JP4461962B2 - Printing system and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method in which a printing apparatus receives print data from a server via a network and prints it.

  As a function to prevent others from seeing the output document when sending and outputting a highly confidential document remotely to a facsimile machine or printing device used by an unspecified number of people There is confidential transmission and confidential printing.

  For example, in the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, confidential printing is performed according to the following flow. When the user requests printing from the personal computer, the printer transmits to the printer, together with the print data, confidential printing and the user ID of the person who pulls out the document. The printer notifies the receipt of the print data to the person who pulls out the document. When the notified user goes to the printer, inputs the user ID and password from the operation unit, and designates desired print data from the print list addressed to the user, the corresponding print data stored in the printer is retrieved. Printed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249848

  In the above printing system, since the print data extraction authority is managed by the user ID and password, it is necessary to input the user ID and password to extract the print data, and the operation at the time of extraction is complicated. Also, if the password is forgotten, the print data could not be retrieved. Furthermore, if the user ID and password are stolen, there is a possibility that the printed content may be taken out by another person, and the security is not perfect.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing system and a printing method that have high security and can take out print contents from a server with a simple operation.

The invention according to claim 1 is a printing system having a management server and a printing apparatus connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Wireless tag reading means for reading ID information unique to the wireless tag from a wireless tag embedded in a recording paper set at a predetermined reading position;
An input means for receiving an output number unique to the output person;
Communication means for communicating with the management server via a network;
Printing means, and
The management server
Print data receiving means;
Storage means;
Communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
It has a registration mode and a take-out mode as operation modes,
In the registration mode, an input of an output person number is received from the input means, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at the reading position, and the output person number and the Sending a recording sheet registration request including ID information to the management server;
In the take-out mode, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position, and an output request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. In response to the print data sent from the management server, printing is executed based on the print data,
The management server
When the recording sheet registration request is received, the output person number and ID information included in the recording sheet registration request are stored in the storage unit in association with each other,
When print data with an output person number is received, the print data and the output person number are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit;
When the output request is received, the print data stored in the storage means in association with the same output person number as that stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the output request Is transmitted to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request.

  According to the above invention, the wireless tag having the unique ID information is embedded in the recording paper. The user sets the recording sheet with the wireless tag held in the printing apparatus, inputs his output person number, and executes reading in the registration mode. As a result, the ID information of the wireless tag embedded in the recording sheet is read, the ID information and the output person number are transmitted to the management server, and the ID information and the output person number are associated with each other to the management server. be registered.

  When receiving print data with an output person number from the print request source apparatus, the management server stores the output person number and the print data in association with each other.

  When the user takes out the print data with the output person number from the management server and prints it, the user sets the recording paper with the wireless tag in the printing apparatus. Thereby, the ID information is read from the wireless tag, and the ID information is transmitted to the management server.

  The management server checks whether or not the received ID information is registered in association with the output person number. If it is registered, there is print data associated with the same output person number as that output person number. If it exists, the print data is transmitted to the corresponding printing apparatus. The printing apparatus prints based on the print data sent from the management server.

  In this way, the ID information read from the recording paper with the wireless tag and the output person number of the user of the recording paper are registered in advance in the management server, and thereafter the output person is recorded by the recording paper. Authentication is performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the management server receives an output request from the printing apparatus, the same output as the output person number stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the output request A name of all print data stored in the storage means in association with the user number is transmitted to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request,
The printing device displays the name of the print data received from the management server, accepts a print data selection operation from these, sends an output request including the name of the selected print data to the management server,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the management server transmits print data having a name included in the output request to a printing apparatus that is a transmission source of the output request.

  According to the above invention, when an output request is transmitted from the printing apparatus to the management server, all output person numbers associated with the same output person number as the output person number associated with the ID information included in the output request are stored. The name of the print data is returned from the management server. The printing apparatus displays these names, receives a print data selection operation from the user, acquires the selected print data from the management server, and prints it. As a result, when there are a plurality of print data associated with the corresponding output person number, the user can select which print data to print. Note that the name of the print data is returned and selected only when there are a plurality of print data associated with the same output person number as the output person number associated with the ID information included in the output request. You may comprise as follows.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the management server receives an output request from the printing apparatus, the same output as the output person number stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the output request Sending the print data stored first in association with the user number to the printing apparatus that sent the output request, and erasing the print data after transmission The printing system according to claim 1.

  According to the above invention, the print data received in advance are output in order.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus further includes an inquiry mode as an operation mode,
In the inquiry mode, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position, and an inquiry request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. Receiving the inquiry data sent from the management server in response to the request and displaying or printing the inquiry data;
When the management server receives the inquiry request, the management server associates it with the same output person number as the output person number stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the inquiry request. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein inquiry data including names of all the printing data stored in is transmitted to a printing apparatus that is a transmission source of the inquiry request.

  According to the above-described invention, before printing is performed, what kind of print data exists for the user is notified.

The invention according to claim 5 is a printing system having a management server and a printing apparatus connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Wireless tag reading means for reading ID information unique to the wireless tag from a wireless tag embedded in a recording paper set at a predetermined reading position;
An input means for receiving an output number unique to the output person;
Communication means for communicating with the management server via a network;
Printing means, and
The management server
Print data receiving means;
Storage means;
Communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
It has a registration mode and a take-out mode as operation modes,
In the registration mode, an input of an output person number is received from the input means, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at the reading position, and the output person number and the Sending a recording sheet registration request including ID information to the management server;
In the take-out mode, ID information is read from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position by the wireless tag reading means, and an output request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. In response to the print data sent from the management server, printing is executed based on the print data,
The management server
When the recording sheet registration request is received, the output person number and ID information included in the recording sheet registration request are stored in the storage unit in association with each other,
When print data with an output person number is received, the print data and the output person number are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit;
The print data and the ID information stored in the storage means are associated one-to-one among those associated with the same output person number,
When the output request is received, the print data stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the output request is transmitted to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request. is there.

  According to the above invention, the management server associates the stored print data and ID information in a one-to-one correspondence among those associated with the same output person number, and outputs from the printing apparatus. When the request is received, the print data associated with the ID information included in the request is transmitted to the printing apparatus. That is, the recording paper with the wireless tag is associated with any print data having the same output person number on a one-to-one basis, and the print data uniquely associated with the recording paper set in the printing apparatus is printed.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the printing apparatus further has an inquiry mode as an operation mode,
In the inquiry mode, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position, and an inquiry request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. Receiving the inquiry data sent from the management server in response to the request and displaying or printing the inquiry data;
When the management server receives the inquiry request, the management server transmits inquiry data including the name of the print data associated with the ID information included in the inquiry request to a printing apparatus that is a transmission source of the inquiry request. The printing system according to claim 5.

  According to the above invention, the name of the print data uniquely associated with the recording paper set in the printing apparatus is inquired. The name of the inquired print data may be printed on the corner of the recording paper.

The invention according to claim 7 is the printing system according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the input person of the output person number is authenticated when the input of the output person number is received.

  According to the above invention, when the ID information and the output person number of the recording paper with a wireless tag are registered in association with each other, user authentication is performed and unauthorized recording paper registration is prevented. For example, authentication is performed by requesting input of a password corresponding to the output person number.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that when printing the print data received from the management server, the recording paper set at the reading position is used as the first sheet of printing. 5. The printing system according to 5.

  According to the above invention, the recording paper used for the personal authentication is used as the first sheet for printing. The second and subsequent sheets may be fed from another sheet feeding tray or the like.

In the invention according to claim 9, the management server stores the output number and the e-mail address in association with each output number.
When print data with an output person number is received, an e-mail indicating that is transmitted to an e-mail address associated with the output person number added to the print data. Item 6. The printing system according to Item 1 or 5.

  According to the above invention, when the print data arrives at the management server, the fact is notified to the output person of the print data.

In the invention according to claim 10, the management server stores the output number and the email address in association with each output number,
For each output person number, the difference between the number of print data associated with the output person number and the number of ID information associated with the same output person number as the output person number is less than the reference value 6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein an e-mail prompting additional registration of ID information is transmitted to an e-mail address associated with the output person number.

  According to the above invention, the number of print data having an output person number is compared with the number of ID information (recording paper), and when the number of registered recording papers is reduced or insufficient, the recording paper is added. An e-mail prompting registration is automatically sent to the corresponding output person. For example, when print data with an output person number is received, the above processing is performed for the output person number.

The invention according to claim 11 is a printing method in which print data with an output person number is retrieved from the management server and printed.
A step of receiving an input of an output person number, reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at a predetermined reading position, and registering the output person number and the ID information in association with each other in the management server When,
A management server receiving print data with an output person number and storing the output person number and the print data in association with each other;
A printing apparatus reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a set recording sheet, and transmitting an output request including the ID information to the management server;
The management apparatus that has received the output request sends the print data associated with the same output person number as the output person number associated with the ID information included in the output request to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request Sending to
The printing method includes a step of receiving print data sent from the management server and executing printing based on the print data.

  In the above invention, the process of reading the ID information from the recording sheet with the wireless tag and associating the ID information with the output person number and registering it in the management server may be performed by an apparatus other than the printing apparatus. Further, the function of the management server may be built in the printing apparatus.

The invention according to claim 12 is a printing method in which print data with an output person number is taken out from the management server and printed.
A step of receiving an input of an output person number, reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at a predetermined reading position, and registering the output person number and the ID information in association with each other in the management server When,
A management server receiving print data with an output person number and storing the output person number and the print data in association with each other;
A step in which the management server associates the print data and the ID information on a one-to-one basis among those associated with the same output person number;
A printing apparatus reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a set recording sheet, and transmitting an output request including the ID information to the management server;
The management server that has received the output request transmits print data associated with the ID information included in the output request to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request;
The printing method includes a step of receiving print data sent from the management server and executing printing based on the print data.

  According to the printing system and the printing method according to the present invention, the ID information read from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper and the output person number of the user of the recording paper are registered in advance in the management server, At the time of output, the ID information read from the recording paper with the wireless tag set in the printing apparatus is transmitted to the management server, and the print data having the same output person number as the output person number associated with the ID information is sent to the management server After registration, the output person is authenticated using a recording sheet with a wireless tag, and there is no need to enter authentication information such as a password from the operation unit. It can be taken out.

  In addition, since the print contents cannot be pulled out on recording paper that does not have a wireless tag embedded therein, or on recording paper that has an embedded wireless tag having ID information associated with a different output number, it is illegal to view the printed content from others. Can be prevented and security is ensured.

  Further, since the printing contents can be taken out from any recording paper as long as it is associated with the same output person number, management of the recording paper is facilitated.

  When printing, the names of all the print data associated with the corresponding output person number are displayed, and the print data selected by the user is acquired from the management server and printed. Can be selected and printed.

  The management server that has received the output request sends the print data stored first among the print data associated with the corresponding output person number to the printing apparatus. Print output can be obtained in order.

  In the apparatus having the inquiry mode, the user can know what kind of print data has arrived for himself / herself just by setting a recording sheet before executing printing.

  In the management server, in which the print data and ID information associated with the same output person number are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis, by selecting the recording sheet to be set in the printing apparatus, it is associated with the recording sheet. Print data can be selectively printed.

  In the case of authenticating the input person when receiving the input of the output person number, unauthorized recording paper registration by another person is prevented.

  When printing the print data received from the management server, the recording sheet set at the reading position is used as the first sheet for printing, and the recording sheet used for authentication is effectively used for printing.

  When the print data arrives at the management server, the print data sent to the self from other people can be output at an early stage by notifying the print data output person to that effect.

  When the number of print data having the output person number is compared with the number of ID information (recording paper), an e-mail that prompts additional registration of recording paper when the number of registered recording papers is reduced or insufficient In the case of automatic transmission to the corresponding output person, it is not necessary to self-manage the shortage of the number of registered recording sheets, and convenience is improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a printing system 10 according to the present invention. The printing system 10 includes a multifunction machine 20 as a printing apparatus and a management server 40. The multifunction device 20 and the management server 40 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 12 together with office equipment such as the personal computer 11. The LAN 12 is also connected to a LAN 14 in another office via the Internet 13. A personal computer 11 and a multifunction device 20 are also connected to a LAN 14 in another office. The intervening network may be other types.

  A facsimile adapter 15 is further connected to the management server 40. The facsimile adapter 15 is connected to the facsimile machine 17 and the like via a telephone network including the exchange 16 and the like.

  The multifunction machine 20 has a scanner function for reading an original image, a copy function for reading an original image and forming a duplicate image on the recording paper, a printer function for forming an image corresponding to print data on the recording paper, and a facsimile for transmitting and receiving the original image. It has functions.

  The management server 40 receives print data (including facsimile received image data) from a terminal device such as the personal computer 11 or the facsimile device 17 and stores it, and prints the stored print data on the multifunction device 20 or the like. It has a function to transmit to the device. That is, the management server 40 functions as a print server and a content server. Further, the management server 40 has a so-called confidential function. When receiving print data with an output person number from the personal computer 11 or the facsimile machine 17, the management server 40 receives an output request associated with the same output person number from the multifunction machine 20. Only in this case, the print data is transmitted to the multifunction device 20.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the multifunction machine 20. The multi-function device 20 is a circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 23 as main parts as a control unit that performs overall control of operations. It consists of The ROM 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 21 and various fixed data. The RAM 23 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 21 executes a program, and a page memory that stores at least one page of image data for performing a rotation process.

  The reading unit 24 has a function of reading a document image and taking in corresponding image data. The reading unit 24 includes a light source that irradiates the document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in the width direction thereof, a moving unit that moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and reflected light from the document. And an optical path composed of a lens, a mirror, or the like for guiding the light to a line image sensor to form an image. The line image sensor is constituted by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like. The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D converted and captured as digital image data.

  The recording unit 25 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. The recording unit 25 is configured as a so-called laser printer having a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, and the like. ing. The facsimile unit 26 functions to control the reading unit 24 and the recording unit 25 to operate the multifunction machine 20 as a facsimile apparatus. Specifically, a function for compressing / decompressing image data by a compression method corresponding to a facsimile, a function for controlling various communication procedures for facsimile transmission / reception, and exchanging data with a partner facsimile machine via a communication line It fulfills the modem function and so on.

  The display unit 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various kinds of guidance information and status information. The operation unit 28 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 27 and other switches. The operation unit 28 functions as an input unit that receives an input such as an output person number, and includes a numeric keypad for receiving an input of an output person number, an “inquiry button” that is operated when inquiring about print contents to the management server 40, and the like. is there.

  The image processing unit 29 performs a function of compressing / decompressing image data, a function of enlarging / reducing an image, a function of rotating an image, and the like. The network I / F unit 30 functions as a communication unit that communicates with the management server 40 and other external devices via a LAN or the Internet.

  The wireless tag reader 31 is an antenna for communicating with the wireless tag 51 embedded in the recording paper 50 with the wireless tag, and the wireless control unit 32 transmits / receives data to / from the wireless tag 51 through the wireless tag reader 31. Communication control to supply power to the network. The wireless tag reader 31 and the wireless control unit 32 function as wireless tag reading means.

  The wireless tag 51 is an electronic tag having a wireless communication function, and includes an IC chip and an antenna that operate by receiving power supply from the outside by electromagnetic induction or the like. The wireless tag 51 uses an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) method. The IC chip of the wireless tag 51 stores unique ID information and has a function of wirelessly transmitting this ID information to the outside. The IC chip is so small that it can be squeezed into paper, and each sheet of recording paper in which the IC chip is squeezed can be individually recognized by ID information. The ID information is assigned by, for example, an auto ID center and is centrally managed.

  FIG. 3 shows the attachment position of the wireless tag reader 31. The multifunction machine 20 includes a manual feed tray 33 for manually feeding recording paper, and the wireless tag reader 31 is attached to a reader support portion 34 in the vicinity of the recording paper drawing portion of the manual feed tray 33. The reader support part 34 is a slide rail extending in the front direction of the recording paper drawing-in part (the width direction of the recording paper set on the manual feed tray 33), and the wireless tag reader 31 is read by a driving part (not shown). The support part 34 is configured to reciprocate along the slide rail.

  When the wireless tag-added recording paper 50 set on the manual feed tray 33 is drawn toward the recording paper drawing-in part, the wireless tag reader 31 is reciprocated along the reader support part 34 many times, whereby the wireless tag-containing recording paper is provided. The wireless tag 51 embedded in 50 is searched and ID information is read. In the figure, an arrow 35 indicates the drawing direction of the recording paper, and an arrow 36 orthogonal thereto indicates a range in which the wireless tag reader 31 reciprocates.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the management server 40. The management server 40 is composed of a computer device having a server function, and is rewritable in which a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a print content management table 44, and a mail address management table 45 are registered. And a non-volatile memory. The communication unit 41 functions as a receiving unit that receives print data from the personal computer 11 or the facsimile device 17 and a communication unit that communicates with the multifunction device 20. The control unit 42 has a function of performing overall control of the operation of the management server 40. The storage unit 43 functions to store print data. In the print content management table 44, management data for managing print data is registered. In the mail address management table 45, an electronic mail address as a destination of various notifications is registered.

  FIG. 5 shows a data flow in the printing system 10. Each user has a plurality of recording papers 50 with their own wireless tags. Each user sets his / her own RFID-tagged recording paper 50 on the manual feed tray 33 of the multifunction device 20 and inputs his / her output person number (a personal number uniquely identifying each user) from the operation unit 28. And operate the start key. Accordingly, the multifunction device 20 starts the operation in the registration mode, and the wireless tag reader 31 performs the scanning operation of the recording paper 50 with the wireless tag. The multi-function device 20 transmits a registration request including the ID information read from the wireless tag 51 of the recording paper 50 with the wireless tag and the output person number input previously to the management server 40 by this scan. The output person number and ID information included in the received registration request are associated with each other and registered in the print content management table 44 (P1: recording paper registration).

  The confidential print request is made as follows. For example, when Mr. A sends the print contents from the personal computer 11a to Mr. B in a confidential manner, Mr. A inputs Mr. B's “output person number”, and the print data with the output number of Mr. B is sent to the management server 40. (P2: confidential print request). The management server 40 that has received the print data with the output person number stores the print data in the storage unit 43 and associates the output person number added to the print data with the print data. 44. For example, an output person number and print data identification information (file name, file pointer, etc.) are associated and registered in the print content management table 44.

  When the registration of the print data with the output person number is completed, the management server 40 transmits an e-mail for notifying the user having the output person number that the print data has been received (P3: reception notification). FIG. 6 shows an example of the electronic mail 61 related to the reception notification. For example, when print data with Mr. B's output number is received, the previous e-mail is transmitted to Mr. B's personal computer 11b.

  Here, a record obtained by subtracting the registered number of print data (print contents) registered in association with Mr. B's output number from the registered number of ID information registered in association with Mr. B's output number. When the remaining number of paper registrations becomes a reference value (for example, 3) or less, or when the remaining registration number is “0”, an e-mail for further registration of recording paper is also sent to Mr. B. FIG. 7 shows an example of the additional registration prompting email 62 transmitted when the remaining registration number is “0”. FIG. 8 shows an example of the additional registration incentive email 63 transmitted when the remaining number of registrations is small.

  The confidential print request to the management server 40 can also be made via the Internet 13 from the LAN 14 of another office (FIG. 5, P4). Further, confidential printing can be requested from the facsimile machine 17 by performing facsimile transmission designating the recipient (P5). For example, facsimile transmission is performed from the facsimile machine 17 to the facsimile adapter 15 with the output number of Mr. B designated as the confidential box number. The facsimile adapter 15 outputs, to the management server 40, print data with an output person number in which the confidential box number received confidential from the facsimile apparatus 17 is the output person number and the received image data is the print data. The management server 40 stores the print data with the output person number received from the facsimile adapter 15 in the storage unit 43 in the same manner as when received from the personal computer 11, and the management data indicating the correspondence between the output person number and the print data Is registered in the print content management table 44, and an e-mail for notification of reception is transmitted to Mr. B.

  The user who has confirmed the reception notification brings the registered wireless tag-containing recording paper 50 to one of the multifunction peripherals and sets it on the manual feed tray 33. Then, the multifunction device 20 automatically reads the ID information from the set recording paper 50 with the RFID tag, and transmits an output request including this ID information to the management server 40. The management server 40 checks whether or not there is an output person number associated with the ID information included in the received output request, and if there is an associated output person number, associate it with the output person number It is checked whether there is any registered print data. If the corresponding print data exists, the print data is transmitted to the MFP 20 that is the transmission source of the previous output request. The multi-function device 20 prints according to the print data sent from the management server 40 (P6: take out). Here, when there are a plurality of print data, the oldest one is transmitted.

  When executing the received printing, the multi-function device 20 uses the recording paper 50 with the RFID tag set in the manual feed tray 33 as the first sheet of printing, and the second and subsequent pages are provided with the normal function provided in the multi-function device 20. Use recording paper. That is, when the second page is fed, an operation of switching the paper feed source from the manual feed tray 33 to another paper feed tray is performed.

  The multifunction device 20 notifies the management server 40 of the completion of printing when the printing related to the print data sent from the management server 40 is completed. In response to this, the management server 40 deletes the corresponding print data and management data from the storage unit 43 and the print content management table 44.

  When the user does not want to print immediately, but wants to know what kind of print content has arrived for himself / herself, he / she presses an “inquiry button” (not shown) on the operation unit 28 of the multi-function device 20 to read the RFID The entering recording paper 50 is set. Then, the multi-function device 20 transmits an “inquiry command” including ID information read from the set recording paper 50 with the RFID tag to the management server 40. The management server 40 obtains the names of all print data (file names, etc.) associated with the same output person number as the output person number associated with the ID information included in the “inquiry command” as the previous “inquiry”. The command is sent back to the MFP 20 that is the transmission source of the command. Receiving this, the multi-function device 20 displays the name of the print data on the display unit 27 or prints out the print data on a normal recording paper other than the set recording paper 50 with the RFID tag.

  The management server 40 monitors the registration number of ID information and the registration number of print data for each registered output number, and the remaining registration number obtained by subtracting the registration number of print data from the registration number of ID information. When the reference value (for example, 3) or less is reached, an e-mail is sent to the e-mail address registered in the e-mail address management table 45 in association with the output person number to prompt additional registration of recording paper. It is like that.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the print content management table 44. For each output person number, register an ID information registration field 71 for registering ID information associated with the output person number and print data identification information (file name and file pointer) associated with the output person number. A file registration field 72 is provided. The file pointer indicates the location of the print data in the storage unit 43. Here, ID information and print data identification information are registered in order from the oldest. Note that there is no individual association between the ID information associated with the same output person number and the identification information of the print data.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, for example, a person whose output person number is “1000” registers ID information for five sheets of recording paper. Two print data waiting for output are registered for the person with the output person number “1000”. When print data addressed to the person whose output person number is “1000” is newly received, the print data identification information (file name and file pointer) is additionally registered in the file registration field 72 of the output person number “1000”. The When the person with the output number “1000” newly registers the recording paper with the wireless tag, the ID information is additionally registered in the ID information registration field 71 of the output number “1000”.

  Also, for example, a person whose output number is “1000” prints the print data of the file name “estimate.doc” using the wireless tag-added recording paper with the ID information “333334444”, and the printing is completed. , The ID information of “333344444” is deleted from the ID information registration column 71 whose output number is “1000”, and the file name of “estimate.doc” is deleted from the file registration column 72 whose output number is “1000”. The file pointer is deleted, and the corresponding print data is deleted from the storage unit 43.

  In the case of a person whose output person number is “1001”, four pieces of print data are registered, but only one piece of ID information is registered. In such a case, an e-mail prompting additional registration of recording paper has already been sent to the person with the output number “1001”.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the mail address management table 45. In the mail address management table 45, an electronic mail address is registered for each output person number. Registration in the mail address management table 45 may be registered for all users who use the printing system 10 as one of the items set in the management server 40 by a system administrator or the like. Alternatively, registration may be performed from the personal computer 11 or the like.

  FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing performed by the multifunction machine 20. When the output person number is input from the operation unit 28 (step S101; Y), the output person number is stored in the internal memory (step S102), and waiting for the recording paper to be set on the manual feed tray 33 (step S102). S103; N). When the recording paper is set on the manual feed tray 33 (step S103; Y), the operation mode is set to “registration mode” (step S104).

  When the output number is not input from the operation unit 28 (step S101; N) and the “inquiry button” is operated (step S105; Y), the process waits for the recording paper to be set on the manual feed tray 33. (Step S106; N) When the recording paper is set (Step S106; Y), the operation mode is set to “inquiry mode” (Step S107).

  When there is no input of the output person number from the operation unit 28 (step S101; N) and the “inquiry button” is not operated (step S105; N), when a recording sheet is set on the manual feed tray 33 (step S108; Y), the operation mode is set to “removal mode” (step S109).

  After setting one of the operation modes, the multi-function device 20 pulls in the recording paper set on the manual feed tray 33 and reads the ID information from the wireless tag (step S110). If reading of the ID information fails (step S111; N), a warning message such as “ID reading failed. Please try again” is displayed on the display unit 27 (step S117), and the process ends. (End)

  When the ID information has been successfully read (step S111; Y), if the operation mode is “inquiry mode” (step S112; Y), an inquiry command including the read ID information is transmitted to the management server 40 ( Step S113) The process ends (END).

  If the operation mode is “registration mode” (step S114; Y), a registration request including the read ID information and the output person number stored in step S102 in the internal memory is transmitted to the management server 40 ( Step S115) The process ends (END). If the operation mode is “removal mode” (step S114; N), an output request including the read ID information is transmitted to the management server 40 (step S116), and the process is terminated (end).

  FIG. 12 shows the main process of the management server 40. The management server 40 waits for reception from the personal computer 11, the facsimile machine 17, and the multifunction device 20 (step S200; N), and when there is reception (step S200; Y), executes the received content analysis process (step S200; Y). (S201), it returns to the reception standby state again.

  FIG. 13 shows the received content analysis processing. When the received content includes ID information (step S220; Y), it is checked whether or not the received content is an “inquiry command”. When the received content is an “inquiry command” (step S221; Y), an “inquiry command” is received. The “file name extraction process” corresponding to is executed (step S222), and the analysis process is terminated (end).

  If it is not an “inquiry command” (step S221; N), it is checked whether or not an output person number is included in the received content. If an output person number is included (step S223; Y), it corresponds to reception of a registration request. The “ID information registration process” is executed (step S224), and the analysis process is ended (end).

  When the received content does not include the output person number (step S223; N), the “content extraction processing” corresponding to the reception of the output request is executed (step S225), and the analysis processing is ended (end).

  If the received content does not include ID information (step S220; N) and the received print content is received (step S226; Y), it is checked whether or not print data with an output number is received, and an output number is added. In this case (step S227; Y), the “print content management process” is executed (step S228), and the analysis process is terminated (end).

  If it is not print data with an output person number (step S227; N), “normal print processing” is executed (step S229), and the analysis processing is ended (END). If the received content does not include ID information (step S220; N) and the received content is not received (step S226; N), the analysis process is terminated (end).

  FIG. 14 shows “ID information registration processing”. It is checked whether or not the output person number included in the received registration request has been registered in the print content management table 44 (step S240). If not registered (step S240; N), the output person number is printed. New registration is performed in the content management table 44 (step S241).

  After new registration or when the output person number has been registered (step S240; Y), the ID information included in the received registration request is included in the received registration request in the print content management table 44. The ID is additionally registered in the ID information registration column 71 corresponding to the output person number (step S242). Thereafter, a registration completion message is transmitted to the multifunction machine 20 that has transmitted the previous registration request (step S243), and the process is terminated (END).

  FIG. 15 shows “print content management processing”. It is checked whether the output person number indicated by the received print data with the output person number has been registered in the print content management table 44 (step S260). If not registered (step S260; N), the output person number is used as the print content. New registration is performed in the management table 44 (step S261).

  After the new registration or when the output person number has already been registered (step S260; Y), the received print data is stored in the storage unit 43, and the output person number file registration column indicated by the print data with the output person number indicates the print data. Print data identification information (file name and file pointer) is registered (step S262). Thereafter, an e-mail for reception notification is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the e-mail address management table 45 in association with the output person number (step S263).

  Further, the number of ID information registered in the ID information registration field 71 of the output person number is compared with the number of files registered in the file registration field 72 of the output person number. When the number is not more than the number (step S264; N), an e-mail for prompting additional registration of ID information (recording paper) is transmitted to the e-mail address associated with the output person number (step S265), and the process ends. (End)

  If the number of ID information is greater than or equal to the number of files (step S264; Y), the process ends without sending an e-mail prompting additional registration (END). In addition, you may comprise so that the e-mail which encourages additional registration may be transmitted when the number of remaining ID information as a result of subtracting the number of files from the number of ID information is a predetermined value (for example, 3) or less.

  FIG. 16 shows “print content extraction processing”. The print content management table 44 is searched to find the file registration field of the output person number associated with the ID information included in the received output request, and the file name registered at the top of the file registration field, The file pointer is extracted, the corresponding print data is taken out from the storage unit 43, and is transmitted to the multi-function device 20 that is the transmission source of the output request (step S280). Here, since there is no individual association between the ID information associated with the same output person number and the identification information of the print data, the print contents that have been received in advance are output in order. It has become.

  Thereafter, it waits for a print completion notification from the multifunction device 20 (step S281; N). When the print completion notification is received (step S281; Y), the corresponding print content and ID information are deleted ( Step S282), the process is terminated. Specifically, the print data is deleted from the storage unit 43, and the corresponding management data (ID information, file pointer, file name) is deleted from the print content management table 44. It should be noted that the print completion notification sent from the multifunction device 20 may include information that can specify the deletion target, such as ID information and a file name. Further, when the multifunction device 20 includes a large-capacity storage device for storing print data such as a hard disk device, the exchange of the print completion notification may be omitted. At this time, the management server 40 may delete the print contents and the ID information when transmission of the print data is completed.

  FIG. 17 shows “file name extraction processing”. The print content management table 44 is searched to find the file registration field of the output person number associated with the ID information included in the received “inquiry command”, and the print data identification information (file It is checked whether at least one name or file pointer is registered (step S300). If not registered (step S301; N), a message indicating that there is no corresponding information is transmitted to the multi-function device 20 (step S302), and the process is terminated (END).

  If registered (step S301; Y), the inquiry data indicating all the file names and the number of files registered in the corresponding file registration column is used as the MFP 20 that is the transmission source of this “inquiry command”. (Step S303), and the process ends (END). The multi-function device 20 displays the received inquiry data on the operation unit 28 or prints it on recording paper.

  FIG. 18 shows “normal print processing”. Print data without an output person number is not subject to security. Here, the multi-function device 20 that executes printing of print data without an output person number is fixed in advance, and the received print data is transmitted to the fixed multi-function device (step S320). Actually, if registration is made at the end of a print queue addressed to a fixed MFP, the distribution process (not shown) will send print data to the corresponding MFP in order from the head of the queue. ing.

  Next, a case where the management server 40 associates the ID information with the print contents on a one-to-one basis will be described. In this case, in the “print content management process”, the management server 40 is registered in the ID information registration field 71 of the corresponding output person number and any ID information that has not yet been associated with the print content. And the print contents received this time are associated one-to-one. If there is no uncorrelated ID information, or if the ID information is less than the specified value, an e-mail that prompts registration of ID information (recording paper) is transmitted.

  In the “ID information registration process”, when there is a print content that is not yet associated with the ID information in the file registration field of the corresponding output person number, the ID information newly registered this time and the print content are displayed. A process of making a one-to-one correspondence is performed.

  Further, in the “file name extraction process”, the file name of the print contents and the reception date / time associated with the ID information included in the “inquiry command” are transmitted as inquiry data. Upon receiving this, the multi-function device 20 may print the file name indicated by the inquiry data at a location that does not interfere with normal printing, such as a corner of the recording paper 50 with the wireless tag.

  In the “print content extraction process”, the print content associated with the ID information included in the output request is transmitted to the corresponding multifunction device 20. In this case, in the example shown in FIG. 9, for example, when a person with an output person number “1000” uses a recording sheet with a wireless tag with ID information “333344444”, the file name “ The print data of “secret document.doc” is printed. When the printing is completed, the ID information of “333344444” is deleted from the ID information registration field 71 whose output person number is “1000”, and the “confidential document. The file name and file pointer of “doc” are deleted, and the corresponding print data is deleted from the storage unit 43.

  In the case of one-to-one correspondence, the ID information (recording paper) is notified when the ID information (recording paper) is registered in the registration completion message, which is represented by character symbols and the like, and the multi-function device 20 that has received the ID information indicates the wireless tag. You may comprise so that ID information may be printed on the corner of the entering recording paper 50, etc. FIG. Then, when transmitting the reception notification, the ID information in which the print content is associated with the print content together with the file name and the reception date / time corresponding to the print content may be notified.

  As a result, the user can grasp which RFID-tagged recording paper 50 should be used to output the notified print contents. When registering a recording sheet, it is preferable to automatically generate a serial number or management number for each output person number on the management server 40 side and use this number instead of the ID information. In this way, each user can manage the recording paper with, for example, a 4-digit serial number, and the amount of information that each user should manage can be reduced compared to the ID information.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, when an output request is received, the oldest print content registered in the file registration field of the corresponding output person number is transmitted. Information such as the registered file name and reception date / time is transmitted to the multifunction device 20 that is the transmission source of the output request, the file name is displayed on the display unit 27 on the multifunction device 20 side, and a selection operation is accepted from the user. The output request including the selected file name may be transmitted to the management server 40, and the management server 40 may be configured to transmit the print data of the file name to the multifunction device 20.

  In addition, when registering a recording sheet, it is preferable that authentication information such as a password is requested in addition to the output person number, and the identity is confirmed.

  Note that recording sheet registration may be performed by a registration-dedicated apparatus different from the multifunction machine 20. In the embodiment, a multifunction peripheral is described as an example of a printing apparatus. However, other types of apparatuses may be used as long as the apparatus has a printing function. Further, the function of the management server 40 may be built in the multifunction device 20 so that the operation related to confidential printing is performed only for the print data with the output person number received by the apparatus.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the printing system concerning embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral included in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an attachment position of a wireless tag reader and a reading operation in a multifunction peripheral. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the management server which the printing system concerning embodiment of this invention contains. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the data in the printing work using the printing system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the email concerning a notification of reception. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the additional registration reminder email. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the additional registration encouraging e-mail. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing content management table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a mail address management table. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the multifunction peripheral. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the reception content analysis process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the ID information registration process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the printing content management process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the printing content extraction process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the file name extraction process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the normal print process which a management server performs.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Printing system 11 ... Personal computer 12 ... LAN
13 ... Internet 14 ... LAN in another office
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Facsimile adapter 16 ... Exchange machine 17 ... Facsimile apparatus 20 ... Multifunction machine 21 ... CPU
22 ... ROM
23 ... RAM
24: Reading unit 25 ... Recording unit 26 ... Facsimile unit 27 ... Display unit 28 ... Operation unit 29 ... Image processing unit 30 ... Network I / F unit 31 ... Wireless tag reader 32 ... Wireless control unit 33 ... Manual feed tray 34 ... Reader support unit 35 ... Arrow indicating recording paper drawing direction 36 ... Arrow indicating range of reciprocation of wireless tag reader 40 ... Management server 41 ... Communication unit 42 ... Control unit 43 ... Storage unit 44 ... Print content management table 45 ... Mail address management table 50 ... Recording paper with wireless tag 51 ... Wireless tag 61 ... Email related to reception notification 62 ... Additional registration prompting email 63 ... Additional registration encouragement email 71 ... ID information registration column 72 ... File registration column

Claims (12)

A printing system having a management server and a printing apparatus connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Wireless tag reading means for reading ID information unique to the wireless tag from a wireless tag embedded in a recording paper set at a predetermined reading position;
An input means for receiving an output number unique to the output person;
Communication means for communicating with the management server via a network;
Printing means, and
The management server
Print data receiving means;
Storage means;
Communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
It has a registration mode and a retrieval mode as operation modes,
In the registration mode, an input of an output person number is received from the input means, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at the reading position, and the output person number and the Sending a recording sheet registration request including ID information to the management server;
In the take-out mode, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position, and an output request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. In response to the print data sent from the management server, printing is executed based on the print data,
The management server
When the recording sheet registration request is received, the output person number and ID information included in the recording sheet registration request are stored in the storage unit in association with each other,
When print data with an output person number is received, the print data and the output person number are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit;
When the output request is received, the print data stored in the storage means in association with the same output person number as that stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the output request Is transmitted to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request. When the management server receives the output request from the printing apparatus, the management server stores the information in association with the same output person number as the output person number stored in the storage unit in association with the ID information included in the output request. The names of all print data stored in the means are transmitted to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request,
The printing device displays the name of the print data received from the management server, accepts a print data selection operation from these, sends an output request including the name of the selected print data to the management server,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the management server transmits print data having a name included in the output request to a printing apparatus that is a transmission source of the output request. When the management server receives the output request from the printing apparatus, the management server stores the information in association with the same output person number as the output person number stored in the storage unit in association with the ID information included in the output request. The print data stored first in the means is transmitted to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request, and the print data is deleted after the transmission. The printing system described. The printing apparatus further includes an inquiry mode as an operation mode;
In the inquiry mode, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position, and an inquiry request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. Receiving the inquiry data sent from the management server in response to the request and displaying or printing the inquiry data;
When the management server receives the inquiry request, the management server associates it with the same output person number as the output person number stored in the storage means in association with the ID information included in the inquiry request. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein inquiry data including names of all the printing data stored in is transmitted to a printing apparatus that is a transmission source of the inquiry request. A printing system having a management server and a printing apparatus connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Wireless tag reading means for reading ID information unique to the wireless tag from a wireless tag embedded in a recording paper set at a predetermined reading position;
An input means for receiving an output number unique to the output person;
Communication means for communicating with the management server via a network;
Printing means, and
The management server
Print data receiving means;
Storage means;
Communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
It has a registration mode and a take-out mode as operation modes,
In the registration mode, an input of an output person number is received from the input means, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at the reading position, and the output person number and the Sending a recording sheet registration request including ID information to the management server;
In the take-out mode, ID information is read from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position by the wireless tag reading means, and an output request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. In response to the print data sent from the management server, printing is executed based on the print data,
The management server
When the recording sheet registration request is received, the output person number and ID information included in the recording sheet registration request are stored in the storage unit in association with each other,
When print data with an output person number is received, the print data and the output person number are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit;
The print data and the ID information stored in the storage means are associated one-to-one among those associated with the same output person number,
When the output request is received, the printing system stores the print data stored in the storage unit in association with the ID information included in the output request to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request. The printing apparatus further includes an inquiry mode as an operation mode;
In the inquiry mode, ID information is read by the wireless tag reading means from the wireless tag embedded in the recording paper set at the reading position, and an inquiry request including the ID information is transmitted to the management server. Receiving the inquiry data sent from the management server in response to the request and displaying or printing the inquiry data;
When the management server receives the inquiry request, the management server transmits inquiry data including the name of the print data associated with the ID information included in the inquiry request to a printing apparatus that is a transmission source of the inquiry request. The printing system according to claim 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the input person of the output person number is authenticated when receiving the input of the output person number. The printing system according to claim 1 or 5, wherein when printing the print data received from the management server, the recording paper set at the reading position is used as a first sheet for printing. For each output person number, the management server stores an output person number and an email address in association with each other,
When print data with an output person number is received, an e-mail indicating that fact is transmitted to an e-mail address associated with the output person number added to the print data. Item 6. The printing system according to Item 1 or 5. For each output person number, the management server stores an output person number and an email address in association with each other,
For each output person number, the difference between the number of print data associated with the output person number and the number of ID information associated with the same output person number as the output person number is less than the reference value The printing system according to claim 1 or 5, wherein an e-mail prompting additional registration of ID information is transmitted to an e-mail address associated with the output person number. In a printing method in which print data with an output person number is retrieved from the management server and printed,
A step of receiving an input of an output person number, reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at a predetermined reading position, and registering the output person number and the ID information in association with each other in the management server When,
A management server receiving print data with an output person number and storing the output person number and the print data in association with each other;
A printing apparatus reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a set recording sheet, and transmitting an output request including the ID information to the management server;
The management apparatus that has received the output request sends the print data associated with the same output person number as the output person number associated with the ID information included in the output request to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request Sending to
A printing method comprising: a printing apparatus receiving print data sent from the management server and executing printing based on the print data. In a printing method in which print data with an output person number is retrieved from the management server and printed,
A step of receiving an input of an output person number, reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a recording sheet set at a predetermined reading position, and registering the output person number and the ID information in association with each other in the management server When,
A management server receiving print data with an output person number and storing the output person number and the print data in association with each other;
A step in which the management server associates the print data and the ID information on a one-to-one basis among those associated with the same output person number;
A printing apparatus reading ID information from a wireless tag embedded in a set recording sheet, and transmitting an output request including the ID information to the management server;
The management server that has received the output request transmits print data associated with the ID information included in the output request to the printing apparatus that is the transmission source of the output request;
A printing method comprising: a printing apparatus receiving print data sent from the management server and executing printing based on the print data.

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