed matter is displayed. Can be selected as a print form that prints the print code or prints only the print code on separate paper and does not print the print code on the paper on which the print data of the file is printed. It is. In the page information column 123, it is possible to select whether or not the print code printed on the printed matter Pc, that is, whether or not the page information is included in the print code information. Further, in the display position column 124, the print position of the print code to be printed on the paper can be set to the upper right, the lower right, etc. When the detailed setting button 124a is clicked, a detailed position setting screen (not shown) is displayed. The display position can be set.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the member similar to FIG.1 and FIG.2. In the first embodiment, the code-added print data is generated on the terminal 1 side, but the second embodiment is different in that this is performed on the printer side. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the shared printer 3 portion in the first embodiment is configured by the printer server 7 and the printer 8, and the print data with code is added to the printer server 7 connected to the network 4. Is provided with a print data generation unit. Further, unlike the first embodiment, the generation of print event information in the terminal 1 can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, the basic principle of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user who owns the terminal 1 transmits a print job to the printer server 7 in order to print the created document file or the like with the printer 8 (# 21). On the other hand, in response to the transmission of the print job, the terminal 1 generates print log information describing the contents of the print job (# 22), and transmits the print log information to the management server 2 (# 23).

  The management server 2 that has received the print log information generates print code information to be added to the print data of the file to be printed, using the information read from the print log information and the specific information stored in the terminal in advance. (# 24). Further, an operation restriction command for restricting the operation of the terminal 1 that is the transmission source of the print log information is generated. At the same time, an operation restriction release command that uses the read information of the print code printed on the printed matter Pc as a condition for releasing the operation restriction is generated, and an operation restriction command group including the operation restriction command and the operation restriction release command is generated. Is generated (# 25). Then, the generated print code information is transmitted to the printer server 7 that is the transmission destination of the print job (# 26).

  On the other hand, the printer server 7 that has received the print job from the terminal 1 temporarily stores the print job. When the print code information corresponding to the print job is received from the management server 2, the print data of the print job is displayed. On the other hand, this print code information is added to generate print data with code (# 27). The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment, and the printer 8 prints the code-added print data received from the printer server 7 (# 28), and the print status of the print job is the management server 2. Is monitored by When the completion of printing is detected (# 29), the generated operation restriction command group is transmitted to the terminal 1 (# 30).

  In the terminal 1 that has received the operation restriction command group from the management server 2, the subsequent operation is restricted based on the operation restriction command (# 31). In order to cancel this operation restriction, the user collects the printed material Pc on which the printing code is printed from the printer 8, and inputs information read from the printing code of the printed material Pc to the terminal 1 (# 32). The terminal 1 is released from the operation restriction based on the operation restriction release command by inputting the print code reading information (# 33).

  FIG. 9 shows a system configuration of a print system according to the second embodiment. Compared with the system configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), the system configuration of the second embodiment includes a printer server 7 and a printer 8 as a configuration on the printer side. The printer server 7 includes a print management unit 71 that manages the progress of printing in the printer 8, a network interface 72 that serves as a transmission / reception unit that transmits data to the network 4, and the like. The print management unit 71 includes a print information storage unit 71a that temporarily stores a print job transmitted from the terminal 1, print code information transmitted from the management server 2, and the like in the terminal 1 in the first embodiment. The print data generation unit 71b that generates code-added print data is provided. In the second embodiment, the operation event information generation unit 14a of the terminal 1 is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow from the printing instruction to the cancellation of the operation restriction by collecting printed matter in the second embodiment.

  The outline will be described. First, a print job is sent from the terminal 1 to the printer server 7 (# 110). The data structure of this print job is as shown in FIG. Then, the operation log information generation unit 14b generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job (# 111). The generated print log information is sent from the terminal 1 to the management server 2 (# 112).

  The management server 2 that has received the print log information reads the unique information of the terminal 1 that is the transmission source of the print log information from the terminal information storage unit 23 (# 210), and the read unique information and the received print log Based on the information, unique print code information is generated (# 211). In addition, the command generation unit 21c generates an operation restriction command for restricting the operation of the terminal that is the transmission source of the print log information. At the same time, an operation restriction release command is generated that uses the read information of the print code printed on the printed matter Pc as a condition for releasing the operation restriction. Thereby, an operation restriction command group including the operation restriction command and the operation restriction release command is generated (# 212). On the other hand, the generated print code information is sent to the printer server 7 (# 213).

  The printer server 7 that has received the print job from the terminal 1 temporarily stores the print job in the print information storage unit 71a (# 310). When print code information is received from the management server 2, the print code information is added to the stored print data of the corresponding print job to generate print data with code (# 311). The generated code-added print data is printed by the printer 8, and a printed matter Pc on which the print code illustrated in FIG. 4 is printed is output (# 312).

  Since the processing from sending out the operation restriction command group after the completion of the above printing to releasing the operation restriction using the print code of the printed matter Pc is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

[Another embodiment 1]
In the embodiment described above, the operation restricted state is the operation lock state in which the input operation is locked, but various other forms can be adopted. For example, the warning screen may be continuously displayed on the terminal monitor. In particular, by displaying the warning screen in the center or large on the monitor screen, it becomes difficult to see the screen that the user is operating, and the operation is restricted. Further, a form in which the printing operation as one form of operation is restricted, that is, a form in which the next printing cannot be executed when the printed matter is collected and the restriction on the printing operation is not released may be adopted.

[Another embodiment 2]
In the above-described embodiment, as the operation restriction release method, the print code information input screen is displayed, and the operation restriction is released by inputting the print code (character code) printed on the collected printed matter on the input screen. However, various other forms can be adopted. For example, when a QR code is used as a print code, each terminal is provided with a USB camera (print code reading means) having a QR code reading function, and information on the print code read by the USB camera (print code reading information) The operation restriction may be released based on

  The printer also includes a USB camera (print code reading means) on the printer side, and a print code reading information acquisition unit that transmits information on the print code read by the USB camera to the management server. The print code reading information may be compared with the stored print code information, and an operation restriction release command may be transmitted to the corresponding terminal. At this time, it is preferable that the notifying unit 21d of the management server 2 notifies the collection information to the corresponding terminal based on the transmitted reading information of the print code. For example, when a print code is set to be added to all the printed materials, and the print codes are printed on a plurality of collected printed materials Pc, all the print codes corresponding to the printed materials on the plurality of printed materials are all printed. By displaying the collection information including information (terminal, user name, etc.) obtained based on the print code on the terminal, it is possible to recognize who has been collected together with the printed matter.

  As described above, in the case where the operation restriction release command is transmitted from the management server based on the print code reading information, a mobile communication terminal can be used as the print code reading means. That is, the management server may be configured to receive print code reading information transmitted from a mobile communication terminal having a QR code reading function.

  If the operation restriction is not canceled by the user even after a certain time has elapsed, the management server may notify the administrator terminal of the print system. Furthermore, the user's mobile communication terminal address is stored in the management server in case the user leaves the terminal for a long time or when the terminal is turned off after receiving a print instruction and before receiving an operation restriction command. When such a situation occurs, information regarding uncollected printed matter may be transmitted.

[Another embodiment 3]
In the above-described embodiment, the transmission timing of the operation restriction command transmitted from the management server to the terminal is the time when the printing completion of the printed matter is detected, but various other forms can be adopted. For example, it may be in a form such as a point in time when the start of printing of a printed material is detected or a point in time when print log information is received from a terminal. Furthermore, a transmission timing adjustment unit that adjusts the timing of various command transmissions may be provided in the management server, and the transmission timing may be adjusted using the received print log information or the like. For example, when the number of print pages included in the print log information received from the terminal is within a predetermined value, the operation restriction command is transmitted when printing is started, and when the number is larger than the predetermined value, the operation restriction command is transmitted when printing is completed. Thereby, it is avoided that the operation is restricted for a long time during printing and the work efficiency is lowered. Also, the confidentiality of the file to be printed is stored in the management server. When the file has a high confidentiality, the print log information is received or at the start of printing. When the file has a low confidentiality, the printing is completed. An operation restriction command may be transmitted. According to such a form, in the case of a high-confidential file, the operation is restricted immediately after the printing instruction, and the user goes to the printer for collecting printed matter, so that the content of the high-sensitive file is exposed to the human eye. Can be reduced.

[Another embodiment 4]
In the embodiment described above, the case where the print code is printed at the upper right position of the sheet is shown, but it is of course possible to set to print at a position other than this. Also, a print position search function is provided in the print data generation unit so that a margin part for printing the print code in document data to be printed is automatically searched and the print code is printed at the searched margin position. Also good. As a result, it is possible to reliably print the print code on the margin.

  Further, RFID technology may be applied to writing a print code on a print sheet and reading the print code. That is, the above-described operation restriction is released by using a sheet having an RF tag, writing print code information on the RF tag, and reading the print code information by a tag reader as a print code reading means. According to such a configuration, since the print code is not printed on the paper, a printed matter having the same form as usual can be obtained, and the appearance is good and suitable.

[Another embodiment 5]
Whether the terminal 1, the management server 2, the shared printer 3, or the printer server 7 includes the above-described print code information generation unit, print data generation unit, and operation restriction release unit can be changed as appropriate. It is not limited.

Schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention Functional block diagram of a terminal, a management server, and a printer in the first embodiment Explanatory drawing explaining the data structure of print log information and print event information Explanatory drawing explaining the printed matter of print data with code The flowchart which shows the process sequence in 1st Embodiment. Figure showing the print code information input screen Figure showing the print code setting screen Schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention Functional block diagram of a terminal, a management server, and a printer in the second embodiment The flowchart which shows the process sequence in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Terminal 2 Management server 3 Shared printer 11 Print instruction | indication part 11a Print data generation part 11b Print job generation part 12 Display control and operation control part (operation regulation cancellation means)
12a Operation restriction part 12b Operation restriction release part (operation restriction release means)
14 Terminal management unit 14a Operation event information generation unit (print event information generation unit)
14b Operation log information generation unit (print log information generation unit)
21 Terminal Monitoring Unit 21a Operation Information Acquisition Unit 21b Print Code Information Generation Unit 21c Command Generation Unit 21d Notification Unit 22 Printer Monitoring Unit (Print Status Monitoring Unit)
23 Terminal information storage

Claims (10)

In a printing system configured by connecting a terminal, a management server that manages the terminal, and a printer to a network,
The terminal includes a print log information generation unit that generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job, and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the terminal.
The management server includes a command generation unit that generates an operation restriction command for restricting an input operation in the terminal based on the print log information transmitted from the terminal,
The management on the basis of the operation prohibition command transmitted from the server the input operation at the terminal is restricted by the operation control unit further,
A print code information generation unit for generating print code information to be added to the print data of the print job;
A print data generation unit for generating code-added print data by adding the print code information to the print data of the print job;
A printing system comprising: an operation restriction releasing unit for releasing an input operation restriction at the terminal based on a print code of the code-attached print data output to a print medium . The printing system according to claim 1, wherein instead of the input operation restriction, a printing operation restriction that prohibits execution of the next printing is performed. A printing state monitoring unit for monitoring a printing state of a print job in the printer;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the completion of printing of the print job is detected, the operation restriction command is transmitted from the management server to the terminal. The management server includes a terminal information storage unit that stores unique information of the terminal, and the print code information generation unit.
Printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 generated the print code information based on the unique information of the terminal that transmits the print job. The terminal includes a print event information generation unit that generates print event information related to the print job prior to transmission of the print job, and the print data generation unit.
The management server generates print code information based on the print event information transmitted from the terminal and unique information of the terminal, and transmits the generated print code information to the terminal.
The print system according to claim 4, wherein the terminal transmits a print job including the generated print data with code to the printer. A print job is transmitted from the terminal, and a printer server having the print data generation unit is further connected to the network,
The management server generates print code information based on the print log information transmitted from the terminal and unique information of the terminal, and transmits the generated print code information to the printer server.
The print system according to claim 4, wherein the printer server transmits a print job including the generated print data with code to the printer. A printing system is connected to a printer that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium, and a terminal that generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job. In a management server that manages the terminal to be configured,
A command generator for generating an operation prohibition command for regulating the input operation in the terminal based on the print log information received from the terminal,
A print code information generation unit that generates the print code information that is output from the printer and used when canceling the input operation restriction in the terminal;
A management server comprising: a transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives the print log information, the operation restriction command, and the print code information . A printing system is connected to a printer that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium, and a terminal that generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job. In a terminal management program for a management server that manages the terminal to be configured,
And generating an operation prohibition command for regulating the input operation in the terminal based on the print log information received from the terminal,
A function of generating the print code information that is output from the printer and used when canceling the input operation restriction in the terminal;
A terminal management program for causing a computer to realize a function of transmitting and receiving the print log information, operation restriction command, and print code information . In a terminal that is connected to a printer and a management server that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium and constitutes a print system,
A print log information generation unit that generates print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job ;
A transmission / reception unit that transmits the print log information to the management server and receives an operation restriction command generated based on the print log information in the management server ;
An operation control unit that restricts an input operation at the terminal based on the received operation restriction command and releases an input operation restriction at the terminal based on a print code output from the printer . In an operation management program for a terminal that is connected to a printer and a management server that outputs code-added print data to which print code information is added to a print medium and constitutes a print system.
A function for generating print log information describing the contents of the print job in response to transmission of the print job;
A function of transmitting the print log information to the management server and receiving an operation restriction command generated based on the print log information in the management server;
An operation management program for causing a computer to realize a function of restricting an input operation at the terminal based on the received operation restriction command and releasing an input operation restriction at the terminal based on a print code output from the printer .

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