JP5327295B2 - Printing method and printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer, a printing method and a computer program, capable of preventing information from being leaked through a printed matter, and capable of dispensing with user waiting for finish of printing over a long time in front of the printer unwillingly. <P>SOLUTION: MFP receives a printing data for confidential printing (S201), determines whether the received printing data is transferred from other printer or not (S202), and determines either of an output bottle with a key openable and closable with the key or a holding part allowing take-out for printing based on user authentication, as an output address of the received printing data. The printing data is transferred to the other printer having an output bottle with a usable key, when the output bottle with the key is under an unusable state. The output bottle with the key is determined as the output address of the printing data, without requiring determination about whether the output bottle with the key is under a usable state or not, when the printing data is transferred from the other printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a computer program, and more particularly to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a computer program for confidential printing.

  When using a printer in an office, consideration must be given to preventing information leakage. For this reason, a printing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) shared by a plurality of users is equipped with a confidential printing function in order to prevent a printed matter from being seen by a third party.

  As a function of confidential printing, there is generally known a method of starting print output when user authentication is completed by operating the MFP after sending print data to the MFP (Patent Documents 1 and 2). reference).

  However, if the number of printed sheets is large, the size of the printing paper is large, or if a printing mode such as color printing or double-sided printing is set, a long time is required for the printing operation after the authentication operation. . In this case, the user eventually has to wait for completion of printing for a long time in front of the MFP. On the other hand, if the user dislikes the waiting time and performs normal printing, the utilization rate of confidential printing may be reduced, and measures against information leakage may become incomplete.

JP-A-8-314659 JP 2004-94816 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent leakage of information due to printed matter, and to complete printing for a long time in front of the printing apparatus against the user's will. It is an object to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a computer program that do not have to wait.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A receiving unit that receives print data, a transfer determination unit that determines whether the received print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, and a form in which the print data is printed on paper The output bin with a key that can be opened and closed by a key, a state determination unit that determines whether or not the output bin with the key can be used, and the print determination by the transfer determination unit When it is determined that the print data is not transferred from the apparatus, the output destination of the received print data can be held as well as the output bin with the key and the print data according to the information about the print data. A control unit that performs an output destination determination process for determining print data as one of holding units that can be taken out for printing based on user authentication, and the control unit includes the print data. When the output destination is determined to be the keyed output bin, and the state determination unit determines that the keyed output bin cannot be used, the keyed output bin that can use the print data When the transfer determination unit determines that the print data is transferred from another print device, the print data is output without performing the output destination determination process. The destination is determined to be the keyed output bin, the print data is print data for confidential printing, and the control unit is information on the print data modified based on the confidentiality of the print data The printing apparatus determines the output destination of the print data according to the above .

  (2) The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein the receiving unit further receives information for releasing the key.

( 3 ) The information relating to the print data is an expected time required for printing the print data calculated based on a print condition of the print data, and the control unit is configured to output the estimated time that is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. In this case, the output destination of the print data is determined as the keyed output bin, and the output destination of the print data is determined as the holding unit when the expected time is smaller than the threshold value. The printing apparatus according to ( 1 ) or (2) .

( 4 ) The information related to the print data is the number of prints based on the print data,
The control unit determines the output destination of the print data as the keyed output bin when the print number is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and the print data when the print number is smaller than the threshold value. The printing apparatus according to ( 1 ) or (2) , wherein the output destination is determined to be the holding unit.

( 5 ) The printing apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 4 ), wherein the holding unit is provided in a self-printing apparatus.

( 6 ) Any one of the above (1) to ( 4 ), wherein the holding unit is provided in a print control device that converts print data into bitmap format data and transfers the data to the print device. The printing apparatus as described in any one.

( 7 ) The printing apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 4 ), wherein the holding unit is provided in a device on a network capable of communicating with the printing apparatus.

( 8 ) The printing apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 7 ), further including a notification unit that notifies the output destination of the determined print data.

( 9 ) The printing apparatus according to ( 8 ), wherein the notification unit further notifies the completion of printing of the print data together with information for specifying its own printing apparatus.

( 10 ) A reception step of receiving print data, a transfer determination step of determining whether or not the received print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, and a form in which the print data is printed on paper In the state determination step for determining whether or not the keyed output bin that can be opened and closed with a key can be used, and in the transfer determination step, the print data is not transferred from another printing device. The output destination of the received print data, the output bin with the key, and the print data can be held and the held print data is based on user authentication according to the information about the print data. A determination step for performing an output destination determination process for determining one of the holding units that can be taken out for printing. In this case, when the output destination of the print data is determined to be the keyed output bin and the state determination step determines that the keyed output bin cannot be used, the print data can be used. When it is transferred to another printing apparatus having the keyed output bin, and the print determining step determines that the print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, the output destination determination process is not performed. The output destination of the print data is determined in the keyed output bin, and the print data is print data for confidential printing, and is corrected based on the importance of confidentiality of the print data in the determination step. printing method in response to said information relating to the print data, and wherein the Rukoto determined output destination of the print data.

( 11 ) A reception procedure for receiving print data, a transfer determination procedure for determining whether or not the received print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, and the print data in the transfer determination procedure If it is determined that the print data is not transferred from the printing apparatus, a lockable output bin that can be opened and closed with a key that can be output in a form in which the print data is printed on paper can be used according to the information about the print data A state determination procedure for determining whether or not a state is present, an output destination of the received print data, the output bin with a key, and the print data that can be held and the held print data based on user authentication A determination procedure for performing an output destination determination process for determining one of the holding units that can be taken out for printing, in the determination procedure, the print data When it is determined that the output destination is the keyed output bin and the state determination procedure determines that the keyed output bin cannot be used, the keyed output bin that can use the print data is selected. When the transfer determination procedure determines that the print data is transferred from another print apparatus, the output destination of the print data is not performed without performing the output destination determination process. Is determined to be the keyed output bin, and the print data is print data for confidential printing, and in the determination procedure, information regarding the print data modified based on the importance of confidentiality of the print data in response, the computer program for executing the output destination of the print data is shall be determined processing on the print device.

( 12 ) A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to ( 11 ) is recorded.

  According to the present invention, since the print data for the confidential printing is received and printed out, the output destination with the key is either the keyed output bin or the holding unit, thus ensuring confidentiality. It becomes possible to take the output form as needed. For example, when the printing time is expected to be long as a result, for example, when the number of printed sheets is large, the printing apparatus can print the print data on a sheet and output the print data to a keyed output bin. . In this case, if the user goes to the installation location of the printing apparatus in anticipation of the completion of printing, the user can acquire the printed matter using the key without waiting in front of the printing apparatus. On the other hand, when the printing time is expected to be short as a result, such as when the number of printed sheets is small, the printing apparatus can output the print data to a holding unit that can be extracted based on user authentication. . In this case, the user can go to the installation location of the printing apparatus and acquire the printed matter in a short time after the user authentication is completed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent leakage of information due to printed matter, and it is not necessary for the user to wait for completion of printing for a long time in front of the printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, when the output destination is determined to be a keyed output bin, and the keyed output bin of the printing apparatus that has received the print data is not usable, the usable keyed output bin is displayed. The other printing apparatus is searched, and the print data is transferred to the other printing apparatus. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which processing is waited until the output bin with a key with a limited number of installations becomes available, and as a result, the function of confidential printing can be secured and the use can be improved.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic front view of an MFP. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure through an operation screen for confidential printing in the MFP. An example of a confidential printing setting screen is shown. An example of a user registration screen is shown. An example of a confidential printing execution screen is shown. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of confidential print data reception processing in the MFP. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of confidential print data reception processing in the MFP, continued from FIG. 8. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the determination process of an output destination. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the notification process of printing completion. An example of the estimated print time per sheet for each print mode is shown.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing system includes a PC (personal computer) 100, an RIP server 200 as a print control apparatus, and an MFP 300 (generic name for MFPs 300A, 300B, and 300C) as a printing apparatus. Is communicably connected. The network 500 includes a LAN in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI, or a WAN in which LANs are connected by a dedicated line.

  Note that the RIP server 200 and the MFP 300 may be directly connected between devices. Further, the types and the number of devices connected to the network 500 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  An application for creating / editing a document file is installed in the PC 100. The PC 100 transmits print data based on the document file instructed to be printed on the application to the RIP server 200.

  The RIP server 200 converts the print data received from the PC 100 into bitmap format print data (raster data) that can be interpreted by the MFP 300 and transmits the converted print data to the MFP 300. The RIP server 200 is generally realized by using a workstation or a PC.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the MFP 300, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the MFP 300.

  The MFP 300 includes a CPU 301, a memory 302, a hard disk 303, an operation panel unit 304, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 305, an image reading unit 306, a paper feeding unit 307, an image forming unit 308, a paper discharge unit 309, and a communication interface 310. These are connected to each other via a bus 311 for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 301 performs control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. The memory 302 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The hard disk 303 stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

  The hard disk 303 also has an area for a digital output bin that can hold print data and can hold the held print data for printing based on user authentication.

  The operation panel unit 304 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions.

  The ADF 305 conveys one or more set originals one by one to a predetermined reading position of the image reading unit 306, and sequentially discharges the originals after image reading.

  The image reading unit 306 irradiates the original set at a predetermined reading position or the original conveyed to the predetermined reading position by the ADF 305 with a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, and the reflected light is received by a light receiving element such as a CCD image sensor. Photoelectric conversion is performed to generate image data from the electrical signal.

  The paper feeding units 307a to 307c store paper as a recording material used for printing. A paper feeding unit 307 (a generic name of 307 a to 307 c) sends out the stored paper one by one to the image forming unit 308.

  The image forming unit 308 prints various data on a sheet using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes.

  A paper discharge unit 309 discharges the printed paper conveyed from the image forming unit 308. The paper discharge unit 309 includes a normal output bin 312 and a lockable output bin 313. The normal output bin 312 is a bin in which paper on which print data is printed in normal printing, or paper on which print data held in the digital output bin in confidential printing is printed based on user authentication can be discharged. . The lockable output bin 313 is a bin that can be opened and closed by a key that can be output in a form in which print data is printed on paper in confidential printing. The key is an electronic key in the present embodiment. Therefore, the keyed output bin 313 can be opened by the user inputting key release information for releasing the key. However, the present invention may be configured such that a physical key can be used. In FIG. 2, three keyed output bins 313 are provided, but the number of keyed output bins 313 installed is arbitrary.

  The communication interface 310 is a LAN card, for example, and is used to communicate with other devices via the network 500.

  Note that the MFP 300 may include components other than the above-described components, or some of the above-described components may not be included.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 300 in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing through the confidential printing operation screen in the MFP 300. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is stored as a program in the hard disk 303 of the MFP 300 and is executed by the CPU 301.

  First, the MFP 300 determines whether or not “confidential printing setting” is selected on the confidential printing operation screen displayed on the operation panel unit 304 based on an operation by the user (S101). If “SECURE PRINT SETTING” is not selected (NO in S101), the process proceeds to step S103.

  When “Secure Print Settings” is selected (S101: YES), a secure print setting screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 304, and a secure print setting process using the secure print setting screen is performed (S102). .

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a confidential printing setting screen. The confidential printing setting screen 600 includes operation switching buttons 601, 602, and 603 for switching the operation state to any one of “execution of confidential printing”, “setting of confidential printing”, and “user registration”. Have. Further, the confidential printing setting screen 600 includes a state display unit 604 that indicates the current operation state, and a user display unit 605 that indicates the name of the user who is the target of the setting operation. This user is set by being selected by the user selection unit 606. Here, the user is selected using the up / down scroll 607. After the user is selected, a password is entered in input box 608. When the authentication button 609 is pressed, an authentication operation is started, and after the authentication is completed, specific confidential printing can be set.

  The setting item includes information about print data as a determination criterion for determining the output destination of the received print data as either a keyed output bin or a digital output bin. Specifically, the setting item of the criterion for determining the output destination is used to input the lower limit value (threshold Pa) of the number of prints based on the print data for determining the output destination as the keyed output bin. An input box 610 and an input box 611 for inputting a lower limit value (threshold value Ta) of an expected time required for printing of print data for determining an output destination as a keyed output bin are included. In addition, check boxes 612 and 613 for selecting either the number of printed sheets based on the print data and the estimated time required for printing the print data are provided as determination criteria for determining the output destination.

  In addition, as a notification method of determining that the output destination is the keyed output bin and printing the print data and outputting it to the keyed output bin, a method of notifying by e-mail using the check box 614 and a check box 615 Thus, a notification method can be selected by displaying on the operation panel unit 304 of the MFP 300. Similarly, as a notification method of determining that the output destination is the digital output bin and printing the print data held in the digital output bin and outputting it to the normal output bin, the check box 616 notifies the user by e-mail. And a method of notifying by displaying on the operation panel unit 304 of the MFP 300 can be selected by a check box 617.

  When the confidential printing setting is completed, the user selects the setting button 618, and when the confidential printing setting is canceled, the user selects the cancel button 619.

  Further, the confidential printing setting screen 600 has a check box 620 for prohibiting transfer of received print data to a printing apparatus such as another MFP. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when the output destination is determined to be a keyed output bin, and the keyed output bin of the printing apparatus that has received the print data is not usable, the usable keys The other printing device having the attached output bin is searched and the print data is transferred to the other printing device, but the user checks the check box 620 when such transfer is not desired. Transfers can be prohibited.

  Subsequently, the MFP 300 determines whether or not “user registration” is selected on the operation screen for confidential printing displayed on the operation panel unit 304 based on the operation by the user (S103). If “user registration” is not selected (NO in S103), the process proceeds to step S105.

  When “user registration” is selected (S103: YES), a user registration screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 304, and user registration processing using the user registration screen is performed (S104).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a user registration screen. The user registration screen 700 includes operation switching buttons 601, 602, and 603, and a status display unit 604, similar to the confidential printing setting screen 600.

  The user registration screen 700 has input boxes 701, 702, and 703 for inputting a user name, a password, and an e-mail address. When the input is completed, the registration button 704 is selected by the user, and when the user registration is canceled, the cancel button 705 is selected by the user.

  Note that an operation for user registration may be restricted by performing an authentication operation before displaying the user registration screen 700. The e-mail address is an output destination of print data or an address for notifying completion of printing, and input of this e-mail address is arbitrary.

  Subsequently, the MFP 300 determines whether or not “execute confidential printing” is selected on the operation screen for confidential printing displayed on the operation panel unit 304 based on an operation by the user (S105). If “execution of confidential printing” is not selected (NO in S105), the process returns to step S101.

  When “execution of confidential printing” is selected (S105: YES), a confidential printing execution screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 304, and a confidential printing execution process using the confidential printing execution screen is performed (S106). .

  FIG. 7 shows an example of an execution screen for confidential printing. Similar to the confidential printing setting screen 600, the confidential printing execution screen 800 includes operation switching buttons 601, 602, and 603, a status display unit 604, and a user display unit 605.

  In the confidential printing execution screen 800, the user name is input to the input box 801 and the password is input to the input box 802. When the authentication button 803 is pressed, an authentication operation is started. After the authentication is completed, a document file to be subjected to confidential printing can be selected. The document selection unit 804 displays a document file name corresponding to the print data held by the user. An output destination is displayed next to the document file name. The print data held in the digital output bin is selected by the selection key 805 and then printed out when the print button 806 is pressed. When canceling the print output, the user selects a cancel button 807.

  FIGS. 8 to 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure of confidential print data reception processing in the MFP 300. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 11 is stored as a program in the hard disk 303 of the MFP 300 and is executed by the CPU 301.

  First, the MFP 300 receives print data for confidential printing from the PC 100 via the RIP server 200 (S201).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the received print data is transferred from another MFP (S202). When the print data is received by, for example, the MFP 300A, it is determined whether the print data is transferred from a printing apparatus such as another MFP 300B or 300C, not from the PC 100. Here, in this embodiment, when the key release information for releasing the key of the keyed output bin 313 is added to the received print data, the print data is transferred from another printing apparatus. It is judged that. However, it can also be determined by the address of the transmission source of the print data, the machine name, or the like.

  If the received print data has not been transferred from another printing apparatus (step S202: NO), the output destination of the received print data is determined to be either the keyed output bin 313 or the digital output bin. Is determined (S203). Details of the output destination determination process will be described later.

  In step S204, it is determined whether the output destination determined in step S203 is the keyed output bin 313 or the digital output bin.

  If the determined output destination is a digital output bin (S204: digital output bin), the print data received in step S201 is held in the digital output bin (S205). Then, the MFP 300 waits until the user authentication is completed in the confidential printing execution process using the confidential printing execution screen 800 (NO in S206). When the user authentication is completed (S206: YES), the print data held in the digital output bin is printed on the paper by the image forming unit 308 and discharged to the normal output bin 312 by the paper discharge unit 309 (S207). .

  In step S208, a printing completion notification process is performed to notify the user that printing has been completed. Details of the print completion notification process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the determined output destination is a keyed output bin (S204: keyed output bin), the process proceeds to step S209 in FIG.

  In step S209, the MFP 300 generates key release information for releasing the key of the keyed output bin 313. This key release information is notified to a print data transmission source such as the PC 100, for example. However, the key release information may be designated by the user and added to the print data. In this case, the key release information designated by the user is acquired.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the keyed output bin 313 can be used, including whether or not it is empty (S210).

  If the keyed output bin 313 is available (S210: YES), the MFP 300 sets key release information for the keyed output bin 313 to be used (S211). Subsequently, the print data received in step S201 is printed on a sheet by the image forming unit 308, and discharged to the lockable output bin 313 by the sheet discharge unit 309 (S212).

  When the keyed output bin 313 is in an unusable state (S210: NO), it is determined whether there is another MFP that can communicate with its own MFP and has the usable keyed output bin 313 (S210: NO). S213). For example, the MFP 300A transmits an inquiry as to whether or not the other MFP 300B or 300C on the network 500 is a printing apparatus having the usable keyed output bin 313, and receives the response. In this way, another MFP having the usable keyed output bin 313 is searched.

  If it is determined in step S213 that there is no other MFP having an available keyed output bin 313 (S213: NO), the print data received in step S201 is held in the digital output bin (S214). If the user authentication is completed in the confidential printing execution process using the confidential printing execution screen 800 (S215: YES), the process proceeds to step S207 in FIG. If it is determined that user authentication has not been completed (S215: NO), the process returns to step S210. As a result, when the keyed output bin 313 becomes usable before the user authentication is completed, the print data is printed on a sheet and discharged to the keyed output bin 313.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S213 that there is another MFP having the usable keyed output bin 313 (S213: YES), it is determined whether or not transfer of print data is permitted (S216). . If the check box 620 for prohibiting the transfer of received print data to another MFP is not checked in the confidential print setting process using the confidential print setting screen 600, the print data is transferred. Judged to be permitted. If transfer of print data is not permitted (S216: NO), the process proceeds to step S214.

  If transfer of print data is permitted (S216: YES), the MFP 300 adds the key release information generated in step S209 in order to print the print data on paper and output it to the keyed output bin. The print data is transferred to another MFP found in step S213 (S217). As described above, the key release information for taking out the printed matter from the keyed output bin is also transferred. Therefore, even if the MFP for discharging the printed matter is changed, the user's operation for releasing the key is not changed, and the user feels uncomfortable. It is not necessary to give.

  If a plurality of other MFPs having a keyed output bin that can be used are found in step S213, the print data is transferred to the MFP having the highest priority. As the predetermined priority order, for example, the order in which the physical distance is close may be mentioned.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 in FIG. 8 that the received print data has been transferred from another MFP (step S202: YES), the process proceeds to step S211. In other words, the output destination of the print data is determined as the keyed output bin without executing the processing of steps S203 and S204, that is, regardless of the content of the information related to the print data. In step S211, the key release information received from another MFP is set for the keyed output bin 313 to be used. The print data received from another MFP is printed on a sheet by the image forming unit 308, and is discharged to the lockable output bin 313 by the sheet discharge unit 309 (S212), and the process proceeds to step S208.

  Next, the procedure of the output destination determination process in step S203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the confidential print setting process using the confidential print setting screen 600, the MFP 300 determines whether or not the estimated print time is selected as a criterion for determining the print data output destination, that is, the output destination is the print destination. It is determined whether or not the time is determined by the expected time (S301).

  If the estimated print time is not selected as a criterion for determining the output destination of the print data (S301: NO), the number of prints based on the print data is determined as a criterion for determining the output destination of the print data. It is assumed that the selected number is selected, and it is determined whether or not the number of prints based on the print data is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Pa (S302).

  If it is determined in step S302 that the number of printed sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold Pa (S302: YES), the process proceeds to step S306. If it is determined that the number of printed sheets is smaller than the threshold Pa (S302: NO), the process proceeds to step S303. .

  In step S303, the output destination of the print data is determined to be a digital output bin. On the other hand, in step S306, the output destination of the print data is determined to be the keyed output bin 313.

  If it is determined in step S301 that the estimated print time has been selected as the determination criterion for determining the output destination of the print data (S301: YES), the estimated time T required for printing the received print data is calculated. (S304).

For example, the estimated printing time T is T0 when the estimated printing time per sheet for each printing mode is N, the number of printed sheets is N, and the confidentiality coefficient is K.
Formula T = T0 * N * K
Is calculated by

  The estimated printing time T0 per sheet for each printing mode is set in advance according to the color / monochrome and single-sided / double-sided printing modes, and the paper size and orientation, as shown in FIG. 12, for example. It is stored in the hard disk 303 of the MFP 300.

  The confidential coefficient K is a coefficient corresponding to the importance of confidentiality of the print data. The secret coefficient K is set for the print data by the PC 100 that transmits the print data. For example, when security information such as “important”, “secret”, “confidential”, etc., is set in the print data, it is considered that the importance is high. Here, the higher the importance, the smaller the confidential coefficient K is set. For example, when a watermark such as “important” is set, the security coefficient K is set to 0.8, and in other cases, the security coefficient K is set to 1.0. This is based on a security policy that it is preferable that printing of highly important print data is started only after the user authentication is completed and user authentication is completed, even if the number of printed sheets is large. However, on the contrary, it is also possible to adopt a security policy that print data with high importance is preferably printed out in a keyed output bin as much as possible without being held in the digital output bin, regardless of the number of prints. In this case, the higher the importance, the larger the confidential coefficient K is set.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the estimated print time is corrected based on the importance of confidentiality of the print data, but it is not always necessary to be corrected. Note that the number of prints based on the print data as a criterion for determining the output destination of the print data described above may also be corrected based on the confidentiality of the print data.

  In step S305, it is determined whether the calculated estimated printing time T is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Ta.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the estimated print time T is equal to or greater than the threshold Ta (S305: YES), the process proceeds to step S306. If it is determined that the print expected time T is smaller than the threshold Ta (S305: NO), the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S307, output destination notification processing is performed to notify the user of the determined output destination of the print data. Here, according to the determination result in step S303 or S306, it is determined that the output destination is determined to be the digital output bin or that the output destination is determined to be the keyed output bin 313, using the confidential printing setting screen 600. Notification is performed by a preset notification method in the confidential print setting process. Note that the process of step S307 is performed in substantially the same manner as the process of step S207 described below.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the procedure of the print completion notification process in step S208 will be described.

  First, the MFP 300 determines whether or not a method of notifying by e-mail is selected in the confidential printing setting process using the confidential printing setting screen 600 (S401). Here, the notification method selected corresponding to the output destination is referred to (the same applies hereinafter).

  When the method of notifying by e-mail is not selected (S401: NO), it is determined whether or not the method of notifying is selected by displaying on the operation panel unit 304 (S402). When the notification method by displaying on the operation panel unit 304 is not selected (S402: NO), the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the notification method by displaying on the operation panel unit 304 is selected (S402: YES), it is displayed on the operation panel unit 304 that the printed paper is output to the lockable output bin or the normal output bin. (S403).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the method of notification by e-mail is selected (S401: YES), the e-mail address of the corresponding user is set in the user registration process using the user registration screen 700. It is determined whether or not (S404).

  If the e-mail address of the corresponding user is set (S404: YES), the set e-mail address is notified that the printed paper is output to the keyed output bin or the normal output bin (S405). The process proceeds to step S402. Here, it is desirable that the output completion notification includes information for specifying the own MFP that actually performed printing. With this configuration, even when the print data is transferred from the first MFP to another MFP, the user can quickly grasp which MFP's keyed output bin the printed paper is output to. It becomes possible to do.

  On the other hand, if the e-mail address of the corresponding user is not set (S404: NO), the process proceeds to step S402 as it is.

  As described above, the MFP 300 according to the present embodiment receives the print data for the confidential printing, and the output destination of the received print data for the confidential printing is determined by the key that can be output in a form in which the print data is printed on the paper. A keyed output bin that can be opened and closed, and a digital output bin that can hold print data and that can hold print data based on user authentication are determined. That is, in the present embodiment, when printing out print data for confidential printing, the output form is selected and determined from two different output forms.

  Therefore, when it is expected that the printing time will be long as a result, such as when the number of printed sheets is large, the MFP 300 can select a form in which the print data is printed and output to the keyed output bin. In this case, if the user goes to the installation location of the MFP 300 in anticipation of the completion of printing, the user can acquire the printed matter using the key without waiting in front of the MFP 300. On the other hand, when it is expected that the print time will be short as a result, such as when the number of prints is small, the MFP 300 can output the print data to a digital output bin that can be extracted based on user authentication. . In this case, the user can acquire the printed matter in a short time after the user authentication is completed by going to the place where the MFP 300 is installed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, information leakage due to printed matter can be reliably prevented, and the user does not have to wait for completion of printing for a long time in front of the MFP 300.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the output destination is determined to be a keyed output bin, and the keyed output bin of the MFP that has received the print data is in an unusable state, the keyed output bin can be used. Another MFP is searched, and the print data is transferred to the other MFP. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which processing is waited until the output bin with a key with a limited number of installations becomes available, and as a result, the function of confidential printing can be secured and the use can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, an MFP is used as a printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other printing apparatuses such as a copying machine and a printer may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the digital output bin is provided in the hard disk 303 of the MFP 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. The digital output bin may be provided in the RIP server 200, or may be provided in a device on the network 500 that can communicate with the MFP 300.

  In the above embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the MFP 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a part of the processing shown in FIG. 8 such as the output destination determination processing (S202) can be executed by the RIP server 200.

  In the above embodiment, the output destination of the print data is automatically determined by the MFP 300 in accordance with the information related to the print data, but the present invention is not limited to this. The output destination of the print data may be instructed by the user in the PC 100 that transmits the print data.

  In the above embodiment, the RIP server 200 is configured separately from the MFP 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to a system that uses a configuration in which the RIP server 200 is incorporated in each MFP and integrated.

  The means and method for performing various processes in the printing system according to the present embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the device as one function of the device.

100 PC,
200 RIP server,
300 (300A-300C) MFP,
301 CPU,
302 memory,
303 hard disk,
304 operation panel section,
305 ADF,
306 image reading unit,
307 (307a to 307c) paper feeding unit,
308 image forming unit,
309 paper discharge section,
310 communication interface;
311 bus,
312 Normal output bin,
313 output bin with key,
500 networks,
600 Confidential printing setting screen,
700 User registration screen,
800 Confidential print execution screen.

Claims (12)

A receiving unit for receiving print data;
A transfer determination unit for determining whether the received print data is transferred from another printing apparatus;
A keyed output bin that can be opened and closed by a key, wherein the print data can be output in a form printed on paper;
A state determination unit for determining whether or not the keyed output bin is usable;
When it is determined by the transfer determination unit that the print data is not transferred from another printing apparatus, the output destination of the received print data is set to the keyed output bin according to the information about the print data, A control unit that can hold the print data and performs an output destination determination process that determines the held print data as one of the holding units that can be taken out for printing based on user authentication,
The controller is
When the output destination of the print data is determined to be the keyed output bin, and the state determination unit determines that the keyed output bin cannot be used, the key that can use the print data Forward to other printers with output bins with
When the transfer determination unit determines that the print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, the output destination of the print data is determined as the keyed output bin without performing the output destination determination process. ,
The print data is print data for confidential printing,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines an output destination of the print data in accordance with information related to the print data modified based on the importance of confidentiality of the print data .   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further receives information for releasing the key. The information about the print data is an expected time required for printing the print data calculated based on the print conditions of the print data,
The control unit determines the output destination of the print data as the keyed output bin when the expected time is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and the print data when the expected time is smaller than the threshold value. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output destination is determined to be the holding unit. The information related to the print data is the number of prints based on the print data,
The control unit determines the output destination of the print data as the keyed output bin when the print number is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and the print data when the print number is smaller than the threshold value. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output destination is determined to be the holding unit. The holding unit, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that provided in the own printer. The said holding | maintenance part is provided in the printing control apparatus which converts print data into the data of a bitmap format, and transfers the said data to the said printing apparatus, The any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Printing device. The holding unit, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that provided in the device on the possible communication network with the printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that it further comprises a notification unit that notifies the output destination of the determined print data. The printing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the notification unit further notifies completion of printing of the print data together with information for specifying its own printing apparatus. A receiving step for receiving print data;
A transfer determination step of determining whether or not the received print data is transferred from another printing apparatus;
A state determination step of determining whether or not a keyed output bin that can be opened and closed with a key can be output in a form in which the print data is printed on paper; and
If it is determined in the transfer determining step that the print data is not transferred from another printing apparatus, the output destination of the received print data is set to the keyed output bin according to the information related to the print data, And a determination step of performing an output destination determination process for determining the holding of the print data as well as a holding unit that can be taken out for printing based on user authentication.
In the determining step,
The key that can use the print data when the output destination of the print data is determined to be the keyed output bin and the state determination step determines that the keyed output bin cannot be used. Forward to other printers with output bins with
If it is determined in the transfer determination step that the print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, the output destination of the print data is determined as the keyed output bin without performing the output destination determination process. ,
The print data is print data for confidential printing,
In the determination step, a printing method wherein in response to the information related to the print data that has been modified based on the confidential importance of print data, characterized by Rukoto determined output destination of the print data. A receiving procedure for receiving print data;
A transfer determination procedure for determining whether the received print data is transferred from another printing device;
When it is determined in the transfer determination procedure that the print data is not transferred from another printing apparatus, a key that can be output in a form in which the print data is printed on paper according to information about the print data A state determination procedure for determining whether a lockable output bin that can be opened and closed is in a usable state;
The output destination of the received print data is determined as one of the keyed output bin and the holding unit that can hold the print data and can take out the held print data for printing based on user authentication. A determination procedure for performing output destination determination processing to be performed,
In the determination procedure,
The key that can use the print data when the output destination of the print data is determined to be the keyed output bin and the state determination procedure determines that the keyed output bin cannot be used. Forward to other printers with output bins with
When it is determined by the transfer determination procedure that the print data is transferred from another printing apparatus, the output destination of the print data is determined as the keyed output bin without performing the output destination determination process. ,
The print data is print data for confidential printing,
In the determination procedure, according to information on the print data that has been modified based on the confidential severity of the print data, for executing the output destination is a shall be determined processing of the print data to the printing device Computer program. The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the computer program of Claim 11 .