JPH11249842A - Print server, printer, print server adapter, job server, job client and file transfer server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform charging processing to printing processing on a network. SOLUTION: A print client 102 transmits a print request file and a slip file 104 to a charging server 100. The charging server 100 transmits a print permission file 110 describing the permitted amount of resources such as the number of usable printing paper sheets to the print client 102. Based on the resource amount, the charging server prepares charging information and stores it in a charging information file 108. Preceding to the slip file, the print client 102 transmits the print permission file 110 to a printer device 112. Only when the print permission file 110 is transmitted before the slip file 104, the printer device 112 executes printing processing. Thus, charging information can be managed while being centralized and the control of printing can be efficiently performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to accounting for a print service by a print server or a network printer used on a network. In particular, the present invention relates to a print server and a printer that can easily charge for a print service, and a device related thereto.

[0002] The present invention also relates to various devices suitable for performing charging for various services, for example, charging for file transfer.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art When printing a form or the like on a network, the print requests are once collected by a print server or the like, and the print server performs a predetermined spooling process or the like, and appropriately sends the request to a printer on the network. Data to be printed was sent out.

As described above, when printing a form or the like,
It is often necessary to charge for each print process. This billing is often performed by a print spooler in the print server. That is, since the print spooler actually holds the file to be printed, the number of prints and the like can be relatively easily known. Therefore, it is preferable that the calculation of the billing amount is also performed by the print spooler. Such a conventional charging operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0005] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional printing process on a network and a charging operation for the printing process.

As shown in FIG. 13, conventionally, a client 10 requesting printing sends a print request to a print server 12. The print server 12 appropriately spools a print request from the client 10 using the print spooler 12a. The print spooler 12a accumulates billing information for each user by counting the number of pages of a form to be billed. This charge information is stored in the charge information file 1 in the print server 12.
4 was stored.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-266461 discloses a charging management system for a color printer.

[0008]

In recent years, so-called network printers 16 have become widespread. Therefore, in recent years, requests for printing from the client 10 directly to the network printer 16 have been increasing. As described above, in a system configuration in which each client 10 directly requests the network printer 16 to print a form or the like without passing through the print server 12, unlike the related art, centralized accounting management is performed. It is difficult.

As described above, when a print request is issued directly to the network printer 16 without passing through the print server 12, the network printer 16 itself may be provided with a function of managing charging.

However, in a so-called horizontal distributed system in which a plurality of servers, a plurality of clients, and a plurality of network printers 16 are provided on a single network, the management of such billing becomes complicated. However, there is a problem that expansion such as adding a network printer 16 or adding a client 10 becomes extremely complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a billing server independent of a conventional print server, and to centrally manage billing for print processing by this billing server. It is to be.

Another object of the present invention is to smoothly perform charging processing for charging processing for services other than printing processing.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention receives a print permission file and a print data file, checks the print permission file, and permits the print permission file to print. A file, a print monitoring unit that performs a file match check on whether or not the print data file matches, and a file that the print data file and the print permission file permit printing as a result of the file match check by the print monitor unit. A print processing unit that executes printing of the print data file only when
It is characterized by including.

Further, according to the present invention, the print processing unit monitors the use amount of each resource used for printing during execution of the print process, and the print processing unit monitors the amount of each of the monitored resources. In the print permission file, it is checked whether or not there is more than the amount permitted in the print permission file, and as a result of the check, the print processing unit determines that at least one resource is in the print permission file. If it is detected that the used amount exceeds the permitted amount, the printing process is stopped.

Further, in the invention, it is preferable that the resources include the number of prints.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the resources include a print processing time.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the resources include a print data amount.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the resources include a print toner amount.

Further, according to the present invention, the print monitoring unit determines that the print permission file does not match the file to which printing is permitted and the print data file as a result of the file matching check. The client is informed that the communication has not been performed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the print monitoring unit determines that the print permitted file and the print data file do not match as a result of the file matching check, Is notified to the network administrator as audit information that the data has not been performed.

Further, the present invention receives a print permission file name and a print data file, reads the print permission file from a billing server based on the print permission file name, inspects the read print permission file, A file that the print permission file permits printing, a print monitoring unit that checks whether the print data file matches, and a result of the print monitoring unit that checks that the print permission file permits printing. A print processing unit that executes printing of the print data file only when the print data file matches the print data file.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored in the accounting server after the printing operation by the print processing unit is completed. is there.

According to the present invention, there is provided a printer connected to a local area network, wherein printing from the local area network prior to a print data file to be printed means permission to print the print data file. A print monitoring unit that checks whether or not the permission file has been transmitted; and a printing process that is performed only when the print monitoring unit determines that the print permission file has been transmitted prior to the print data file. And a print processing unit to be executed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the print monitoring unit receives the print permission file and the print data file from the local area network, the print monitoring unit checks the print permission file and determines whether the print permission file is printed. The print processing unit checks whether the print data file matches the print data file, and as a result of the inspection by the print monitoring unit, the print data file and the print permission file permit printing. The printing of the print data file is executed only when the values match.

According to the present invention, in a print server adapter device for connecting a printer device to a local area network, it is determined whether or not a print permission file has been transmitted from the local area network prior to a print data file. A print monitoring unit to be inspected, and a print processing unit that supplies a print data file to the printer device only when the print monitoring unit determines that the print permission file has been transmitted prior to the print data file. It is characterized by including.

Further, according to the present invention, when the print monitoring unit receives the print permission file and the print data file from the local area network, the print monitoring unit checks the print permission file and determines whether the print permission file is printed. The print processing unit checks whether the print data file matches the print data file, and as a result of the inspection by the print monitoring unit, the print data file and the print permission file permit printing. The print data file is supplied to the printer only when the values match.

According to the present invention, a printer connected to a local area network receives a print permission file name and a print data file from the local area network, and, based on the print permission file name, sends the print permission file from a charging server to the printer. Read the permission file,
A print monitoring unit that inspects the read print permission file, and checks whether the print permission file matches a print permission file and the print data file;
A print processing unit that executes printing of the print data file only when the print permission file matches the file that permits printing and the print data file as a result of the inspection of the print monitoring unit. It is a feature.

Further, in the invention, it is preferable that the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored in the accounting server after the printing operation by the print processing unit is completed. is there.

According to the present invention, a print server adapter device for connecting a printer device to a local area network receives a print permission file name and a print data file from the local area network.
The print permission file is read from the accounting server based on the print permission file name, the read print permission file is inspected, and whether the print permission file matches the print permission file with the print data file is determined. A print monitoring unit that checks whether the print data file is supplied to the printer device only when the print monitoring file matches the print data file and the print data file as a result of the inspection performed by the print monitoring unit. And a print processing unit.

The present invention is characterized in that the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored in the charging server after the supply of the print data file is completed. .

According to the present invention, there is provided a print server having a print spooler for spooling print data, wherein the print spooler includes a print permission file including information for permitting printing of the print data file prior to the print data file. If a file is not transmitted, spooling is rejected.

Further, according to the present invention, the print spooler receives the print permission file and the print data file, inspects the print permission file, and checks whether the print permission file permits printing and the print permission file. A print processing unit that checks whether the data file matches the print file.The print spooler checks that the print data file matches the file that the print permission file permits printing as a result of the inspection of the print processing unit. Only if
The print data file and the print permission file are spooled.

The present invention also relates to a print server having a print spooler for spooling print data, wherein the print spooler receives a print permission file name and a print data file, and based on the print permission file name, The print spooler reads the print permission file from the billing server, and the print spooler checks the read print permission file, and checks whether the print permission file matches the print permission file with the print data file. A print processing unit, wherein the print spooler spools the print data file only when the result of the inspection of the print processing unit indicates that the print permission file matches the file that permits printing and the print data file. It is characterized by ringing.

Further, in the present invention, the print spooler spools the print data file and then deletes the print permission file stored in the accounting server.

Further, according to the present invention, in a business server which executes a business program and performs a printing process in response to a request from a client, a print data file to be printed transmitted from the client requesting the printing;
A print request file indicating that the printing of the print data file is permitted, based on a print request file indicating a request for printing the print data file, and transmitting the print permission file to the client. A permission file generation processing unit, a charging log processing unit that accumulates charging information of the client that has transmitted these files based on the transmitted print data file and the transmitted print request file, A print monitoring unit that checks whether or not the print permission file has been transmitted prior to the print data file; and wherein the print permission file is transmitted before the print data file. A print processing unit that supplies the print data file to the printer only when it is determined that The one in which the features.

Further, according to the present invention, when the print monitoring unit receives the print permission file and the print data file, the print monitoring unit checks the print permission file and determines whether the print permission file is a file to which printing is permitted. The print processing unit checks whether the print data file matches the print data file, and as a result of the check by the print monitoring unit, the print processing file matches the print data file with the file to which the print permission file permits printing. The print data file is supplied to the printer only when the printing is performed.

Further, according to the present invention, in a business server which executes a business program and performs a printing process in response to a request from a client, a print data file to be printed transmitted from the client requesting the printing,
Generating a print permission file indicating that printing of the print data file is permitted based on a print request file indicating a request to print the print data file, storing the print permission file, and storing the print permission file. Based on the print permission file generation processing unit that transmits the file name of the file to the client, the transmitted print data file, and the transmitted print request file, the transmission of these files is performed. A charging log processing unit that stores client charging information, receives a file name of the print permission file transmitted by the client, and uses the file name of the print permission file,
A print monitoring unit that extracts the print permission file having the file name from the print permission file generation processing unit, and checks whether the extracted print permission file permits printing of the print data file; and Only when it is determined that the print permission file permits printing of the print data file as a result of the inspection,
And a print processing unit for supplying the print data file to a printer device.

Further, according to the present invention, the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored by the print permission file generation processing unit after the print processing unit supplies the print data file to a printer device. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, there is provided a business client having a print request input program for controlling a printing process in response to a user request, wherein the print request input program receives a print permission file, and the print request input program receives the print permission file. A print monitoring unit that monitors the usage of each resource used for printing when controlling the printing of the print data file;
It is characterized by including.

Further, according to the present invention, a print data file to be printed and a print request file containing print parameters generated by the user's print request are transmitted to a charging server, and the charging server generates the print data file. Receiving a print permission file, supplying the print permission file to the print monitoring unit, and supplying the print data file to the print request input program, the print request input program The print data file is supplied to a print server only when printing of the file is permitted.

Further, according to the present invention, the transfer permission file and the transfer data file are received, the transfer permission file is checked, and the transfer permission file matches the file which permits the file transfer with the transfer data file. A transfer monitoring unit for checking whether or not the transfer monitoring unit determines whether or not the transfer data file and the transfer-permitted file match with a file for which the file transfer is permitted. And a transfer processing unit for executing

Further, according to the present invention, the transfer processing unit monitors the use amount of each resource used for the transfer during the execution of the transfer process, and the transfer processing unit monitors the used amount of each of the monitored resources. In the transfer permission file, it is checked whether or not there is more than the amount permitted in the transfer permission file, and as a result of the check, the transfer processing unit determines that at least one resource is in the transfer permission file. If it is detected that the used amount exceeds the permitted amount, the transfer process is stopped.

Also, the present invention is characterized in that the resources include the number of transfer bytes.

Further, in the present invention, the resource includes a transfer time.

[0045]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, a feature of the first embodiment is that a billing server 100 independent of the print server is provided.

First, a client program or a batch program (hereinafter, referred to as a print client 102) that prints a form or the like sends a print request to the charging server 10 before sending it to a print server or the like.
For 0, a form file 104 to be printed and accounting information 106 such as the number of printed pages are notified. The transmission of the accounting information 106 and the form file 104 is indicated by (1) in FIG.

Next, the accounting server 100 stores the transmitted accounting information 106 in the accounting information file 108. This accumulation operation is indicated by (2) in FIG.
The billing server 100, together with the storage operation, performs the billing information 1
A print permission file 110 is generated based on the print permission file 06 and the form file 104. The operation of generating the print permission file 110 is indicated by (3) in FIG. Then, the accounting server 100 transmits the print permission file 110 to the print client 102.

The print permission file 110 defines resources that can be used (referred to as resources), such as the number of print permitted pages, and a form for uniquely recognizing the data of the form file 104 to be printed. This is the file containing the recognition key.

The print client 102 transmits the transmitted print permission file 110 and the form file 104 to be printed to the printer 112 connected to the network. Specifically, when the print client 102 transmits the print permission file 110 to the printer device 112, the print client 102 transmits the form file 104 to the printer device 112 following the transmission. This transmission operation is indicated by (4) in FIG.

The printer device 112 has a function of rejecting a print request when only the form file 104 is transmitted without accompanying the print permission file 110. Further, when the form file 104 is transmitted following the print permission file 110, the printer device 112 first transmits the form file 104 using the form recognition key described in the print permission file 110. The form file 104 is the print permission file 110
Check if the file is allowed by.
More specifically, the form recognition key described in the print permission file 110 is continuously transmitted to the form file 104.
A check is performed to determine whether or not the ID is uniquely recognized.

As a result of this inspection, if the form file 104 can be uniquely recognized and it is confirmed that the printing permission has been obtained, the printer device 112 starts printing the form file 104.

The printer device 112 constantly monitors the number of print pages during the printing process. If printing is performed beyond the number of print-permitted pages described in the print-permitted file 110, the printing is stopped.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, accounting management for form printing can be easily performed even in a distributed system in which a plurality of servers and clients and a network printer are installed. Note that the printer 112 according to the present embodiment has a function as a print server. In the present embodiment,
The printer device 112 has a function as a print server. For example, the print permission file 110 is stored in a local area network board or a printer adapter for connecting the printer device to a local area network.
It is also preferable to provide a check function of As described above, if the local area network board or the printer adapter is provided with the function of checking the print permission file 110, it is possible to use a conventional printer that is not compatible with the network.

According to the present embodiment, the print server (the printer 112 in the present embodiment) and the printer connected via the printer adapter need to be provided with a charge management function for each user. Disappears. Further, when the number of users increases, if the addition of the user is set only in the charging server 100, the charging is automatically performed, so that the operation of the system can be facilitated.

The printer 112 according to the present embodiment merely checks the print permission file 110 without depending on the user or the system configuration. For this reason, it is possible to easily make settings when adding the printer device 112 to the network system.

In the billing method proposed in the present embodiment, billing when printing a form is performed by the billing server 100.
Is calculated with However, the aggregation of such charges is
The present invention can be applied not only to print processing but also to all services using resources on a network. For example, a similar server can be used when performing accounting management for resource amounts such as communication amounts when transferring files. As the communication amount, it is conceivable to charge the file transfer using, for example, the number of bytes of the transmitted data, the time required for the communication, and the like.

Embodiment 2 Embodiment 2 is an embodiment showing a basic idea of the present invention, and an explanatory diagram thereof is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the business client X1 and the print server Y
1 and a billing server 100 are connected via a local area network 200. That is, the business client X1, the print server Y1, and the billing server 100 each have an interface for connecting to the local area network 200.

First, the business client X1 that performs printing
Notifies the accounting server 100 of a print request file 202 in which a request for resources required for printing, such as the number of print sheets, is recorded, and a print data file 204.

This notification operation is shown by (1) in FIG.

As described above, the printing permission is requested by notifying the print request file 202 and the print data file 204 to the accounting server 100. The contents of the print request file 202 can be various print parameters such as the size of the print data file 204 and the execution time of the print processing, as well as the number of print sheets. still,
In the present embodiment, the case where the business client X1 makes a print request is described, but the same applies to a case where print is requested by a predetermined batch process or the like.

When the print request file 202 and the print data file 204 are transmitted, the accounting server 100 recognizes the amount of available resources such as the number of print sheets recorded in the print request file 202 and the print data recognition. A print permission file 110 including a key is generated. The print permission file 110 is generated by the print permission file generation processing unit 206.

Here, the amount of resources that can be used means parameters such as the number of sheets permitted for printing, and the print data recognition key can uniquely recognize the print data file 204 to be printed. The key that can be.

Specifically, the print data identification key is preferably a key determined from the contents of the print data file 204. This key is calculated by performing a predetermined operation on the contents, but more simply, it is preferable to use the address in the print data file 204 and the value at that address as the key.

The print data identification key preferably includes the date and time when the print data file 204 was created.

Further, the print data identification key may include a key specified from the above contents of the print data file 204 and a plurality of types of keys such as creation date and time. By combining a plurality of types of keys, the print data file 204 can be identified more accurately.

When the print permission file 110 is returned from the accounting server 100 to the business client X1, printing permission is given.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the print permission file 110. As shown in this figure, the print permission file 110 includes a print data file name and a print data identification key. Further, the print permission file 110 includes a repetition of a pair of a resource ID and a permitted amount used for printing. In the text, this repetition is called print permission information. The resource ID is an ID for identifying a resource, and the resource name is used for simplicity (see FIG. 3).

The accounting server 100 records, in the accounting information log file 208, the amount of usable (permitted to use) resources, such as the number of print sheets, for the user who has been permitted to print. That is, charging information for the resource amount permitted to be used is recorded in the charging information log file 208. The recording of the billing information in the billing information log file 208 is indicated by (3) in FIG.

The writing to the accounting information log file 208 is performed in units of accounting log records. In addition, it is preferable that the log record generally includes the name of the user who has requested the printing, in order to clarify the billing target person. Each billing log record includes the name of the resource and the permitted use amount of the resource, and is configured so that the billing amount can be easily calculated. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration of the accounting log record.
As shown in the figure, the resource log record is a record including a print request user name, a resource name, and a use (permission) amount.

The accounting information is recorded in the accounting server 100
The processing is performed in the accounting log processing unit 210 in FIG. The reply of the print permission file 110 to the business client X1 is represented by (2) in FIG.

Now, the business client X1 transfers the print file 204 to be printed to the print server Y1, but prior to the file transfer, the accounting server 1
The print permission file 110 returned from 00 is transmitted to the print server Y1 in advance. The transmission of the print permission file 110 is indicated by (4) in FIG.

Next, the business client X1 transmits the print data file 204 to the print server Y1, following the transmission of the print permission file 110. The transmission of the print data file 204 is indicated by (5) in FIG.

When printing the print data file 204, the print server Y1 refers to the print permission file 110 received immediately before. Then, it is checked whether the print data file 204 is uniquely recognized by the print data recognition key in the print permission file 110. This check is, in short, a check as to whether the print data file matches a file permitted to be printed. This inspection is performed by the print monitoring unit 212.

When the print monitoring unit 212 in the print server Y1 determines that the print data file 204 cannot be uniquely recognized from the print data recognition key, it notifies the user (the business client X1) of the print failure.
This notification is indicated by (7) in FIG. Then, in this case, the print processing unit 214 does not perform the print processing.

Further, when printing is not performed,
It is often convenient for management to provide the same notification to the network administrator as well as the client. Therefore, it is desirable that the print monitoring unit 212 notifies not only the client but also the network administrator of the audit information indicating that the printing has not been performed.

Note that the recognition is preferably performed using a key, but it is also a simple method to simply look at the file name. By simply comparing only the file name, it is checked whether or not the file name described in the print permission file 110 and the file name of the print data file 204 match.

If the print permission file 110 is not sent prior to the print data file 204, the print monitoring unit 212 immediately excludes the print data file 204 from the print targets. This is because the print permission file 110 was not attached to the print data file 204 in the first place. In such a case, the print processing unit 214 does not perform printing. That is,
The print processing unit 214 performs the print process only when the print monitoring unit 212 detects that the print permission file 110 has been sent prior to the print data file 204.

On the other hand, if the print data file 204 transmitted by the print data recognition key can be uniquely recognized, the printing process is started. This printing process
In FIG. 2, it is indicated by (8). This printing process is performed in the print processing unit 214 in the print server Y1.

At this time, during the execution of the printing process, the consumption of the used resources such as the number of print pages is monitored, and the print permission file 1
Monitoring is performed so as not to exceed the range specified in 10. This monitoring is specifically performed by the print monitoring unit 212.

Then, when the value exceeds the range specified by the print permission file 110, the printing process is interrupted, and this is notified to the user.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the allowable amount of each resource specified in the print permission file 110. Thus, the monitored resource includes, for example, the number of prints (sheets).
And print processing time (minutes), print data amount (byte), print toner amount (gram), and the like (see FIG. 4). The creation of these print permission amounts is performed by the print permission file generation processing unit 2
06.

In the present embodiment, the printing process is stopped when one of the resources specified in the print permission file 110 is used in excess of the permitted amount.

The process of interrupting the printing process is described in FIG.
In (6). Also, when the printing process is interrupted, it is preferable to notify the user of the interruption as described above. This notification is indicated by (7) in FIG.

In the embodiments described above, the permitted amounts of the respective resources are individually set. However, in the actual printing process, it is considered that the same permitted amount is often used repeatedly. Therefore, a predetermined combination of the permitted amount of each resource is defined in advance as a class, and the business client X
It is also preferable that 1 designates the permitted amounts of a plurality of resources collectively.

That is, the business client X1 requesting printing does not specify the amount of each resource whose use is to be permitted, but specifies the class. It is preferred to specify the amount at one time.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the print permission class. As shown in this figure, for example, the print permission class A defines the number of prints as ten, but is a print permission class that does not limit the other print processing time or the like. In the print permission class B, the permitted number of prints is one.
The print permission class is 00 sheets, but there is no restriction on other print processing time and the like. The print permission class C is
The permitted number of prints is 100, the permitted amount of print processing time is 60 minutes, and the permitted amount of print data is 4096.
This is a print permission class of K bytes. The print permission class D includes the number of prints, print processing time, print data amount,
This is a printing permission class that has no restrictions on the printing.

Specifically, means for storing a table as shown in FIG. 5 is provided in the print permission file generation processing unit 206 of the accounting server 100. The table storage means stores a predetermined print permission class. Prior to the actual print processing, the data of the print permission class is stored in the table means.

Now, for the accounting server 100 having the print permission class table means, the business client X1
Transmits a print request file 202 describing a print permission class, which is a combination of the permitted amounts of resources to be used. Then, the print permission file generation processing unit 206 in the accounting server 100 searches the table storage unit for a print permission class described in the print request file 202. Then, the required permission amount of each resource for printing, which means the found printing permission class, is read from the class table means. After the requested permission amount of each resource is obtained, the print permission file generation processing unit 206 generates the print permission file 110 based on the permission amount.

As described above, the billing server 100, which is a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment, receives the print request file 11 from the print request file from the business client X1.
0 and generates accounting information based on the requested resources used for printing, and creates an accounting information log file 208.
It was recorded in.

In the monthly processing or the like, the billing information is compiled for each user or user group from the billing information log file 208 on the billing server 100, and a billing summary file 216 and a billing summary form 218 are created. The accounting process and the creation process are performed by the accounting information aggregation processing unit 220 in the accounting server 100. The process of reading the billing information log by the billing information totaling unit 220 is indicated by (a) in FIG. The process of creating the accounting summary file 216 by the accounting information aggregation processing unit 220 is shown by (b) in FIG.

The accounting information totaling unit 220 has an accounting table 500 storing the names of resources and the amount of accounting per unit amount of resources.

Based on the charging table 500 and the charging information log file 208, the charging information totalizing section 220
Performs monthly tabulation processing and the like. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of the operation of the monthly totaling process. As shown in FIG. 7, the billing table 500 stores the billing amount per unit of each resource.
8 records the amount of resources used by each user. Based on these two pieces of information, the billing information totaling unit 2
Numeral 20 performs monthly tallying processing. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the billing amount is calculated and obtained for each user.

The business client X1 is 1 in FIG.
Although only one is shown, this business client X1 can be freely added. When the business client X1 is added, if only the connection from the business client X1 to the charging server 100 is set, the printing request from the new business client X1 is automatically charged. As a result, the plurality of print servers Y1 connected to the local area network 200
It is not necessary to register a new business client X1 for each of the above, and it is possible to easily add the business client X1.

Further, according to the present embodiment, not only the business client X1 but also the print server Y1 can be easily added. When the print server Y1 is newly added to the local area network 200, the new print server Y1 is automatically set simply by setting the accounting server 100 so that the business client X1 can newly access the print server Y1. Can be charged for the print processing performed by the user.

Billing target user (or user group)
May be added to the billing server 100 as desired. This setting of the user group and the like is used only when the accounting information is totaled, and the information only needs to be known by the charging information aggregation processing unit 220. As a result, the business client X1 and the print server Y1 do not need to be changed at all.

[0098] In this embodiment, the accounting server 100 is a single independent server device, but it is preferable that the accounting server 100 is constituted by a business server on which a business program runs.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the business server 600 that performs print processing in response to a request from a client.

The business server 600 is a business server that performs a printing process in response to a request from the client X2, and includes the functions of the accounting server 100. That is, the business server 600 includes the print permission file generation processing unit 206
, A billing log processing unit 210 and a billing information processing unit 220, and the function of each component is almost the same as the example shown in FIG. The business server 600 also includes a billing information log file 208.

Further, the business server 600 includes a print monitoring unit 212 and a print processing unit 214.

In the system using the business server 600 shown in FIG. 8, the client X2 transmits the print data file 204 and the print request file 202 to the business server as in the example shown in FIG. I do. Like FIG. 2, this transmission operation is indicated by (1) in FIG. The print permission file generation processing unit 206 of the business server 600 receives the print data file 204 and the print request file 202 transmitted in the same manner as in FIG. 2, and creates the print permission file 110. Then, the print permission file generation processing unit 206 transmits the print permission file 110 to the client X2. This transmission operation is indicated by (2) in FIG. 8 as in FIG.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the business server 600 plays the same role as the billing server 100. Then, the client X2 uses the business server 600 to obtain the print permission file 110 as in FIG.

Also, the billing log processing unit 210 accumulates billing information of the client X2 that has issued the print request in the billing information log file 208 in the same manner as in FIG.

The client X 2 having obtained the print permission file 110 transmits the print permission file 110 to the business server 600 prior to the print data file 204. Subsequently, the client X2 transmits the print data file 204 to the business server 600.

The print monitoring unit 212 of the business server checks whether the print permission file 110 has been transmitted prior to the print data file 204 as in the case of FIG. As a result of this inspection, the print permission file 110
However, if it is determined that the print data file 204 has been transmitted prior to the print data file 204, the print processing unit 214 (indicated by (6) in FIG. 8) It is supplied to an external printer device. This supply operation is indicated by (8) in FIG. 8 as in FIG.

The print monitoring unit 212 checks the files permitted by the received print permission file 110, and also checks whether the file permitted for printing matches the print data file. As a result of this inspection, if they match, the print processing unit 214
Is supplied to the printer device.

Note that the print permission file 110 is not transmitted prior to the print data file 204,
If the print permission file 110 does not match the file to which printing is permitted with the print data file 204, the print monitoring unit 212 reports the print failure to the client X2, as in FIG. This reporting operation is indicated by (7) in FIG. Further, when the printing failure is reported, the print processing unit 214 does not supply the print data file 214 to the printer device.

The business server 6 according to the present embodiment
00 indicates that the print monitoring unit 212
However, it is also preferable to receive only the print-permitted file name as in the fifth embodiment described below. In this case, the print permission file generation processing unit 206 transmits the print permission file 110 to the client X
2, only the file name of the print permission file 110 is transmitted, and the print permission file itself is held by the print permission file generation processing unit 206.

Then, the print monitoring section 212 reads the print permission file 110 from the print permission file generation processing section 206 based on the print permission file name. As described above, the print permission file 11 in the same business server 600 is used.
Since 0 itself is exchanged, there is no possibility of increasing network traffic.

When only the print permission file name is transmitted to the client X2, the print monitoring unit 212 deletes the print permission file 110, as in the fifth embodiment described later. With this configuration, the traffic on the network can be reduced as in the fifth embodiment described later.

Embodiment 3 This embodiment is an embodiment using a print spooler, and its explanatory diagram is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the present embodiment is characterized in that the print server Y1 has a print spooler 221, and as an actual printer, it is directly connected to the print server Y1. Connected printer 222 and local area network 20
0 is directly under the control of the print server Y1. And
The print spooler 221 stores the print permission file 110
Or, the print data file 204 is spooled. The network printer 224 has an interface for connecting to the local area network 200.

The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.

First, the business client X1 notifies the accounting server 100 of the print request file 202 and the print data file 204, and sends the print permission file 11
Get 0. The transmission of the print request file 202 and the print data file 204 is indicated by (1) in FIG. 9, and the operation is the same as in the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. In addition, the accounting server 100 determines that the print permission file 110
9 is indicated by (2) in FIG. 9, which is the same operation as in the second embodiment in FIG. The charging server 100 has the same configuration as the charging server 100 of the second embodiment.

The business client X1 sends the print permission file 110 and the print data file 204 to the print server Y1. The print server Y1 supplies the transmitted print permission file 110 and print data file 204 to the print spooler 221.

The print spooler 221 sends the print permission file 110 and the print data file 204
Are stored in the spool area 226, and the execution of the printing is scheduled. At this time, the print data file 20
If the print permission file 110 has not been transmitted prior to Step 4, the print spooler 221 rejects spooling.

The spool area 226 specifically stores F
A memory area and a disk area which are buffers of the IFO and are under the control of the print spooler 221 are used.
The print spooler 221 schedules print processing for a set of the print permission file 110 and the print data file 204 stored in the spool area 226. This scheduling process itself is a well-known technique.

The print processing unit 22 of the print spooler 221
Reference numeral 8 denotes a print permission file 110 whose print order has been turned.
And checks whether the contents of the print data file 204 are appropriate. That is, the print processing unit 228
The print monitoring unit 212 according to the second embodiment in FIG.
This is a means that also has the function of: Specifically, the print data recognition key in the print permission file 110 is read, and the print data file 204 sent in pairs (sent as a set) is uniquely identified using the print data recognition key. A check is made to see if it can be recognized. As a result of this inspection, if it can be uniquely recognized, it is determined that printing can be performed, and the print processing unit 228 determines the number of available resources such as the number of print papers specified in the print permission file 110. Execute print processing within the limits.

As described above, the print processing unit 228 inspects the print data file in the print spooler 221.

More specifically, in the print processing, the print processing unit 228 sends the print data of the print data file 204 to the direct printer 222 directly connected to the print server Y1 or the network printer 224 connected to the local area network. is there.

According to the present embodiment, the print processing unit 228 is provided in the print spooler.
6, the print data file 204 and the print permission file 11
While 0 is stored, it is possible to check whether the contents of the print data file 204 are valid. As a result, a smooth billing method can be realized by using the conventional network printer 224 connected to the local area network as it is, without providing the printer itself with the means for executing the inspection.

The functions (configuration) described in the present embodiment
It is also preferable to use a print server adapter device having In such a print server adapter device, a configuration corresponding to the print spooler 221 and the print processing unit 228 is provided. However, the configuration corresponding to the above-described print processing unit 228 is the print data file 204
Performs an operation of supplying the print data file 204 to the connected printer only when printing is permitted for printing.

The print server Y1 including the print spooler according to the present embodiment (or the print server adapter device having a similar function) receives the print permission file 110 itself.
, It is also preferable to receive only the print permission file name. In this case, print spooler 2
21 is a charging server 100 based on the print permission file name.
From the print permission file 110. After the print spooler sets the print data file 204 as a spool target, the print spooler deletes the print permission file 110 stored in the accounting server 100. With this configuration, the traffic on the network can be reduced as in the fifth embodiment described later.

Embodiment 4 In the above embodiment, the inspection such as the number of print sheets recorded in the print permission file 110 is performed by the print monitoring unit 212 or the print processing unit 22.
8 was performed by the monitoring unit.

However, when the program itself operating on the business client X1 sends the print data file 204 to the print server Y1, it refers to the contents of the print permission file 110 to determine whether the print permission is correctly given. It is also preferable that the inspection itself is performed, and that the program itself monitors the printing operation.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the print request input program 23 in the business client X1 is used.
0 shows an example in which printing is monitored.

An explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in this system, a business client X1, a billing server 100, and a print server Y1 are connected to a local area network 200. Among them, the billing server 100 and the print server Y1 have the same configuration as the billing server 100 and the print server Y1 in the above-described embodiment. A characteristic configuration of the present embodiment is that the business client X1 includes a print monitoring unit 232 in the print request input program 230.

The business client X1 obtains the print permission file 110 from the accounting server 100 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Then, printing is performed by transmitting the print permission file 110 and the print data file 204 to the print server Y1. These operations are the same as in the above embodiment.

A feature of this embodiment is that the print request input program 230 for requesting printing has a print monitoring unit 232. by this,
Print permission file 110 sent to print server Y1
The print monitoring unit 232 performs an inspection on the contents of the print data file 204 and the print data. This monitoring operation is indicated by (1) in FIG. As a result of this monitoring, if the content of the print data file 204 exceeds, for example, the limit on the number of print sheets in the print permission file 110, this is indicated by the print request input program 230.
And the print request input program 230 stops printing. Specifically, it does not transmit a new print data file 204, but requests the print server Y1 to stop printing.

As described above, since the print monitoring is performed on the side of the business client X1, more advanced print management can be performed while using a conventional printer or a conventional print server.

Embodiment 5 FIG. In each of the above-described embodiments, the print permission file 110 generated by the accounting server 100 has been transmitted to the business client X1. However, the print permission file 110 generated by the accounting server 100 for each request in response to a print request from the business client X1 is likely to be a file having substantially the same contents. The reason is that the print format is often a fixed format and the number of prints is often determined according to the size (number of pages) of the print data file 204.

Therefore, it is not only wasteful to generate the print permission file 110 having almost the same contents and transmit it to the business client X1 every time a print request is generated, but also increase the traffic on the local area network 200. There is a risk that it will be done. Therefore, the print permission file 110 is generated in the print permission file generation processing unit 206 of the accounting server 100, but the print permission file 110 is
It is also conceivable to send only the file name. In the fifth embodiment, charging server 100 having such an operation is described.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram thereof.

As shown in FIG. 11, the business client X1 first notifies the print request file 202 and the print data file 204 to the accounting server 100, and requests printing permission.

This operation is shown by (1) in FIG. 11 and is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

[0136] The accounting server 100 stores the print permission file 1
10 are generated in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Then, while the print permission file 110 itself is held inside the accounting server 100, only the file name of the print permission file 110 is transmitted to the business client X1.

The operation of transmitting only the file name of the print permission file 110 is described in (2) in FIG.
Indicated by

As described above, since only the file name of the print permission file 110 is transmitted to the business client X1 instead of the print permission file 110 itself, the traffic volume on the local area network 200 is reduced.

Next, the business client X1 sends the file name of the print permission file 110 and the print file 204 to the print server Y1. As a result, the business client X1 requests the print server Y1 to print the print data file 204.

The print server Y1 reads the print permission file 110 held by the charge server 100 from the charge server 100 based on the file name of the print permission file 110 sent from the business client X1. This reading operation is performed by the print monitoring unit 212.

The print monitoring unit 212 prints the print permission file 11
0, it is checked whether or not the printing is permitted. If the printing is permitted, the print processing unit 214 of the print server Y1 sends the print data file 204 transmitted by the business client X1. Start printing. Further, during the printing process, the amount of resources used for printing is monitored. These inspections and monitoring are the same as in the above-described embodiment.

More specifically, when printing is to be performed exceeding the number of printing papers specified in the print permission file 110 during execution of printing, the print monitoring unit 2
12 requests the print processing unit 214 to stop, and the print processing unit 214 stops printing. In FIG. 11, such a series of operations are (3), (4), (5),
Each is indicated by (6).

When the printing of the print data file 204 is completed, the print monitoring unit 212 of the print server Y 1 sends the print permission file 11 stored in the accounting server 100.
0 is deleted.

The reason for deleting the print permission file 110 is to prevent the same print permission file 110 from being used more than once. That is, unless the created print permission file 110 is deleted, the business client X1 can issue the same print request to the print server Y1 any number of times by using the print permission file name twice or more. . On the other hand, the accounting process in the accounting server 100 is performed only once. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the print monitoring unit 212 deletes the print permission file 110 every time one print is completed.

It is preferable that the function of the print server Y1 in the present embodiment is provided in the print server adapter device. In this case, the print server adapter is connected to the print monitoring unit 212 and the print processing unit 21.
4 and so forth. However, the configuration corresponding to the print processing unit 214 is the print data file 204
If the printing is permitted, an operation of supplying the print data file 204 to the printer is executed.

As described in the last part of the third embodiment, the print server adapter preferably has a print spooler function.

Further, as described at the end of the second embodiment, it is preferable that the function of the print server Y1 in the present embodiment is combined with the charging function to constitute a business server. In this case, the business server includes a configuration corresponding to the print monitoring unit 212, the print processing unit 214, and the like. Of course, the print processing unit 21
4 executes an operation of supplying the print data file 204 to the printer when the printing of the print data file 204 is permitted.

Embodiment 6 FIG. In each of the embodiments described above, the charging server that charges the print request for the number of sheets required for the printing has been described. However, it is also preferable that the charging server described above is applied to charging other than charging for print processing. For example, in the case of charging the file transfer processing according to the size of the transfer file, the charging server described above can be applied almost as it is.

In the sixth embodiment, the above-described second embodiment is directly replaced with a charge for the file transfer process, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram thereof. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the system includes a business client X1 connected to a local area network 200, a billing server 300, and a file transfer server Z1.
It is composed of In the sixth embodiment, the billing target is not the number of printing paper sheets, but the number of bytes of a transfer file, the time required for transfer, and the like. The basic operation principle of the billing server 300 is exactly the same. .

First, the business client X1 sends the transfer request file 302 and the transfer data file 304 to be transferred to the charging server 300. This transmission operation is indicated by (1) in FIG.

The transfer permission file generation processing unit 306 in the accounting server 300 generates a transfer permission file 410 based on the two transmitted files. The generated transfer permission file 410 is returned to the business client X1. This reply process is indicated by (2) in FIG.

In the charging server 300, a transfer permission file 410 is generated, and charging information for the transfer processing is stored in a charging information log file 308 in a charging log processing unit 310. This storing operation is indicated by (3) in FIG.

Next, the business client X1 transmits the transfer permission file 410 and the transfer data file 304 to be transferred to the file transfer server Z1. The transfer of the transfer permission file 410 is indicated by (4) in FIG. 12, and the transmission of the transfer file 304 is indicated by (5) in FIG.

The operation of the file transfer server Z1 is the same as that of the above-described print server Y1 except that the transferred file is transferred instead of being printed instead of being printed. Transfer processing unit 3
14 transfers the transfer data file 304 to the transfer destination server Z2. Prior to this, the transfer monitoring unit 312 checks whether the file permitted by the transfer permission file 410 matches the transfer data file 304 or not. If they do not match, the transfer is stopped. Alternatively, if the transfer permission file 410 has not been transmitted prior to the transfer data file 304, the transfer process is not performed from the beginning.

If the file permitted by the transfer permission file 410 matches the transfer data file 304, the transfer processing is executed. This is performed in the transfer processing unit.

During the transfer, the transfer permission file 41
If the transfer time, the number of transfer bytes, and the like permitted by 0 exceed during the transfer operation, the transfer monitoring unit 312 stops the transfer as in the second embodiment. Regardless of whether the transfer processing is performed or the transfer is stopped, the transfer monitoring unit 312 transmits a message to that effect to the business client X1. The process of transmitting this message is indicated by (7) in FIG.

As described above, this embodiment is an example in which the second embodiment is applied to a file transfer process instead of a print operation. In other words, the charging server 300 according to the present invention can be widely applied to various services to be charged. In the above-described second embodiment, the preferable charging server is described in the case where the printing process is charged based on, for example, the number of sheets. In the sixth embodiment, the operation of the accounting server in the case where accounting is performed based on the number of transfer bytes in the file transfer has been described. As described above, the billing server according to the present invention is used for providing services to be widely billed.

[0158]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a print server capable of printing only files for which printing is permitted.

Further, according to the present invention, when the resource amount exceeds the permitted resource amount, printing is stopped, so that resource management can be performed more strictly.

Further, according to the present invention, since the number of prints is included as a resource, it is possible to prevent the printing from being performed more than the permitted number of prints.

Further, according to the present invention, since the print processing time is included as a resource, it is possible to prevent the printing from being performed for an unpermitted time.

Further, according to the present invention, since the amount of print data is included as a resource, it is possible to prevent printing more than the amount of data not permitted.

Further, according to the present invention, since the amount of the printing toner is included as the resource, it is possible to prevent the printing from being performed with the toner amount which is not permitted.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a print server which allows a client to know that printing has not been performed.

Further, according to the present invention, a print server is provided which allows a network administrator to know that printing has not been performed.

Further, according to the present invention, since the print permission file itself is not transmitted to the client, a print server which can reduce network traffic can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, the print permission file is deleted after the print processing is completed, so that the print server which can prevent the once generated print permission file from being used illegally and repeatedly is provided. can get.

Further, according to the present invention, since the printing process is performed only when the print permission file is sent in advance, a printer device used on a network that can easily manage the printing process is provided. can get.

Further, according to the present invention, only a print data file for which printing is permitted is printed, so that a printer device used on a network that can easily manage print processing can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, print processing is performed only when a print permission file is sent in advance, so that a printer server adapter used on a network that can easily manage print processing. A device is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since only the print data file for which printing is permitted is printed, a printer server adapter device used on a network that can easily manage the printing process can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the print permission file itself is not transmitted to the client, it is possible to obtain a printer device used on a network which can reduce network traffic.

Further, according to the present invention, the print permission file is deleted after the print processing is completed, so that the once generated print permission file can be prevented from being used illegally and repeatedly on a network. The printer device used is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the print permission file itself is not transmitted to the client, a print server adapter device that can be used on a network and that can reduce network traffic can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, the print permission file is deleted after the completion of the print processing, so that the once generated print permission file can be prevented from being used illegally and repeatedly on a network. A printer server adapter device to be used is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, if the print spooler does not transmit the print permission file in advance, the print spooler does not perform printing, so that efficient print permission management can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the print spooler checks whether printing is permitted or not, so that efficient print permission management can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, since the print permission file is directly called from the charging server to the print server and the inspection is performed on the print spooler, a print server capable of reducing traffic on the network can be obtained. .

Further, according to the present invention, the print permission file is deleted after the spooling is performed, so that the print permission file once generated can be prevented from being illegally used many times. Server is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the inspection processing of the print permission file is performed in the business server, it is possible to efficiently manage the print processing with a simple configuration.

Further, according to the present invention, since the check as to whether or not the print data file is a print data file permitted by the print permission file is performed in the business server, the print processing can be efficiently managed with a simple configuration. Can be.

According to the present invention, since only the file name of the print permission file is transmitted to the client, a business server capable of reducing traffic on the network can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the print permission file is deleted after the completion of the print processing, the business server which can prevent the once generated print permission file from being used illegally many times is provided. can get.

Further, according to the present invention, since the means for giving permission for print processing is included in the business client, it is possible to efficiently manage print processing with a simpler configuration.

Further, according to the present invention, since the contents of the print permission file are read using the print permission file name, a business client capable of reducing traffic on the network can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a file transfer server capable of efficiently transferring only permitted files.

Further, according to the present invention, a file transfer system capable of efficiently managing file transfer is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the number of transfer bytes is included as a resource, it is possible to prevent file transfer from being performed more than the number of transfer bytes that are not permitted.

Further, according to the present invention, since the transfer time is included as a resource, it is possible to prevent the file transfer from being performed for an unpermitted time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a print permission file.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an allowable amount of each resource specified in a print permission file.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print permission class.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a billing log record.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of a tallying process.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment using a business server of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment using a print spooler of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a file transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 client, 12 print server, 14 accounting information file, 100 accounting server, 102 print client, 104 report file, 106 accounting information, 108 accounting information file, 110 print permission file, 112 printer, 200 local area network, 202 print request File, 204 print data file, 206 print permission file generation processing unit, 208 accounting information log file, 212 printing monitoring unit, 216 accounting summary file, 218 accounting summary report, 220 accounting information aggregation processing unit, 221 print spooler, 222 direct connection printer 224 network printer 226 spool area 228 print processing unit 230 print request input program 232 print monitoring unit 300 billing server 302 transfer request file 30 Transfer data file 306 transfers authorization file generation processing unit, 312 transfer monitoring section, 314 transfer processing unit 420 transfers authorization file, 500 billing table, 600 business server, X1 business client, X
2 Client, Y1 print server, Z1 file transfer server.

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A print permission file and a print data file are received, the print permission file is inspected, and whether or not the print permission file matches the print permission file and whether or not the print data file matches the file is determined. A print monitoring unit that performs an inspection, and executes the printing of the print data file only when the result of the file matching check performed by the print monitoring unit matches the print data file and the file that is permitted to print by the print permission file. A print server comprising: 2. The print processing unit monitors the use amount of each resource used for printing during execution of a print process, and the print processing unit includes:
The print processing unit checks whether there is more than the permitted amount in the print permission file, and as a result of the check, the print processing unit determines that at least one resource is permitted in the print permission file. If we detect that it is used in excess of the amount
The print server according to claim 1, wherein the print processing is stopped. 3. The print server according to claim 2, wherein the resource includes a number of prints. 4. The print server according to claim 2, wherein the resource includes a print processing time. 5. The print server according to claim 2, wherein the resource includes a print data amount. 6. The print server according to claim 2, wherein the resource includes a print toner amount. 7. The print monitoring unit, if the file matching check determines that the print-permitted file does not match the print-permitted file with the print data file, printing is not performed. The client is notified of the fact that the request has been made.
The print server according to 4, 5, or 6. 8. The print monitoring unit, if the print matching file determines that the file that permits printing does not match the print data file as a result of the file matching check, printing is not performed. 7. The print server according to claim 1, wherein the notification is sent to a network administrator as audit information. 9. Receiving a print permission file name and a print data file, reading the print permission file from an accounting server based on the print permission file name, inspecting the read print permission file, A print monitoring unit that checks whether the print data file matches the print data file, and a file that the print permission file permits printing and the print data file as a result of the inspection by the print monitoring unit. And a print processing unit that executes printing of the print data file only when and matches. 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored in the billing server after the printing operation by the print processing unit is completed. server. 11. A printer device connected to a local area network, wherein a print permission file indicating permission to print the print data file is transmitted from the local area network prior to a print data file to be printed. A print monitoring unit that checks whether the print permission file has been transmitted, and a print process that executes the print process only when the print monitor unit determines that the print permission file has been transmitted prior to the print data file. And a printer device. 12. The print monitoring unit, when receiving the print permission file and the print data file from the local area network, checks the print permission file, and the print permission file permits printing. The print processing unit checks whether the print data file matches the print data file. As a result of the check of the print monitoring unit, the print processing file matches the print data file with the file to which the print permission file permits printing. The printing of the print data file is executed only in the case.
The printer device according to 1. 13. A print server adapter device for connecting a printer device to a local area network, wherein a print monitor for checking whether or not a print permission file has been transmitted prior to a print data file from the local area network. A print processing unit that supplies a print data file to the printer only when the print monitoring unit determines that the print permission file has been transmitted prior to the print data file. Print server adapter device. 14. The print monitoring unit, when receiving the print permission file and the print data file from the local area network, inspects the print permission file, and determines whether the print permission file permits printing. The print processing unit checks whether the print data file matches the print data file. As a result of the check of the print monitoring unit, the print processing file matches the print data file with the file to which the print permission file permits printing. 14. The print server adapter according to claim 13, wherein the print data file is supplied to the printer only in the case. 15. A printer device connected to a local area network, wherein a print permission file name and a print data file are received from the local area network, and the print permission file is read from an accounting server based on the print permission file name. A print monitoring unit that checks the read print permission file and checks whether the print permission file matches the print permission file and the print data file; and A print processing unit that executes printing of the print data file only when the print permission file matches the file that permits printing and the print data file. 16. The printer according to claim 15, wherein the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored in the accounting server after the print operation by the print processing unit is completed. apparatus. 17. A print server adapter device for connecting a printer device to a local area network, comprising: receiving a print permission file name and a print data file from the local area network; A print monitoring unit that reads the print permission file, checks the read print permission file, and checks whether the print permission file matches a file to which printing is permitted and the print data file; A print processing unit that supplies the print data file to the printer device only when the print permission file matches the print data file as a result of the inspection of the copy permission file. Print server adapter device. 18. The print server according to claim 17, wherein the print monitoring unit deletes the print permission file stored in the accounting server after the supply of the print data file is completed. Adapter device. 19. A print server including a print spooler for spooling print data, wherein the print spooler transmits a print permission file including information for permitting printing of the print data file prior to the print data file. A print server characterized by rejecting spooling if it does not arrive. 20. The print spooler receives the print permission file and the print data file, inspects the print permission file, and determines whether the print permission file permits printing and the print data file. A print processing unit that checks whether the print data file matches the print data file.The print spooler only checks if the print data file matches the file to which the print permission file permits printing as a result of the inspection of the print processing unit. 20. The print server according to claim 19, wherein the print data file and the print permission file are spooled. 21. A print server provided with a print spooler for spooling print data, wherein the print spooler receives a print permission file name and a print data file, and, based on the print permission file name, sends the print permission file name from the charging server to the print server. A print processing unit that reads a print permission file, the print spooler inspects the read print permission file, and checks whether the print permission file matches a file that permits printing and the print data file. The print spooler spools the print data file only when the result of the inspection of the print processing unit indicates that the print permission file matches the file that permits printing and the print data file. Print server featured. 22. The print server according to claim 21, wherein the print spooler deletes the print permission file stored in the accounting server after spooling the print data file. 23. A business server running a business program and performing print processing in response to a request from a client, comprising: a print data file to be printed transmitted from a client requesting printing; A print permission file generation processing unit that generates a print permission file indicating that printing of the print data file is permitted based on a print request file indicating a print request, and transmits the print permission file to the client. An accounting log processing unit that accumulates accounting information of the client that transmitted these files based on the transmitted print data file and the transmitted print request file; and Before printing, it is checked whether the print permission file has been transmitted. A print monitoring unit; and a print processing unit that supplies the print data file to a printer only when the print monitoring unit determines that the print permission file has been transmitted prior to the print data file. A business server, characterized in that: 24. The print monitoring unit, upon receiving the print permission file and the print data file, inspects the print permission file, and checks the print permission file for a file that permits printing, and the print data The print processing unit checks whether or not the file matches the file. The print processing unit determines whether the print data file matches the file to which the print permission file permits printing as a result of the inspection of the print monitoring unit. 24. The business server according to claim 23, wherein the print data file is supplied to a printer device. 25. A business server running a business program and performing a printing process in response to a request from a client, comprising: a print data file to be printed transmitted from a client requesting printing; A print request file indicating a print request, and generating a print permission file indicating that printing of the print data file is permitted, storing the print permission file, and renaming the file name of the print permission file. Based on the print permission file generation processing unit to be transmitted to the client, the transmitted print data file, and the transmitted print request file, the accounting information of the client that has transmitted these files is An accounting log processing unit to be stored; and the print permission file transmitted by the client. Receiving the file name of the file, extracting the print permission file having the file name from the print permission file generation processing unit by using the file name of the print permission file, and retrieving the print permission file by printing the print data file. A print monitoring unit that checks whether or not the printing is permitted. Only when the printing monitoring unit determines that the print permission file permits the printing of the print data file as a result of the check, And a print processing unit for supplying a data file to the printer device. 26. The print monitoring unit, comprising: after the print processing unit supplies the print data file to a printer device,
26. The business server according to claim 25, wherein the print permission file stored by the print permission file generation processing unit is deleted. 27. A business client having a print request input program for controlling print processing in response to a user request, wherein the print request input program receives a print permission file, and the print request input program receives a print data file. A print monitoring unit that monitors the usage of each resource used for printing when controlling printing. 28. A print data file to be printed, which is generated in response to the user's print request, and a print request file including print parameters are transmitted to a charging server, and the print permission file generated by the charging server is transmitted to the charging server. Receiving, supplying the print permission file to the print monitoring unit, and supplying the print data file to the print request input program, wherein the print request input program causes the print permission file to print the print data file. 28. The business client according to claim 27, wherein the print data file is supplied to a print server only when permission is given. 29. Receiving a transfer permission file and a transfer data file, inspecting the transfer permission file, wherein the transfer permission file permits file transfer;
A transfer monitoring unit that checks whether or not the transfer data file matches; and a check result of the transfer monitoring unit that determines that the transfer data file matches the transfer permission file with a file that permits file transfer. And a transfer processing unit for performing file transfer of the transfer data file. 30. The transfer processing unit monitors the use amount of each resource used for transfer during execution of the transfer process, and the transfer processing unit monitors, among the monitored resources,
The transfer processing unit checks whether or not there is more than the amount permitted in the transfer permission file. As a result of the check, the transfer processing unit determines that at least one resource is permitted in the transfer permission file. If we detect that it is used in excess of the amount
30. The file transfer server according to claim 29, wherein the transfer process is stopped. 31. The file transfer server according to claim 30, wherein the resource includes a transfer byte number. 32. The file transfer server according to claim 30, wherein the resource includes a transfer time.