JP4552471B2 - Print control program, print control apparatus, print control system, and print control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control program, a print control apparatus, a print control system, and a print control method for controlling printing on paper by an image forming apparatus based on print data.

  When printing information such as documents and images in a system where an information processing device such as a personal computer and an image forming device such as a printer are connected to each other via a network, the image forming device is connected to the network. If so, printing can be performed even if the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus are located at a distance.

  In the case of such a system, for example, even an in-house secret document can be freely printed using an image forming apparatus outside the in-house LAN (local area network). For this reason, in order to maintain the confidentiality of the document, it is necessary to limit the printing location depending on the content.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-98038 (Patent Document 1), when each networked digital copying machine has a user restriction function, other digital copying can be performed without going to other digital copying machines. A system that can remotely use the functions of the machine is disclosed. In this method, user restriction is performed on a user-by-user basis. According to this method, the user can be specified on the image forming apparatus side and printing permission can be controlled for each user in a fixed manner.

JP-A-8-98038

  However, in the method of Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform user restriction on a user basis, but it is not possible to restrict a print location on a content basis, and printing is performed dynamically from a specific image forming apparatus for each content. I can't allow it.

  The present invention relates to a print control program, a print control apparatus, a print control system, and a print control method that can limit a printing place in units of contents.

The present invention is a print control program for controlling printing on a sheet by an image forming apparatus. The print control program is used by an authorized person in a computer, and the authorized person distributes the print data for printing the content. The data divided into (n + 1) more than the number n of users , each of which indicates an ID indicating which print data is divided, division method information indicating a division method from the print data, and the print At least one piece of section print data to which attribute information including division number information indicating how many pieces are divided from the data is acquired from the authority and to another information processing apparatus used by the user acquiring remaining at least one of the user who has sent, and storing the intercept print data, the sections print de A step of matching the other attribute information sections print data attribute information is the division of the data, and restoring the print data based on the intercept print data to which the ID is met in the attribute information by the verification, the Sending the restored print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus and performing printing control. The restoration is performed from one piece of the print data based on the division number information of the attribute information. the print data said restored with divided division number of minute sections print data is performed when aligned, the set so as to be sent only to the previously designated image forming apparatus.

In addition, the present invention is a print control apparatus that controls printing on paper by an image forming apparatus, and is used by an authorized person , and a plurality of users to whom the authorized person distributes the print data for printing the content. Data divided by (n + 1) , which is one more than the number n of persons, ID indicating which print data is divided, division method information indicating a division method from the print data, and the print data From the authority, at least one of the section print data to which attribute information including division number information indicating how many is divided is acquired from the authority and sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user means for acquired remaining at least one of said user, means for storing said sections print data, the divided attribute information of the intercept print data Means for collating the attribute information of the other sections print data, and means for restoring the print data based on the intercept print data to which the ID is met in the attribute information by the collating, the restored print data previously Means for sending only to the designated image forming apparatus and controlling printing, and the restoration is performed based on the division number information of the attribute information and the number of divisions divided from one print data . print data said restored with partial sections print data is performed when aligned, the set so as to be sent only to the previously designated image forming apparatus.

The present invention also provides a print control system that includes at least one information processing apparatus, at least one print control apparatus, and at least one image forming apparatus, and controls printing on paper by the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus is used by an authorized person to divide print data for printing content into 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users to whom the authorized person distributes the content. Attribute information including ID indicating which print data is divided, division method information indicating a division method from the print data, and division number information indicating how many the print data is divided (n + 1) generates the intercept print data), the send generated by the sections print data at least one to one print control apparatus, the remaining less And means for sending to another information processing apparatus which is also used by the user to one, the print control apparatus includes means for obtaining the intercept print data from the authority and the user, the intercept print data Means for storing, means for comparing the attribute information of the section print data with the attribute information of the other divided section print data, and printing based on the section print data that matches the ID of the attribute information by the comparison Means for restoring data, and means for sending the restored print data only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance and controlling printing, wherein the restoration includes the division number information of the attribute information. print data the restored together takes place when the divided number of divisions of minute sections print data from one of the print data is aligned on the basis of, the previously designated It is set so as to be sent only to the image forming apparatus.

Further, the present invention is a printing control method for controlling the printing on the paper by the image forming apparatus, intercept the print data acquisition means are used by the authority, the authority's print data for printing a content Data divided into (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users who distribute content , each of which indicates an ID indicating which print data is divided, and a division indicating a division method from the print data At least one piece of section print data to which attribute information including method information and division number information indicating how many pieces are divided from the print data is acquired from the authority and used by the user acquiring remaining at least one of the user which is sent to another information processing apparatus, intercept the print data storing means, the intercept print data A step of storing the attribute information collating means comprises a step of matching the attribute information of the other sections print data attribute information is the division of the sections print data, the print data restoring means, the attribute information by the collating A step of restoring the print data based on the section print data with the matching ID, and a step in which the print control means sends the restored print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus to control printing. , hints, the restoration, the restored printed with made when the attribute the number of divisions the divided division number of minute sections print data from one of said print data based on the information of the information are aligned The data is set so that it can be sent only to the previously designated image forming apparatus .

The present invention is also a print control program for controlling printing on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, which is encrypted data obtained by encrypting print data used by an authorized person to print content on an information processing apparatus. there are, acquiring encrypted data attribute information is assigned, is used by authorities, a cryptographic key for decrypting the encrypted data, a step of acquiring an encryption key attribute information is assigned, wherein The attribute information given to the encrypted data and the encryption key includes an ID indicating which print data is encrypted data or which print data is encrypted. ID information and encrypted data generated from one print data and number information indicating the number of encryption keys. The encrypted data and the encryption key are stored in the encrypted data. And the number of the encryption keys are generated so that the authorized person is 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of the plurality of users distributing the content, and the encrypted data and the encryption key are generated. Obtaining at least one of keys from the authority, obtaining at least one of the remaining encrypted data and encryption key sent to another information processing device used by the user from the user, and storing the encrypted data and the encryption key, the steps of collating the attribute information of the encryption key and attribute information of the encrypted data, the encrypted data and the encryption key the ID is met in the attribute information by the collating The step of decoding the print data based on the step, and the step of sending the decoded print data only to the image forming apparatus designated in advance and controlling the printing , Is executed, the decoding, print data the decoded with performed when all are aligned in the encrypted data and the encryption key based on the number information of the attribute information, the image forming said predesignated It is set so that it can be sent only to the device .

In addition, the present invention is a print control apparatus that controls printing on paper by an image forming apparatus, and is encrypted data that is used by an authorized person to encrypt print data for printing content, and includes attribute information Means for obtaining encrypted data to which is attached, means for obtaining an encryption key used by an authorized person and decrypting the encrypted data, to which attribute information is attached , and wherein the encryption is performed. The attribute information assigned to the data and the encryption key includes ID information including an ID indicating which print data is encrypted data encrypted or which print data is encrypted. Including number information indicating the number of encryption data and encryption keys generated from the print data, the encryption data and the encryption key being a sum of the number of encryption data and the number of encryption keys The authorized person is generated to be (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users who distribute the content, and obtains at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key from the authorized person. Means for acquiring from the user at least one of the remaining encrypted data and the encryption key sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user, and storing the encryption data and the encryption key; Means for collating attribute information of the encryption data and attribute information of the encryption key; means for decrypting print data based on encryption data and an encryption key matching the ID of the attribute information by the matching; and only sent to the pre-specified image forming apparatus decoded print data includes a means for controlling the printing, the said decoding, the number of information of the attribute information Print data the decoded with is performed when all of the encrypted data and the encryption key are aligned on the basis of, the set so as to be sent only to the previously designated image forming apparatus.

The present invention also provides a print control system that includes at least one information processing apparatus, at least one print control apparatus, and at least one image forming apparatus, and controls printing on paper by the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus is used by an authorized person , encrypts print data for printing content , adds attribute information to generate encrypted data, and is used by the authorized person to store the encrypted data. Means for generating an encryption key to be decrypted and to which attribute information is attached, and from which print data the encrypted data and the attribute information attached to the encryption key are encrypted Encrypted data generated from one piece of print data and ID information including an ID indicating whether the print data is encrypted data or an encryption key used to encrypt the print data, and Number information indicating the number of issue keys, and the encrypted data and the encryption key are a total of the number of the encrypted data and the number of the encryption keys. The number of the encrypted data and the encryption key is generated so as to be one (n + 1) more than the number of persons n, and at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key is sent to one print control apparatus, Is sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user, and the print control apparatus acquires the encrypted data and the encryption key from the authority and the user , means for storing the encrypted data and the encryption key, and means for collating the attribute information of the encryption key and attribute information of the encrypted data, the ID is matched to the attribute information by the collating Means for decrypting print data based on encrypted data and an encryption key; and means for sending the decrypted print data only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance and controlling printing, and Is performed when all of the encryption data and the encryption key are prepared based on the number information of the attribute information, and the decrypted print data can be sent only to the image forming apparatus designated in advance. Set to

The present invention is also a print control method for controlling printing on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, wherein encrypted data acquisition means is used by an authorized person to encrypt print data for printing content. A step of acquiring encrypted data to which attribute information is attached, and an encryption key acquiring means used by an authorized person to decrypt the encrypted data , wherein the encryption key is provided with attribute information And the attribute information given to the encrypted data and the encryption key is the encrypted data encrypted from which print data, or the encryption used for encrypting which print data ID information including an ID indicating a key, encrypted data generated from one print data, and number information indicating the number of encryption keys, the encrypted data and the encryption key The total of the number of the encrypted data and the number of the encryption keys is generated so that the authorized person is 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of the plurality of users who distribute the content, and the encryption And at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key is acquired from the authority, and at least one of the remaining encrypted data and the encryption key sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user is the user. And the encryption data and encryption key storage means store the encryption data and the encryption key, and the attribute information collation means collates the attribute information of the encryption data and the attribute information of the encryption key. When the print data decoding means, comprising the steps of decoding the print data based on the encrypted data and the encryption key which the ID is met in the attribute information by the verification, printing Control means includes the steps of only sent to the image forming apparatus designated in advance the print data said decoding performs control of printing, the decryption, the encrypted data based on the number information of the attribute information The decrypted print data is set so that it can be sent only to the previously designated image forming apparatus .

In the present invention, the content print data is divided into a plurality of section print data, and when all the section print data is obtained, the print data is restored and printed, thereby limiting the print location depending on the contents. be able to. In addition, when the print data of the content is encrypted, and the encrypted print data and the encryption key for decrypting the encryption are ready, the print data is restored and printed, so that the print location depending on the content is printed. Restrictions can be made.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration for realizing a print control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At least one information processing apparatus 10, at least one print control apparatus 20 in which a program for realizing a print control method according to the present embodiment is stored, and at least one image forming apparatus 30 include a local area network (LAN). Are connected to each other in accordance with a predetermined protocol through an information transmission medium such as a data bus. In FIG. 1, two information processing apparatuses 10A and 10B, one print control apparatus 20, and two image forming apparatuses 30A and 30B are connected via a network or the like.

  In the present embodiment, printing is not performed until all of the plurality of segment print data obtained by dividing the print data in the information processing apparatus 10 or all of the encrypted data and the encryption key obtained by encrypting the print data are collected in the print control apparatus 20. Data is restored or decoded, and printing by the image forming apparatus can be performed. Accordingly, it is possible to perform printing only from a specific image forming apparatus with respect to a certain content, and it is possible to limit a printing place depending on the content.

  Examples of the information processing apparatus 10 include a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, and a portable information terminal.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, a data interface 140, and the like. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may further include a display unit 160, an input unit 180, and the like. Note that it is not necessary for all of these configurations to be included in one apparatus.

  The control unit 100 includes a control element such as a CPU and has a function of controlling the information processing apparatus 10 in an integrated manner.

  The storage unit 120 includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, and the like, and stores and holds electronic information such as programs processed by the control unit 100 and various data such as content. When a large amount of data is stored and held, it is also preferable to use a mass storage device such as a hard disk device, a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, or a magneto-optical disk device as an auxiliary storage device.

  The data interface 140 is connected to the data interface 240 in the print control apparatus 20 and the data interface 340 in the image forming apparatus 30 through a network or the like so as to be able to transmit information, and is used to transmit and receive various types of information such as print data.

  The display unit 160 includes a monitor, a touch panel, and the like, and is used for presenting various types of information to the user.

  The input unit 180 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and is used to acquire various types of information used for processing from the user. The display unit 160 and the input unit 180 may be an integrated user interface such as a touch panel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print control apparatus 20 can be configured to include a control unit 200, a storage unit 220, a data interface 240, and the like.

  The control unit 200 includes a control element such as a CPU and has a function of controlling the print control apparatus 20 in an integrated manner.

  The storage unit 220 includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, and the like, and stores and holds electronic information such as a program processed by the control unit 200 and print data. When a large amount of data is stored and held, it is also preferable to use a mass storage device such as a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, or a magneto-optical disk device as an auxiliary storage device.

  The data interface 240 is connected to the data interface 140 in the information processing apparatus 10 and the data interface 340 in the image forming apparatus 30 through a network or the like so as to be able to transmit information, and is used to transmit and receive various types of information such as print data.

  The print control apparatus 20 may further include a display unit configured to include a monitor, an input unit configured to include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The display means and the input means may be an integrated user interface such as a touch panel.

  Examples of the image forming apparatus 30 include various printers such as an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, a thermal system, and a plotter system, a fax machine; a multifunction machine such as a printer, a copier, a fax machine, and a scanner; a printing machine, etc. Any image forming apparatus may be used as long as it forms an image based on print data to be printed.

  Note that the paper in the present embodiment refers to not only general paper but also general objects to be printed including OHP sheets, cardboard, postcards, and the like. Further, the printed material indicates a paper on which printing has been performed, and of course includes not only paper but also an OHP sheet, cardboard, postcard, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 320, a data interface 340, a paper feeding unit 360, a printing unit 380, a paper discharging unit 400, and the like. The image forming apparatus 30 may further include a display unit, an input unit, and the like. Note that it is not necessary for all of these configurations to be included in one apparatus.

  The control unit 300 includes a control element such as a CPU, and has a function of controlling the image forming apparatus 30 in an integrated manner.

  The storage unit 320 includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, and the like, and stores and holds electronic information such as a program processed by the control unit 300 and print data. When a large amount of data is stored and held, it is also preferable to use a mass storage device such as a hard disk device, a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, or a magneto-optical disk device as an auxiliary storage device.

  The data interface 340 is connected to the data interface 140 in the information processing apparatus 10 and the data interface 340 in the print control apparatus 20 through a network or the like so as to be able to transmit information, and is used to transmit and receive various types of information.

  The print control method according to the present embodiment is realized by executing a print control program stored in the storage unit 220 of the print control apparatus 20.

  Each step of the print control method according to the present embodiment is converted into a computer-controllable print control program and stored and held in the storage unit 220 of the print control apparatus 20. The control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 reads a print control program held in the storage unit 220 and sequentially executes each process.

(Embodiment 1)
One embodiment of the printing control method of the present invention is realized by executing each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, each process is not an essential requirement and can be executed in combination as appropriate. For example, steps S16, S18, S28, S30, S32, S34, and S36 are preferably converted into a computer-controllable print control program and stored and held in the storage unit 220 of the print control apparatus 20. . Further, for example, steps S10, S12, S14, and S20 may be converted into another print control program that can be processed by a computer and stored and held in the storage unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 10.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the authorized person A permits the user B to print the content X using the image forming apparatus 30A will be described. Of course, the authorized person A may distribute one content to a plurality of users, or the authorized person A may distribute a plurality of contents to a plurality of users. Done. Here, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 10A in FIG. 1 can be used by the authorized person A, and the information processing apparatus 10B can be used by the user B. Here, a case will be described in which the authorized person A and the user B use different information processing apparatuses, but the authorized person A and the user B may share the same information processing apparatus.

  Here, the content means information such as document information and image information provided by an information processing apparatus or the like.

  In step S10, the control unit 100A of the information processing apparatus 10A divides print data, such as binary data obtained by converting document data, image data, and the like of content generated using application software, into a plurality of segment print data. .

  The method of dividing the print data is not particularly limited as long as the print data is divided into a plurality of segment print data. However, from the viewpoint of security, each segment print data alone does not have meaning as information. It is preferable to divide into two. For example, the binary data is divided into a plurality of segment print data every predetermined number of bytes, for example, every 100 bytes.

  The number of segment print data to be divided from one print data is not particularly limited, but if the number of persons to whom the authorized person distributes content is n (n is an integer), it is divided into (n + 1) or more segment print data. It is preferable to divide into (n + 1) pieces of section print data. For example, when the authority A distributes the content X to one user B, it is preferable to divide into two or more pieces of print data, and more preferably to divide into two pieces of print data. Here, the following description will be made on the assumption that the print data of the content X is divided into two, ie, section print data A and section print data B.

  In step S12, the control unit 100A assigns attribute information to each of the plurality of section print data divided in step S10. Here, the attribute information is information necessary when collating a plurality of section print data in step S32 described later. The attribute information includes, for example, ID number information including an ID number indicating from which print data the section print data is divided; division method information indicating how the print data is divided; one print data The number of division information indicating how many pieces of section print data have been divided.

  In step S14, the control unit 100A sends at least one section print data among the plurality of section print data to which the attribute information is assigned in step S12 to the print control apparatus 20 via the network or the like using the data interface 140. To do. Here, of the section print data A to which attribute information is assigned and the section print data B to which attribute information is assigned, the section print data A is sent to the print control apparatus 20.

  In step S <b> 16, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 acquires the section print data A sent from the information processing apparatus 10 </ b> A in step S <b> 14 using the data interface 240.

  In step S18, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 stores the section print data A acquired in step S16 in the storage unit 220.

  In step S20, the control unit 100A uses the data interface 140 to transfer the remaining at least one section print data B among the plurality of section print data to which the attribute information has been assigned in step S12, via a network or the like. It is sent to the information processing apparatus 10B. The section print data B may be sent from the information processing apparatus 10A to another information processing apparatus 10B by transmission via a network or the like, but a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk. The section print data B may be stored in a server or the like and acquired by the information processing apparatus 10B from the server.

  In step S22, the control unit 100B of the information processing apparatus 10B acquires the section print data B sent from the information processing apparatus 10A in step S20 using the data interface 140B.

  In step S24, the control unit 100B of the information processing apparatus 10B stores the section print data B acquired in step S22 in the storage unit 120B.

  In step S26, the control unit 100B of the information processing apparatus 10B sends the section print data B stored in step S24 to the print control apparatus 20 using the data interface 140B.

  In step S28, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 acquires the section print data B sent from the information processing apparatus 10B in step S26 using the data interface 240.

  In step S <b> 30, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 stores the section print data B acquired in step S <b> 28 in the storage unit 220.

  In step S32, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 collates the attribute information included in the section print data A stored in step S18 with the attribute information included in the section print data B stored in step S30. Then, the control unit 200 selects the section print data that matches the ID number information from the plurality of section print data stored in the storage unit 220. In step S10, it is determined based on the attribute information whether all of the section print data divided from one print data is prepared. At this time, for example, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the segment print data corresponding to the number of divisions divided from one print data indicated in the division number information has been prepared.

  In the collation in step S32, there is a time lag between sending and storing the section print data A from the information processing apparatus 10A of the authority A and sending and storing the section print data B from the information processing apparatus 10B of the user B. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 200 periodically performs an operation of selecting and determining the section print data matching the ID number information from the plurality of section print data stored in the storage unit 220 by using the scheduler function. . Thereby, even when a time lag occurs, it is possible to easily select the section print data whose ID number information matches.

  When the control unit 200 determines that all of the section print data divided from one print data in step S10 has been prepared, in step S34, the control unit 200 prints based on the section print data with the matching ID number information. Restore data.

  When the control unit 200 determines that all of the section print data divided from one print data is not yet prepared in step S10, the control unit 200 waits until all of the section print data divided in step S10 is prepared.

  In step S36, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 sends the restored print data restored in step S34 to the image forming apparatus 30A via the network or the like using the user interface 240. At this time, it is preferable that the restored print data is set so as to be sent only to the image forming apparatus 30A designated in advance, and is not sent to the image forming apparatus 30B not designated.

  Thereafter, the control unit 300A of the image forming apparatus 30A acquires the restored print data sent from the print control apparatus 20 in step S36 using the data interface 340. The control unit 300A of the print control apparatus 30A stores the acquired restored print data in the storage unit 320, and forms a print result image on a sheet using the printing unit 380 based on the restored print data.

  As a result, the user B cannot print without using the image forming apparatus 30 </ b> A designated by the authority A for the content X. Note that if the user B contacts the authorized person A so that the image forming apparatus 30B can also print, and the authorized person A sends the section print data to the image forming apparatus 30B, the user B sends the image forming apparatus 30B. Even 30B can be printed.

  One section print data corresponds to the other section print data. However, if a plurality of the same section print data is sent to the print control device 20 in advance, the other section print data corresponding to the number is printed. If sent, printing is allowed for that number.

  In this embodiment, the content print data is divided into a plurality of segment print data, and when all the segment print data is collected, the print data is restored and printed, thereby limiting the image forming apparatus depending on the content. It can be performed. Further, since only the divided section print data has no meaning as information, high security can be ensured.

(Embodiment 2)
Instead of using the plurality of segment print data obtained by dividing the print data shown in the first embodiment, the encryption data obtained by encrypting the print data by encryption, which is a known method, and the encryption key for decrypting the encrypted data May be used. The print control method according to the present embodiment is realized by executing each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, each process is not an essential requirement and can be executed in combination as appropriate. For example, steps S56, S58, S68, S70, S72, S74, and S76 are preferably converted to a computer-controllable print control program and stored and held in the storage unit 220 of the print control apparatus 20. . Further, for example, steps S50, S52, S54, and S60 may be converted into another print control program that can be processed by a computer and stored and held in the storage unit 120 of the information processing apparatus 10.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, an example in which the authorized person A permits the user B to print the content X using the image forming apparatus 30A will be described.

  In step S50, the control unit 100A of the information processing apparatus 10A obtains an encryption key by using a known encryption method for print data such as binary data obtained by converting document data, image data, etc. of content generated using application software. To generate encrypted data.

Secret key as the encryption key is not particularly limited, it may be a public key encryption that use two keys to be paired with respect to encryption and decryption, using the same key to encrypt and decrypt Encryption may be used.

  The number of encrypted data generated from one print data and the number of encryption keys are not particularly limited, but if the authorized person distributes the content to n (n is an integer), the number of encrypted data and the encryption The total number of keys is preferably (n + 1) or more, and more preferably (n + 1). For example, when the authority A distributes the content X to one user B, it is only necessary to generate one encrypted data and one encryption key. The authority A distributes the content X to two users. To do so, it is sufficient to generate one encrypted data and two encryption keys, or two encrypted data and one encryption key, and the authority A distributes the content X to three users. In this case, one encrypted data and three encryption keys, two encrypted data and two encryption keys, or three encrypted data and one encryption key may be generated. Here, the following description will be made assuming that one piece of encrypted data and one piece of encryption key are generated from the print data of content X.

  In step S52, the control unit 100A gives attribute information to each of the encrypted data and the encryption key encrypted in step S50. Here, the attribute information is information necessary when collating the encrypted data and the encryption key in step S72 described later. The attribute information includes, for example, ID number information including an ID number indicating which print data is encrypted data or which print data is encrypted; generated from one print data Number information indicating the number of encrypted data, the number of encryption keys, and the like are included.

  In step S54, the control unit 100A sends at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key to which the attribute information is assigned in step S52 to the print control apparatus 20 via the network or the like using the data interface 140. Here, among the encrypted data and the encryption key to which the attribute information is added, the encryption key is sent to the print control apparatus 20. Of course, the encrypted data may be sent to the print control apparatus 20.

  In step S56, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 acquires the encryption key sent from the information processing apparatus 10A in step S54 using the data interface 240.

  In step S58, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 stores the encryption key acquired in step S56 in the storage unit 220.

  In step S60, the control unit 100A uses the data interface 140 to transfer the remaining encrypted data of the encrypted data to which the attribute information has been assigned in step S52 and the encryption key to another information processing apparatus via a network or the like. Send to 10B. The encrypted data may be sent from the information processing apparatus 10A to another information processing apparatus 10B by transmission via a network or the like, but may be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk. It may be stored and provided, or the encrypted data may be stored in a server or the like and acquired from the server by the information processing apparatus 10B.

  In step S62, the control unit 100B of the information processing apparatus 10B acquires the encrypted data sent from the information processing apparatus 10A in step S60 using the data interface 140B.

  In step S64, the control unit 100B of the information processing apparatus 10B stores the encrypted data acquired in step S62 in the storage unit 120B.

  In step S66, the control unit 100B of the information processing apparatus 10B sends the encrypted data B stored in step S64 to the print control apparatus 20 using the data interface 140B.

  In step S68, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 acquires the encrypted data sent from the information processing apparatus 10B in step S66 using the data interface 240.

  In step S70, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 stores the encrypted data acquired in step S68 in the storage unit 220.

  In step S72, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 collates the attribute information included in the encryption key stored in step S58 with the attribute information included in the encrypted data stored in step S70. Then, the control unit 200 selects encrypted data and an encryption key whose ID number information matches from among a plurality of encrypted data and encryption keys stored in the storage unit 220. Then, based on the attribute information, it is determined whether or not all the encrypted data and the encryption key generated in step S50 are prepared. At this time, the control unit 200 determines, for example, whether the number of encrypted data generated from one print data indicated by the number information or the number of encrypted data and the number of encryption keys are the same. .

  If there is a time lag between sending and storing the encrypted data and sending and storing the encryption key in the checking in step S72, the checking may be performed periodically by the scheduler function as in the first embodiment. preferable.

  When the control unit 200 determines that all of the encrypted data and the encryption key generated from one print data are prepared in step S50, in step S74, the control unit 200 determines that the encrypted data having the same ID number information and the encrypted data The print data is decrypted based on the encryption key.

  If the control unit 200 determines that all of the encrypted data and encryption key generated from one print data in step S50 are not yet complete, the control unit 200 determines that all of the encrypted data and encryption key generated in step S50 Wait until they are ready.

  In step S76, the control unit 200 of the print control apparatus 20 sends the decrypted print data decrypted in step S74 to the image forming apparatus 30A via the network or the like using the user interface 240. At this time, it is preferable that the decrypted print data is set so as to be sent only to the image forming apparatus 30A designated in advance, and is not sent to the image forming apparatus 30B not designated.

  Thereafter, the control unit 300A of the image forming apparatus 30A acquires the decrypted print data sent from the print control apparatus 20 in step S76 using the data interface 340. The control unit 300A of the print control apparatus 30A stores the acquired decoded print data in the storage unit 320, and forms a print result image on a sheet using the printing unit 380 based on the decoded print data.

  In this embodiment, the print data of the content is encrypted with the encryption key, and when all the encrypted data and the encryption key are obtained, the print data is restored and printed. Restrictions can be made.

  Further, the print control apparatus 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention preferably has a management function for setting, managing, and controlling setting information for the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key. The setting information for the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key includes, for example, when the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key can be validated from when, until when, and from when to when Validity information such as whether or not it is possible; Erase information such as date and time for automatically erasing the section print data or encrypted data and encryption key; Print restriction information such as the number of printable copies and the number of printable times; User information such as information about possible users; Based on such setting information, the print control apparatus 20 can manage the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key, control the image forming apparatus 30, and the like.

  Such setting information for the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key is preferably set in advance before performing the printing process or when performing the printing process. The setting information is set when the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key are sent from the information processing apparatus 10A to the print control apparatus 20, or the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key are processed by the information processing apparatus 10A. This can be done when sending to device 10B. For example, in the information processing apparatus 10A, it can be performed on an interface such as a printer driver.

  The setting information for the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key can be set or changed after the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key are sent to the print control apparatus 20. For example, the section print data or the encrypted data and the setting information of the encryption key can be set or changed after being sent and stored from the information processing apparatus 10A to the print control apparatus 20 via a network or the like. Further, an input unit such as a touch panel may be provided in the print control apparatus 20 so that setting information can be set or changed from the input unit.

  Further, after sending the section print data or encrypted data and the encryption key to the print control apparatus 20, in addition to setting or changing the setting information, the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key are deleted or printed. It is possible to give instructions such as canceling.

  The setting information can be set or changed, and the above instruction can be performed from all the information processing apparatuses 10, but from the viewpoint of security, it can be performed only from the information processing apparatus 10A used by the authorized person A. It is preferable that the information processing apparatus 10B used by the user B cannot perform the operation.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the print control apparatus 20 may be realized by being directly installed in the image forming apparatus 30. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the function of the print control device 20 may be realized by being incorporated in the image forming device 30. In this case, the print control program according to the present embodiment is stored and held in the storage unit 320 of the image forming apparatus 30. In each of these cases, the section print data or the encrypted data and the encryption key received from the information processing apparatus 10A and the information processing apparatus 10B via the network or the like are collated, restored, or combined according to the above-described method, and the sheet is printed. Desired printing can be realized by printing.

  Further, in order to surely perform printing by the designated image forming apparatus 30, the print control apparatus 20 is realized by being directly installed in the image forming apparatus 30, or the function of the print control apparatus 20 is the image forming apparatus. 30 is preferably implemented, and the function of the print control apparatus 20 is more preferably implemented in a form incorporated in the image forming apparatus 30.

  As described above, the content print data is divided into a plurality of section print data, and when all the section print data is prepared, the print data is restored and printed, or the content print data is encrypted. When all the encrypted data and encryption key are encrypted with the key and the print data is restored and printed, it is not printed unless the divided section print data or encrypted data and encryption key are prepared, Printing limited to a specific printing machine can be easily specified, and execution of printing can be controlled. As a result, it is possible to prevent a print instruction from being sent to the outside of the confidential document.

  In addition, a plurality of section print data or encrypted data and an encryption key are sequentially sent to the print control apparatus 20, and a plurality of remaining section print data or encrypted data and an encryption key are sent over time. By simultaneously sending, a specific document group stored in the print control apparatus can be collectively printed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the information processing apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a chart figure showing an example of a printing control method in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a chart figure which shows another example of the printing control method in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another example of a structure of the printing control system in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another example of a structure of the printing control system in one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print control system, 10 Information processing apparatus, 20 Print control apparatus, 30 Image forming apparatus, 100, 200, 300 Control part, 120, 220, 320 Storage part, 140, 240, 340 Data interface, 160 Display part, 180 inputs , 360 paper feed means, 380 printing means, 400 paper discharge means.

Claims (8)

A print control program for controlling printing on paper by an image forming apparatus,
On the computer,
Used by authorized users, a data print data authority was divided into only one more (n + 1) than the number n of the plurality of users for distributing the content to print the content, respectively, from which the print data Of the segment print data to which attribute information including an ID indicating division, division method information indicating a division method from the print data, and division number information indicating how many the print data is divided, is given . Obtaining at least one from the authority and obtaining from the user at least one remaining sent to another information processing device used by the user ;
Storing the section print data;
Collating the attribute information of the section print data with the attribute information of the other divided section print data;
Restoring the print data based on the section print data that matches the ID of the attribute information by the matching;
Sending the restored print data only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance, and controlling printing;
And execute
The restoration is print data the restored together takes place when the attribute the number of divisions the divided division number of minute sections print data from one of said print data based on the information of the information is gathered, the A print control program that is set so that it can be sent only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance . A printing control apparatus that controls printing on paper by an image forming apparatus,
Used by authorized users, a data print data authority was divided into only one more (n + 1) than the number n of the plurality of users for distributing the content to print the content, respectively, from which the print data Of the segment print data to which attribute information including an ID indicating division, division method information indicating a division method from the print data, and division number information indicating how many the print data is divided, is given . Means for obtaining at least one from the authority and obtaining from the user at least one remaining sent to another information processing device used by the user ;
Means for storing the section print data;
Means for collating the attribute information of the section print data with the attribute information of the other divided section print data;
And means for restoring the print data based on the intercept print data to which the ID is met in the attribute information by the verification,
Means for sending the restored print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus and controlling printing;
Have
The restoration is print data the restored together takes place when the attribute the number of divisions the divided division number of minute sections print data from one of said print data based on the information of the information is gathered, the A print control apparatus, wherein the print control apparatus is set so that it can be sent only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance . A print control system including at least one information processing apparatus, at least one print control apparatus, and at least one image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus controls printing on paper.
The information processing apparatus includes:
The print data used by the authorized person to print the content is divided into 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of the plurality of users to whom the authorized person distributes the content , and each print data is divided from each. ID, the division method information indicating a method of dividing from the print data, and generates the intercept print data by assigning an attribute information including the division number information indicating which is divided into a number (n + 1) from the print data shown And means for sending at least one of the generated section print data to one print control device and sending at least one remaining to another information processing device used by the user ,
The print control device includes:
Means for obtaining the section print data from the authority and a user ;
Means for storing the section print data;
Means for collating the attribute information of the section print data with the attribute information of the other divided section print data;
And means for restoring the print data based on the intercept print data to which the ID is met in the attribute information by the verification,
Means for sending the restored print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus and controlling printing;
Have
The restoration is print data the restored together takes place when the attribute the number of divisions the divided division number of minute sections print data from one of said print data based on the information of the information is gathered, the A print control system, which is set so that it can be sent only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance . A printing control method for controlling printing on paper by an image forming apparatus,
The section print data acquisition means is data used by an authorized person and divided into 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users to whom the authorized person distributes the print data for printing the contents , Each is given attribute information including an ID indicating which print data is divided, division method information indicating a division method from the print data, and division number information indicating how many pieces are divided from the print data Obtaining at least one of the section print data from the authority, and obtaining from the user at least one remaining sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user ;
Section print data storage means for storing the section print data;
An attribute information collating unit collating the attribute information of the section print data with the attribute information of the other divided section print data;
The print data restoring means, and restoring the print data based on the intercept print data to which the ID is met in the attribute information by the verification,
A print control means for sending the restored print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus and controlling printing;
Including
The restoration is print data the restored together takes place when the attribute the number of divisions the divided division number of minute sections print data from one of said print data based on the information of the information is gathered, the A print control method, wherein the print control method is set so that it can be sent only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance . A print control program for controlling printing on paper by an image forming apparatus,
In the information processing device,
Obtaining encrypted data to which attribute information is added, which is encrypted data used by an authorized person and encrypted print data for printing content ;
Obtaining an encryption key used by an authorized person and decrypting the encrypted data, to which attribute information is attached;
Here, the attribute information given to the encrypted data and the encryption key is an ID indicating which print data is encrypted data or which print data is encrypted. Including the ID information and the number information indicating the number of encryption data and encryption keys generated from one print data, wherein the encryption data and the encryption key include the number of the encryption data and the number of the encryption keys. The total is generated so that the authorized person is 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users distributing the content, and at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key is obtained from the authorized person. Obtaining at least one of the remaining encrypted data and the encryption key sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user from the user;
Storing the encryption data and the encryption key;
Collating attribute information of the encrypted data with attribute information of the encryption key;
Decrypting print data based on encrypted data and an encryption key that match the ID of the attribute information by the verification;
Sending the decrypted print data only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance, and controlling printing;
And execute
The decryption is performed when all of the encryption data and the encryption key are prepared based on the number information of the attribute information, and the decrypted print data can be sent only to the image forming apparatus designated in advance. The print control program is set as described above . A printing control apparatus that controls printing on paper by an image forming apparatus,
Means for acquiring encrypted data to which attribute information is added, which is encrypted data used by an authorized person and encrypted for printing data for printing content ;
Means for obtaining an encryption key used by an authorized person and decrypting the encrypted data, to which attribute information is attached;
Here, the attribute information given to the encrypted data and the encryption key is an ID indicating which print data is encrypted data or which print data is encrypted. Including the ID information and the number information indicating the number of encryption data and encryption keys generated from one print data, wherein the encryption data and the encryption key include the number of the encryption data and the number of the encryption keys. The total is generated so that the authorized person is 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users distributing the content, and at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key is obtained from the authorized person. Obtaining at least one of the remaining encrypted data and the encryption key sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user from the user;
Means for storing the encryption data and the encryption key;
Means for comparing the attribute information of the encrypted data with the attribute information of the encryption key;
Means for decrypting print data based on encrypted data and an encryption key that match the ID of the attribute information by the verification;
Means for sending the decrypted print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus and controlling printing;
Have
The decryption is performed when all of the encryption data and the encryption key are prepared based on the number information of the attribute information, and the decrypted print data can be sent only to the image forming apparatus designated in advance. The print control apparatus is characterized by being set as described above . A print control system including at least one information processing apparatus, at least one print control apparatus, and at least one image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus controls printing on paper.
The information processing apparatus includes:
Means for encrypting print data to be used by an authorized person to print content , adding attribute information, and generating encrypted data;
Means for generating an encryption key used by an authorized person and decrypting the encrypted data, to which attribute information is attached;
Have
The attribute information given to the encrypted data and the encryption key is ID information including an ID indicating which print data is encrypted data or which print data is encrypted. And number information indicating the number of encrypted data generated from one print data and the number of encryption keys, the encrypted data and the encryption key including the number of the encrypted data and the number of the encryption keys, The authorized person is generated so as to be 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users who distribute the content, and at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key is sent to one print control apparatus And at least one of the remaining encrypted data and the encryption key is sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user,
The print control device includes:
Means for obtaining the encryption data and the encryption key from the authority and the user ;
Means for storing the encryption data and the encryption key;
Means for comparing the attribute information of the encrypted data with the attribute information of the encryption key;
Means for decrypting print data based on encrypted data and an encryption key that match the ID of the attribute information by the verification;
Means for sending the decrypted print data only to a pre-designated image forming apparatus and controlling printing;
Have
The decryption is performed when all of the encryption data and the encryption key are prepared based on the number information of the attribute information, and the decrypted print data can be sent only to the image forming apparatus designated in advance. A print control system characterized by being set as described above . A printing control method for controlling printing on paper by an image forming apparatus,
An encrypted data acquisition means that is used by an authorized person to acquire encrypted data to which print data for printing content is encrypted and attribute information is added; and
An encryption key obtaining unit is used by an authorized person to obtain an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted data, to which attribute information is attached;
Here, the attribute information given to the encrypted data and the encryption key is an ID indicating which print data is encrypted data or which print data is encrypted. Including the ID information and the number information indicating the number of encryption data and encryption keys generated from one print data, wherein the encryption data and the encryption key include the number of the encryption data and the number of the encryption keys. The total is generated so that the authorized person is 1 (n + 1) more than the number n of a plurality of users distributing the content, and at least one of the encrypted data and the encryption key is obtained from the authorized person. Obtaining at least one of the remaining encrypted data and the encryption key sent to another information processing apparatus used by the user from the user;
An encryption data and encryption key storage means for storing the encryption data and the encryption key;
An attribute information collating unit collating the attribute information of the encrypted data with the attribute information of the encryption key;
A step of decrypting print data based on encrypted data and an encryption key that match the ID of the attribute information by the verification;
A step of printing control means for sending the decoded print data only to an image forming apparatus designated in advance and controlling printing;
Including
The decryption is performed when all of the encryption data and the encryption key are prepared based on the number information of the attribute information, and the decrypted print data can be sent only to the image forming apparatus designated in advance. The print control method is characterized by being set as follows.

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