JPH07152520A - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To entrust only a regular user on the printing device side with the starting instruction for output of the transferred printing information by controlling the output destination of the image data to be generated based on the output limit data included in the received print information. CONSTITUTION:A main control part 105 switches the transfer destination of the generated image data to an HD 109 or a printer engine 113 based on the limit data included in the print information. Thus the image data are never erased nor unconditionally outputted even if the image data are generated after the print information is received from a host. Meanwhile the part 105 collates the user information stored in a RAM 108 or the HD 109 with the password inputted from a key panel 111. So that the stored image data are never printed as long as a regular user does not input the data to instruct the start for output of the print information at the side of a printing device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus which is connected to a plurality of hosts via a network and is used in a shared environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus shared by a plurality of users, when text data is transmitted via a network such as Ethernet (product name), immediately after creating print image data based on the text data. It was printing out.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the transmitted text data is output immediately after it is received by the printing device, this is especially true in an environment where the distance between the user and the printing device is very large. There is a problem that it is not possible to output text data that should not be seen by other users.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and is transferred from the host by controlling the output destination of the image data generated according to the output restriction data in the received print information. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of performing print processing with high confidentiality, in which a print information output start instruction can be entrusted to an instruction of an authorized user only on the printing apparatus side.

[0005]

A first printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a generation unit that generates image data based on print information received from any host computer, and an image output from this generation unit. An external storage means for storing data, a printer engine for printing based on the image data, and a transfer destination of the image data generated based on the output restriction data in the print information are stored in the external storage means or the printer engine. The switching means for switching is provided.

A second printing apparatus according to the present invention is a storage unit for storing user information for identifying a user, an input unit for inputting predetermined data, a user information stored in the storage unit and the input unit. There is provided collating means for collating the data inputted from the control means and control means for controlling the start of the transfer of the image data from the external storage means to the printer engine based on the collating result of the collating means.

[0007]

In the first aspect of the invention, the transfer means switches the transfer destination of the image data generated based on the output restriction data in the print information to the external storage means or the printer engine, so that the print information is received from the host. Even if the image data is generated, the generated image data is reliably prevented from being output without being lost.

In the second invention, the collating means collates the user information stored in the storing means with the data inputted from the input means, and based on the collating result, the control means causes the external storing means to print from the printer engine. Since the start of transfer of image data to the printer is controlled, unless a legitimate user inputs data for instructing to start output of image data that has already been generated and not output on the printer side, it is stored. The image data is surely prevented from being printed.

[0009]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 101 is a printer main body and 10
2-1 to 102-N is a personal computer, 115 is a personal computer 10
A user operating 2-1 to 102-N, and 103 is a network to which a plurality of personal computers including the printing apparatus 101 are connected.

In the printing apparatus 101, 104 is an input interface for inputting text data from the network 103, 105 is a main control unit comprising a CPU and a program ROM, 106 is a code ROM, and 107 is a font form. A font ROM, 108 is a RAM used when the main control unit 105 operates, and 10
9 is an HD (hard disk), 110 is a printing apparatus 101
A display panel for transmitting information from the user to the user, 11
Reference numeral 1 is a key panel for transmitting information from a user to the printing apparatus 101, 113 is a printing unit (printer engine) for executing printing, and 114 is a CPU for transmitting information between the main control unit 105 and each electric device. Bus, 112 CP
An engine interface that mediates the exchange of information between the U bus 114 and the printing unit 113.

In the printing apparatus having the above structure,
The main control unit 105 based on the output restriction data in the print information.
Since the transfer destination of the generated image data is switched to the HD 109 or the printer engine 113, even if the print information is received from the host and the image data is generated, the generated image data does not disappear and is unconditionally The output is surely prevented.

Further, the main control unit 105 collates the user information stored in the RAM 108 or the HD 109 with the password input from the key panel 111, and based on the collation result, the image data is transferred from the HD 109 to the printer engine 113. Since the start is controlled, the stored image data is printed unless the authorized user inputs data for instructing to start the output of the image data which is already generated and not output by the printer side. It is something that is surely prevented.

Next, the confidential output control operation in the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a confidential output control procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

The user 115 operates the personal computer 102 to transmit the text data from the personal computer 102 to the printer 101 (1). At this time, a control code for designating that the text data is a secret document, a user name and a password are added to the beginning of the text data.

Here, it is determined whether or not this control code is added (2), and when the text data which is not present is received, the main control unit 105 performs the processing by the same method as the conventional example (3).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (3) that the control code is added, the printing apparatus 101
The text data received at is analyzed by the main control unit 105 (4), and is developed into bit image data with reference to the font data of the font ROM 107 (5). The expanded bit image data is sequentially RAM
It is stored in 108 or HD 109 (6).

After the expansion processing of all the text data is completed (7), the main control unit 105 displays the user name on the display panel 110 and waits for the password input from the key panel (8). .

However, in this state, any of the personal computers 102-1 to 102-1 connected to the network 103
It is possible to receive text data from 02-N.

Here, the correct password is the key panel 1
If it is determined that the correct password has been input from the key panel 111, the main control unit 105 outputs all data corresponding to the password input to the printing unit 113. It is output as described below (10) and the correct password is displayed on the key panel 1.
When it is determined that the input has not been input from 11, the fact is displayed on the display panel 110 (11), and the processing is ended. At this time, the following control may be executed.

That is, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the display of the password error on the display panel, the image which has been received and developed is prioritized for confidentiality reception, and the developed image is peeled off. Name and password) and hold them in the hard disk (HD) 109 in a locked state, wait for the unlock data input and password input, and replay the image data again, thereby reducing the re-transfer burden of the same data and keeping the data confidential. It may be configured to ensure the sex.

Thereafter, the normal print sequence is started, and the printing unit 11 is started via the engine interface 112.
3 is communicated with and the printing unit 113 prepares for the printing operation.
Next, when the preparation of the printing operation is completed, the printing unit 113 sends a horizontal synchronizing signal to the engine interface 112 and starts printing according to the image signal sent from the engine interface 112. Engine interface 112
Reads the bit image data from the HD 109 and transfers the image signal to the printing unit 113 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronizing signal.

As described above, all the text data is printed out when the password is input by the user. [Second Embodiment] In this embodiment, instead of the user inputting a password into the printing apparatus, the magnetic card is read by the magnetic card reading unit of the printing apparatus. In other words, a magnetic card is used to convert a user name unique to each user into magnetic strength and pre-record it on the surface of the card, and the main control unit reads it to start printing when it matches the user ID. It is characterized by

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 201 is a printer main body and 20
2 is a personal computer, 215 is a personal computer 202-1 to 202-
A user operating N, 203 is a network to which a plurality of personal computers including the printing apparatus 201 are connected.

Inside the printing apparatus 201, 204 is an input interface for inputting text data from the network 203, and 205 is a CPU and a program ROM.
A main control unit 206, a code ROM 206, a font ROM 207 that stores font shapes, a RAM 208 used by the main control unit 205 when working, a reference numeral 209
Is a hard disk (HD), 210 is a display panel (PAN) for transmitting information from the printing apparatus 201 to the user.
EL).

Reference numeral 211 denotes a key panel (KEY) for transmitting information from the user to the printing apparatus 201, 213 a printing unit for executing printing, 214 denotes information transmission between the main control unit 205 and each electric device. CPU bus, 212
Is an engine interface that mediates the exchange of information between the CPU bus 214 and the printing unit (ENGIN) 213. 216 is a magnetic card reading unit, 217 is a CP for the card information read by the magnetic card reading unit 216.
It is a magnetic card interface for transmitting to the U bus 214.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
The user 215 operates the personal computer 202 to transmit the text data from the personal computer 202 to the printing apparatus 201. At this time, a control code for designating that the text data is a secret document, a user name and a password are added to the beginning of the text data. When the document data to which the control code is not added is received, the main control unit 205 performs the processing in the same method as the conventional example.

The document data is analyzed by the main control unit 205 and developed into bit image data while referring to the font data in the font ROM 207. The expanded bit image data is sequentially stored in RAM 208 or HD.
It is stored in 209. After the expansion processing of all the text data is completed, the main control unit 205 displays the user name on the display panel 21.
It is displayed on 0, and the user enters the password for the user name with the magnetic card.

However, in this state, any of the personal computers 202-1 to 202-2 connected to the network 203
It is possible to receive text data from 02-N. When the user name is recognized by the magnetic card, the main control unit 205 causes the printing unit 213 to output the data corresponding to the user name as described below. First, it communicates with the printing unit 213 via the engine interface 212 to make the printing unit 213 prepare for the printing operation.

Next, the printing unit 213 sends the horizontal synchronization symbol to the engine interface 212 when the preparation for the printing operation is completed.
Printing is started in accordance with the image signal sent from the engine interface 212. The engine interface 212 reads the bit image data from the HD 209 and transfers the image signal to the printing unit 213 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronizing signal.

As described above, the text data is transmitted to the user as I.
The C card is read by the IC card reading unit 21 of the printing apparatus 101.
When set to 6, all are printed out. [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the user's fingerprint is read by the image reading unit of the printing apparatus instead of the user inputting the password into the printing apparatus. In other words, the fingerprint matching unit pre-records the fingerprint shape of each user, and when the fingerprint is identified, the main control unit reads the corresponding user name and starts printing when it matches the user name of the transmitted text data. It is characterized by

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the control arrangement of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 301 is a printer main body, and 30
Reference numeral 2 is a personal computer, 315 is a user operating the personal computers 302-1 to 302-N, and 303 is a network to which a plurality of personal computers including the printing apparatus 301 are connected.

Inside the printing device 301, 304 is an input interface for inputting text data from the network 303, and 305 is a CPU and a program ROM.
306 is a code RAM, 307 is a font ROM that stores font shapes, 308 is a RAM used when the main control unit 305 operates, 309
Is a hard disk (HD).

Reference numeral 310 is a display panel for transmitting information from the printing apparatus 301 to the user, 311 is a key panel for transmitting information from the user to the printing apparatus 301, 3
13 is a printing unit for executing printing, 314 is a main control unit 305.
A CPU bus 312 that transmits information between the CPU and each electric device is an engine interface that mediates the exchange of information between the CPU bus 314 and the printing unit 313.

Reference numeral 318 is an image reading unit for reading the fingerprint shape. A driver 317 drives the image reading unit 318. A fingerprint collation unit 316 collates the read fingerprint image and transmits the registered user name to the CPU bus 314.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
The user 315 operates the personal computer 302 to transmit the text data from the personal computer 302 to the printing device 301. At this time, a control code for designating that the text data is a secret document, a user name and a password are added to the beginning of the text data. When the document data to which the control code is not added is received, the main control unit 305 performs the process by the same method as the conventional example.

The document data is analyzed by the main control unit 305 and developed into bit image data while referring to the font data in the font ROM 307. The expanded bit image data is sequentially stored in the RAM 308 or HD.
It is stored in D309.

After the development processing of all the text data is completed, the main control unit 305 displays the user name on the display panel 310, and the user 315 enters a state in which the password of the user name by the fingerprint is input.

However, in this state, any of the personal computers 302-1 to 302-3 connected to the network 303
It is possible to receive text data from 02-N.

The fingerprint collation unit 316 collates the image read by the image reading unit 318 via the driver 317 with the fingerprint image of the user registered in advance, and when it is determined that they are the same, the corresponding user name is assigned to the main control unit 305. Report to. If there is data corresponding to the reported user name, the main control unit 305 outputs it to the printing unit 313 as described below.

First, the printer interface 313 is contacted via the engine interface 312 to make the printer unit 313 prepare for the printing operation.

Next, when the printing unit 313 completes the preparation for the printing operation, the horizontal synchronizing symbol is sent to the engine interface 312.
Printing is started in accordance with the image signal sent from the engine interface 312 while being sent to. The engine interface 312 reads the bit image data from the HD 309 and transfers the image signal to the printing unit 313 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronizing signal.

As described above, all the text data is printed out by causing the user to read the user's fingerprint with the fingerprint reading unit of the printing apparatus 301.

According to each of the above-described embodiments, a storage medium (for example, a RAM that can be backed up) holding a user name or a password in the printing device 301 and the transmitted text data are expanded into print image data. After that, by storing the operation program in the ROM in which the print image data is not printed out unless the user inputs the password, it is possible to ensure that the sheet printed out by an unspecified user is seen by a third party. In addition to being able to prevent it, it is possible to immediately output the transferred print information when the user is an authorized user.

[0048]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the switching means switches the transfer destination of the image data generated based on the output restriction data in the print information to the external storage means or the printer engine.
Even if the print information is received from the host and the image data is generated, the generated image data does not disappear,
In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent unconditional output.

According to the second invention, the collating means collates the user information stored in the storing means with the data inputted from the input means, and based on the collating result, the control means causes the external storing means to print from the printer. Since the start of transfer of image data to the engine is controlled, unless a legitimate user inputs data for instructing to start output of image data that has already been generated and stored in the printer device side, the memory is stored. It is possible to reliably prevent the printed image data from being printed.

Therefore, even in an environment in which a plurality of host computers on the network share a printing apparatus,
Keep the confidential information confidentially until the authorized user who transfers the print information gives an instruction to start output on the printing device side.
Further, after the instruction, the image data already generated can be printed as it is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a confidential output control procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Printer Main Body 102-1 Personal Computer 103 Network 104 Input Interface 105 Main Control Unit 106 Code ROM 107 Font ROM 108 RAM 109 HD 110 Display Panel 111 Key Panel 112 Engine Interface 113 Printer Engine

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A printer, which is connected to a plurality of hosts via a network, generates image data based on print information received from one of the host computers, and an image output from the generator. An external storage means for storing data, a printer engine for printing based on the image data, and a transfer destination of the image data generated based on the output restriction data in the print information are stored in the external storage means or the printer engine. A printing apparatus comprising a switching unit for switching. 2. A storage unit for storing user information for identifying a user, an input unit for inputting predetermined data, and a collation between the user information stored in the storage unit and the data input from the input unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collating unit and a control unit that controls transfer start of image data from the external storage unit to the printer engine based on a collating result of the collating unit.