JPH096551A - Information processor, printer, printing system, and method for managing information registered in printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To previously evade the modification, erasure or the like of already registered prescribed information and to safely manage the already registered prescribed information so as not to be used unconditionally. CONSTITUTION: A CPU 12 restricts a prescribed data processing request for information registered in a non-volatile memory 22 in accordance with a collated result between registered prescribed identification information and information inputted from a host computer 3000.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus having a non-volatile memory capable of storing user information, a printing apparatus, a printing system, and registration information management of the printing system. It is about the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of output device, a plurality of operators can freely use data registered in a non-volatile memory.

Further, there is also one having a structure designed so that the nonvolatile memory can be detached from the main body of the apparatus.

Furthermore, once registered data is not erased, regardless of the frequency of use, unless the operator positively erases the data.

[0005]

However, the output devices of recent years are often used in an environment shared by a plurality of operators / a plurality of host devices. For this reason, another operator may accidentally delete the data registered by one operator, or the nonvolatile memory in which the data is registered may be removed from the main unit of the device and used by another device for security reasons. There was a problem.

It is also assumed that data that is rarely used always occupies most of the memory capacity of the non-volatile memory, which may cause a problem that the non-volatile memory is not effectively used.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to tenth inventions of the present invention is to manage a data processing request for a nonvolatile storage medium. The information processing apparatus, the printing apparatus, the printing system, and the printing system which can prevent the modification or loss of the already registered predetermined information and can safely manage the already registered predetermined information so as not to be used unconditionally, It is to provide a registration information management method for a printing system.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined interface, transfer means for transferring predetermined information registered in the printing apparatus. And setting means for additionally setting predetermined identification information to the information transferred from the transfer means.

A second aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined interface, the nonvolatile storage means and information transferred from the information processing apparatus being predetermined identification information. Along with the registration means for registering in the non-volatile storage means, the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing device. And limiting means for limiting the result according to the collation result with the information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the limiting means is configured to register a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means, and the predetermined identification information and the information. When the information input from the processing device matches, a predetermined data processing request for the registered information is permitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means is input from the predetermined identification information and the information processing apparatus. Determination information that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the non-volatile storage means when the registration information matches, and the non-volatile storage when the determination means determines that the registration is impossible. And a search unit that searches for information that has been unused for a predetermined period of time after being registered in the search unit, and an expansion unit that deletes the information searched by the search unit and expands the free space of the nonvolatile storage unit. It is a thing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means is input from the predetermined identification information and the information processing device. Determination information that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the non-volatile storage means when the registration information matches, and the non-volatile storage when the determination means determines that the registration is impossible. A search means for searching information that has been unused for a predetermined period of time registered in the means, an inquiry means for inquiring the information processing device about the deletion execution of the information searched by the search means, and the inquiry means. Expansion means for deleting the information retrieved by the retrieval means on the basis of a deletion instruction from the information processing device to extend the free space of the non-volatile storage means. Those digits.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined interface, a non-volatile storage means detachably attached to the printing apparatus main body and the non-volatile storage means. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the non-volatile storage means is attached to the printing apparatus main body, and whether or not predetermined identification information of the non-volatile storage means is registered when the detection means detects that the non-volatile storage means is attached. And a registration unit that registers the input information as identification information in the nonvolatile storage unit when the determination unit determines that the predetermined identification information is registered. is there.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, holding means for holding predetermined identification information, identification information registered in the non-volatile storage means, and the predetermined identification information held in the holding means are provided. Identification information determining means for collating and determining whether there is a match, and limiting means for limiting a predetermined data processing request for information registered in the nonvolatile storage means based on the determination result by the identification information determining means. It is provided.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in a printing system in which a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined interface, transfer means for transferring predetermined information registered in the printing apparatus, An information processing device having a setting means for additionally setting predetermined identification information to the information transferred from the transfer means, a non-volatile storage means, and information transferred from the information processing device together with predetermined identification information. Registration means for registering in the non-volatile storage means, the predetermined identification information for registering a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means, and information input from the information processing device And an information processing apparatus having a restriction unit for restricting according to the collation result with.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the limiting means is
When the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing device match, the registered information To permit a predetermined data processing request to the.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a registration information management method for a printing system in which a printing apparatus having a non-volatile storage means and an information processing apparatus can communicate with each other via a predetermined interface. A registration step of registering the transferred information together with predetermined identification information in the non-volatile storage means, and the predetermined identification information and the information in which a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means is registered. It has a collation step of collating information input from the processing device and a limiting step of limiting a predetermined data processing request according to the collation result.

[0018]

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the transfer means transfers the predetermined information to be registered in the printing apparatus, the setting means additionally sets predetermined identification information to the transferred information and transfers the information. It is possible to present to the printing device information that determines whether to restrict registration of information.

In the second invention, the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing apparatus are collated. It is possible to avoid a situation such as alteration or loss of the information stored in the non-volatile storage unit by limiting the limit unit according to the result and executing an unexpected data processing request.

In the third invention, the limiting means issues a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means from the predetermined identification information registered and the information processing device. Non-volatile storage only when a predetermined data processing request for the registered information is permitted and the person requesting the predetermined data processing inputs valid identification information when the input information matches. The data processing request for the information registered in the means can be executed.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the predetermined identification information for which a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means is registered, and the information input from the information processing device. If the determination means determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the non-volatile storage means, the search means is registered in the non-volatile storage means. Search for information that has not been used for a certain period of time,
The deleted information is deleted and the expansion means expands the free space of the non-volatile storage means to regard the information which has been unused for a predetermined period as an appropriate erasure target and secure the free space. It is possible to manage the information registration of the sex memory means.

In the fifth invention, the predetermined identification information for which a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing device are registered. Match
When the determination unit that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the non-volatile storage unit determines that the registration is not possible, the retrieval unit is registered in the non-volatile storage unit and is in an unused state for a predetermined period. The information retrieved by the retrieval means based on a deletion instruction from the information processing device. Is deleted to expand the free space of the non-volatile storage means, and information which has been unused for a predetermined period of time and which has been instructed by the user is regarded as an appropriate erasure target, and free space is considered. It is possible to manage the information registration of the non-volatile storage means while ensuring the above.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the detection means detects that the non-volatile storage means is attached to the main body of the printing apparatus, and the determination means determines that the non-volatile storage means is attached. When it is determined that the identification information of is registered, the information input by the registration means is registered in the nonvolatile storage means as identification information,
It is possible to set the nonvolatile storage means to a manageable state based on the identification information at the time of attachment.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the identification information determining means determines by comparing the identification information registered in the non-volatile storage means with the predetermined identification information held in the holding means to determine whether they match. Based on the determination result, the limiting unit limits the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage unit, and the registered identification information and the input identification information are stored even if the non-volatile storage unit is replaced. As long as they do not match, it is possible to reliably limit the data processing request from the user to the nonvolatile storage means.

In the eighth invention, when the transfer means transfers the predetermined information to be registered in the printing device, the setting means additionally sets predetermined identification information to the transferred information, and the registration means The predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means is restricted by the restriction means in accordance with the collation result of the predetermined identification information registered and the information input from the information processing device, By executing a data processing request that does not occur, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the information stored in the non-volatile storage means is altered or lost.

In the ninth invention, the restriction means inputs a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means and the predetermined identification information registered and the information processing apparatus. If the specified information matches the registered information, the specified data processing request for the registered information is permitted, and the information is registered in the non-volatile storage means only when the specified data processing requester inputs valid identification information. It is possible to execute a data processing request for the stored information.

In the tenth invention, the information transferred from the information processing device is registered in the non-volatile storage means together with predetermined identification information, and a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means is issued. Collating the registered predetermined identification information with information input from the information processing device, limiting a predetermined data processing request according to the collation result, and executing an unexpected data processing request. This makes it possible to program-control the processing for avoiding a situation such as alteration or loss of information stored in the nonvolatile storage means.

[0028]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the inkjet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body (printer), which inputs and stores print information (character code or the like) supplied from an externally connected host computer, form information, or a macro command. A corresponding character pattern or form is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation and LED displays are arranged, and 1001 is a printer control unit for controlling the entire LBP main body 1000 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer.

The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off the laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to the input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is a rotating polygon mirror 1005.
Then, the electrostatic drum 1006 is scanned and exposed by being swung in the left-right direction.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 100 mounted on the LBP main body 1000.
8, the paper feed roller 1009 and the transport roller 1
010 and the conveying roller 1011 are taken into the apparatus and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.

The LBP main body 1000 is provided with at least one expansion interface (not shown), and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font ROM, a control ROM (emulation, etc.) having a different language system, and a large-capacity nonvolatile memory. It is configured so that elements can be connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of the printing system showing the first embodiment of the present invention. here,
The laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3,
A CPU 1 that executes document processing in which tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed is provided, and the CPU 1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system device 4.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls the key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (C
RTC) controls the display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
And a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
Is connected to the printer 1000 via the
The communication control process with the 00 is executed.

The CPU 1 executes the rasterizing process of the outline font to the display information RAM set in the RAM 2, for example, and the W on the CRT 10 is executed.
It enables YSIWYG.

Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered on the basis of a command designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, 12 is a printer CPU, which is various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Access to the printer is comprehensively controlled, and an image signal as output information is output to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16. Further, in the program ROM of the ROM 13, C as shown in the flow charts of FIGS.
The control program for the PU 12 is stored.

In the case of a printer in which the font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data or the like used when generating the above output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 does not have an external memory 14 such as a hard disk, It stores information and the like used on the host computer. The CPU 12 is capable of performing communication processing with the host computer via the input unit 18, and is configured to notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like.

A RAM 19 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19
Is output information expansion capacity, environmental data storage area, NVRA
Used for M etc. Hard disk (HD) mentioned above,
Access to the external memory 14 such as an ID card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20.

Reference numeral 22 is a large-capacity non-volatile memory, which can store the output environment state and store data such as fonts, programs and forms. Further, the data can be easily updated by an instruction from the host computer or an instruction from the operation panel.

The external memory 14 functions as a large-capacity nonvolatile memory, is connected as an option, and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes an input unit, which is provided with the above-mentioned operation panel including switches for operation and an LED display.

In addition, the above-mentioned large capacity nonvolatile memory is 1
The number is not limited to one, and at least one is provided so that it can be removed from the main body device.

Further, the above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be capable. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to ninth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

The first invention is a predetermined interface 21.
In an information processing device (host computer 3000) capable of communicating with a printing device (printer 1000) via
Transfer means (printer controller 8) for transferring predetermined information to be registered in the printer 1000, and addition of predetermined identification information (including font, program, form, user information, etc.) to the information transferred from the transfer means. Setting means for setting (C by input from the keyboard 9
PU1 is set), and when the predetermined information to be registered in the printer 1000 is transferred, the CPU 1 additionally sets predetermined identification information to the transferred information to register the transferred information. It is possible to present to the printing device information that determines whether to restrict.

The second invention is a predetermined interface 21.
In the printer 1000 that can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the non-volatile memory 22 (nonvolatile memory 22), the information transferred from the host computer 3000 is stored in the non-volatile memory 22 together with predetermined identification information.
Registration means (the CPU 121 performs registration based on a program stored in the ROM 13 or the like), and a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means. Restriction means (the CPU 121 is the ROM 1 that restricts the ROM 1 according to the collation result of the identification information and the information input from the information processing device).
3) and the like), and a predetermined data processing request for information registered in the nonvolatile memory 22 by the CPU 12 is input from the registered predetermined identification information and the host computer 1000. It is possible to prevent the situation in which the information stored in the non-volatile memory 22 is altered or lost by the CPU 12 limiting and executing an unexpected data processing request according to the collation result with the stored information. It is possible.

A third aspect of the invention is a limiting means (CPU 12).
Is a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22, when the predetermined identification information registered and the information input from the host computer 3000 match, a predetermined data processing request for the registered information. Of the non-volatile memory 22 only when the predetermined data processing requester inputs the valid identification information.
It is possible to execute a data processing request for the information registered in.

A fourth invention is the registration means (CPU 1
When the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 according to 2) matches the information input from the host computer 3000, the non-volatile memory 22 Determination means for determining the registration possibility of information requested to be registered from the free space (the CPU 12 makes determination based on a program stored in the ROM 13), and the nonvolatile storage if the determination means determines that registration is not possible. A searching means (searching based on a program stored in the ROM 13 by the CPU 12) for searching for information registered in the means and unused for a predetermined period; and deleting the information searched by the searching means, Expansion means for expanding the free space of the non-volatile storage means (based on a program stored in the ROM 13 by the CPU 12) It has Zhang to) and the predetermined identification information and host computer 30 registered predetermined data processing request to the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means
When the information input from 00 matches, the CPU 12 that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the nonvolatile memory 22 determines that the information cannot be registered in the nonvolatile memory 22. Information that has been registered and is unused for a predetermined period of time is searched, and the searched information is deleted, and the CPU 12 expands the free space of the non-volatile memory 22 and remains unused for a predetermined period of time. The information registration in the nonvolatile memory 22 can be managed while the information is regarded as an appropriate erasure target and the free space is secured.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the registration means (CPU 12).
When the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 is matched with the information input from the host computer 3000, Judgment means (by the CPU 12) for judging the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space, and when the judgment means judges that the registration is not possible, it is registered in the nonvolatile memory 22 and is in an unused state for a predetermined period. Determination means (searching based on a program stored in the ROM 13 by the CPU 12) as a search means for searching for information that has been deleted, and an inquiry means for inquiring the information processing apparatus about deletion execution of the information searched by the search means. (CPU 12 is the input unit 1
8)), and an expansion unit (CPU for expanding the free space of the non-volatile memory 22 by deleting the information retrieved by the retrieval unit based on a deletion instruction from the host computer 3000 by the inquiry unit).
12 is expanded based on the program stored in the ROM 13) and a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 is input from the predetermined identification information and the previous host computer 3000. The non-volatile memory 22
If the CPU 12 that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the
2 searches for information that has been unused in the nonvolatile memory 22 for a predetermined period of time, and the CPU 12 inquires of the host computer 3000 about execution of deletion of the searched information, and issues a deletion instruction from the host computer 3000. Based on this, the CPU 12 deletes the retrieved information and expands the free space of the non-volatile memory 22 so that the information which has not been used for a predetermined period and which is instructed by the user is appropriate. It is possible to manage the information registration of the non-volatile storage means while securing a free space by regarding it as an erasure target.

The sixth aspect of the invention is to provide a predetermined interface 21.
Information processing device (host computer 3000)
In a printing device (printer 1000) that can communicate with
A non-volatile storage unit (non-volatile memory 22) that is detachable from the printing apparatus main body, a detection unit (not shown) that detects whether the non-volatile storage unit is attached to the printing apparatus main body, and the detection unit When it is detected that the nonvolatile memory 22 is attached, the nonvolatile memory 22 is
Determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined identification information is registered (the CPU 12 determines based on a program stored in the ROM 13), and the determination means is determined to have the predetermined identification information registered. In this case, there is provided a registration unit (the CPU 12 registers based on a program stored in the ROM 13) for registering the input information as identification information in the nonvolatile storage unit, and the nonvolatile memory 22 with respect to the printing apparatus main body is provided. When the detection means for detecting the presence / absence of the attachment detects that the nonvolatile memory 22 is attached, when the CPU 12 determines that the predetermined identification information is registered in the nonvolatile memory 22, the information input by the CPU 12 is displayed. The non-volatile memory 2 is used as identification information.
It is possible to set the non-volatile memory 22 to a manageable state based on the identification information when it is mounted by registering it in No. 2.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, holding means (storage medium such as NVRAM, hard disk not shown) for holding predetermined identification information, the identification information registered in the non-volatile storage means and the holding means are held. Identification information determining means (the CPU 12 makes a determination based on a program stored in the ROM 13) for determining whether they match by comparing with predetermined identification information, and the nonvolatile memory based on the determination result by the identification information determining means. Limiting means (C) for limiting a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the information storage means.
PU12 limits based on the program stored in ROM 13), and limits the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 based on the determination result by the CPU 12, Even if exchanged or the like, it is possible to reliably limit the data processing request from the user to the nonvolatile memory 22 as long as the registered identification information and the input identification information do not match.

The eighth invention is a predetermined interface 21.
In a printing system in which a printing apparatus (printer 1000) and an information processing apparatus (host computer 3000) can communicate via a transfer unit, a transfer unit (CPU 1 controls a printer controller 8 to transfer predetermined information registered in the printer 1000). And a setting unit (the CPU 1 sets based on an input from the keyboard 9) for additionally setting predetermined identification information to the information transferred from the transfer unit, and the nonvolatile memory 22.
Registration means for registering information transferred from the host computer 3000 together with predetermined identification information in the non-volatile memory 22 (the CPU 12 registers the information based on a program stored in the ROM 13), and the non-volatile memory by the registration means. Limiting means for limiting a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the memory 22 according to the collation result of the registered predetermined identification information and the information input from the host computer 3000 (the CPU 12 is the ROM 1
When the CPU 1 transfers the predetermined information registered in the printer 1000, predetermined identification information is additionally set to the transferred information. , A predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 is restricted by the CPU 12 according to the collation result of the predetermined identification information registered and the information input from the host computer 3000, and unexpected data is generated. By executing the processing request, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the information stored in the non-volatile memory 22 is altered or lost.

A ninth aspect of the invention is a limiting means (CPU 12).
A predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 is registered when the predetermined identification information registered and the information input from the host computer 3000 match. Of the non-volatile memory 2 only when the predetermined data processing requester inputs the valid identification information.
It is possible to execute a data processing request for the information registered in 2.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the data processing procedure on the output device side of the print processing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.
The main processing of is shown.

First, the state of the engine such as no paper or paper jam is checked (1), and the state of the operation panel section such as reset instruction / environment change is checked (2). Then, it is judged whether or not there is input data (3), and when it is judged that there is no data, the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if there is data in step (3), the process proceeds to the data processing routine in step (4).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure of the data processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1)
(5) shows each step.

First, the received data is analyzed (1) and it is judged whether or not there is an access instruction to the large capacity nonvolatile memory 22 in the analysis data (2). It is judged that there is no instruction. In this case, expansion processing for expanding analysis data into a bitmap is executed (4). Then, an output process for outputting the expanded data is performed (5), and the print process is ended.

On the other hand, in step (2), the nonvolatile memory 2
If it is determined that there is an access instruction for 2, the access processing to the large capacity memory is executed (3), and the process proceeds to step (4).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a first access processing procedure for the large capacity nonvolatile memory 22 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not the access instruction is a registration process of the data in the nonvolatile memory 22 (1). If it is judged that it is not the registration process, the process proceeds to step (2) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the registration processing is performed, it is determined in step (4) whether the ID such as a password attached to the data has already been used. If it is determined that the ID has already existed, the re-designation of the ID is instructed to the upper position in step (11), and this processing is exited.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the ID is new, a new ID registration process is performed (5), data registration process is performed (6), and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if NO is determined in step (1), it is determined whether or not a deletion process for the registered data is instructed (2). If it is determined that the deletion process is performed, the data is deleted. It is judged whether the attached ID matches the ID of the data to be deleted (7), and if it is judged that the ID does not match, the step (1
In 1), the upper device is instructed to re-designate the ID, and the process is exited.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that they match, data deletion processing is carried out (8), and the process proceeds to step (3).

On the other hand, if it is judged in step (2) that it is not the deletion processing, it is judged whether or not it is the reading processing (using the registration data and the registration program) for the registration data (3), and the reading processing must be executed. If so, this access process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the process is a read process, it is determined whether the ID attached to the data matches the ID of the data to be used (9), and If it is determined that the
Proceed to 1) to instruct the host device to re-designate the ID and exit this process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (9) that they match each other, data read processing is performed to make registered data usable (10), and this access processing is terminated.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the tenth invention and its action will be described below.

The tenth aspect of the invention is to provide a predetermined interface 2
Printer 100 having a non-volatile memory 22 via
0 and the host computer 3000 can communicate with each other in the registration information management method of the printing system, a registration step of registering information transferred from the host computer 3000 in the nonvolatile memory 22 stages together with predetermined identification information (FIG. 5).
Step (5)) and a collating step of collating the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile memory 22 and the information input from the host computer 3000 (FIG. 5 steps (7) and (9)) and a restriction step (step (8) in FIG. 5) of restricting a predetermined data processing request according to the collation result.
By executing (10) and (11) and executing an unexpected data processing request, program control of processing for avoiding a situation such as alteration or loss of information stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 is performed. It is possible to do.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the means for adding an ID to each registration data is used. However, an ID capable of accessing the large capacity nonvolatile memory is registered in advance and the ID is The present invention can also be realized by using a means for permitting access to the memory only for the added input data. Hereinafter, the example will be described. Note that the main processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 and the data processing procedure shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a second access processing procedure for the large capacity nonvolatile memory 22 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, description will be given assuming that the ID is registered in advance in the ID table of the memory 22 of FIG.

First, it is judged whether or not the ID attached to the data is registered in the ID table (1). If it is judged that the ID is not registered, it is determined that the IDs do not match with each other by the upper device or the operation. The panel display unit is notified (7), and the access process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that they match, it is determined whether there is a data registration instruction (2). If it is determined that there is no data registration instruction, step (3) ) Move to later.

On the other hand, if it is judged in step (2) that there is a registration instruction, it is judged whether or not there is free space in the memory (5). If it is judged that there is no free space, there is insufficient free space. If there is no free space, the upper device or the operation panel display is notified (8), the process returns to step (3), and if it is determined that there is free space, data registration processing is performed (6),
Proceed to step (3) and thereafter.

On the other hand, if NO in step (2), it is judged whether or not there is a deletion process or a read process for the large capacity nonvolatile memory 22 (3), and there is a delete process or a read process. If it is determined that
The deletion or reading process is performed (4), the access process is ended, and when it is determined that there is no deletion process or the reading process, the access process is ended.

[Third Embodiment] In the access processing of the above-described embodiment, when the free space of the non-volatile memory 22 for registering data is insufficient, the access processing is finished, but it is already registered. A means for executing the registration process by judging the usage status of the existing data is also possible. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that the main processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 and the data processing procedure shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a third access processing procedure for the large capacity nonvolatile memory 22 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not the ID attached to the data is registered in the ID table (1). If it is judged that the ID is not registered, it is determined that the IDs do not match, the host device or the operation panel. The display unit is notified (10), and the access process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that they match, it is determined whether or not there is a data registration instruction (2). If it is determined that there is no data registration instruction, step (3) ).

On the other hand, if it is judged in step (2) that there is a registration instruction, it is judged whether or not there is free space in the memory (5). If it is judged that there is no free space, the registered data is deleted. A processing routine (processing shown in FIG. 8 which will be described later) is executed (6), and after the processing is finished, it is judged whether or not a sufficient capacity for registering the data is secured (8), and it is secured. If it is determined that the free space is insufficient, the upper level device is notified or displayed on the operation panel (9), and this access process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that sufficient capacity has been secured, data registration processing is carried out (7) and the process proceeds to step (3).

On the other hand, if NO in step (2), it is judged whether or not there is a deletion process or a read process for the large capacity nonvolatile memory 22 (3), and it is judged that there is a delete process or a read process. Executes the deletion or reading process (4), ends the access process, and ends the access process if it is determined that the deletion process or the reading process is not performed.

Next, the registered data deletion processing routine shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the detailed procedure of the first registered data deletion processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

First, the frequency of use of registered data (for example, the ratio of the number of jobs that have been used since the registration of the data and the number of jobs used so far), or other data Various definitions such as showing the number of times of use for the total time from registration have been considered) (1), that is, whether the usage frequency does not reach the value preset by the operator If it is determined that there is something that has not reached (2), the registration data is deleted (3), and if it is determined that there is nothing that has not reached, the registration data deletion processing is exited. , And proceeds to step (8) and subsequent steps shown in FIG.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the deletion processing of the registered data is automatically executed by checking the frequency of use, but whether or not the data may be deleted before the deletion is performed. It is also possible to inquire of the operator. The embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Note that the main processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 and the data processing procedure shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the detailed procedure of the second registered data deletion processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, the frequency of use of registered data is checked (1), and it is judged whether or not the frequency of use does not reach a predetermined value by the operator (2). If it is determined that the registration data is to be deleted, the operator is instructed to delete the registration data (3).

Next, it is judged whether or not there is an instruction to delete from the operator (4), and if it is judged that there is an instruction to delete from the operator, the registration data is deleted (5), and this processing is executed. Get out.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (4) that there is an instruction that the deletion is impossible, the process is exited.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the above-described embodiments, the registration data stored in the large-capacity nonvolatile memory has been dealt with. However, as a large-capacity non-volatile memory that can be removed from the device becomes widespread in the future, it is important to have a means for protecting the security of data in the entire memory. Hereinafter, an embodiment thereof (corresponding to a process of determining whether or not the attached memory is valid in the device when the power is turned on) will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the data processing procedure when the power is turned on in the output device side of the printing system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, a normal system initialization process is performed (1), and it is determined whether a large capacity nonvolatile memory is installed (2). If it is determined that the large capacity nonvolatile memory is not installed, the process is executed. To finish.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the device is attached, an ID (the ID may be device-specific or operator-specific) is registered in the memory. If it is determined that the memory has no ID registered (3), an ID registration process is performed (6), and this process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the memory is the memory in which the ID is registered, the ID is checked (4) to determine whether the ID is valid in the device. The determination is made (5), and when it is determined to be valid, the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (5) that the memory is invalid, the higher-level device is notified or displayed on the operation panel that the memory is invalid (7), and the process ends.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the registration of the identification information for the printer 1000 is transferred and set by the command from the host computer 3000 or the like has been described, but it goes without saying that it can be set from the operation unit 1012 of the printer 1000. Yes. The same applies to instructions for erasing and reading information registered in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0104]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, when the transfer unit transfers the predetermined information to be registered in the printing apparatus, the setting unit additionally sets the predetermined identification information to the transferred information, so that the transfer information can be registered. Information can be presented to the printing device to determine whether to limit.

According to the second invention, the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing apparatus are provided. Since the restricting means restricts according to the collation result, an unexpected data processing request is not executed, and it is possible to avoid a situation such as alteration or loss of information stored in the non-volatile storage means.

According to the third invention, the limiting means issues a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means, the predetermined identification information registered and the information processing apparatus. When the information input from the above-mentioned information matches, the predetermined data processing request for the registered information is permitted. Therefore, the nonvolatile storage means is provided only when the predetermined data processing requester inputs valid identification information. The data processing request for the information registered in can be executed.

According to the fourth invention, the predetermined identification information for which a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing device are registered. And match
When the determination unit that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the non-volatile storage unit determines that the registration is not possible, the retrieval unit is registered in the non-volatile storage unit and is in an unused state for a predetermined period. Since the expansion means expands the free space of the non-volatile storage means by searching for the information that has been deleted and deleting the searched information, the information that has not been used for a predetermined period of time is regarded as an appropriate deletion target. It is possible to manage the information registration of the non-volatile storage means while securing a free space.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the predetermined identification information and the information input from the information processing device are registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means. And the determination means that determines the registration possibility of the information requested to be registered from the free space of the nonvolatile storage means determines that registration is not possible, the search means is registered in the nonvolatile storage means. For a predetermined period of time, the inquiry unit inquires the information processing apparatus about deletion execution of the searched information, and the expansion unit performs the deletion based on the deletion instruction from the information processing apparatus. Since the information retrieved by the retrieval means is deleted to expand the free space of the non-volatile storage means, it is information that has not been used for a predetermined period of time and the user's instruction It is possible to manage the information registration of the nonvolatile memory means while securing the free space is regarded as a proper erased information is made.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the presence / absence of attachment of the non-volatile storage means to the printing apparatus main body is detected by the detection means as the non-volatile storage means is attached, and the determination means is the non-volatile storage means. When it is determined that the predetermined identification information has been registered, the information input by the registration means is registered in the nonvolatile storage means as the identification information.
It is possible to set the non-volatile storage means to a manageable state based on the identification information when attached.

According to the seventh invention, the identification information judging means for collating the identification information registered in the non-volatile storage means with the predetermined identification information held in the holding means and for judging whether or not they match. Since the limiting means limits the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means on the basis of the determination result according to, the registered identification information and the input identification information even if the non-volatile storage means is replaced. The data processing request from the user to the non-volatile storage means can be surely limited as long as they do not match.

According to the eighth invention, when the transfer means transfers the predetermined information to be registered in the printing apparatus, the setting means additionally sets predetermined identification information to the transferred information, and the registration is performed. Since the limiting means limits the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the means according to the collation result of the predetermined identification information registered and the information input from the information processing device, It is possible to prevent an unexpected data processing request from being executed, and to avoid a situation such as modification or loss of information stored in the nonvolatile storage means.

According to the ninth aspect, the limiting means inputs a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means from the registered predetermined identification information and the information processing apparatus. When the registered information matches the registered information, the predetermined data processing request for the registered information is permitted. Therefore, the predetermined data processing request is registered in the non-volatile storage means only when the requester inputs valid identification information. A data processing request for the stored information can be executed.

According to the tenth invention, the information transferred from the information processing device is registered in the non-volatile storage means together with the predetermined identification information, and the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means. Collates the predetermined identification information registered with the information input from the information processing apparatus, limits a predetermined data processing request according to the collation result, and executes an unexpected data processing request. Therefore, it is possible to program-control the processing for avoiding such a situation that the information stored in the non-volatile storage means is altered or lost.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent alteration, loss, etc. of the already registered predetermined information and to safely manage the previously registered predetermined information so as not to be used unconditionally.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure on the output device side of the print processing system according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a data processing routine shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first access processing procedure for the large-capacity nonvolatile memory shown in FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second access processing procedure for the large-capacity nonvolatile memory shown in FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing an example of a third access processing procedure for the large-capacity nonvolatile memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a first registered data deletion processing routine shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a second registered data deletion processing routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure at power-on of the output device side of the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1000 LBP main body (printer) 1001 Printer control unit 12 CPU 13 ROM 22 Non-volatile memory

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined interface, wherein: transfer means for transferring predetermined information registered in the printing apparatus; and predetermined information for the information transferred from the transfer means. An information processing device, comprising: a setting unit for additionally setting identification information. 2. A printing device capable of communicating with an information processing device via a predetermined interface, wherein non-volatile storage means and information transferred from the information processing device are registered in the non-volatile storage means together with predetermined identification information. A registration means for performing a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means according to a collation result of the predetermined identification information registered and the information input from the information processing device. And a limiting device for limiting the printing device. 3. The limiting means includes the predetermined identification information registered with a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage means by the registration means, and information input from the information processing device. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a predetermined data processing request for the registered information is permitted when the two match. 4. When the predetermined identification information registered with a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing device match each other. A determination unit that determines the registration possibility of information requested to be registered from the free space of the nonvolatile storage unit; and if the determination unit determines that registration is not possible, the determination unit registers the information in the nonvolatile storage unit for a predetermined period of time. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a search unit that searches for information in use, and an expansion unit that deletes the information searched by the search unit and expands the free space of the nonvolatile storage unit. 2. The printing device according to 2. 5. When the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means and the information input from the information processing device match each other. A determination unit that determines the registration possibility of information requested to be registered from the free space of the nonvolatile storage unit; and if the determination unit determines that registration is not possible, the determination unit registers the information in the nonvolatile storage unit for a predetermined period of time. Retrieval means for retrieving information in use, inquiry means for inquiring the information processing apparatus about execution of deletion of information retrieved by the retrieval means, and deletion instruction from the information processing apparatus by the inquiry means And an expansion unit for expanding the free space of the non-volatile storage unit by deleting the information retrieved by the retrieval unit based on The printing apparatus according to claim 2. 6. A printing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined interface, and a non-volatile storage unit detachable from the printing apparatus main body, and whether or not the non-volatile storage section is attached to the printing apparatus main body. A detection unit that detects whether or not the predetermined identification information of the nonvolatile storage unit is registered when the detection unit detects that the nonvolatile storage unit is attached; A printing device comprising: a registration unit that registers the input information as identification information in the nonvolatile storage unit when the unit determines that the predetermined identification information is registered. 7. Holding means for holding predetermined identification information,
Identification information determination means for determining whether or not the identification information registered in the non-volatile storage means and the predetermined identification information held in the holding means are matched, and a determination result by the identification information determination means 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a limiting unit that limits a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the nonvolatile storage unit based on the above. 8. A printing system in which a printing device and an information processing device can communicate with each other via a predetermined interface,
An information processing device having a transfer means for transferring predetermined information registered in the printing device, and a setting means for additionally setting predetermined identification information to the information transferred from the transfer means; and a non-volatile storage means, Registration means for registering information transferred from the information processing device together with predetermined identification information in the non-volatile storage means, and a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means. A printing system, comprising: an information processing apparatus having a restriction unit that restricts the predetermined identification information and information input from the information processing apparatus according to a matching result. 9. The limiting means matches the predetermined identification information registered with the predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means by the registration means with the information input from the information processing device. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein a predetermined data processing request for the registered information is permitted when the printing is performed. 10. A registration information management method for a printing system in which a printing apparatus having a non-volatile storage means and a information processing apparatus can communicate with each other through a predetermined interface, and information transferred from the information processing apparatus is identified by a predetermined identification. A registration step of registering in the non-volatile storage means together with information, the predetermined identification information in which a predetermined data processing request for the information registered in the non-volatile storage means is registered, and information input from the information processing device. A registration information management method for a printing system, comprising: a collating step for collating the above and a limiting step for limiting a predetermined data processing request according to the collation result.