WO2010116461A1 - Printing device, printing system and method for controlling of printing - Google Patents

Printing device, printing system and method for controlling of printing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010116461A1
WO2010116461A1 PCT/JP2009/056545 JP2009056545W WO2010116461A1 WO 2010116461 A1 WO2010116461 A1 WO 2010116461A1 JP 2009056545 W JP2009056545 W JP 2009056545W WO 2010116461 A1 WO2010116461 A1 WO 2010116461A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
print
unit
print output
restriction
release
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2009/056545
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
和美 木佐貫
Original Assignee
富士通株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 富士通株式会社 filed Critical 富士通株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2009/056545 priority Critical patent/WO2010116461A1/en
Publication of WO2010116461A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010116461A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
    • H04N1/00222—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax details of image data generation or reproduction, e.g. scan-to-email or network printing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
    • H04N1/00222—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax details of image data generation or reproduction, e.g. scan-to-email or network printing
    • H04N1/00233—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax details of image data generation or reproduction, e.g. scan-to-email or network printing details of image data reproduction, e.g. network printing or remote image display

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing control method, and more particularly, to a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing control method for receiving and printing out print data from an information processing apparatus connected via a communication line.
  • This case has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing control method that promptly collect output printed matter.
  • the disclosed printing apparatus includes: a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device via a communication line; a print output unit that executes print output based on print data from the information processing device received by the communication unit; When the print output is executed by a release information detection unit that detects information and the print output unit, the next print output by the print output unit until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit. And a print control unit that cancels the restriction on execution of the print output when the release information is detected by the release information detection unit.
  • the communication unit communicates with the information processing apparatus via the communication line.
  • the print output unit executes print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus received by the communication unit. Release information is detected by the release information detection unit.
  • execution of the next print output by the print output unit is restricted until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit, and the release information detection unit When the release information is detected by, the restriction on execution of print output is released.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a personal computer.
  • 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the first embodiment.
  • release determination process of 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of release reprint processing according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the setting screen of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the identification code input screen of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cancellation
  • 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the second embodiment.
  • 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the restriction
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the present embodiment.
  • a printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives print data from an information processing apparatus 2 connected via a communication line, and prints it out.
  • the printing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 1a, a print output unit 1b, a release information detection unit 1c, and a print control unit 1d.
  • the communication unit 1a communicates with the information processing apparatus 2 via a communication line.
  • the printing apparatus 1 acquires print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 through the communication unit 1a and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output.
  • the print output unit 1b executes print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus 2 received by the communication unit 1a.
  • the release information detection unit 1c detects release information.
  • This cancellation information is information for canceling restrictions on printing output.
  • the release information is, for example, information that changes for each print output of the print medium, and is printed on the print medium.
  • the print control unit 1d limits the execution of the next print output by the print output unit 1b until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit 1c, and cancels the release.
  • release information is detected by the information detection unit 1c, the restriction on execution of print output is released.
  • the printing device 1 may be a device other than a printer as long as it has a printing function, for example, a printer, a FAX (facsimile) machine, a multi-function printing having functions of a copier, etc. It may be a device.
  • the release information may be information that does not change even when print output is performed, such as a user ID.
  • a means for inputting the release information is provided in the printing apparatus 1, and when the user visits the printing apparatus 1 and inputs the release information, the user can expect to collect the print output at the same time.
  • the communication unit 1a communicates with the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication line.
  • the print output unit 1b executes print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus 2 received by the communication unit 1a. Release information is detected by the release information detector 1c.
  • the print output is executed by the print output unit 1b by the print control unit 1d, the execution of the next print output by the print output unit 1b is restricted until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit 1c.
  • release information detection unit 1c the restriction on execution of print output is released.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the present embodiment.
  • the printer 100 in response to a print output request from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer 500, 600, 700 or the like operated by a user, the printer 100 outputs a print medium such as printer paper. Perform the execution.
  • the printer 100 is connected to personal computers 500, 600, and 700 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 10.
  • the personal computers 500, 600, and 700 are computers used by users for business or the like.
  • the personal computers 500, 600, and 700 are used by different users.
  • Each user of the personal computers 500, 600, and 700 shares the printer 100 as a network printer.
  • Each user operates the personal computer to cause the printer 100 to execute print output when requesting print output of a document or the like.
  • print data such as a document is transmitted to the printer 100 together with a print request from the personal computer operated by the user via the LAN 10.
  • the printer 100 When the printer 100 receives the print data transmitted via the LAN 10, the printer 100 executes print output on the printer paper based on the print data. As a result, the print content such as the document requested by the user is printed on the printer paper.
  • the printer 100 when a user requests the printer 100 to print out a document, and the output document is left without being collected, a document output by another user by mistake is displayed. There is a possibility of taking it by mistake. In such a case, another user or a third party may intentionally take away the output document and steal it. As will be described below, in order to prevent such a situation, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of prompting the user to collect the printer paper that has been printed out.
  • the printing system according to the present embodiment includes only the printer 100, but is not limited thereto, and may include a plurality of printers.
  • the printing system according to the present embodiment includes the personal computers 500, 600, and 700.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of personal computers may be one or two, and four or more. Also good.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printer according to the first embodiment.
  • a printer 100 shown in FIG. 3 is a printer that performs print output based on print data indicating the contents of a file such as document data or image data on a printer sheet.
  • the printer 100 includes a paper discharge unit 103a from which printer paper that has been printed out is discharged, a display panel 104a that displays information such as characters, and an operation unit 105a that receives user operations.
  • the paper discharge unit 103a is a mechanism that discharges the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described later in FIG. 4).
  • the display panel 104a is a display device having a display screen for displaying characters or images based on control from the display unit 104 (described later in FIG. 4).
  • the operation unit 105a is an input device for operating the printer 100 connected to the operation input unit 105 (described later in FIG. 4).
  • the printer 100 has been described in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device other than a printer may be used as long as the device has a printing function.
  • functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like are provided. It may be a multi-function printing apparatus.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printer.
  • the entire apparatus of the printer 100 shown in FIG. 4 is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101.
  • a storage unit 102, a print output unit 103, a display unit 104, an operation input unit 105, and a communication interface 106 are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus 107.
  • the storage unit 102 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive), and the like.
  • the storage unit 102 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the printer, executing print output, and at least a part of the print data.
  • a display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) is connected to the display unit 104.
  • the display unit 104 displays an image on the screen of the display panel 104a in accordance with a command from the CPU 101.
  • An operation unit 105a (described above in FIG. 3) is connected to the operation input unit 105.
  • the operation input unit 105 transmits a signal transmitted from the operation unit 105 a to the CPU 101 via the bus 107.
  • the communication interface 106 is connected to the LAN 10.
  • the communication interface 106 transmits / receives data to / from a personal computer via the LAN 10.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the personal computer.
  • the personal computer 500 shown in FIG. 5 is controlled by the CPU 501 as a whole.
  • a RAM 502, a hard disk drive 503, a graphic processing device 504, an input interface 505, and a communication interface 506 are connected to the CPU 501 via a bus 507.
  • the RAM 502 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 501.
  • the RAM 502 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 501.
  • the HDD 503 stores an OS and application programs.
  • a monitor 581 is connected to the graphic processing device 504.
  • the graphic processing device 504 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 581 in accordance with a command from the CPU 501.
  • a keyboard 582 and a mouse 583 are connected to the input interface 505.
  • the input interface 505 transmits a signal transmitted from the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 to the CPU 501 via the bus 507.
  • the communication interface 506 is connected to the LAN 10.
  • the communication interface 506 transmits and receives data to and from other computers and the printer 100 via the LAN 10.
  • the personal computers 600 and 700 are realized by the same hardware configuration as the personal computer 500. With the hardware configuration as described above, the processing functions of the present embodiment can be realized.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer according to the first embodiment.
  • the printer 100 shown in FIG. 6 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, the personal computer 500 described above in FIG. 2) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out.
  • the printer 100 includes a communication unit 111, a print control unit 112, a release information detection unit 113, a print output unit 114, a reprint control unit 115, a restriction notification unit 116, a restriction release log notification unit 117, and a restriction instruction unit 125.
  • the communication unit 111 can communicate with the PC-side communication unit 511 included in the personal computer 500 via the LAN 10.
  • the printer 100 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 500 via the communication unit 111 and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
  • the print control unit 112 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 114, the print control unit 112 is performed from the personal computer 500 that is instructed to print the print output until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 113. Restrict execution of print output based on subsequent print instructions. Then, when the release information detection unit 113 detects the identification code, the print control unit 112 releases the restriction on execution of print output based on the print instruction from the same personal computer 500 by the print output unit 114. At this time, when a plurality of identification codes are generated for one print output, the print control unit 112 determines that all the identification codes generated by the release information generation unit 519 for the print output are generated by the release information detection unit 113. Until it is detected, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 114 is restricted.
  • the identification code functions as release information.
  • print output from the same personal computer is regarded as being requested by the same user.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and for each user, each user ID, password and password Or the like, and based on these, it may be determined whether or not the print output is from the same user, and based on this determination, the print output and the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
  • the print control unit 112 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, execution of print output by the print output unit 114 is prohibited until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 113. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 112 causes the communication unit 111 to execute print output by the restriction notification unit 116. Print restriction notification to notify the personal computer 500 that the printing is restricted.
  • the release information detection unit 113 receives the identification code transmitted from the personal computer 500 and detects the identification code.
  • This identification code is information for canceling the restriction of print output.
  • the identification code is, for example, information that changes for each print output of a print target (for example, a document for which the user requests print output), and is printed on printer paper. When the user views the output printer paper and inputs this identification code to the printer 100, the restriction of the printer 100 is released again, and printing output becomes possible.
  • the print output unit 114 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 500 received by the communication unit 111.
  • the print output unit 114 prints the identification code outside the area where the print output of the surface of the printer paper on which the print output is printed.
  • the print output unit 114 can also divide and output a plurality of identification codes on printer paper. At this time, when a document or the like is output over a plurality of printer sheets, the print output unit 114 prints the identification code on the first print medium and the last print medium in the print output.
  • the print output unit 114 When the print output unit 114 detects the reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 115, the print output unit 114 executes the print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 114. Note that the print output unit 114 may print the identification code on a surface different from the surface on which the print output based on the print data is printed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the identification code from being unnecessarily copied when the print medium is copied by a copying machine or the like.
  • the print output unit 114 may print the identification code on the last printer paper in the print output. As a result, the printer paper that has been printed out by the user can be collected up to the last page.
  • the reprint control unit 115 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 114 to execute a print output having the same contents as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 115 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
  • the restriction notification unit 116 causes the communication unit 111 to transmit a print restriction notification that notifies the personal computer 500 that execution of print output is restricted.
  • the restriction release log notification unit 117 is released based on the successful authentication by the authentication unit 518 A restriction release log notification for recording a restriction release log indicating this is sent to the communication unit 111 to the personal computer 500.
  • the restriction release log notification unit 117 records the restriction release log indicating that the print is output based on the reprint instruction.
  • the log notification is transmitted to the personal computer 500 by the communication unit 111.
  • the restriction instruction unit 125 communicates an operation restriction instruction for instructing to restrict the operation of the personal computer 500 until the identification information detection unit 113 detects the identification code.
  • the unit 111 is transmitted to the personal computer 500.
  • the personal computer 500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 100 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG.
  • the personal computer 500 includes a PC-side communication unit 511, a print instruction unit 512, a cancellation information notification unit 513, an authentication unit 518, a cancellation information generation unit 519, a PC-side cancellation information storage unit 520, an information input unit 521, and a restriction cancellation log recording unit. 522 and a restriction execution unit 526.
  • the PC-side communication unit 511 can communicate with the communication unit 111 included in the printer 100 via the LAN 10.
  • the personal computer 500 transmits / receives a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data by communicating with the printer 100 through the PC-side communication unit 511.
  • the print instructing unit 512 receives a print output request from the user to the printer 100 such as a document, and sends the print request for the document and the print data such as the document to be printed to the printer 100 to the PC-side communication unit 511. Send it.
  • the release information notification unit 513 causes the PC side communication unit 511 to transmit the identification code stored in the PC side release information storage unit 520 to the printer 100.
  • the authentication unit 518 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password. If the authentication unit 518 succeeds in authenticating the administrator, the authentication unit 518 outputs a cancel instruction that instructs the print control unit 112 to cancel the restriction.
  • the cancellation instruction output from the authentication unit 518 is transmitted from the PC side communication unit 511 to the printer 100. This release instruction functions as release information for releasing the restriction imposed by the printer 100, as with the identification code.
  • the release information generation unit 519 generates the identification code at random so as to change every time the identification code is generated.
  • the release information generation unit 519 generates a plurality of identification codes, and prints out the generated identification codes so that they are arranged on different pages of the printer paper.
  • the identification code is information that is generated randomly and changes each time, and has at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • the identification code may be graphic information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.
  • the PC-side release information storage unit 520 stores the identification code generated by the release information generation unit 519.
  • the identification code stored in the PC-side release information storage unit 520 is read by the release information notification unit 513 and transmitted to the printer 100 by the PC-side communication unit 511.
  • the information input unit 521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG.
  • the personal computer 500 uses the information input unit 521 to acquire an identification code, a management password, and other information and operations related to the operation of the printer 100.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 522 receives the restriction notification output from the restriction notification unit 116 when the release instruction is output from the authentication unit 518 based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit 518, and the authentication unit 518 Record in the restriction release log that the restriction has been released based on the success of authentication by. Further, the restriction release log recording unit 522 outputs the print based on the reprint instruction by the restriction notification output from the restriction notification unit 116 when the print output unit 114 outputs the print based on the reprint instruction. Is recorded in the restriction release log.
  • the restriction execution unit 526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 125.
  • the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 500 may make it impossible to perform an operation other than the operation related to the release of the restriction, for example.
  • the personal computer 500 should not accept operations other than operations related to input of an identification code by a user and operations related to input of an administrator password by an administrator. Can do.
  • the printer 100 may be a device other than a printer as long as it is a device having a printing function.
  • the printer 100 is a multifunction printing device having functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like. Also good.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the procedure of the print output execution process according to the first embodiment.
  • the print output execution process shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a process executed in the printer 100 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 500 described above with reference to FIG. 2).
  • the printer 100 executes print output based on a print request and print data transmitted from the personal computer 500 via the LAN 10 (described above with reference to FIG. 2).
  • This is a process of restricting print output and releasing the restriction.
  • Execution of the print output execution process is started by a print instruction from the print instruction unit 512 (described above in FIG. 6) based on a print request for a print target such as a document or the like performed by the user operating the personal computer 500.
  • Step S11 In the printer 100, the print control unit 112 (described above in FIG. 6) gives the user of the personal computer 500 a print output and an operation of the personal computer 500 based on other documents previously printed out. It is determined whether or not is restricted. If so, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if not restricted, the process proceeds to step S13.
  • Step S12 The print control unit 112 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether or not to release the restriction on print output for the user. This restriction release determination process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
  • Step S13 The print output unit 114 (described above in FIG. 6) determines whether or not the setting for printing the identification code is made. If it is set to print the identification code, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not set to print the identification code, the process proceeds to step S16.
  • the identification code functions as release information.
  • Step S14 The release information generation unit 519 (described above in FIG. 6) of the personal computer 500 generates an identification code.
  • the identification code generated by the cancellation information generation unit 519 is temporarily stored in the PC side cancellation information storage unit 520 (described above in FIG. 6), and is transmitted to the printer 100 via the LAN 10 by the PC side communication unit 511.
  • the printer 100 receives and acquires the identification code transmitted from the personal computer 500 by the communication unit 111.
  • Step S15 The print output unit 114 prints out the print content of the document requested by the user by placing the identification code at the set position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S21 (described later in FIG. 8).
  • Step S16 The print output unit 114 performs normal print output on the print contents of the document requested by the user without including the identification code. Thereafter, the process ends.
  • Step S ⁇ b> 21 The print control unit 112 determines whether or not the set print output restriction is an operation of the personal computer (PC) 500. If it is set to restrict the operation of the personal computer 500 in the print output restriction setting, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the print output restriction setting is set to restrict the print output of the printer 100, the process proceeds to step S23. Details of this print output limitation will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • the print control unit 112 restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 by the user. Specifically, the print control unit 112 causes the communication unit 111 to transmit a print restriction notification that restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 by the user to the restriction notification unit 116.
  • the personal computer 500 that has received the print restriction notification does not accept the user's operation based on the print restriction notification except for a part such as input of an identification code.
  • the user needs to collect the printer paper printed out by the printer 100, so the user can be prompted to collect the printer paper.
  • Step S23 The print control unit 112 restricts print output based on the print data transmitted from the personal computer 500. Specifically, the print control unit 112 prohibits the print output by the print output unit 114 according to the set condition. Details of the print output limitation will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • Step S24 The print control unit 112 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether or not to release the print output restriction for the user.
  • Step S25 The print control unit 112 releases the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 500 imposed in step S22 and the restriction on the print output of the printer 100 imposed in step S23. Thereafter, the process ends.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of restriction release determination processing according to the first embodiment.
  • the restriction release determination process shown in FIG. 9 is a process executed in the printer 100 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 500 described above with reference to FIG. 2).
  • This restriction release determination process is a process of accepting an identification code that is restriction release information and releasing restrictions imposed on the printer 100 and the personal computer 500. Execution of the restriction release determination process is started by being called from a print output execution process (described above in FIGS. 7 and 8) and a release reprint process (described later in FIG. 10).
  • Step S31 The information input unit 521 (described above in FIG. 6) of the personal computer 500 causes the monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) to display an identification code input screen for receiving an input of an identification code as release information. Details of the identification code input screen will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • the information input unit 521 receives an input of an identification code.
  • the received identification code is transmitted to the printer 100 via the LAN 10 by the PC side communication unit 511.
  • the printer 100 receives the transmitted identification code by the communication unit 111 and outputs it to the release information detection unit 113.
  • the cancellation information detection unit 113 acquires the identification code output from the communication unit 111.
  • Step S33 The release information detection unit 113 determines whether release information has been detected. That is, the release information detection unit 113 determines whether or not the identification code output in step S32 matches the identification code acquired in step S14 (described above in FIG. 7) in the print output execution process. To do. If the identification codes match, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the identification codes do not match, the process proceeds to step S35.
  • Step S34 The information input unit 521 ends the display of the identification code input screen displayed on the monitor 581. Thereafter, the process ends, and the process returns to the process that called the restriction release determination process.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the release reprint process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a process executed in the printer 100 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 500 described above with reference to FIG. 2).
  • This release reprinting process is a process for releasing the restrictions imposed on the personal computer 500 and the printer 100 based on the operation of the administrator, and printing out the print target of the same document or the like based on the user's request. Execution of the release reprinting process is started by an operation (for example, pressing the F10 key of the keyboard 582 (described above in FIG. 5)) to release the restriction performed by the user operating the personal computer 500.
  • Step S41 The information input unit 521 (described above in FIG. 6) of the personal computer 500 accepts an input of an administrator password for authenticating the administrator and canceling the operation restriction of the personal computer 500, or receives a document.
  • a cancel reprint screen in which the user inputs a selection to reprint is displayed on the monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5). On this cancel reprint screen, the user's selection and the administrator password are input.
  • the release reprint screen will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
  • Step S42 The information input unit 521 determines whether or not cancellation is selected by the user, that is, whether or not a cancel button (described later in FIG. 13) on the cancel reprint screen is operated. If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if cancel is not selected, the process proceeds to step S43.
  • Step S43 The information input unit 521 determines whether or not the user selects cancellation by the administrator, that is, whether or not an operation indicating that the administrator performs cancellation on the cancellation reprint screen has been performed. If release by the administrator is selected, the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if release by the administrator is not selected, the process proceeds to step S47.
  • the information input unit 521 receives an input of an administrator password.
  • the authentication unit 518 included in the personal computer 500 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password received in step S44, and whether or not the authentication is successful, that is, for the administrator set in advance. Determine whether the password matches. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S49. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S46.
  • Step S46 The information input unit 521 displays on the monitor 581 an error display notifying that the administrator authentication has failed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41.
  • Step S47 The print output unit 114 performs reprint output in which the print contents of the same document or the like previously requested by the user are reprinted by placing the identification code at the set position.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 522 records in the restriction release log that reprinting has been performed. Thereby, unauthorized reprinting can be suppressed by restraining unauthorized reprinting. It should be noted that a limit may be set on the number of times reprint output is performed for print targets such as the same document. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized reprinting. As a result, security can be improved.
  • the print control unit 112 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether or not to release the restriction on print output for the user.
  • the print control unit 112 restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 imposed in step S22 (described above in FIG. 8) of the print output execution process and in step S23 (described above in FIG. 8) of the print output execution process.
  • the restriction on the print output of the printer 100 is released.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 522 records that the release is performed in the restriction release log. As a result, the unauthorized release can be suppressed by restraining the unauthorized release. Thereafter, the process ends.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen according to the first embodiment.
  • a setting screen 531 shown in FIG. 11 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 5).
  • the setting screen 531 is an example of a setting screen for setting the content of restrictions based on the print output in the printer 100.
  • the setting screen 531 includes a print format setting area 531a, a print page setting area 531b, a print position setting area 531c, an operation restriction setting area 531d, an administrator password input field 531f, an OK button 531g, and a cancel button 531h. .
  • the print format setting area 531a is an area for setting the presence / absence of printing of the identification code and the format of the identification code in the print output to the printer paper by the printer 100.
  • the identification code is, for example, a code generated so as to change at random based on a random number or the like at every generation, and it is difficult to input correctly unless referring to the actually printed output. Shall.
  • a number, a character string, a barcode, or a mark can be selected as the identification code format.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the format of the identification code may be a two-dimensional code, or a part or all of these may be selected to be used at the same time.
  • the print page setting area 531b is an area for setting a page on which an identification code is printed when the printer 100 prints on a printer sheet.
  • the page on which the identification code is printed includes, for example, any one of the first page and the last page of a document, etc., as well as the first page and the last page of a document, etc. You can select and set.
  • the page on which the identification code is printed is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to select and set another arbitrary page.
  • the print position setting area 531c is an area for setting a position where an identification code is printed on the printer paper when the printer 100 prints out the printer paper.
  • the position where the identification code is printed is selected from either the front surface or the back surface of the printer paper, and the upper left, upper center, upper right, lower left, lower center, and lower right of each surface. Any one of them can be selected.
  • the position where the identification code is printed is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to select and set arbitrary coordinates on the printer paper.
  • print format setting area 531a With the above-described print format setting area 531a, print page setting area 531b, and print position setting area 531c, the system administrator can set an identification code to be printed on printer paper by the printer 100. Details of the printer paper on which the printer 100 has printed out will be described later in FIG.
  • the operation restriction setting area 531d is an area for setting restrictions imposed after print output is executed in the printer 100.
  • the restriction imposed after execution of print output can select any one of prohibition of all PC operations, prohibition of next printing, and only message display.
  • the personal computer 500 is imposed a restriction that, in principle, operations other than the input of an identification code cannot be performed after making a print request to the printer 100.
  • the operation of other personal computers may not be limited.
  • the personal computer 500 makes a print output based on a new print request from the printer 100 after making a print request to the printer 100 until a correct identification code is input. There is a restriction that it is not done.
  • print output based on a print request from another personal computer may not be limited.
  • a message display notifying the user that the printer 100 has performed the print output based on the user request is displayed on the monitor 581 connected to the personal computer 500.
  • the administrator password input field 531f is displayed when the printout with an identification code for releasing the restriction imposed after the printout is lost or damaged, and the user cannot enter the identification code to remove the restriction.
  • This is a field for inputting an administrator password that can be canceled by the administrator.
  • an input field may be provided as in the present embodiment, and the password may be individually designated exclusively for releasing the restriction, or the administrator password of the personal computer may be used.
  • the OK button 531g is a button for newly acquiring or updating the setting with the content input by the administrator on the setting screen 531 and ending the display of the setting screen 531.
  • the cancel button 531h is a button for invalidating the setting contents input by the administrator on the setting screen 531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 531.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an identification code input screen according to the first embodiment.
  • An identification code input screen 532 shown in FIG. 12 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 5).
  • the identification code input screen 532 is an example of an identification code input screen that accepts an input of an identification code for releasing a restriction imposed after print output in the printer 100.
  • the identification code input screen 532 is provided with an identification code input area 532f, an OK button 532g, and a cancel button 532h.
  • the identification code input screen 532 displays a message that prompts the user to collect a printed document and the like and input the identification code.
  • the identification code input area 532f is an area for inputting an identification code printed by printing output on the printer paper by the printer 100.
  • the identification code is printed, for example, on the first page (first page) and the last page of a document or the like. The user can remove the restriction based on the print output by inputting the identification code printed on the document or the like into the identification code input area 532f.
  • the plurality of identification codes printed on the first page and the last page are different from each other. For this reason, the user who enters the identification code and wants to remove the restriction needs to obtain all the identification codes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to take a part of a document or the like, and it is possible to completely collect a plurality of printer sheets printed by the user.
  • the OK button 532 g is a button for determining the validity of the identification code based on the identification code input by the user on the identification code input screen 532 and terminating the display of the identification code input screen 532.
  • the cancel button 532 h is a button for stopping the input of the identification code using the identification code input screen 532 by the user and ending the display of the identification code input screen 532.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a release reprint screen according to the first embodiment. 13 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 5).
  • the cancel reprint screen 533 is an example of a cancel reprint screen on which the administrator selects whether to cancel the restriction imposed after print output in the printer 100 or to reprint the document.
  • the release reprint screen 533 is provided with a release reprint selection area 533b, an OK button 533g, and a cancel button 533h. Further, the release reprint selection area 533b has an administrator password input field 533f.
  • the cancel reprint screen 533 displays a message that prompts the user to select whether to cancel the operation restriction or reprint a document or the like.
  • the release reprint selection area 533b is an area for inputting a selection result of whether to release the restriction imposed based on the print output in the printer 100 or to perform reprinting.
  • the administrator can select the corresponding radio button and input the administrator password in the administrator password input field 533f, thereby releasing the restriction based on the print output.
  • the user or administrator can cause the printer 100 to reprint the document displayed at the bottom of the cancel reprint selection area 533b by selecting the corresponding radio button.
  • the OK button 533g is a button for accepting an input of restriction release or reprint selection on the release reprint screen 533 by the user or the administrator and terminating the display of the release reprint screen 533.
  • the cancel button 533 h is a button for canceling the input of the restriction release or reprint selection by the user or the administrator and terminating the display of the release reprint screen 533.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the restriction release log.
  • the restriction release log 541 shown in FIG. 14 is created and managed by the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 2) used by the user.
  • the restriction release log 541 is data indicating a log recorded when reprinting is performed by the user and when the restriction is released by the administrator using the administrator password.
  • the restriction release log 541 is generated and recorded by the restriction release log recording unit 522.
  • “User name” which is an item for identifying a user
  • “Document name” indicating the document to be printed when reprinting or restriction by administrator password is released
  • reprinting or administrator password An “output destination” indicating a printer that has performed printing output when the restriction is released is provided, and “contents” indicating an operation performed at that time are provided.
  • the personal computer 500 creates a restriction release log shown in each line of the restriction release log 541 every time reprinting or restriction release by the administrator password is performed on the printer 100 for the print output restriction.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the printer paper that has been printed out.
  • the printer paper 151 shown in FIG. 15 is a printer paper printed out by the printer 100 based on a user print request transmitted from the personal computer 500.
  • a print target such as a document requested by the user and an identification code 151a are printed.
  • the identification code 151a is printed on the upper left of the surface of the first page to be printed, as shown on the printer paper 151, based on the restriction setting described above with reference to FIG. Here, the illustration of the last page to be printed is omitted.
  • the user who has printed the printer paper 151 on the printer 100 is charged based on the print output by inputting the identification code 151a into the identification code input screen 532 (described above in FIG. 12) displayed on the personal computer 500.
  • the restriction can be lifted.
  • the first embodiment it is possible to prompt the user of the printer 100 to quickly and surely collect the output printer paper. Moreover, since the restriction by the print output is imposed for each user, it is possible to prevent the influence on other users and the reduction in work efficiency.
  • the identification code is output to the printer paper together with the contents of the document etc.
  • the user needs to pick up the printed printer paper in order to confirm the identification code. Can be encouraged.
  • the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the printer 200 has a release information input unit 221. Further, the release information input unit 221 is different from the first embodiment in that the input of a personal identification number assigned to the user, which is release information, is received.
  • FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer according to the second embodiment.
  • a printer 200 shown in FIG. 16 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 2500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out.
  • the printer 200 includes a communication unit 211, a print control unit 212, a release information detection unit 213, a print output unit 214, a reprint control unit 215, a restriction notification unit 216, an authentication unit 218, a release information storage unit 220, and a release information input unit 221.
  • a restriction release log recording unit 222 and a restriction instruction unit 225 are examples of the printer 200 shown in FIG. 16 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 2500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out.
  • the printer 200 includes a communication unit 211, a print control unit 212, a release information detection unit 213, a print output unit 214, a
  • the communication unit 211 can communicate with the PC side communication unit 2511 of the personal computer 2500 via the LAN 10.
  • the printer 200 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 2500 through the communication unit 211, and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
  • the print control unit 212 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 214, the print control unit 212 is performed from the personal computer 2500 that is instructed to print the print output until the password information is detected by the release information detection unit 213. Restrict execution of print output based on subsequent print instructions. Then, when the password information is detected by the release information detection unit 213, the print control unit 212 releases the restriction on the execution of the print output based on the print instruction from the same personal computer 2500 by the print output unit 214.
  • the personal identification number functions as release information.
  • print output from the same personal computer is treated as if requested by the same user.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and each user ID is assigned to the same user based on the user ID. It is possible to determine whether or not the print output is from the printer, and based on this determination, the print output or the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
  • the print control unit 212 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 214 is prohibited until the password is detected by the release information detection unit 213. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 212 executes the print output to the communication unit 211 by the restriction notification unit 216. Is sent to the personal computer 2500 to notify that the printing is restricted.
  • the release information detection unit 213 receives the password transmitted from the personal computer 2500 and detects the password.
  • This personal identification number is information for canceling restrictions on print output.
  • the personal identification number is set for each user and does not change even when printing is performed.
  • the user goes to the printer 200 and inputs the personal identification number into the release information input unit 221 of the printer 200, so that the restriction of the printer 200 is released again, and printing output becomes possible. Thereby, it can be expected that the user collects the print output simultaneously with the input of the password.
  • the print output unit 214 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 2500 received by the communication unit 211.
  • the print output unit 214 detects a reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 215, the print output unit 214 executes a print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 214.
  • the reprint control unit 215 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 214 to execute a print output having the same contents as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 215 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
  • the restriction notification unit 216 causes the communication unit 211 to transmit a print restriction notification that notifies the personal computer 2500 that execution of print output is restricted.
  • the authentication unit 218 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password. When the authentication unit 218 succeeds in authenticating the administrator, the authentication unit 218 outputs a release instruction that instructs the print control unit 212 to release the restriction.
  • the cancellation instruction output from the authentication unit 218 functions as cancellation information for canceling the restriction imposed by the printer 200, as with the password.
  • the cancellation information storage unit 220 stores a password set in advance for each user.
  • the personal identification number stored in the cancellation information storage unit 220 is compared with the personal identification number input by the cancellation information input unit 221 and used to determine whether to cancel the restriction.
  • the cancellation information input unit 221 receives an operation for inputting a user's personal identification number for canceling the restriction on print output, and outputs the personal identification number based on the input operation.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 222 is released based on the successful authentication by the authentication unit 218.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 222 records that the print is output based on the reprint instruction in the restriction release log.
  • the restriction instruction unit 225 communicates an operation restriction instruction for instructing to restrict the operation of the personal computer 2500 until the password information is detected by the release information detection unit 213.
  • the unit 211 is transmitted to the personal computer 2500.
  • the personal computer 2500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 200 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG.
  • the personal computer 2500 includes a PC side communication unit 2511, a print instruction unit 2512, an information input unit 2521, and a restriction execution unit 2526.
  • the PC-side communication unit 2511 can communicate with the communication unit 211 included in the printer 200 via the LAN 10.
  • the personal computer 2500 communicates with the printer 200 through the PC-side communication unit 2511 to transmit / receive a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data.
  • the print instruction unit 2512 accepts a print output request from the user to the printer 200 such as a document, and sends a print request for the document and print data such as a document to be printed to the PC-side communication unit 2511 to the printer 200. Send it.
  • the information input unit 2521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG.
  • the personal computer 2500 obtains an operation related to the operation of the printer 200 by using the information input unit 2521 such as a password, a management password, and other information.
  • the restriction execution unit 2526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 2500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 225.
  • the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 2500 can make an operation other than the operation related to the release of the restriction impossible, for example.
  • the personal computer 2500 should not accept operations other than operations related to the input of a personal identification number by the user and operations related to the input of the administrator password by the administrator. Can do.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating the procedure of the print output execution process according to the second embodiment.
  • the print output execution process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is a process executed in the printer 200.
  • the printer 200 executes print output based on a print request and print data transmitted from the personal computer 2500 via the LAN 10 (described above with reference to FIG. 2), and for the printer 200 and the personal computer 2500.
  • This is a process of restricting print output and releasing the restriction.
  • Execution of the print output execution process is started by a print instruction from the print instruction unit 2512 (described above in FIG. 16) based on a print request for a print target such as a document performed by the user operating the personal computer 2500.
  • Step S51 In the printer 200, the print control unit 212 (described above with reference to FIG. 16), for the user of the personal computer 2500, performs print output and operation of the personal computer 2500 based on other documents previously printed out. It is determined whether or not is restricted. If so, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if not limited, the process proceeds to step S53.
  • Step S52 The print control unit 212 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether to release the restriction on print output for the user. This restriction release determination process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
  • Step S53 The print output unit 214 (described above with reference to FIG. 16) performs normal print output on the print contents of a document or the like requested by the user.
  • Step S54 The print control unit 212 determines whether print output restriction or operation restriction is set. If the restriction is set, the process proceeds to step S61 (described later in FIG. 17). On the other hand, if no restriction is set, the process ends.
  • Step S61 The print control unit 212 determines whether or not the set content of the print output restriction is an operation of the personal computer (PC) 2500. If it is set to restrict the operation of the personal computer 2500 in the print output restriction setting, the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if the print output restriction setting is set to restrict the print output of the printer 200, the process proceeds to step S63.
  • PC personal computer
  • the print control unit 212 restricts the operation of the personal computer 2500 by the user. Specifically, the print control unit 212 causes the restriction notification unit 216 to transmit a print restriction notification that restricts the user's operation of the personal computer 2500 to the personal computer 2500 via the communication unit 211.
  • the personal computer 2500 that has received the print restriction notification does not accept user operations based on the print restriction notification except for part of input of an identification code. Accordingly, since the user needs to collect the printer paper printed out by the printer 200 in order to continue using the personal computer 2500, the user can be prompted to collect the printer paper.
  • Step S63 The print control unit 212 restricts print output based on the print data transmitted from the personal computer 2500. Specifically, the print control unit 212 prohibits the print output by the print output unit 214 according to the set condition. Details of the print output limitation will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • Step S64 The print control unit 212 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether to release the restriction on print output for the user.
  • Step S65 The print control unit 212 releases the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 2500 imposed in step S62 and the restriction on the print output of the printer 200 imposed in step S63. Thereafter, the process ends.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of restriction release determination processing according to the second embodiment.
  • the restriction release determination process illustrated in FIG. 19 is a process executed in the printer 200.
  • This restriction release determination process is a process of accepting an identification code that is restriction release information and releasing restrictions imposed on the printer 200 and the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16). Execution of the restriction release determination process is started by being called from the print output execution process (described above in FIGS. 17 and 18) and the release process (described later in FIG. 20).
  • the cancellation information input unit 221 causes the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) to display a security code input screen for accepting the input of the security code as the cancellation information. Details of the password input screen will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • the release information input unit 221 receives an input of a personal identification number.
  • the accepted personal identification number is transmitted to the cancellation information detection unit 213.
  • the cancellation information detection unit 213 acquires the transmitted personal identification number.
  • Step S73 The release information detection unit 213 determines whether release information has been detected. That is, the cancellation information detection unit 213 determines whether or not the user's personal identification number acquired in step S72 matches the user's personal identification number stored in the cancellation information storage unit 220. If the passwords match, the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, if the passwords do not match, the process proceeds to step S75.
  • Step S74 The cancellation information input unit 221 ends the display of the personal identification number input screen displayed on the display panel 104a. Thereafter, the process ends, and the process returns to the process that called the restriction release determination process.
  • Step S75 The cancellation information input unit 221 displays on the display panel 104a an error display notifying the user that the passwords do not match. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S71.
  • FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the release process according to the second embodiment.
  • the release process shown in FIG. 20 is a process executed in the printer 200 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 2500 described above with reference to FIG. 16).
  • This canceling process is a process for canceling the restrictions imposed on the personal computer 2500 and the printer 200 based on the operation of the administrator. Execution of the canceling process is started by an operation of canceling the restriction performed by the user operating the operation unit 105a (described above in FIG. 3).
  • Step S81 The print control unit 212 displays on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) a cancel screen for accepting an input of an administrator password for authenticating the administrator and canceling the operation restriction of the personal computer 2500. Let The administrator password is entered on this release screen.
  • the release screen will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
  • Step S82 The cancellation information input unit 221 determines whether or not cancellation has been selected by the user, that is, whether or not a cancellation button (described later in FIG. 26) on the cancellation screen has been operated. If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S86. On the other hand, if cancel is not selected, the process proceeds to step S83.
  • the information input unit 2521 of the personal computer 2500 receives an input of an administrator password.
  • the authentication unit 218 authenticates the administrator using the administrator password received in step S83, and whether or not the authentication is successful, that is, whether the administrator password matches a preset administrator password. Determine whether or not. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S87. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S85.
  • Step S85 The print controller 212 displays on the display panel 104a an error display notifying that the administrator authentication has failed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S81.
  • Step S86 The print control unit 212 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether to release the restriction on print output for the user.
  • Step S87 The print control unit 212 restricts the operation of the personal computer 2500 imposed in step S62 (described above in FIG. 18) of the print output execution process and in step S63 (described above in FIG. 18) of the print output execution process.
  • the restriction on the print output of the printer 200 is released.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 222 records that the release is performed in the restriction release log. As a result, the unauthorized release can be suppressed by restraining the unauthorized release. Thereafter, the process ends.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a setting screen according to the second embodiment.
  • a setting screen 2531 shown in FIG. 21 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16).
  • the setting screen 2531 is an example of a setting screen for setting the content of restriction based on print output in the printer 200.
  • the setting screen 2531 is provided with an operation restriction setting area 2531d, a user name (ID) and password input field 2531e, an administrator password input field 2531f, an OK button 2531g, and a cancel button 2531h.
  • the operation restriction setting area 2531d is an area for setting restrictions imposed after print output is executed in the printer 200.
  • the restriction imposed after execution of print output can select any one of prohibition of all PC operations, prohibition of next printing, and only message display.
  • the personal computer 2500 is imposed a restriction that, in principle, operations other than the input of an identification code cannot be performed after a print request is made to the printer 200.
  • the operation of other personal computers may not be limited.
  • the personal computer 2500 makes a print output based on a new print request from the printer 200 until a correct identification code is input after making a print request to the printer 200.
  • a restriction that it is not done.
  • print output based on a print request from another personal computer may not be limited.
  • a message display is displayed on the monitor 581 connected to the personal computer 2500 to notify the user that the printer 200 has performed the print output based on the user's request.
  • the user name (ID) and personal identification number input field 2531e is a field for setting a personal identification number, which is a code input by the user in order to remove restrictions imposed on the printer 200 and the personal computer 2500. With this user name (ID) and password input field 2531e, the administrator can newly set a password or change the set password.
  • the personal identification number is, for example, a positive integer value of a plurality of digits (for example, four digits) uniquely assigned to each user, but is not limited to this, and characters other than numbers may be used as necessary. Good. Further, in order to facilitate the setting of the personal identification number for a plurality of users, a setting file may be taken in.
  • the administrator password input field 2531f is a field for inputting an administrator password that can be canceled by the administrator when the restriction cannot be canceled because the user forgets the password.
  • an input field may be provided as in the present embodiment, and the password may be individually designated exclusively for releasing the restriction, or the administrator password of the personal computer 2500 may be used.
  • the OK button 2531g is a button for newly acquiring or updating the setting with the content input by the administrator on the setting screen 2531 and ending the display of the setting screen 2531.
  • the cancel button 2531h is a button for invalidating the setting content input by the administrator on the setting screen 2531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 2531.
  • the person who can display the setting screen 2531 by authentication using an administrator password may be limited to, for example, an administrator. .
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a user selection screen according to the second embodiment.
  • a user selection screen 232 shown in FIG. 22 is a screen displayed on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) of the printer 200.
  • the user selection screen 232 is an example of a user selection screen in which the user selects and inputs the user himself / herself in order to release the restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 200.
  • the user selection area 232a is provided on the user selection screen 232.
  • the user display area 232a is provided with a selection area 232b.
  • the user selection screen 232 displays a message that prompts the user to select a user.
  • the user display area 232a displays the users who have requested printing from the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16) to the printer 200 and the uncollected documents of those users, and the user selects and inputs the user himself / herself. It is an area. The user can input the user himself / herself to release the restriction by operating the operation unit 105a (described above in FIG. 3) to move the selection area 232b and select the user himself / herself.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a collection confirmation screen according to the second embodiment.
  • a collection confirmation screen 233 shown in FIG. 23 is a screen displayed on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) of the printer 200.
  • the collection confirmation screen 233 is an example of a collection confirmation screen that asks for confirmation of the printed document after the document requested by the user for printing output to the printer 200 is printed out.
  • the collection confirmation screen 233 is provided with a collection confirmation document display area 233a.
  • the collection confirmation screen 233 displays a message that prompts the user to select the user.
  • the collection confirmation document display area 233a is an area in which an uncollected document of the user selected on the user selection screen 232 (described above in FIG. 22) is displayed. The user can recognize the printed document to be collected and the like on the collection confirmation screen 233 displayed on the display panel 104a.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a personal identification number input screen according to the second embodiment. 24 is a screen displayed on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) of the printer 200.
  • the personal identification number input screen 234 is an example of a personal identification number input screen that accepts an input of a personal identification number for releasing the restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 200.
  • the personal identification number input screen 234 has a personal identification number input field 234e.
  • the password input screen 234 displays a message that prompts the user to input a password.
  • the personal identification number input field 234e is a field in which a user who has made a print request from the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16) to the printer 200 inputs a personal identification number assigned to the user. The user can release the restriction based on the print output by inputting the assigned personal identification number into the personal identification number input field 234e.
  • FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a collection instruction screen according to the second embodiment. 25 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16).
  • the collection instruction screen 2535 is an example of a collection instruction screen that prompts the user to collect and output restrictions on the printed document after the print output in the printer 200.
  • the collection instruction screen 2535 is provided with an OK button 2535g.
  • the collection instruction screen 2535 displays a message that prompts the user to collect and print out the printed document and the restriction.
  • the OK button 2535g is a button for ending the display of the collection instruction screen 2535 after the user confirms the instruction for collecting the printed document or the like.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a release screen according to the second embodiment. 26 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16).
  • the cancel screen 2536 is an example of a cancel screen that accepts an administrator password input or reprints a document in order to cancel a restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 200 by the administrator.
  • the cancel screen 2536 is provided with an administrator password input field 2536f, an OK button 2536g, and a cancel button 2536h.
  • the cancellation screen 2536 displays a message that prompts the administrator to input the administrator password.
  • the administrator password input field 2536f is an input field for an administrator to input an administrator password when canceling the restriction.
  • the OK button 2536g determines the validity of the administrator by authenticating the administrator based on the administrator password input by the user in the administrator password input field 2536f, and ends the display of the release screen 2536.
  • the cancel button 2536h is a button for canceling the input of the administrator password by the administrator and terminating the display of the release screen 2536.
  • the second embodiment it is possible to promptly and surely collect the output printer paper by allowing the user to input the password on the printer 200 side.
  • the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the printer 300 includes a release information reading unit 323 having a scanner 361. Further, this scanner 361 is different from the first embodiment in that an identification code that is release information is read and acquired.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer according to the third embodiment.
  • a printer 300 shown in FIG. 27 is a printer that executes print output based on print data indicating the contents of a file such as document data or image data on a printer sheet.
  • the printer 300 includes a paper discharge unit 303a from which a print medium such as printer paper on which print output has been output is discharged, a display panel 304a that displays information such as characters, an operation unit 305a that receives user operations, and an optical reading function. It has a scanner 361.
  • the paper discharge unit 303a is a mechanism that discharges the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the display panel 304a is a display device having a display screen for displaying characters or images based on control from the display unit 104 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the operation unit 305a is an input device for operating the printer 300 connected to the operation input unit 105 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the scanner 361 is an apparatus that optically reads image information and character information written on printer paper or the like.
  • the printer 300 having the scanner 361 has been described.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus other than a printer may be used as long as the apparatus has a printing function and a reading function.
  • a multi-function printing apparatus having a function of a copying machine or the like may be used.
  • FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to the third embodiment.
  • a printer 300 shown in FIG. 28 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 3500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out.
  • the printer 300 includes a communication unit 311, a print control unit 312, a release information detection unit 313, a print output unit 314, a reprint control unit 315, a restriction notification unit 316, an authentication unit 318, a release information generation unit 319, and a release information storage unit 320.
  • the communication unit 311 can communicate with the PC-side communication unit 3511 of the personal computer 3500 via the LAN 10.
  • the printer 300 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 3500 through the communication unit 311 and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
  • the print control unit 312 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 314, the print control unit 312 is performed from the personal computer 3500 that is instructed to print the print output until the identification information is detected by the release information detection unit 313. Restrict execution of print output based on subsequent print instructions.
  • the release information detection unit 313 detects the identification code
  • the print control unit 312 cancels the restriction on execution of print output based on the print instruction from the same personal computer 3500 by the print output unit 314.
  • the print control unit 312 detects all the identification codes generated by the release information generation unit 319 for the print output by the release information detection unit 313. Until it is detected, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 314 is restricted.
  • the identification code functions as release information.
  • print output from the same personal computer is regarded as being requested by the same user.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and for each user, each user ID, password and password Or the like, and based on these, it may be determined whether or not the print output is from the same user, and based on this determination, the print output and the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
  • the print control unit 312 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 314 is prohibited until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 313. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for the print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 312 executes the print output to the communication unit 311 by the restriction notification unit 316. Is sent to the personal computer 3500 to notify that the printing is restricted.
  • the release information detection unit 313 receives the identification code transmitted from the personal computer 3500 and detects the identification code.
  • This identification code is information for canceling the restriction of print output.
  • the identification code is, for example, information that changes for each print output of a print target (for example, a document for which the user requests print output), and is printed on printer paper.
  • the print output unit 314 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 3500 received by the communication unit 311.
  • the print output unit 314 prints the identification code outside the area where the print output of the surface of the printer paper on which the print output is printed is printed.
  • the print output unit 314 can also divide and output a plurality of identification codes in the printer paper. At this time, when a document or the like is output over a plurality of printer papers, the print output unit 314 prints the identification code on the first print medium and the last print medium in the print output.
  • the print output unit 314 When the print output unit 314 detects a reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 315, the print output unit 314 executes a print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 314. Note that the print output unit 314 may print the identification code on a surface different from the surface on which the print output based on the print data is printed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the identification code from being unnecessarily copied when the print medium is copied by a copying machine or the like.
  • the print output unit 314 may print the identification code on the last printer sheet in the print output when the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of printer sheets. This allows the user to collect the printer paper up to the last page.
  • the reprint control unit 315 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 314 to execute a print output having the same content as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 315 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
  • the restriction notification unit 316 causes the communication unit 311 to transmit a print restriction notification for notifying execution of print output to the personal computer 3500.
  • the authentication unit 318 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password. If the authentication unit 318 succeeds in authenticating the administrator, the authentication unit 318 outputs a cancel instruction that instructs the print control unit 312 to cancel the restriction.
  • the cancellation instruction output from the authentication unit 318 is transmitted from the PC side communication unit 3511 to the printer 300. This release instruction functions as release information for releasing the restriction imposed by the printer 300, as with the identification code.
  • the cancellation information generation unit 319 generates an identification code at random so as to change every time the identification code is generated.
  • the release information generation unit 319 generates a plurality of identification codes, and prints out the generated identification codes so that they are arranged on different pages of the printer paper.
  • the identification code is information that is generated randomly and changes each time, and has at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • the identification code may be graphic information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.
  • the cancellation information storage unit 320 stores the identification code generated by the cancellation information generation unit 319.
  • the identification code stored in the cancellation information storage unit 320 is read by the print control unit 312.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 322 When the cancellation instruction is output from the authentication unit 318 based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit 318, the restriction release log recording unit 322 has released the restriction based on the successful authentication by the authentication unit 318 To record in the restriction release log. Further, when the print output unit 314 outputs a print based on the reprint instruction, the restriction release log recording unit 322 records that the print is output based on the reprint instruction in the restriction release log.
  • the cancellation information reading unit 323 reads and extracts the identification code from the printer paper by the scanner 361, and outputs it to the cancellation information detection unit 313.
  • the restriction instruction unit 325 communicates an operation restriction instruction for instructing to restrict the operation of the personal computer 3500 until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 313.
  • the unit 311 transmits to the personal computer 3500.
  • the personal computer 3500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 300 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG.
  • the personal computer 3500 includes a PC side communication unit 3511, a print instruction unit 3512, an information input unit 3521, and a restriction execution unit 3526.
  • the PC-side communication unit 3511 can communicate with the communication unit 311 included in the printer 300 via the LAN 10.
  • the personal computer 3500 transmits and receives a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data by communicating with the printer 300 through the PC-side communication unit 3511.
  • the print instruction unit 3512 accepts a print output request from the user to the printer 300 such as a document, and sends the print request for the document and the print data of the document to be printed to the PC-side communication unit 3511 to the printer 300. Send it.
  • the information input unit 3521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG.
  • the personal computer 3500 uses the information input unit 3521 to acquire a management password and other information and operations related to the operation of the printer 300.
  • the restriction execution unit 3526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 3500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 325.
  • the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 3500 can make an operation other than the operation related to releasing the restriction impossible, for example.
  • the personal computer 3500 accepts an operation other than the operation related to the reading of the identification code by the user using the scanner 361 and the operation related to the input of the administrator password by the administrator. Can not be.
  • the printer 300 may be a device other than a printer, as long as it has a printing function.
  • the printer 300 is a multi-function printing device having functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like. Also good.
  • FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an identification code reading screen according to the third embodiment.
  • An identification code reading screen 3531 shown in FIG. 29 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 3500 (described above in FIG. 28).
  • the identification code reading screen 3531 is an example of an identification code reading screen that is displayed when the user reads an identification code printed on a document or the like in order to release the restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 300. .
  • the identification code reading screen 3531 is provided with a scan status display area 3531c and an OK button 3531g. In addition, on the identification code reading screen 3531, a message prompting the user to read the identification code by the collection and release information reading unit 323 of the printed document or the like is displayed.
  • the scan status display area 3531c is an area for displaying the reading status of the identification code by the scanner 361.
  • the status of reading the identification code of the first page and the status of reading the identification code of the last page are displayed.
  • the identification code is printed, for example, on the first page (first page) and the last page of a document or the like.
  • the user can release the restriction based on the print output by causing the release information reading unit 323 to read the identification code printed on the document or the like using the scanner 361.
  • the OK button 3531g is a button for ending the display of the identification code reading screen 3531 after the user confirms the reading state of the identification code.
  • the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the printer 400 includes a stacker 471 having a paper sensor 471a. Further, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that release information is output based on detection of a document or the like printed out by the paper sensor 471a.
  • FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer according to the fourth embodiment.
  • a printer 400 shown in FIG. 30 is a printer that executes print output based on print data indicating the contents of a file such as document data or image data on a printer sheet.
  • the printer 400 is similar to the paper discharge unit 403a from which print media such as printer paper that has been printed is discharged, a display panel 404a that displays information such as characters, an operation unit 405a that receives user operations, and a paper discharge unit 403a. And a plurality of stackers 471 for sorting and holding the discharged printer paper.
  • the paper discharge unit 403a is a mechanism for discharging the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the display panel 404a is a display device having a display screen for displaying characters or images based on control from the display unit 104 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the operation unit 405a is an input device for operating the printer 400, connected to the operation input unit 105 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the stacker 471 is a mechanism for discharging the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described above in FIG. 4).
  • the printer 400 has a plurality of stackers 471 separately from the paper discharge unit 403a, and holds the printer paper that has been printed out and discharged in each stacker 471 in a distinguishable manner, for example, for each user. can do.
  • each stacker 471 is assigned to each user who uses the printer 400. The stacker 471 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
  • the printer 400 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any device other than a printer may be used as long as the device has a printing function and a reading function.
  • the printer 400 has a function such as a printer, a FAX machine, or a copier.
  • a functional printing apparatus may be used.
  • FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a stacker according to the fourth embodiment.
  • a stacker 471 shown in FIG. 31 is a mechanism that holds the printer paper on which a document or the like is printed and discharged so as to be distinguishable for each user who requests print output.
  • Each stacker 471 has a paper sensor 471a.
  • the paper sensor 471a is provided in each stacker 471 and is a sensor that optically detects the discharged printer paper. Accordingly, the printer 400 can detect, for each user, whether or not a document or the like has been printed out and whether or not the printer paper on which the document or the like has been printed out has been collected.
  • the paper sensor 471a detects the presence or absence of the printer paper by irradiating light constantly or at a predetermined trigger such as a fixed time interval and detecting the presence or absence of the reflected light or the intensity of the reflected light. For example, if a certain paper sensor 471a detects reflected light, it is determined that there is printer paper on the stacker 471 having the paper sensor 471a, and if no reflected light is detected, there is no printer paper.
  • Each paper sensor 471a outputs a detection signal to the print medium detection unit 424 (described later in FIG. 32) when detecting the presence of the printer paper. Further, when the paper sensor 471a detects that the printer paper is no longer present, the paper sensor 471a stops outputting the detection signal to the print medium detection unit 424. Accordingly, the print medium detection unit 424 can detect the presence or absence of the printer paper discharged on each stacker 471.
  • the paper sensor 471a detects the printer paper by an optical method.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanical method for physically detecting the presence or absence of the printer paper is available. You may detect by the method of.
  • FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to the fourth embodiment.
  • a printer 400 shown in FIG. 32 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 4500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out.
  • the printer 400 includes a communication unit 411, a print control unit 412, a release information detection unit 413, a print output unit 414, a reprint control unit 415, a restriction notification unit 416, a restriction release log recording unit 422, a print medium detection unit 424, and a restriction instruction. Part 425.
  • the communication unit 411 can communicate with the PC-side communication unit 4511 included in the personal computer 4500 via the LAN 10.
  • the printer 400 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 4500 through the communication unit 411 and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
  • the print control unit 412 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 414, the print control unit 412 receives the print output print instruction until the release information detection unit 413 detects the release signal transmitted from the paper sensor 471a. Execution of print output based on the subsequent print instruction performed from the computer 4500 is restricted. Then, when a release signal is detected by the release information detection unit 413, the print control unit 412 is assigned to the user assigned to the stacker 471 (described above in FIG. 31) in which the paper sensor 471a (described above in FIG. 31) is arranged. The restriction on execution of print output based on the print instruction from the personal computer is released. The release signal functions as release information.
  • print output from the same personal computer is regarded as being requested by the same user.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and for each user, each user ID, password and password Or the like, and based on these, it may be determined whether or not the print output is from the same user, and based on this determination, the print output and the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
  • the print control unit 412 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 414 is prohibited until the release information detection unit 413 detects the release signal. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 412 causes the communication unit 411 to execute print output by the restriction notification unit 416. Is sent to the personal computer 4500 to notify that the printing is restricted.
  • the release information detection unit 413 receives the release signal output from the paper sensor 471a and detects the release signal.
  • This release signal is a signal for detecting that the printer paper on which the print output has been output is collected by the paper sensor 471a, and is information for releasing the restriction on the print output.
  • the print output unit 414 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 4500 received by the communication unit 411.
  • the print output unit 414 detects the reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 415, the print output unit 414 executes the print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 414.
  • the reprint control unit 415 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 414 to execute a print output having the same contents as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 415 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
  • the restriction notification unit 416 causes the communication unit 411 to transmit a print restriction notification for notifying execution of print output to the personal computer 4500.
  • the restriction release log recording unit 422 records that the print is output based on the reprint instruction in the restriction release log.
  • the print medium detection unit 424 detects the presence / absence of printer paper output by the print output unit, and outputs release information to the release information detection unit 413 based on the detected presence / absence of printer paper.
  • the restriction instruction unit 425 transmits an operation restriction instruction that instructs to restrict the operation of the personal computer 4500 until the release information detection unit 413 detects a release signal.
  • the unit 411 is transmitted to the personal computer 4500.
  • the personal computer 4500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 400 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG.
  • the personal computer 4500 includes a PC side communication unit 4511, a print instruction unit 4512, an information input unit 4521, and a restriction execution unit 4526.
  • the PC-side communication unit 4511 can communicate with the communication unit 411 included in the printer 400 via the LAN 10.
  • the personal computer 4500 transmits and receives a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data by communicating with the printer 400 through the PC-side communication unit 4511.
  • the print instruction unit 4512 accepts a print output request from the user to the printer 400 such as a document, and sends the print request for the document and the print data of the document to be printed to the PC-side communication unit 4511 to the printer 400. Send it.
  • the information input unit 4521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG.
  • the personal computer 4500 uses the information input unit 4521 to acquire management passwords and other information and operations related to the operation of the printer 400.
  • the restriction execution unit 4526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 4500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 425. This restriction on the operation of the personal computer 4500 can make all operations impossible, for example.
  • the printer 400 may be a device other than a printer as long as it has a printing function.
  • the printer 400 is a multifunction printing device having functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like. Also good.
  • FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of restriction release determination processing according to the fourth embodiment.
  • the restriction release determination process shown in FIG. 33 is a process executed in the printer 400.
  • This restriction release determination process is a process for releasing a restriction imposed on the printer 400 and the personal computer 4500 (described above in FIG. 32) upon receiving a printer paper detection signal from the paper sensor 471a.
  • the restriction release determination process is started when called from the print output execution process (described above in FIGS. 17 and 18) and the release process (described above in FIG. 20).
  • the print medium detection unit 424 causes the monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) to display a collection instruction screen that prompts the user to collect the printer paper printed out. Details of the collection instruction screen will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • the print medium detection unit 424 uses the paper sensor 471a to detect the presence or absence of printer paper on which a document or the like is printed, that is, the presence or absence of printer paper discharged to the stacker 471 of the printer 400.
  • the print medium detection unit 424 outputs a release signal to the release information detection unit 413 based on the fact that the once detected printer paper is no longer detected.
  • each stacker 471 is assigned to a user. Thereby, the user who requested the print output can be specified based on the stacker 471 having the paper sensor 471a that has detected the presence of the printer paper.
  • Step S93 The cancellation information detection unit 413 determines whether the printed matter has been collected based on whether the cancellation information is detected. That is, the release information detection unit 413 determines whether or not the release signal output from the print medium detection unit 424 is detected in step S92. If the cancel signal is detected, it is assumed that the printed material has been collected, and the process proceeds to step S94. On the other hand, if the release signal is not detected, it is determined that the printed matter has not been collected, and the process proceeds to step S92.
  • Step S94 The print medium detection unit 424 ends the display of the collection instruction screen displayed on the monitor 581. Thereafter, the process ends, and the process returns to the process that called the restriction release determination process.
  • FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen according to the fourth embodiment.
  • a setting screen 4531 shown in FIG. 34 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 4500 (described above in FIG. 32).
  • a setting screen 4531 is an example of a setting screen for setting the content of restrictions based on the print output in the printer 400.
  • the setting screen 4531 is provided with an operation restriction setting area 4531d, an OK button 4531g, and a cancel button 4531h.
  • the operation restriction setting area 4531d is an area for setting restrictions imposed after print output is executed in the printer 400.
  • the restriction imposed after execution of print output can select any one of prohibition of all PC operations, prohibition of next printing, and only message display.
  • the personal computer 4500 imposes a restriction that, in principle, all operations cannot be performed after making a print request to the printer 400.
  • the operation of other personal computers may not be limited.
  • the personal computer 4500 makes a print request to the printer 400 and then based on a new print request from the printer 400 until the printed printer paper is collected. There is a restriction that no printout is performed.
  • print output based on a print request from another personal computer may not be limited.
  • the monitor 581 connected to the personal computer 4500 displays a message display notifying the user that the printer 400 has performed the print output based on the user's request.
  • the OK button 4531g is a button for newly acquiring or updating the setting with the content input by the administrator on the setting screen 4531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 4531.
  • the cancel button 4531h is a button for invalidating the setting contents input by the administrator on the setting screen 4531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 4531.
  • FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a collection instruction screen according to the fourth embodiment.
  • a collection instruction screen 4532 shown in FIG. 35 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 4500 (described above in FIG. 32).
  • the collection instruction screen 4532 is an example of a collection instruction screen that prompts the user to collect a document that has been printed out after the printer 400 prints out.
  • the collection instruction screen 4532 is provided with an OK button 4532g.
  • the collection instruction screen 4532 displays a message that prompts the user to collect the printed document or the like.
  • the OK button 4532g is a button for ending the display of the collection instruction screen 4532 after the user confirms the instruction for collecting the printed document or the like.
  • the printer 400 and the personal computer 4500 are automatically detected by detecting the unrecovered document or the like by the sensor for the presence or absence of the printer paper on which the document or the like is printed out. Since the restriction imposed on the printer paper can be removed, it is possible to promptly and surely collect the output printer paper without giving the user a sense of resistance.
  • the disclosed printing apparatus, printing system, and printing control method have been described based on the illustrated embodiment, but the configuration of each unit can be replaced with any configuration having the same function.
  • any other component or process may be added to the disclosed technology.
  • the disclosed technique may be a combination of any two or more of the above-described embodiments.

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Abstract

Disclosed is a printing device, in which prompt collection of outputted printing matters is promoted. A communication unit (1a) communicates with an information processing device (2) through a communication line. A printing output unit (1b) carries out a printing output in accordance with printing data from the information processing device (2) received by the communication unit (1a). A release information detection unit (1c) detects release information. When the printing output unit (1b) carries out the printing output, a printing control unit (1b) controls a next printing output for the printing output unit (1b) to execute until the release information detection unit (1c) detects the release information and releases the execution of the printing output from the control when the release information detection unit (1c) detects the release information.

Description

印刷装置、印刷システムおよび印刷制御方法Printing apparatus, printing system, and printing control method
　本発明は、印刷装置、印刷システムおよび印刷制御方法に関し、特に、通信回線を介して接続された情報処理装置からの印刷データを受け付けて印刷出力する印刷装置、印刷システムおよび印刷制御方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing control method, and more particularly, to a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing control method for receiving and printing out print data from an information processing apparatus connected via a communication line.
　従来、オフィスなどで多数の従業員が１台または多数のプリンタを共有している場合、ユーザ同士の印刷対象の混在の防止や管理の効率化のために、印刷データまたは印刷データに基づいてプリンタで印刷出力された印刷物等に対してＩＤを付与して管理する方法が知られている。
特開平１０－３０８８６８号公報 特開２０００－２０２７１号公報 特開２００１－３２２３３７号公報 富士ゼロックス株式会社、"プリンター機能解説　セキュリティプリント"、［online］、［平成２１年３月１６日検索］、インターネット<URL：http://www.fujixerox.co.jp/support/howto/glossary/sec.html> 株式会社　日経ＢＰ、"富士ゼロックス、セキュリティ対策に隠し文字を印刷できるソフト"、［online］、［平成２１年３月２７日検索］、インターネット<URL：http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/archives/147/147556.html> Conventionally, when a large number of employees share one or many printers in an office or the like, a printer based on print data or print data is used in order to prevent users from being mixed and to improve management efficiency. A method is known in which an ID is assigned to a printed matter or the like that is printed out by the method.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-308868 JP 2000-20271 A JP 2001-322337 A Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., "Printer Function Description Security Print", [online], [Search March 16, 2009], Internet <URL: http://www.fujixerox.co.jp/support/howto/glossary/ sec.html> Nikkei BP Co., Ltd., "Fuji Xerox, software that can print hidden characters for security measures", [online], [searched on March 27, 2009], Internet <URL: http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp /archives/147/147556.html>
　しかし、プリンタで印刷出力された印刷物は排紙トレイに放置されたままになっているケースが多く、人の印刷物まで誤って持っていってしまったり、出力したのを忘れて再度印刷してしまったりするという問題点がある。また、オフィス等において、印刷物が長時間放置されたままであるという習慣自体が、第三者による情報の盗難の原因となりかねないというセキュリティ上の問題点がある。一方、これらの問題点に対して、上記の技術を用いても、印刷物の回収を直接的に促すものではない。 However, in many cases, the printed matter printed out by the printer is left in the paper output tray, and people accidentally take it to the printed matter, or forget to output it and print it again. There is a problem that it is frustrating. Further, there is a security problem that a custom itself that a printed matter is left unattended for a long time in an office or the like may cause information theft by a third party. On the other hand, even if the above technique is used for these problems, it does not directly promote the collection of printed matter.
　本件はこのような点に鑑みてなされたものであり、出力された印刷物の速やかな回収を促す印刷装置、印刷システムおよび印刷制御方法を提供することを目的とする。 This case has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing control method that promptly collect output printed matter.
　開示の印刷装置は、通信回線を介して情報処理装置と通信する通信部と、前記通信部によって受信された前記情報処理装置からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する印刷出力部と、解除情報を検出する解除情報検出部と、前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力部による次の前記印刷出力の実行を制限すると共に、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出された場合、前記印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する印刷制御部と、を有する。 The disclosed printing apparatus includes: a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device via a communication line; a print output unit that executes print output based on print data from the information processing device received by the communication unit; When the print output is executed by a release information detection unit that detects information and the print output unit, the next print output by the print output unit until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit. And a print control unit that cancels the restriction on execution of the print output when the release information is detected by the release information detection unit.
　開示の印刷装置によれば、通信部により、通信回線を介して情報処理装置と通信される。印刷出力部により、通信部によって受信された情報処理装置からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力が実行される。解除情報検出部により、解除情報が検出される。印刷制御部により、印刷出力部によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部によって解除情報が検出されるまで、印刷出力部による次の印刷出力の実行が制限されると共に、解除情報検出部によって解除情報が検出された場合、印刷出力の実行の制限が解除される。 According to the disclosed printing apparatus, the communication unit communicates with the information processing apparatus via the communication line. The print output unit executes print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus received by the communication unit. Release information is detected by the release information detection unit. When the print output is executed by the print output unit by the print control unit, execution of the next print output by the print output unit is restricted until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit, and the release information detection unit When the release information is detected by, the restriction on execution of print output is released.
　開示の印刷装置、印刷システムおよび印刷制御方法によれば、利用者に対して、出力された印刷媒体の速やかかつ確実な回収を促すことが可能になる。
　本発明の上記および他の目的、特徴および利点は本発明の例として好ましい実施の形態を表す添付の図面と関連した以下の説明により明らかになるであろう。 According to the disclosed printing apparatus, printing system, and printing control method, it is possible to prompt the user to quickly and surely collect the output print medium.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments by way of example of the present invention.
本実施の形態の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of this Embodiment. 本実施の形態のシステム構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of this Embodiment. 第１の実施の形態のプリンタの外観を示す図である。1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer according to a first embodiment. プリンタのハードウェア構成を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer. パーソナルコンピュータのハードウェア構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a personal computer. 第１の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 第１の実施の形態の印刷出力実行処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the first embodiment. 第１の実施の形態の印刷出力実行処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the first embodiment. 第１の実施の形態の制限解除判定処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the restriction | limiting cancellation | release determination process of 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施の形態の解除再印刷処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of release reprint processing according to the first embodiment. 第１の実施の形態の設定画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the setting screen of 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施の形態の識別コード入力画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the identification code input screen of 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施の形態の解除再印刷画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the cancellation | release reprint screen of 1st Embodiment. 制限解除ログのデータ構造を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the data structure of a restriction | limiting cancellation | release log. 印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the printer paper printed out. 第２の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printer of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の印刷出力実行処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the second embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の印刷出力実行処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print output execution processing according to the second embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の制限解除判定処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the restriction | limiting cancellation | release determination processing of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の解除処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the cancellation | release process of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の設定画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the setting screen of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態のユーザ選択画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the user selection screen of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の回収確認画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the collection confirmation screen of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の暗証番号入力画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the PIN code input screen of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の回収指示画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the collection instruction | indication screen of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態の解除画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the cancellation | release screen of 2nd Embodiment. 第３の実施の形態のプリンタの外観を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the printer of 3rd Embodiment. 第３の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printer of 3rd Embodiment. 第３の実施の形態の識別コード読み取り画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the identification code reading screen of 3rd Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態のプリンタの外観を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the printer of 4th Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態のスタッカを示す図である。It is a figure which shows the stacker of 4th Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printer of 4th Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態の制限解除判定処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the restriction | limiting cancellation | release determination processing of 4th Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態の設定画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the setting screen of 4th Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態の回収指示画面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the collection instruction | indication screen of 4th Embodiment.
　以下、実施の形態について、図面を参照して説明する。
　図１は、本実施の形態の概要を示す図である。図１に示す印刷装置１は、通信回線を介して接続された情報処理装置２からの印刷データを受け付けて印刷出力する。印刷装置１は、通信部１ａ、印刷出力部１ｂ、解除情報検出部１ｃおよび印刷制御部１ｄを有する。 Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the present embodiment. A printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives print data from an information processing apparatus 2 connected via a communication line, and prints it out. The printing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 1a, a print output unit 1b, a release information detection unit 1c, and a print control unit 1d.
　通信部１ａは、通信回線を介して情報処理装置２と通信する。印刷装置１は、通信部１ａによって、情報処理装置２から送信される印刷データを取得すると共に、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データを送受信する。 The communication unit 1a communicates with the information processing apparatus 2 via a communication line. The printing apparatus 1 acquires print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 through the communication unit 1a and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output.
　印刷出力部１ｂは、通信部１ａによって受信された情報処理装置２からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する。
　解除情報検出部１ｃは、解除情報を検出する。この解除情報は、印刷出力の制限を解除するための情報である。解除情報は、例えば、印刷媒体の印刷出力ごとに変化する情報であり、印刷媒体に印刷されている。ユーザが出力された印刷媒体を見てこの解除情報を印刷装置１に入力することで、再び印刷装置１の制限が解除され、印刷出力が可能になる。 The print output unit 1b executes print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus 2 received by the communication unit 1a.
The release information detection unit 1c detects release information. This cancellation information is information for canceling restrictions on printing output. The release information is, for example, information that changes for each print output of the print medium, and is printed on the print medium. When the user sees the output print medium and inputs the release information to the printing apparatus 1, the restriction of the printing apparatus 1 is released again, and printing output becomes possible.
　印刷制御部１ｄは、印刷出力部１ｂによって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部１ｃによって解除情報が検出されるまで、印刷出力部１ｂによる次の印刷出力の実行を制限すると共に、解除情報検出部１ｃによって解除情報が検出された場合には、印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 1b, the print control unit 1d limits the execution of the next print output by the print output unit 1b until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit 1c, and cancels the release. When release information is detected by the information detection unit 1c, the restriction on execution of print output is released.
　なお、印刷装置１は、プリンタの他、印刷機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ（facsimile）機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 The printing device 1 may be a device other than a printer as long as it has a printing function, for example, a printer, a FAX (facsimile) machine, a multi-function printing having functions of a copier, etc. It may be a device.
　また、解除情報は、ユーザＩＤのように印刷出力が行われても変化しない情報であってもよい。この場合、例えば、印刷装置１に解除情報を入力する手段を設け、印刷装置１までユーザが赴いて解除情報を入力することにより、同時にユーザによる印刷出力の回収が期待できる。 Further, the release information may be information that does not change even when print output is performed, such as a user ID. In this case, for example, a means for inputting the release information is provided in the printing apparatus 1, and when the user visits the printing apparatus 1 and inputs the release information, the user can expect to collect the print output at the same time.
　このような印刷装置１によれば、通信部１ａにより、通信回線を介して情報処理装置２と通信される。印刷出力部１ｂにより、通信部１ａによって受信された情報処理装置２からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力が実行される。解除情報検出部１ｃにより、解除情報が検出される。印刷制御部１ｄにより、印刷出力部１ｂによって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部１ｃによって解除情報が検出されるまで、印刷出力部１ｂによる次の印刷出力の実行が制限されると共に、解除情報検出部１ｃによって解除情報が検出された場合、印刷出力の実行の制限が解除される。 According to such a printing apparatus 1, the communication unit 1a communicates with the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication line. The print output unit 1b executes print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus 2 received by the communication unit 1a. Release information is detected by the release information detector 1c. When the print output is executed by the print output unit 1b by the print control unit 1d, the execution of the next print output by the print output unit 1b is restricted until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit 1c. When release information is detected by the release information detection unit 1c, the restriction on execution of print output is released.
　これによって、ユーザに対して、出力された印刷媒体の速やかかつ確実な回収を促すことができる。
　以下、本実施の形態について図面を参照して詳細に説明する。 Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to quickly and surely collect the output print medium.
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
　図２は、本実施の形態のシステム構成を示す図である。図２に示す印刷システムでは、ユーザによって操作されるパーソナルコンピュータ５００，６００，７００等の情報処理装置からの印刷出力の要求に応じて、プリンタ１００が、例えば、プリンタ用紙等の印刷媒体に印刷出力の実行を行う。 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the present embodiment. In the printing system shown in FIG. 2, in response to a print output request from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer 500, 600, 700 or the like operated by a user, the printer 100 outputs a print medium such as printer paper. Perform the execution.
　本実施の形態に係るシステムでは、プリンタ１００が、ＬＡＮ（Local Area Network）１０を介してパーソナルコンピュータ５００，６００，７００と接続されている。パーソナルコンピュータ５００，６００，７００は、ユーザが業務等に使用するコンピュータである。 In the system according to the present embodiment, the printer 100 is connected to personal computers 500, 600, and 700 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 10. The personal computers 500, 600, and 700 are computers used by users for business or the like.
　ここでは、パーソナルコンピュータ５００，６００，７００は、それぞれ異なるユーザが使用するものとする。また、パーソナルコンピュータ５００，６００，７００の各ユーザは、ネットワークプリンタとしてプリンタ１００を共用している。各ユーザは、文書等の印刷出力の要求時には、それぞれのパーソナルコンピュータを操作してプリンタ１００に印刷出力を実行させる。このとき、ユーザが操作しているパーソナルコンピュータからＬＡＮ１０を介して印刷要求と共に文書等の印刷データがプリンタ１００に送信される。 Here, it is assumed that the personal computers 500, 600, and 700 are used by different users. Each user of the personal computers 500, 600, and 700 shares the printer 100 as a network printer. Each user operates the personal computer to cause the printer 100 to execute print output when requesting print output of a document or the like. At this time, print data such as a document is transmitted to the printer 100 together with a print request from the personal computer operated by the user via the LAN 10.
　プリンタ１００は、ＬＡＮ１０を介して送信された印刷データを受信すると、印刷データに基づいてプリンタ用紙に印刷出力を実行する。これにより、ユーザが求める文書等の印刷内容がプリンタ用紙上に印刷される。 When the printer 100 receives the print data transmitted via the LAN 10, the printer 100 executes print output on the printer paper based on the print data. As a result, the print content such as the document requested by the user is printed on the printer paper.
　ここで、あるユーザがプリンタ１００に対して文書の印刷出力を要求したにも関わらず、出力された文書を回収せずに放置してしまった場合、他のユーザが誤って出力された文書を取り違えて持っていってしまう可能性がある。また、このような場合、他のユーザまたは第三者が、出力された文書を故意に持ち去って盗用してしまう可能性もある。以下に説明するように、このような事態を防止するために、本実施の形態のプリンタ１００は、ユーザに印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙の回収を促す機能を有する。 Here, when a user requests the printer 100 to print out a document, and the output document is left without being collected, a document output by another user by mistake is displayed. There is a possibility of taking it by mistake. In such a case, another user or a third party may intentionally take away the output document and steal it. As will be described below, in order to prevent such a situation, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of prompting the user to collect the printer paper that has been printed out.
　なお、本実施の形態の印刷システムでは、プリンタ１００のみを有するが、これに限らず、複数台のプリンタを有してもよい。また、本実施の形態の印刷システムでは、パーソナルコンピュータ５００，６００，７００を有するが、これに限らず、パーソナルコンピュータの台数は、１台または２台であってもよく、４台以上であってもよい。 The printing system according to the present embodiment includes only the printer 100, but is not limited thereto, and may include a plurality of printers. The printing system according to the present embodiment includes the personal computers 500, 600, and 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of personal computers may be one or two, and four or more. Also good.
　図３は、第１の実施の形態のプリンタの外観を示す図である。図３に示すプリンタ１００は、プリンタ用紙に文書データや画像データ等のファイルの内容を示す印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行するプリンタである。プリンタ１００は、印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙が排出される排紙部１０３ａ、文字等の情報を表示する表示パネル１０４ａ、ユーザの操作を受け付ける操作部１０５ａを有する。 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printer according to the first embodiment. A printer 100 shown in FIG. 3 is a printer that performs print output based on print data indicating the contents of a file such as document data or image data on a printer sheet. The printer 100 includes a paper discharge unit 103a from which printer paper that has been printed out is discharged, a display panel 104a that displays information such as characters, and an operation unit 105a that receives user operations.
　排紙部１０３ａは、印刷出力部１０３（図４において後述）によって印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙が排出される機構である。表示パネル１０４ａは、表示部１０４（図４において後述）からの制御に基づいて文字または画像を表示する表示画面を有する表示装置である。操作部１０５ａは、操作入力部１０５（図４において後述）に接続された、プリンタ１００の操作を行うための入力装置である。 The paper discharge unit 103a is a mechanism that discharges the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described later in FIG. 4). The display panel 104a is a display device having a display screen for displaying characters or images based on control from the display unit 104 (described later in FIG. 4). The operation unit 105a is an input device for operating the printer 100 connected to the operation input unit 105 (described later in FIG. 4).
　なお、本実施の形態ではプリンタ１００について説明したが、これに限らず、印刷機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 Although the printer 100 has been described in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device other than a printer may be used as long as the device has a printing function. For example, functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like are provided. It may be a multi-function printing apparatus.
　図４は、プリンタのハードウェア構成を示す図である。図４に示すプリンタ１００は、ＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）１０１によって装置全体が制御されている。ＣＰＵ１０１には、バス１０７を介して記憶部１０２、印刷出力部１０３、表示部１０４、操作入力部１０５および通信インタフェース１０６が接続されている。 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printer. The entire apparatus of the printer 100 shown in FIG. 4 is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101. A storage unit 102, a print output unit 103, a display unit 104, an operation input unit 105, and a communication interface 106 are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus 107.
　記憶部１０２は、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）、ハードディスクドライブ（ＨＤＤ:Hard Disk Drive）等を有する。記憶部１０２には、プリンタの制御や印刷出力の実行等に必要なプログラムおよびデータならびに印刷データの少なくとも一部が格納される。 The storage unit 102 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive), and the like. The storage unit 102 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the printer, executing print output, and at least a part of the print data.
　表示部１０４には、表示パネル１０４ａ（図３において前述）が接続されている。表示部１０４は、ＣＰＵ１０１からの命令に従って、画像を表示パネル１０４ａの画面に表示させる。操作入力部１０５には、操作部１０５ａ（図３において前述）が接続されている。操作入力部１０５は、操作部１０５ａから送られてくる信号を、バス１０７を介してＣＰＵ１０１に送信する。 A display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) is connected to the display unit 104. The display unit 104 displays an image on the screen of the display panel 104a in accordance with a command from the CPU 101. An operation unit 105a (described above in FIG. 3) is connected to the operation input unit 105. The operation input unit 105 transmits a signal transmitted from the operation unit 105 a to the CPU 101 via the bus 107.
　通信インタフェース１０６は、ＬＡＮ１０に接続されている。通信インタフェース１０６は、ＬＡＮ１０を介して、パーソナルコンピュータとの間でデータの送受信を行う。
　図５は、パーソナルコンピュータのハードウェア構成を示す図である。図５に示すパーソナルコンピュータ５００は、ＣＰＵ５０１によって装置全体が制御されている。ＣＰＵ５０１には、バス５０７を介してＲＡＭ５０２、ハードディスクドライブ５０３、グラフィック処理装置５０４、入力インタフェース５０５および通信インタフェース５０６が接続されている。 The communication interface 106 is connected to the LAN 10. The communication interface 106 transmits / receives data to / from a personal computer via the LAN 10.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the personal computer. The personal computer 500 shown in FIG. 5 is controlled by the CPU 501 as a whole. A RAM 502, a hard disk drive 503, a graphic processing device 504, an input interface 505, and a communication interface 506 are connected to the CPU 501 via a bus 507.
　ＲＡＭ５０２には、ＣＰＵ５０１に実行させるＯＳ（Operating System）のプログラムやアプリケーションプログラムの少なくとも一部が一時的に格納される。また、ＲＡＭ５０２には、ＣＰＵ５０１による処理に必要な各種データが格納される。ＨＤＤ５０３には、ＯＳやアプリケーションプログラムが格納される。 The RAM 502 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 501. The RAM 502 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 501. The HDD 503 stores an OS and application programs.
　グラフィック処理装置５０４には、モニタ５８１が接続されている。グラフィック処理装置５０４は、ＣＰＵ５０１からの命令に従って、画像をモニタ５８１の画面に表示させる。入力インタフェース５０５には、キーボード５８２とマウス５８３とが接続されている。入力インタフェース５０５は、キーボード５８２やマウス５８３から送られてくる信号を、バス５０７を介してＣＰＵ５０１に送信する。 A monitor 581 is connected to the graphic processing device 504. The graphic processing device 504 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 581 in accordance with a command from the CPU 501. A keyboard 582 and a mouse 583 are connected to the input interface 505. The input interface 505 transmits a signal transmitted from the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 to the CPU 501 via the bus 507.
　通信インタフェース５０６は、ＬＡＮ１０に接続されている。通信インタフェース５０６は、ＬＡＮ１０を介して、他のコンピュータおよびプリンタ１００との間でデータの送受信を行う。 The communication interface 506 is connected to the LAN 10. The communication interface 506 transmits and receives data to and from other computers and the printer 100 via the LAN 10.
　なお、パーソナルコンピュータ６００，７００は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００と同様のハードウェア構成によって実現される。
　以上のようなハードウェア構成によって、本実施の形態の処理機能を実現することができる。 The personal computers 600 and 700 are realized by the same hardware configuration as the personal computer 500.
With the hardware configuration as described above, the processing functions of the present embodiment can be realized.
　図６は、第１の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。図６に示すプリンタ１００は、ＬＡＮ１０（図２において前述）を介して接続されたパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、図２において前述するパーソナルコンピュータ５００）からの印刷データを受け付けて印刷出力する。プリンタ１００は、通信部１１１、印刷制御部１１２、解除情報検出部１１３、印刷出力部１１４、再印刷制御部１１５、制限通知部１１６、制限解除ログ通知部１１７および制限指示部１２５を有する。 FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer according to the first embodiment. The printer 100 shown in FIG. 6 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, the personal computer 500 described above in FIG. 2) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out. The printer 100 includes a communication unit 111, a print control unit 112, a release information detection unit 113, a print output unit 114, a reprint control unit 115, a restriction notification unit 116, a restriction release log notification unit 117, and a restriction instruction unit 125.
　通信部１１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してパーソナルコンピュータ５００が有するＰＣ側通信部５１１と通信可能である。プリンタ１００は、通信部１１１によって、パーソナルコンピュータ５００から送信される印刷データを取得すると共に、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The communication unit 111 can communicate with the PC-side communication unit 511 included in the personal computer 500 via the LAN 10. The printer 100 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 500 via the communication unit 111 and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
　印刷制御部１１２は、印刷出力部１１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部１１３によって識別コードが検出されるまで、印刷出力の印刷指示が行われたパーソナルコンピュータ５００から行われた、以降の印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行を制限する。そして、印刷制御部１１２は、解除情報検出部１１３によって識別コードが検出された場合、印刷出力部１１４による同一のパーソナルコンピュータ５００からの印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する。このとき印刷制御部１１２は、１つの印刷出力について複数の識別コードが生成された場合、解除情報検出部１１３により、その印刷出力に対して解除情報生成部５１９によって生成されたすべての識別コードが検出されるまで、以降の印刷出力部１１４による印刷出力の実行を制限する。識別コードは、解除情報として機能する。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 114, the print control unit 112 is performed from the personal computer 500 that is instructed to print the print output until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 113. Restrict execution of print output based on subsequent print instructions. Then, when the release information detection unit 113 detects the identification code, the print control unit 112 releases the restriction on execution of print output based on the print instruction from the same personal computer 500 by the print output unit 114. At this time, when a plurality of identification codes are generated for one print output, the print control unit 112 determines that all the identification codes generated by the release information generation unit 519 for the print output are generated by the release information detection unit 113. Until it is detected, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 114 is restricted. The identification code functions as release information.
　なお、ここでは、同一のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷出力を、同一のユーザから要求されたものであるとみなして扱うが、これに限らず、各ユーザに対して、各ユーザＩＤ、パスワードや暗証番号等を割り当て、これらに基づいて同一のユーザからの印刷出力であるか否かについて判定し、この判定に基づいて印刷出力やそのユーザが使用しているパーソナルコンピュータの動作を制限してもよい。 Here, print output from the same personal computer is regarded as being requested by the same user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for each user, each user ID, password and password Or the like, and based on these, it may be determined whether or not the print output is from the same user, and based on this determination, the print output and the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
　印刷制御部１１２は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力がプリンタ用紙において複数枚に亘って出力される場合であって、かつ印刷出力部１１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合において、プリンタ用紙の枚数が所定数未満であるときには、解除情報検出部１１３によって識別コードが検出されるまで、印刷出力部１１４による印刷出力の実行を禁止する。一方、印刷データに基づく印刷出力に使用されるプリンタ用紙の枚数が所定の枚数（例えば、１００枚）以上であるときには、印刷制御部１１２は、制限通知部１１６によって通信部１１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of sheets on the printer paper and the print output is executed by the print output unit 114, the print control unit 112 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, execution of print output by the print output unit 114 is prohibited until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 113. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 112 causes the communication unit 111 to execute print output by the restriction notification unit 116. Print restriction notification to notify the personal computer 500 that the printing is restricted.
　解除情報検出部１１３は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００から送信された識別コードを受け付け、識別コードを検出する。この識別コードは、印刷出力の制限を解除するための情報である。識別コードは、例えば、印刷対象（例えば、ユーザが印刷出力を要求する文書）の印刷出力ごとに変化する情報であり、プリンタ用紙に印刷されている。ユーザが出力されたプリンタ用紙を見てこの識別コードをプリンタ１００に入力することで、再びプリンタ１００の制限が解除され、印刷出力が可能になる。 The release information detection unit 113 receives the identification code transmitted from the personal computer 500 and detects the identification code. This identification code is information for canceling the restriction of print output. The identification code is, for example, information that changes for each print output of a print target (for example, a document for which the user requests print output), and is printed on printer paper. When the user views the output printer paper and inputs this identification code to the printer 100, the restriction of the printer 100 is released again, and printing output becomes possible.
　印刷出力部１１４は、通信部１１１によって受信されたパーソナルコンピュータ５００からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する。印刷出力部１１４は、プリンタ用紙における印刷出力が印刷されている面の印刷出力が印刷されている領域よりも外側に識別コードを印刷する。印刷出力部１１４は、プリンタ用紙に複数の識別コードを分割して出力することもできる。このとき、印刷出力部１１４は、文書等が複数のプリンタ用紙に亘って出力される場合、印刷出力における最初の印刷媒体と最後の印刷媒体とに識別コードを印刷する。 The print output unit 114 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 500 received by the communication unit 111. The print output unit 114 prints the identification code outside the area where the print output of the surface of the printer paper on which the print output is printed. The print output unit 114 can also divide and output a plurality of identification codes on printer paper. At this time, when a document or the like is output over a plurality of printer sheets, the print output unit 114 prints the identification code on the first print medium and the last print medium in the print output.
　また、印刷出力部１１４は、再印刷制御部１１５から出力された再印刷指示を検出した場合、印刷出力部１１４によって出力された印刷出力と同一内容の印刷出力を実行する。
　なお、印刷出力部１１４は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力が印刷されている面とは異なる面に識別コードを印刷してもよい。これにより、印刷媒体をコピー機などで複写した場合に、識別コードが不必要にコピーされることを防止することができる。 When the print output unit 114 detects the reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 115, the print output unit 114 executes the print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 114.
Note that the print output unit 114 may print the identification code on a surface different from the surface on which the print output based on the print data is printed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the identification code from being unnecessarily copied when the print medium is copied by a copying machine or the like.
　また、印刷出力部１１４は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力が複数のプリンタ用紙に亘って出力される場合、印刷出力における最後のプリンタ用紙に識別コードを印刷してもよい。これにより、ユーザに印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙を最後のページまで回収させることができる。 Further, when the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of printer papers, the print output unit 114 may print the identification code on the last printer paper in the print output. As a result, the printer paper that has been printed out by the user can be collected up to the last page.
　再印刷制御部１１５は、印刷出力部１１４に対して既に出力されたプリンタ用紙と同一内容の印刷出力を実行させる再印刷指示を出力する。なお、再印刷制御部１１５は、同一内容の文書等について所定回数以上は出力しない。無制限に再印刷を行うことを可能とした場合、印刷出力に制限を課す意義が減少するからである。 The reprint control unit 115 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 114 to execute a print output having the same contents as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 115 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
　制限通知部１１６は、印刷制御部１１２によって印刷出力の実行が制限される場合、通信部１１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ５００に対して送信させる。 When the print control unit 112 restricts execution of print output, the restriction notification unit 116 causes the communication unit 111 to transmit a print restriction notification that notifies the personal computer 500 that execution of print output is restricted. .
　制限解除ログ通知部１１７は、認証部５１８による管理者の認証に成功したことに基づいて認証部５１８から識別コードが出力された場合、認証部５１８による認証の成功に基づいて制限が解除されたことを示す制限解除ログを記録させる制限解除ログ通知を通信部１１１にパーソナルコンピュータ５００に対して送信させる。 When the identification code is output from the authentication unit 518 based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit 518, the restriction release log notification unit 117 is released based on the successful authentication by the authentication unit 518 A restriction release log notification for recording a restriction release log indicating this is sent to the communication unit 111 to the personal computer 500.
　また、制限解除ログ通知部１１７は、印刷出力部１１４によって再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力された場合、再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力されたことを示す制限解除ログを記録させる制限解除ログ通知を通信部１１１にパーソナルコンピュータ５００に対して送信させる。 In addition, when the print output unit 114 outputs the print based on the reprint instruction, the restriction release log notification unit 117 records the restriction release log indicating that the print is output based on the reprint instruction. The log notification is transmitted to the personal computer 500 by the communication unit 111.
　制限指示部１２５は、印刷出力部１１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部１１３によって識別コードが検出されるまでパーソナルコンピュータ５００の動作を制限させることを指示する動作制限指示を、通信部１１１にパーソナルコンピュータ５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 114, the restriction instruction unit 125 communicates an operation restriction instruction for instructing to restrict the operation of the personal computer 500 until the identification information detection unit 113 detects the identification code. The unit 111 is transmitted to the personal computer 500.
　パーソナルコンピュータ５００は、図２に示すようにＬＡＮ１０によってプリンタ１００と接続された情報処理装置である。パーソナルコンピュータ５００は、ＰＣ側通信部５１１、印刷指示部５１２、解除情報通知部５１３、認証部５１８、解除情報生成部５１９、ＰＣ側解除情報記憶部５２０、情報入力部５２１、制限解除ログ記録部５２２および制限実行部５２６を有する。 The personal computer 500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 100 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG. The personal computer 500 includes a PC-side communication unit 511, a print instruction unit 512, a cancellation information notification unit 513, an authentication unit 518, a cancellation information generation unit 519, a PC-side cancellation information storage unit 520, an information input unit 521, and a restriction cancellation log recording unit. 522 and a restriction execution unit 526.
　ＰＣ側通信部５１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してプリンタ１００が有する通信部１１１と通信可能である。パーソナルコンピュータ５００は、ＰＣ側通信部５１１によってプリンタ１００と通信することにより、印刷要求、印刷データ、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The PC-side communication unit 511 can communicate with the communication unit 111 included in the printer 100 via the LAN 10. The personal computer 500 transmits / receives a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data by communicating with the printer 100 through the PC-side communication unit 511.
　印刷指示部５１２は、ユーザによる文書等のプリンタ１００に対する印刷出力の要求を受け付けると共に、その文書等の印刷要求および印刷出力される文書等の印刷データをＰＣ側通信部５１１にプリンタ１００に対して送信させる。 The print instructing unit 512 receives a print output request from the user to the printer 100 such as a document, and sends the print request for the document and the print data such as the document to be printed to the printer 100 to the PC-side communication unit 511. Send it.
　解除情報通知部５１３は、ＰＣ側解除情報記憶部５２０に記憶されている識別コードをＰＣ側通信部５１１にプリンタ１００に対して送信させる。
　認証部５１８は、管理者用パスワードによって管理者を認証する。認証部５１８は、管理者の認証に成功した場合、印刷制御部１１２に制限の解除を指示する解除指示を出力する。認証部５１８から出力された解除指示は、ＰＣ側通信部５１１からプリンタ１００に送信される。この解除指示は、識別コードと同様に、プリンタ１００によって課された制限を解除する解除情報として機能する。 The release information notification unit 513 causes the PC side communication unit 511 to transmit the identification code stored in the PC side release information storage unit 520 to the printer 100.
The authentication unit 518 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password. If the authentication unit 518 succeeds in authenticating the administrator, the authentication unit 518 outputs a cancel instruction that instructs the print control unit 112 to cancel the restriction. The cancellation instruction output from the authentication unit 518 is transmitted from the PC side communication unit 511 to the printer 100. This release instruction functions as release information for releasing the restriction imposed by the printer 100, as with the identification code.
　解除情報生成部５１９は、識別コードを生成される毎に変化するようにアトランダムに生成する。解除情報生成部５１９は、識別コードを複数生成し、生成したそれぞれの識別コードをプリンタ用紙の異なるページに配置されるように印刷出力する。 The release information generation unit 519 generates the identification code at random so as to change every time the identification code is generated. The release information generation unit 519 generates a plurality of identification codes, and prints out the generated identification codes so that they are arranged on different pages of the printer paper.
　識別コードは、アトランダムに生成され毎回変化する情報であり、文字、数字、記号のうちの少なくともいずれか１つを有する。なお、識別コードは、バーコードや二次元コード等の図形情報であってもよい。 The identification code is information that is generated randomly and changes each time, and has at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols. The identification code may be graphic information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.
　ＰＣ側解除情報記憶部５２０は、解除情報生成部５１９で生成された識別コードを記憶する。ＰＣ側解除情報記憶部５２０に記憶されている識別コードは、解除情報通知部５１３によって読み出され、ＰＣ側通信部５１１によってプリンタ１００に送信される。 The PC-side release information storage unit 520 stores the identification code generated by the release information generation unit 519. The identification code stored in the PC-side release information storage unit 520 is read by the release information notification unit 513 and transmitted to the printer 100 by the PC-side communication unit 511.
　情報入力部５２１は、ユーザや管理者による、図５において前述したキーボード５８２やマウス５８３等の入力装置の操作を受け付ける入力部である。パーソナルコンピュータ５００は、情報入力部５２１により識別コード、管理用パスワードその他の情報やプリンタ１００の動作に関する操作を取得する。 The information input unit 521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG. The personal computer 500 uses the information input unit 521 to acquire an identification code, a management password, and other information and operations related to the operation of the printer 100.
　制限解除ログ記録部５２２は、認証部５１８による管理者の認証に成功したことに基づいて認証部５１８から解除指示が出力された場合に制限通知部１１６から出力される制限通知により、認証部５１８による認証の成功に基づいて制限が解除されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。また、制限解除ログ記録部５２２は、印刷出力部１１４によって再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力された場合に制限通知部１１６から出力される制限通知により、再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。 The restriction release log recording unit 522 receives the restriction notification output from the restriction notification unit 116 when the release instruction is output from the authentication unit 518 based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit 518, and the authentication unit 518 Record in the restriction release log that the restriction has been released based on the success of authentication by. Further, the restriction release log recording unit 522 outputs the print based on the reprint instruction by the restriction notification output from the restriction notification unit 116 when the print output unit 114 outputs the print based on the reprint instruction. Is recorded in the restriction release log.
　制限実行部５２６は、制限指示部１２５から送信された動作制限指示に基づいて、パーソナルコンピュータ５００の動作を制限する。このパーソナルコンピュータ５００の動作に対する制限は、例えば、制限の解除に関する操作以外の操作を不可能にするものとすることができる。具体的には、操作の制限が課されている場合、パーソナルコンピュータ５００は、ユーザによる識別コードの入力に関する操作および管理者による管理者用パスワードの入力に関する操作以外の操作を受け付けないようにすることができる。 The restriction execution unit 526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 125. The restriction on the operation of the personal computer 500 may make it impossible to perform an operation other than the operation related to the release of the restriction, for example. Specifically, when operation restrictions are imposed, the personal computer 500 should not accept operations other than operations related to input of an identification code by a user and operations related to input of an administrator password by an administrator. Can do.
　なお、プリンタ１００は、プリンタの他、印刷機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 The printer 100 may be a device other than a printer as long as it is a device having a printing function. For example, the printer 100 is a multifunction printing device having functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like. Also good.
　次に、本実施の形態で実行される処理について説明する。
　図７および図８は、第１の実施の形態の印刷出力実行処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図７および図８に示す印刷出力実行処理は、プリンタ１００およびユーザが使用するパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、図２において前述したパーソナルコンピュータ５００）において実行される処理である。この印刷出力実行処理は、プリンタ１００がパーソナルコンピュータ５００からＬＡＮ１０（図２において前述）を介して送信された印刷要求および印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行すると共に、プリンタ１００、パーソナルコンピュータ５００に対して印刷出力の制限および制限の解除を行う処理である。印刷出力実行処理は、ユーザがパーソナルコンピュータ５００を操作して行う文書等の印刷対象の印刷要求に基づき、印刷指示部５１２（図６において前述）による印刷指示によって実行が開始される。 Next, processing executed in the present embodiment will be described.
7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the procedure of the print output execution process according to the first embodiment. The print output execution process shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a process executed in the printer 100 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 500 described above with reference to FIG. 2). In this print output execution process, the printer 100 executes print output based on a print request and print data transmitted from the personal computer 500 via the LAN 10 (described above with reference to FIG. 2). This is a process of restricting print output and releasing the restriction. Execution of the print output execution process is started by a print instruction from the print instruction unit 512 (described above in FIG. 6) based on a print request for a print target such as a document or the like performed by the user operating the personal computer 500.
　［ステップＳ１１］印刷制御部１１２（図６において前述）は、プリンタ１００において、現在パーソナルコンピュータ５００のユーザに対して、以前印刷出力された他の文書等に基づいて印刷出力やパーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作が制限中であるか否かについて判定する。制限中であれば、ステップＳ１２に処理が進められる。一方、制限中でなければ、ステップＳ１３に処理が進められる。 [Step S11] In the printer 100, the print control unit 112 (described above in FIG. 6) gives the user of the personal computer 500 a print output and an operation of the personal computer 500 based on other documents previously printed out. It is determined whether or not is restricted. If so, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if not restricted, the process proceeds to step S13.
　［ステップＳ１２］印刷制御部１１２は、ユーザに対する印刷出力の制限を解除するか否かについて判定する制限解除判定処理を実行する。この制限解除判定処理は、詳しくは図９において後述する。 [Step S12] The print control unit 112 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether or not to release the restriction on print output for the user. This restriction release determination process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ１３］印刷出力部１１４（図６において前述）は、識別コードを印刷する旨の設定がされているか否かについて判定する。識別コードを印刷する旨の設定がされていれば、ステップＳ１４に処理が進められる。一方、識別コードを印刷する旨の設定がされていなければ、ステップＳ１６に処理が進められる。識別コードは、解除情報として機能する。 [Step S13] The print output unit 114 (described above in FIG. 6) determines whether or not the setting for printing the identification code is made. If it is set to print the identification code, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not set to print the identification code, the process proceeds to step S16. The identification code functions as release information.
　［ステップＳ１４］パーソナルコンピュータ５００が有する解除情報生成部５１９（図６において前述）は、識別コードを生成する。解除情報生成部５１９によって生成された識別コードは、ＰＣ側解除情報記憶部５２０（図６において前述）に一旦記憶され、ＰＣ側通信部５１１によりＬＡＮ１０を介してプリンタ１００に送信される。プリンタ１００は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００から送信された識別コードを通信部１１１によって受信して取得する。 [Step S14] The release information generation unit 519 (described above in FIG. 6) of the personal computer 500 generates an identification code. The identification code generated by the cancellation information generation unit 519 is temporarily stored in the PC side cancellation information storage unit 520 (described above in FIG. 6), and is transmitted to the printer 100 via the LAN 10 by the PC side communication unit 511. The printer 100 receives and acquires the identification code transmitted from the personal computer 500 by the communication unit 111.
　［ステップＳ１５］印刷出力部１１４は、ユーザが要求する文書等の印刷内容について、識別コードを設定された位置に配置して印刷出力を行う。その後、処理はステップＳ２１（図８において後述）に進められる。 [Step S15] The print output unit 114 prints out the print content of the document requested by the user by placing the identification code at the set position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S21 (described later in FIG. 8).
　［ステップＳ１６］印刷出力部１１４は、ユーザが要求する文書等の印刷内容について、識別コードを含めずに、通常の印刷出力を行う。その後、処理は終了する。
　［ステップＳ２１］印刷制御部１１２は、設定された印刷出力の制限の内容は、パーソナルコンピュータ（ＰＣ）５００の操作であるか否かについて判定する。印刷出力の制限の設定において、パーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作を制限することが設定されていれば、処理がステップＳ２２に進められる。一方、印刷出力の制限の設定において、プリンタ１００の印刷出力を制限することが設定されていれば、処理がステップＳ２３に進められる。この印刷出力の制限については、詳しくは図１１において後述する。 [Step S16] The print output unit 114 performs normal print output on the print contents of the document requested by the user without including the identification code. Thereafter, the process ends.
[Step S <b> 21] The print control unit 112 determines whether or not the set print output restriction is an operation of the personal computer (PC) 500. If it is set to restrict the operation of the personal computer 500 in the print output restriction setting, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the print output restriction setting is set to restrict the print output of the printer 100, the process proceeds to step S23. Details of this print output limitation will be described later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ２２］印刷制御部１１２は、ユーザによるパーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作を制限させる。具体的には、印刷制御部１１２は、制限通知部１１６に対して、ユーザによるパーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作を制限させる印刷制限通知を、通信部１１１によりパーソナルコンピュータ５００に送信させる。この印刷制限通知を受信したパーソナルコンピュータ５００は、印刷制限通知に基づいてユーザの操作を、識別コードの入力等の一部を除いて、受け付けない。これにより、ユーザは、パーソナルコンピュータ５００を継続して使用するためには、プリンタ１００で印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙を回収する必要が生じるので、プリンタ用紙の回収をユーザに促すことができる。 [Step S22] The print control unit 112 restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 by the user. Specifically, the print control unit 112 causes the communication unit 111 to transmit a print restriction notification that restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 by the user to the restriction notification unit 116. The personal computer 500 that has received the print restriction notification does not accept the user's operation based on the print restriction notification except for a part such as input of an identification code. As a result, in order to continuously use the personal computer 500, the user needs to collect the printer paper printed out by the printer 100, so the user can be prompted to collect the printer paper.
　［ステップＳ２３］印刷制御部１１２は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００から送信された印刷データに基づく印刷出力を制限する。具体的には、印刷制御部１１２は、印刷出力部１１４による印刷出力を設定された条件に従って禁止する。印刷出力の制限については、詳しくは図１１において後述する。 [Step S23] The print control unit 112 restricts print output based on the print data transmitted from the personal computer 500. Specifically, the print control unit 112 prohibits the print output by the print output unit 114 according to the set condition. Details of the print output limitation will be described later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ２４］印刷制御部１１２は、ユーザに対する印刷出力の制限を解除するか否かについて判定する制限解除判定処理を実行する。
　［ステップＳ２５］印刷制御部１１２は、ステップＳ２２で課されたパーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作の制限およびステップＳ２３で課されたプリンタ１００の印刷出力の制限を解除する。その後、処理は終了する。 [Step S24] The print control unit 112 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether or not to release the print output restriction for the user.
[Step S25] The print control unit 112 releases the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 500 imposed in step S22 and the restriction on the print output of the printer 100 imposed in step S23. Thereafter, the process ends.
　図９は、第１の実施の形態の制限解除判定処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図９に示す制限解除判定処理は、プリンタ１００およびユーザが使用するパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、図２において前述したパーソナルコンピュータ５００）において実行される処理である。この制限解除判定処理は、制限解除情報である識別コードを受け付けて、プリンタ１００およびパーソナルコンピュータ５００に課された制限を解除する処理である。制限解除判定処理は、印刷出力実行処理（図７および図８において前述）、解除再印刷処理（図１０において後述）から呼び出されることによって実行が開始される。 FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of restriction release determination processing according to the first embodiment. The restriction release determination process shown in FIG. 9 is a process executed in the printer 100 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 500 described above with reference to FIG. 2). This restriction release determination process is a process of accepting an identification code that is restriction release information and releasing restrictions imposed on the printer 100 and the personal computer 500. Execution of the restriction release determination process is started by being called from a print output execution process (described above in FIGS. 7 and 8) and a release reprint process (described later in FIG. 10).
　［ステップＳ３１］パーソナルコンピュータ５００が有する情報入力部５２１（図６において前述）は、解除情報である識別コードの入力を受け付ける識別コード入力画面をモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示させる。識別コード入力画面については、詳しくは図１２において後述する。 [Step S31] The information input unit 521 (described above in FIG. 6) of the personal computer 500 causes the monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) to display an identification code input screen for receiving an input of an identification code as release information. Details of the identification code input screen will be described later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ３２］情報入力部５２１は、識別コードの入力を受け付ける。受け付けられた識別コードは、ＰＣ側通信部５１１によりＬＡＮ１０を介してプリンタ１００に送信される。プリンタ１００は、送信された識別コードを通信部１１１によって受信し、解除情報検出部１１３に出力する。解除情報検出部１１３は、通信部１１１から出力された識別コードを取得する。 [Step S32] The information input unit 521 receives an input of an identification code. The received identification code is transmitted to the printer 100 via the LAN 10 by the PC side communication unit 511. The printer 100 receives the transmitted identification code by the communication unit 111 and outputs it to the release information detection unit 113. The cancellation information detection unit 113 acquires the identification code output from the communication unit 111.
　［ステップＳ３３］解除情報検出部１１３は、解除情報を検出したか否かについて判定する。すなわち、解除情報検出部１１３は、ステップＳ３２で出力された識別コードが、印刷出力実行処理におけるステップＳ１４（図７において前述）で取得された識別コードと比較して一致しているか否かについて判定する。識別コードが一致していれば、処理がステップＳ３４に進められる。一方、識別コードが一致していなければ、処理がステップＳ３５に進められる。 [Step S33] The release information detection unit 113 determines whether release information has been detected. That is, the release information detection unit 113 determines whether or not the identification code output in step S32 matches the identification code acquired in step S14 (described above in FIG. 7) in the print output execution process. To do. If the identification codes match, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the identification codes do not match, the process proceeds to step S35.
　［ステップＳ３４］情報入力部５２１は、モニタ５８１に表示されている識別コード入力画面の表示を終了する。その後、処理は終了して、制限解除判定処理を呼び出した処理に復帰する。 [Step S34] The information input unit 521 ends the display of the identification code input screen displayed on the monitor 581. Thereafter, the process ends, and the process returns to the process that called the restriction release determination process.
　［ステップＳ３５］情報入力部５２１は、ユーザに識別コードが一致しない旨を通知するエラー表示をモニタ５８１に表示する。その後、処理がステップＳ３１に進められる。
　図１０は、第１の実施の形態の解除再印刷処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図１０に示す解除再印刷処理は、プリンタ１００およびユーザが使用するパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、図２において前述したパーソナルコンピュータ５００）において実行される処理である。この解除再印刷処理は、管理者の操作に基づいてパーソナルコンピュータ５００およびプリンタ１００に課された制限を解除し、ユーザの要求に基づいて同一文書等の印刷対象について印刷出力を行う処理である。解除再印刷処理は、ユーザがパーソナルコンピュータ５００を操作して行う制限を解除する操作（例えば、キーボード５８２（図５において前述）のＦ１０キーを押下）によって実行が開始される。 [Step S35] The information input unit 521 displays an error display on the monitor 581 notifying the user that the identification codes do not match. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the release reprint process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a process executed in the printer 100 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 500 described above with reference to FIG. 2). This release reprinting process is a process for releasing the restrictions imposed on the personal computer 500 and the printer 100 based on the operation of the administrator, and printing out the print target of the same document or the like based on the user's request. Execution of the release reprinting process is started by an operation (for example, pressing the F10 key of the keyboard 582 (described above in FIG. 5)) to release the restriction performed by the user operating the personal computer 500.
　［ステップＳ４１］パーソナルコンピュータ５００が有する情報入力部５２１（図６において前述）は、管理者を認証してパーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作制限を解除するための管理者用パスワードの入力を受け付けるかまたは文書を再印刷するかの選択をユーザが入力する解除再印刷画面を、モニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示させる。この解除再印刷画面により、ユーザの選択および管理者用パスワードが入力される。解除再印刷画面については、詳しくは図１３において後述する。 [Step S41] The information input unit 521 (described above in FIG. 6) of the personal computer 500 accepts an input of an administrator password for authenticating the administrator and canceling the operation restriction of the personal computer 500, or receives a document. A cancel reprint screen in which the user inputs a selection to reprint is displayed on the monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5). On this cancel reprint screen, the user's selection and the administrator password are input. The release reprint screen will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ４２］情報入力部５２１は、ユーザによりキャンセルが選択された、すなわち解除再印刷画面のキャンセルボタン（図１３において後述）が操作されたか否かについて判定する。キャンセルが選択されていれば、処理がステップＳ４８に進められる。一方、キャンセルが選択されていなければ、処理がステップＳ４３に進められる。 [Step S42] The information input unit 521 determines whether or not cancellation is selected by the user, that is, whether or not a cancel button (described later in FIG. 13) on the cancel reprint screen is operated. If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if cancel is not selected, the process proceeds to step S43.
　［ステップＳ４３］情報入力部５２１は、ユーザにより、管理者による解除が選択された、すなわち解除再印刷画面において管理者による解除を行う旨を示す操作が行われたか否かについて判定する。管理者による解除が選択されていれば、処理がステップＳ４４に進められる。一方、管理者による解除が選択されていなければ、処理がステップＳ４７に進められる。 [Step S43] The information input unit 521 determines whether or not the user selects cancellation by the administrator, that is, whether or not an operation indicating that the administrator performs cancellation on the cancellation reprint screen has been performed. If release by the administrator is selected, the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if release by the administrator is not selected, the process proceeds to step S47.
　［ステップＳ４４］情報入力部５２１は、管理者用パスワードの入力を受け付ける。
　［ステップＳ４５］パーソナルコンピュータ５００が有する認証部５１８は、ステップＳ４４で入力が受け付けられた管理者用パスワードによって管理者を認証し、認証に成功したか否か、すなわち予め設定されている管理者用パスワードに一致したか否かについて判定する。認証に成功すれば、処理がステップＳ４９に進められる。一方、認証に失敗すれば、処理がステップＳ４６に進められる。 [Step S44] The information input unit 521 receives an input of an administrator password.
[Step S45] The authentication unit 518 included in the personal computer 500 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password received in step S44, and whether or not the authentication is successful, that is, for the administrator set in advance. Determine whether the password matches. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S49. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S46.
　［ステップＳ４６］情報入力部５２１は、管理者の認証に失敗した旨を通知するエラー表示をモニタ５８１に表示する。その後、処理がステップＳ４１に進められる。
　［ステップＳ４７］印刷出力部１１４は、ユーザが以前要求した同一の文書等の印刷内容について、識別コードを設定された位置に配置して再度印刷出力する再印刷出力を行う。 [Step S46] The information input unit 521 displays on the monitor 581 an error display notifying that the administrator authentication has failed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41.
[Step S47] The print output unit 114 performs reprint output in which the print contents of the same document or the like previously requested by the user are reprinted by placing the identification code at the set position.
　この再印刷出力が行われる場合には、制限解除ログ記録部５２２により、制限解除ログに再印刷が行われた旨が記録される。これにより、不正な再印刷の実行をけん制することで、不正な再印刷を抑止することができる。なお、同一の文書等の印刷対象について再印刷出力が行われる回数に制限を設けてもよい。これにより、不正な再印刷の実行を防止することができる。これらにより、セキュリティの向上を図ることができる。 When this reprint output is performed, the restriction release log recording unit 522 records in the restriction release log that reprinting has been performed. Thereby, unauthorized reprinting can be suppressed by restraining unauthorized reprinting. It should be noted that a limit may be set on the number of times reprint output is performed for print targets such as the same document. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized reprinting. As a result, security can be improved.
　［ステップＳ４８］印刷制御部１１２は、ユーザに対する印刷出力の制限を解除するか否かについて判定する制限解除判定処理を実行する。
　［ステップＳ４９］印刷制御部１１２は、印刷出力実行処理のステップＳ２２（図８において前述）で課されたパーソナルコンピュータ５００の操作の制限および印刷出力実行処理のステップＳ２３（図８において前述）で課されたプリンタ１００の印刷出力の制限を解除する。この管理者による制限の解除が行われる場合には、制限解除ログ記録部５２２により、制限解除ログに解除が行われた旨が記録される。これにより、不正な解除をけん制することで、不正な解除を抑止することができる。その後、処理は終了する。 [Step S48] The print control unit 112 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether or not to release the restriction on print output for the user.
[Step S49] The print control unit 112 restricts the operation of the personal computer 500 imposed in step S22 (described above in FIG. 8) of the print output execution process and in step S23 (described above in FIG. 8) of the print output execution process. The restriction on the print output of the printer 100 is released. When the restriction is released by the administrator, the restriction release log recording unit 522 records that the release is performed in the restriction release log. As a result, the unauthorized release can be suppressed by restraining the unauthorized release. Thereafter, the process ends.
　次に、本実施の形態で表示される表示画面について説明する。
　図１１は、第１の実施の形態の設定画面を示す図である。図１１に示す設定画面５３１は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００（図５において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。設定画面５３１は、プリンタ１００における印刷出力に基づく制限の内容を設定する設定画面の一例である。 Next, a display screen displayed in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen according to the first embodiment. A setting screen 531 shown in FIG. 11 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 5). The setting screen 531 is an example of a setting screen for setting the content of restrictions based on the print output in the printer 100.
　設定画面５３１には、印刷形式設定領域５３１ａ、印刷ページ設定領域５３１ｂ、印刷位置設定領域５３１ｃ、操作制限設定領域５３１ｄ、管理者用パスワード入力欄５３１ｆ、ＯＫボタン５３１ｇおよびキャンセルボタン５３１ｈが設けられている。 The setting screen 531 includes a print format setting area 531a, a print page setting area 531b, a print position setting area 531c, an operation restriction setting area 531d, an administrator password input field 531f, an OK button 531g, and a cancel button 531h. .
　印刷形式設定領域５３１ａは、プリンタ１００によるプリンタ用紙への印刷出力において識別コードの印刷の有無および識別コードの形式を設定する領域である。識別コードは、例えば、生成ごとに乱数等に基づいてアトランダムに変化するように生成される符号であり、実際に印刷出力されたものを参照しなければ正しく入力することが困難なものであるものとする。 The print format setting area 531a is an area for setting the presence / absence of printing of the identification code and the format of the identification code in the print output to the printer paper by the printer 100. The identification code is, for example, a code generated so as to change at random based on a random number or the like at every generation, and it is difficult to input correctly unless referring to the actually printed output. Shall.
　本実施の形態では、識別コードの形式は、例えば、数字、文字列、バーコード、マークを選択することができる。なお、これに限らず、識別コードの形式は、二次元コードが選択可能であってもよく、さらにこれらの一部または全部を同時に混合して使用することが選択可能であってもよい。 In this embodiment, for example, a number, a character string, a barcode, or a mark can be selected as the identification code format. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the format of the identification code may be a two-dimensional code, or a part or all of these may be selected to be used at the same time.
　印刷ページ設定領域５３１ｂは、プリンタ１００によるプリンタ用紙への印刷出力において識別コードが印刷されるページを設定する領域である。本実施の形態では、識別コードが印刷されるページは、例えば、文書等の先頭のページおよび最終ページの他、文書等の先頭のページと最終ページと任意に追加するページとのいずれか一方を選択して設定することができる。なお、識別コードが印刷されるページは、これに限らず、例えば、他の任意のページを指定して設定することが選択可能であってもよい。 The print page setting area 531b is an area for setting a page on which an identification code is printed when the printer 100 prints on a printer sheet. In this embodiment, the page on which the identification code is printed includes, for example, any one of the first page and the last page of a document, etc., as well as the first page and the last page of a document, etc. You can select and set. The page on which the identification code is printed is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to select and set another arbitrary page.
　印刷位置設定領域５３１ｃは、プリンタ１００によるプリンタ用紙への印刷出力において、プリンタ用紙上における識別コードが印刷される位置を設定する領域である。本実施の形態では、識別コードが印刷される位置は、例えば、プリンタ用紙の表面および裏面のいずれかを選択すると共に、それぞれの面における左上、中央上、右上、左下、中央下、右下のうちのいずれか１つを選択することができる。なお、識別コードが印刷される位置は、これに限らず、例えば、プリンタ用紙における任意の座標を指定して設定することが選択可能であってもよい。 The print position setting area 531c is an area for setting a position where an identification code is printed on the printer paper when the printer 100 prints out the printer paper. In the present embodiment, for example, the position where the identification code is printed is selected from either the front surface or the back surface of the printer paper, and the upper left, upper center, upper right, lower left, lower center, and lower right of each surface. Any one of them can be selected. Note that the position where the identification code is printed is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to select and set arbitrary coordinates on the printer paper.
　以上の印刷形式設定領域５３１ａ、印刷ページ設定領域５３１ｂおよび印刷位置設定領域５３１ｃにより、システムの管理者は、プリンタ１００によるプリンタ用紙に印刷される識別コードの設定を行うことができる。このプリンタ１００による印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙については、詳しくは図１５において後述する。 With the above-described print format setting area 531a, print page setting area 531b, and print position setting area 531c, the system administrator can set an identification code to be printed on printer paper by the printer 100. Details of the printer paper on which the printer 100 has printed out will be described later in FIG.
　操作制限設定領域５３１ｄは、プリンタ１００において印刷出力が実行された後に課される制限を設定する領域である。本実施の形態では、印刷出力の実行後に課される制限は、すべてのＰＣ操作の禁止、次の印刷の禁止およびメッセージ表示のみのうちのいずれか１つを選択することができる。 The operation restriction setting area 531d is an area for setting restrictions imposed after print output is executed in the printer 100. In the present embodiment, the restriction imposed after execution of print output can select any one of prohibition of all PC operations, prohibition of next printing, and only message display.
　課される制限にすべてのＰＣ操作を設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ５００では、プリンタ１００に対する印刷要求を行って以降、原則として識別コードの入力以外の操作を行うことができないという制限が課される。ここで、他のパーソナルコンピュータの操作は制限しなくてもよい。 When all PC operations are set to the imposed restrictions, the personal computer 500 is imposed a restriction that, in principle, operations other than the input of an identification code cannot be performed after making a print request to the printer 100. Here, the operation of other personal computers may not be limited.
　このすべてのＰＣ操作を課される制限に設定する場合、同時に、要求された文書等の印刷出力におけるプリンタ用紙が、所定枚数以上である場合には、ＰＣの操作を制限せずに後述する回収および識別コードの入力を促すメッセージの表示のみとするように設定することもできる。これにより、大量の印刷を行う場合のみ制限を緩和することにより、印刷を要求したユーザおよびパーソナルコンピュータ５００の作業効率の大幅な低下を防止することができる。 When all the PC operations are set to the imposed restrictions, and at the same time, if the number of printer sheets in the print output of the requested document or the like is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the collection operation described later is performed without restricting the PC operations. It is also possible to set so that only the message prompting the input of the identification code is displayed. Accordingly, by relaxing the restriction only when a large amount of printing is performed, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in work efficiency of the user who requested printing and the personal computer 500.
　課される制限に次の印刷の禁止を設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ５００では、プリンタ１００に対する印刷要求を行って以降、正しい識別コードを入力するまでプリンタ１００からの新たな印刷要求に基づく印刷出力が行われないという制限が課される。ここで、他のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷要求に基づく印刷出力は制限しなくてもよい。 When prohibition of the next printing is set in the imposed restriction, the personal computer 500 makes a print output based on a new print request from the printer 100 after making a print request to the printer 100 until a correct identification code is input. There is a restriction that it is not done. Here, print output based on a print request from another personal computer may not be limited.
　課される制限にメッセージ表示のみを設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ５００に接続されたモニタ５８１には、プリンタ１００においてユーザの要求に基づく印刷出力が行われた旨をユーザに通知するメッセージ表示が表示される。 When only the message display is set as the imposed restriction, a message display notifying the user that the printer 100 has performed the print output based on the user request is displayed on the monitor 581 connected to the personal computer 500. The
　ここで、ユーザが一旦このメッセージ表示を終了させた後、プリンタ用紙の回収および制限の解除のいずれも行われない場合に再度このメッセージ表示を表示させる再表示を設定することができる。また、再表示までの時間間隔を設定することができる。 Here, after the message is once displayed by the user, it is possible to set a redisplay for displaying this message display again when neither the collection of the printer paper nor the release of the restriction is performed. In addition, a time interval until redisplay can be set.
　管理者用パスワード入力欄５３１ｆは、印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するための識別コード付き印刷出力が紛失・破損等しユーザが識別コードを入力し制限を解除することができなくなった場合、管理者によって解除可能とするための管理者パスワードを入力する欄である。入力するパスワードは、本実施の形態のように入力欄を設けて、制限解除専用に個別に指定してもよいし、パーソナルコンピュータの管理者パスワードを利用するようにしてもよい。 The administrator password input field 531f is displayed when the printout with an identification code for releasing the restriction imposed after the printout is lost or damaged, and the user cannot enter the identification code to remove the restriction. This is a field for inputting an administrator password that can be canceled by the administrator. As for the password to be input, an input field may be provided as in the present embodiment, and the password may be individually designated exclusively for releasing the restriction, or the administrator password of the personal computer may be used.
　ＯＫボタン５３１ｇは、管理者が設定画面５３１によって入力した内容で設定を新たに取得または更新し、設定画面５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。キャンセルボタン５３１ｈは、管理者が設定画面５３１によって入力した設定の内容を無効にし、設定画面５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。 The OK button 531g is a button for newly acquiring or updating the setting with the content input by the administrator on the setting screen 531 and ending the display of the setting screen 531. The cancel button 531h is a button for invalidating the setting contents input by the administrator on the setting screen 531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 531.
　図１２は、第１の実施の形態の識別コード入力画面を示す図である。図１２に示す識別コード入力画面５３２は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００（図５において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。識別コード入力画面５３２は、ユーザがプリンタ１００における印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するための識別コードの入力を受け付ける識別コード入力画面の一例である。 FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an identification code input screen according to the first embodiment. An identification code input screen 532 shown in FIG. 12 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 5). The identification code input screen 532 is an example of an identification code input screen that accepts an input of an identification code for releasing a restriction imposed after print output in the printer 100.
　識別コード入力画面５３２には、識別コード入力領域５３２ｆ、ＯＫボタン５３２ｇおよびキャンセルボタン５３２ｈが設けられている。また、識別コード入力画面５３２には、ユーザに対して印刷出力された文書等の回収および識別コードの入力を促すメッセージが表示される。 The identification code input screen 532 is provided with an identification code input area 532f, an OK button 532g, and a cancel button 532h. The identification code input screen 532 displays a message that prompts the user to collect a printed document and the like and input the identification code.
　識別コード入力領域５３２ｆは、プリンタ１００によるプリンタ用紙への印刷出力によって印刷された識別コードを入力する領域である。本実施の形態では、識別コードは、例えば、文書等の先頭のページ（１ページ目）および最終ページ等に印刷される。ユーザは、この文書等に印刷された識別コードを、識別コード入力領域５３２ｆに入力することにより、印刷出力に基づく制限を解除することができる。 The identification code input area 532f is an area for inputting an identification code printed by printing output on the printer paper by the printer 100. In the present embodiment, the identification code is printed, for example, on the first page (first page) and the last page of a document or the like. The user can remove the restriction based on the print output by inputting the identification code printed on the document or the like into the identification code input area 532f.
　これらの１ページ目および最終ページ等に印刷される複数の識別コードは、それぞれ互いに異なる。このため、識別コードを入力して制限を解除しようとするユーザは、すべての識別コードを入手する必要がある。これにより、ユーザが文書等の一部を取り忘れることを防止でき、ユーザに印刷された複数枚のプリンタ用紙を完全に回収させることができる。 The plurality of identification codes printed on the first page and the last page are different from each other. For this reason, the user who enters the identification code and wants to remove the restriction needs to obtain all the identification codes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to take a part of a document or the like, and it is possible to completely collect a plurality of printer sheets printed by the user.
　ＯＫボタン５３２ｇは、ユーザが識別コード入力画面５３２によって入力した識別コードに基づいて識別コードの正当性を判定すると共に、識別コード入力画面５３２の表示を終了するボタンである。キャンセルボタン５３２ｈは、ユーザによる識別コード入力画面５３２を用いた識別コードの入力を中止し、識別コード入力画面５３２の表示を終了するボタンである。 The OK button 532 g is a button for determining the validity of the identification code based on the identification code input by the user on the identification code input screen 532 and terminating the display of the identification code input screen 532. The cancel button 532 h is a button for stopping the input of the identification code using the identification code input screen 532 by the user and ending the display of the identification code input screen 532.
　図１３は、第１の実施の形態の解除再印刷画面を示す図である。図１３に示す解除再印刷画面５３３は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００（図５において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。解除再印刷画面５３３は、管理者がプリンタ１００における印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するかまたは文書の再印刷を行うかの選択を行う解除再印刷画面の一例である。 FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a release reprint screen according to the first embodiment. 13 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 5). The cancel reprint screen 533 is an example of a cancel reprint screen on which the administrator selects whether to cancel the restriction imposed after print output in the printer 100 or to reprint the document.
　解除再印刷画面５３３には、解除再印刷選択領域５３３ｂ、ＯＫボタン５３３ｇおよびキャンセルボタン５３３ｈが設けられている。また、解除再印刷選択領域５３３ｂは、管理者用パスワード入力欄５３３ｆを有する。また、解除再印刷画面５３３には、ユーザに対して操作制限の解除または文書等の再印刷のいずれを行うかの選択の入力を促すメッセージが表示される。 The release reprint screen 533 is provided with a release reprint selection area 533b, an OK button 533g, and a cancel button 533h. Further, the release reprint selection area 533b has an administrator password input field 533f. The cancel reprint screen 533 displays a message that prompts the user to select whether to cancel the operation restriction or reprint a document or the like.
　解除再印刷選択領域５３３ｂは、プリンタ１００における印刷出力に基づいて課された制限を解除するかまたは再印刷を行うかの選択結果を入力する領域である。制限を解除する場合、対応するラジオボタンを選択すると共に、管理者は管理者用パスワード入力欄５３３ｆに管理者用パスワードを入力することにより、印刷出力に基づく制限を解除することができる。文書等を再印刷する場合には、ユーザまたは管理者は、対応するラジオボタンを選択することにより、解除再印刷選択領域５３３ｂの下部に表示された文書をプリンタ１００に再印刷させることができる。 The release reprint selection area 533b is an area for inputting a selection result of whether to release the restriction imposed based on the print output in the printer 100 or to perform reprinting. When canceling the restriction, the administrator can select the corresponding radio button and input the administrator password in the administrator password input field 533f, thereby releasing the restriction based on the print output. When reprinting a document or the like, the user or administrator can cause the printer 100 to reprint the document displayed at the bottom of the cancel reprint selection area 533b by selecting the corresponding radio button.
　ＯＫボタン５３３ｇは、ユーザまたは管理者による解除再印刷画面５３３によって制限の解除または再印刷の選択の入力を受け付けると共に、解除再印刷画面５３３の表示を終了するボタンである。キャンセルボタン５３３ｈは、ユーザまたは管理者による制限の解除または再印刷の選択の入力を中止し、解除再印刷画面５３３の表示を終了するボタンである。 The OK button 533g is a button for accepting an input of restriction release or reprint selection on the release reprint screen 533 by the user or the administrator and terminating the display of the release reprint screen 533. The cancel button 533 h is a button for canceling the input of the restriction release or reprint selection by the user or the administrator and terminating the display of the release reprint screen 533.
　次に、本実施の形態で記録される制限解除ログについて説明する。
　図１４は、制限解除ログのデータ構造を示す図である。図１４に示す制限解除ログ５４１は、ユーザが使用するパーソナルコンピュータ５００（図２において前述）によって作成および管理される。制限解除ログ５４１は、ユーザにより再印刷が行われたときおよび管理者により管理者用パスワードによる制限の解除が行われたときに記録されるログを示すデータである。制限解除ログ５４１は、制限解除ログ記録部５２２によって生成および記録される。 Next, the restriction release log recorded in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the restriction release log. The restriction release log 541 shown in FIG. 14 is created and managed by the personal computer 500 (described above in FIG. 2) used by the user. The restriction release log 541 is data indicating a log recorded when reprinting is performed by the user and when the restriction is released by the administrator using the administrator password. The restriction release log 541 is generated and recorded by the restriction release log recording unit 522.
　制限解除ログ５４１には、再印刷または管理者用パスワードによる制限の解除が行われた年月日および時分を示す項目である“日時”、再印刷または管理者用パスワードによる制限の解除を行ったユーザを特定する項目である“ユーザ名”、再印刷または管理者用パスワードによる制限の解除が行われたときの印刷対象の文書等を示す“文書名”、再印刷または管理者用パスワードによる制限の解除が行われたときの印刷出力が行われたプリンタを示す“出力先”、そのとき行われた操作を示す“内容”が設けられている。各項目の横方向に並べられた情報同士を互いに関連付けることにより、一つの操作における制限解除ログが示される。 In the restriction release log 541, “date and time”, which is an item indicating the date and time when reprinting or restriction removal by the administrator password is performed, reprinting or restriction removal by the administrator password is performed. “User name” which is an item for identifying a user, “Document name” indicating the document to be printed when reprinting or restriction by administrator password is released, and reprinting or administrator password An “output destination” indicating a printer that has performed printing output when the restriction is released is provided, and “contents” indicating an operation performed at that time are provided. By associating pieces of information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item with each other, a restriction release log in one operation is shown.
　パーソナルコンピュータ５００は、プリンタ１００について印刷出力の制限に対して再印刷または管理者用パスワードによる制限の解除の操作が行われる都度、制限解除ログ５４１の各行に示す制限解除ログを作成する。 The personal computer 500 creates a restriction release log shown in each line of the restriction release log 541 every time reprinting or restriction release by the administrator password is performed on the printer 100 for the print output restriction.
　図１５は、印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙を示す図である。図１５に示したプリンタ用紙１５１は、パーソナルコンピュータ５００から送信されたユーザの印刷要求に基づいて、プリンタ１００により印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙である。プリンタ用紙１５１には、ユーザの要求した文書等の印刷対象および識別コード１５１ａが印刷されている。 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the printer paper that has been printed out. The printer paper 151 shown in FIG. 15 is a printer paper printed out by the printer 100 based on a user print request transmitted from the personal computer 500. On the printer paper 151, a print target such as a document requested by the user and an identification code 151a are printed.
　識別コード１５１ａは、図１１において前述した制限の設定に基づいて、プリンタ用紙１５１に示すように、印刷対象の先頭のページの表面の左上に印刷されている。なお、ここでは、印刷対象の最後のページについては図示を省略する。プリンタ用紙１５１をプリンタ１００に印刷させたユーザは、この識別コード１５１ａをパーソナルコンピュータ５００に表示される識別コード入力画面５３２（図１２において前述）に入力することにより、印刷出力に基づいて課された制限を解除することができる。 The identification code 151a is printed on the upper left of the surface of the first page to be printed, as shown on the printer paper 151, based on the restriction setting described above with reference to FIG. Here, the illustration of the last page to be printed is omitted. The user who has printed the printer paper 151 on the printer 100 is charged based on the print output by inputting the identification code 151a into the identification code input screen 532 (described above in FIG. 12) displayed on the personal computer 500. The restriction can be lifted.
　以上のように、第１の実施の形態によれば、プリンタ１００のユーザに対して、出力されたプリンタ用紙の速やかかつ確実な回収を促すことが可能になる。
　また、印刷出力による制限が、ユーザ毎に課されるので、他のユーザに対して影響が及び作業効率が低下することを防止することができる。 As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prompt the user of the printer 100 to quickly and surely collect the output printer paper.
Moreover, since the restriction by the print output is imposed for each user, it is possible to prevent the influence on other users and the reduction in work efficiency.
　また、識別コードが文書等の内容と共にプリンタ用紙に出力されるので、ユーザは識別コードを確認するために印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙を手に取る必要があるため、ユーザに対して効果的に回収を促すことができる。 In addition, since the identification code is output to the printer paper together with the contents of the document etc., the user needs to pick up the printed printer paper in order to confirm the identification code. Can be encouraged.
　［第２の実施の形態］
　次に、第２の実施の形態について説明する。上記の第１の実施の形態との相違点を中心に説明し、同様の事項については同一の符号を用いると共に説明を省略する。 [Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are used for the same matters, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
　第２の実施の形態は、プリンタ２００側が解除情報入力部２２１を有する点で、第１の実施の形態と異なる。また、この解除情報入力部２２１によって、解除情報である、ユーザに対して割り当てられた暗証番号の入力を受け付ける点で、第１の実施の形態と異なる。 The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the printer 200 has a release information input unit 221. Further, the release information input unit 221 is different from the first embodiment in that the input of a personal identification number assigned to the user, which is release information, is received.
　図１６は、第２の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。図１６に示すプリンタ２００は、ＬＡＮ１０（図２において前述）を介して接続されたパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００）からの印刷データを受け付けて印刷出力する。プリンタ２００は、通信部２１１、印刷制御部２１２、解除情報検出部２１３、印刷出力部２１４、再印刷制御部２１５、制限通知部２１６、認証部２１８、解除情報記憶部２２０、解除情報入力部２２１、制限解除ログ記録部２２２および制限指示部２２５を有する。 FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer according to the second embodiment. A printer 200 shown in FIG. 16 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 2500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out. The printer 200 includes a communication unit 211, a print control unit 212, a release information detection unit 213, a print output unit 214, a reprint control unit 215, a restriction notification unit 216, an authentication unit 218, a release information storage unit 220, and a release information input unit 221. A restriction release log recording unit 222 and a restriction instruction unit 225.
　通信部２１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してパーソナルコンピュータ２５００が有するＰＣ側通信部２５１１と通信可能である。プリンタ２００は、通信部２１１によって、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００から送信される印刷データを取得すると共に、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The communication unit 211 can communicate with the PC side communication unit 2511 of the personal computer 2500 via the LAN 10. The printer 200 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 2500 through the communication unit 211, and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
　印刷制御部２１２は、印刷出力部２１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部２１３によって暗証番号が検出されるまで、印刷出力の印刷指示が行われたパーソナルコンピュータ２５００から行われた、以降の印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行を制限する。そして、印刷制御部２１２は、解除情報検出部２１３によって暗証番号が検出された場合、印刷出力部２１４による同一のパーソナルコンピュータ２５００からの印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する。暗証番号は、解除情報として機能する。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 214, the print control unit 212 is performed from the personal computer 2500 that is instructed to print the print output until the password information is detected by the release information detection unit 213. Restrict execution of print output based on subsequent print instructions. Then, when the password information is detected by the release information detection unit 213, the print control unit 212 releases the restriction on the execution of the print output based on the print instruction from the same personal computer 2500 by the print output unit 214. The personal identification number functions as release information.
　なお、ここでは、同一のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷出力を、同一のユーザから要求されたものであるとみなして扱うが、これに限らず、各ユーザＩＤを割り当て、ユーザＩＤに基づいて同一のユーザからの印刷出力であるか否かについて判定し、この判定に基づいて印刷出力やそのユーザが使用しているパーソナルコンピュータの動作を制限してもよい。 Here, print output from the same personal computer is treated as if requested by the same user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each user ID is assigned to the same user based on the user ID. It is possible to determine whether or not the print output is from the printer, and based on this determination, the print output or the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
　印刷制御部２１２は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力がプリンタ用紙において複数枚に亘って出力される場合であって、かつ印刷出力部２１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合において、プリンタ用紙の枚数が所定数未満であるときには、解除情報検出部２１３によって暗証番号が検出されるまで、以降の印刷出力部２１４による印刷出力の実行を禁止する。一方、印刷データに基づく印刷出力に使用されるプリンタ用紙の枚数が所定の枚数（例えば、１００枚）以上であるときには、印刷制御部２１２は、制限通知部２１６によって通信部２１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ２５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of sheets on the printer paper and the print output is executed by the print output unit 214, the print control unit 212 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 214 is prohibited until the password is detected by the release information detection unit 213. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 212 executes the print output to the communication unit 211 by the restriction notification unit 216. Is sent to the personal computer 2500 to notify that the printing is restricted.
　解除情報検出部２１３は、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００から送信された暗証番号を受け付け、暗証番号を検出する。この暗証番号は、印刷出力の制限を解除するための情報である。暗証番号は、ユーザ毎に設定されており、印刷出力が行われても変化しない。制限を解除するためにユーザがプリンタ２００まで赴き、プリンタ２００が有する解除情報入力部２２１に暗証番号を入力することにより、再びプリンタ２００の制限が解除され、印刷出力が可能になる。これにより、暗証番号の入力と同時にユーザが印刷出力を回収すすることが期待できる。 The release information detection unit 213 receives the password transmitted from the personal computer 2500 and detects the password. This personal identification number is information for canceling restrictions on print output. The personal identification number is set for each user and does not change even when printing is performed. In order to release the restriction, the user goes to the printer 200 and inputs the personal identification number into the release information input unit 221 of the printer 200, so that the restriction of the printer 200 is released again, and printing output becomes possible. Thereby, it can be expected that the user collects the print output simultaneously with the input of the password.
　印刷出力部２１４は、通信部２１１によって受信されたパーソナルコンピュータ２５００からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する。また、印刷出力部２１４は、再印刷制御部２１５から出力された再印刷指示を検出した場合、印刷出力部２１４によって出力された印刷出力と同一内容の印刷出力を実行する。 The print output unit 214 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 2500 received by the communication unit 211. When the print output unit 214 detects a reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 215, the print output unit 214 executes a print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 214.
　再印刷制御部２１５は、印刷出力部２１４に対して既に出力されたプリンタ用紙と同一内容の印刷出力を実行させる再印刷指示を出力する。なお、再印刷制御部２１５は、同一内容の文書等について所定回数以上は出力しない。無制限に再印刷を行うことを可能とした場合、印刷出力に制限を課す意義が減少するからである。 The reprint control unit 215 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 214 to execute a print output having the same contents as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 215 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
　制限通知部２１６は、印刷制御部２１２によって印刷出力の実行が制限される場合、通信部２１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ２５００に対して送信させる。 When the print control unit 212 restricts execution of print output, the restriction notification unit 216 causes the communication unit 211 to transmit a print restriction notification that notifies the personal computer 2500 that execution of print output is restricted. .
　認証部２１８は、管理者用パスワードによって管理者を認証する。認証部２１８は、管理者の認証に成功した場合、印刷制御部２１２に制限の解除を指示する解除指示を出力する。認証部２１８から出力された解除指示は、暗証番号と同様に、プリンタ２００によって課された制限を解除する解除情報として機能する。 The authentication unit 218 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password. When the authentication unit 218 succeeds in authenticating the administrator, the authentication unit 218 outputs a release instruction that instructs the print control unit 212 to release the restriction. The cancellation instruction output from the authentication unit 218 functions as cancellation information for canceling the restriction imposed by the printer 200, as with the password.
　解除情報記憶部２２０は、ユーザ毎に予め設定された暗証番号を記憶する。解除情報記憶部２２０に記憶されている暗証番号は、解除情報入力部２２１で入力された暗証番号と比較され、制限の解除の判定に使用される。 The cancellation information storage unit 220 stores a password set in advance for each user. The personal identification number stored in the cancellation information storage unit 220 is compared with the personal identification number input by the cancellation information input unit 221 and used to determine whether to cancel the restriction.
　解除情報入力部２２１は、印刷出力の制限を解除するユーザの暗証番号の入力のための操作を受け付けると共に、入力操作に基づいて暗証番号を出力する。
　制限解除ログ記録部２２２は、認証部２１８による管理者の認証に成功したことに基づいて認証部２１８から解除指示が出力された場合、認証部２１８による認証の成功に基づいて制限が解除されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。また、制限解除ログ記録部２２２は、印刷出力部２１４によって再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力された場合、再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。 The cancellation information input unit 221 receives an operation for inputting a user's personal identification number for canceling the restriction on print output, and outputs the personal identification number based on the input operation.
When the cancellation instruction is output from the authentication unit 218 based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit 218, the restriction release log recording unit 222 is released based on the successful authentication by the authentication unit 218. To record in the restriction release log. Further, when the print output unit 214 outputs a print based on the reprint instruction, the restriction release log recording unit 222 records that the print is output based on the reprint instruction in the restriction release log.
　制限指示部２２５は、印刷出力部２１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部２１３によって暗証番号が検出されるまでパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の動作を制限させることを指示する動作制限指示を、通信部２１１にパーソナルコンピュータ２５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 214, the restriction instruction unit 225 communicates an operation restriction instruction for instructing to restrict the operation of the personal computer 2500 until the password information is detected by the release information detection unit 213. The unit 211 is transmitted to the personal computer 2500.
　パーソナルコンピュータ２５００は、図２に示すようにＬＡＮ１０によってプリンタ２００と接続された情報処理装置である。パーソナルコンピュータ２５００は、ＰＣ側通信部２５１１、印刷指示部２５１２、情報入力部２５２１および制限実行部２５２６を有する。 The personal computer 2500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 200 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG. The personal computer 2500 includes a PC side communication unit 2511, a print instruction unit 2512, an information input unit 2521, and a restriction execution unit 2526.
　ＰＣ側通信部２５１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してプリンタ２００が有する通信部２１１と通信可能である。パーソナルコンピュータ２５００は、ＰＣ側通信部２５１１によってプリンタ２００と通信することにより、印刷要求、印刷データ、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The PC-side communication unit 2511 can communicate with the communication unit 211 included in the printer 200 via the LAN 10. The personal computer 2500 communicates with the printer 200 through the PC-side communication unit 2511 to transmit / receive a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data.
　印刷指示部２５１２は、ユーザによる文書等のプリンタ２００に対する印刷出力の要求を受け付けると共に、その文書等の印刷要求および印刷出力される文書等の印刷データをＰＣ側通信部２５１１にプリンタ２００に対して送信させる。 The print instruction unit 2512 accepts a print output request from the user to the printer 200 such as a document, and sends a print request for the document and print data such as a document to be printed to the PC-side communication unit 2511 to the printer 200. Send it.
　情報入力部２５２１は、ユーザや管理者による、図５において前述したキーボード５８２やマウス５８３等の入力装置の操作を受け付ける入力部である。パーソナルコンピュータ２５００は、情報入力部２５２１により暗証番号、管理用パスワードその他の情報やプリンタ２００の動作に関する操作を取得する。 The information input unit 2521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG. The personal computer 2500 obtains an operation related to the operation of the printer 200 by using the information input unit 2521 such as a password, a management password, and other information.
　制限実行部２５２６は、制限指示部２２５から送信された動作制限指示に基づいて、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００の動作を制限する。このパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の動作に対する制限は、例えば、制限の解除に関する操作以外の操作を不可能にするものとすることができる。具体的には、操作の制限が課されている場合、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００は、ユーザによる暗証番号の入力に関する操作および管理者による管理者用パスワードの入力に関する操作以外の操作を受け付けないようにすることができる。 The restriction execution unit 2526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 2500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 225. The restriction on the operation of the personal computer 2500 can make an operation other than the operation related to the release of the restriction impossible, for example. Specifically, when operation restrictions are imposed, the personal computer 2500 should not accept operations other than operations related to the input of a personal identification number by the user and operations related to the input of the administrator password by the administrator. Can do.
　次に、本実施の形態で実行される処理について説明する。
　図１７および図１８は、第２の実施の形態の印刷出力実行処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図１７および図１８に示す印刷出力実行処理は、プリンタ２００において実行される処理である。この印刷出力実行処理は、プリンタ２００がパーソナルコンピュータ２５００からＬＡＮ１０（図２において前述）を介して送信された印刷要求および印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行すると共に、プリンタ２００、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００に対して印刷出力の制限および制限の解除を行う処理である。印刷出力実行処理は、ユーザがパーソナルコンピュータ２５００を操作して行う文書等の印刷対象の印刷要求に基づき、印刷指示部２５１２（図１６において前述）による印刷指示によって実行が開始される。 Next, processing executed in the present embodiment will be described.
FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating the procedure of the print output execution process according to the second embodiment. The print output execution process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is a process executed in the printer 200. In this print output execution process, the printer 200 executes print output based on a print request and print data transmitted from the personal computer 2500 via the LAN 10 (described above with reference to FIG. 2), and for the printer 200 and the personal computer 2500. This is a process of restricting print output and releasing the restriction. Execution of the print output execution process is started by a print instruction from the print instruction unit 2512 (described above in FIG. 16) based on a print request for a print target such as a document performed by the user operating the personal computer 2500.
　［ステップＳ５１］印刷制御部２１２（図１６において前述）は、プリンタ２００において、現在パーソナルコンピュータ２５００のユーザに対して、以前印刷出力された他の文書等に基づいて印刷出力やパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作が制限中であるか否かについて判定する。制限中であれば、ステップＳ５２に処理が進められる。一方、制限中でなければ、ステップＳ５３に処理が進められる。 [Step S51] In the printer 200, the print control unit 212 (described above with reference to FIG. 16), for the user of the personal computer 2500, performs print output and operation of the personal computer 2500 based on other documents previously printed out. It is determined whether or not is restricted. If so, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if not limited, the process proceeds to step S53.
　［ステップＳ５２］印刷制御部２１２は、ユーザに対する印刷出力の制限を解除するか否かについて判定する制限解除判定処理を実行する。この制限解除判定処理は、詳しくは図１９において後述する。 [Step S52] The print control unit 212 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether to release the restriction on print output for the user. This restriction release determination process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ５３］印刷出力部２１４（図１６において前述）は、ユーザが要求する文書等の印刷内容について、通常の印刷出力を行う。
　［ステップＳ５４］印刷制御部２１２は、印刷出力の制限または操作の制限の設定がされているか否かについて判定する。制限の設定がされていれば、ステップＳ６１（図１７において後述）に処理が進められる。一方、制限の設定がされていなければ、処理は終了する。 [Step S53] The print output unit 214 (described above with reference to FIG. 16) performs normal print output on the print contents of a document or the like requested by the user.
[Step S54] The print control unit 212 determines whether print output restriction or operation restriction is set. If the restriction is set, the process proceeds to step S61 (described later in FIG. 17). On the other hand, if no restriction is set, the process ends.
　［ステップＳ６１］印刷制御部２１２は、設定された印刷出力の制限の内容は、パーソナルコンピュータ（ＰＣ）２５００の操作であるか否かについて判定する。印刷出力の制限の設定において、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作を制限することが設定されていれば、処理がステップＳ６２に進められる。一方、印刷出力の制限の設定において、プリンタ２００の印刷出力を制限することが設定されていれば、処理がステップＳ６３に進められる。 [Step S61] The print control unit 212 determines whether or not the set content of the print output restriction is an operation of the personal computer (PC) 2500. If it is set to restrict the operation of the personal computer 2500 in the print output restriction setting, the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if the print output restriction setting is set to restrict the print output of the printer 200, the process proceeds to step S63.
　［ステップＳ６２］印刷制御部２１２は、ユーザによるパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作を制限させる。具体的には、印刷制御部２１２は、制限通知部２１６に対して、ユーザによるパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作を制限させる印刷制限通知を、通信部２１１によりパーソナルコンピュータ２５００に送信させる。この印刷制限通知を受信したパーソナルコンピュータ２５００は、印刷制限通知に基づいてユーザの操作を、識別コードの入力等の一部を除いて、受け付けない。これにより、ユーザは、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００を継続して使用するためには、プリンタ２００で印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙を回収する必要が生じるので、プリンタ用紙の回収をユーザに促すことができる。 [Step S62] The print control unit 212 restricts the operation of the personal computer 2500 by the user. Specifically, the print control unit 212 causes the restriction notification unit 216 to transmit a print restriction notification that restricts the user's operation of the personal computer 2500 to the personal computer 2500 via the communication unit 211. The personal computer 2500 that has received the print restriction notification does not accept user operations based on the print restriction notification except for part of input of an identification code. Accordingly, since the user needs to collect the printer paper printed out by the printer 200 in order to continue using the personal computer 2500, the user can be prompted to collect the printer paper.
　［ステップＳ６３］印刷制御部２１２は、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００から送信された印刷データに基づく印刷出力を制限する。具体的には、印刷制御部２１２は、印刷出力部２１４による印刷出力を設定された条件に従って禁止する。印刷出力の制限については、詳しくは図２１において後述する。 [Step S63] The print control unit 212 restricts print output based on the print data transmitted from the personal computer 2500. Specifically, the print control unit 212 prohibits the print output by the print output unit 214 according to the set condition. Details of the print output limitation will be described later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ６４］印刷制御部２１２は、ユーザに対する印刷出力の制限を解除するか否かについて判定する制限解除判定処理を実行する。
　［ステップＳ６５］印刷制御部２１２は、ステップＳ６２で課されたパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作の制限およびステップＳ６３で課されたプリンタ２００の印刷出力の制限を解除する。その後、処理は終了する。 [Step S64] The print control unit 212 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether to release the restriction on print output for the user.
[Step S65] The print control unit 212 releases the restriction on the operation of the personal computer 2500 imposed in step S62 and the restriction on the print output of the printer 200 imposed in step S63. Thereafter, the process ends.
　図１９は、第２の実施の形態の制限解除判定処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図１９に示す制限解除判定処理は、プリンタ２００において実行される処理である。この制限解除判定処理は、制限解除情報である識別コードを受け付けて、プリンタ２００およびパーソナルコンピュータ２５００（図１６において前述）に課された制限を解除する処理である。制限解除判定処理は、印刷出力実行処理（図１７および図１８において前述）、解除処理（図２０において後述）から呼び出されることによって実行が開始される。 FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of restriction release determination processing according to the second embodiment. The restriction release determination process illustrated in FIG. 19 is a process executed in the printer 200. This restriction release determination process is a process of accepting an identification code that is restriction release information and releasing restrictions imposed on the printer 200 and the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16). Execution of the restriction release determination process is started by being called from the print output execution process (described above in FIGS. 17 and 18) and the release process (described later in FIG. 20).
　［ステップＳ７１］解除情報入力部２２１（図１６において前述）は、解除情報である暗証番号の入力を受け付ける暗証番号入力画面を表示パネル１０４ａ（図３において前述）に表示させる。暗証番号入力画面については、詳しくは図２４において後述する。 [Step S71] The cancellation information input unit 221 (described above in FIG. 16) causes the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) to display a security code input screen for accepting the input of the security code as the cancellation information. Details of the password input screen will be described later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ７２］解除情報入力部２２１は、暗証番号の入力を受け付ける。受け付けられた暗証番号は、解除情報検出部２１３に送信される。解除情報検出部２１３は、送信された暗証番号を取得する。 [Step S72] The release information input unit 221 receives an input of a personal identification number. The accepted personal identification number is transmitted to the cancellation information detection unit 213. The cancellation information detection unit 213 acquires the transmitted personal identification number.
　［ステップＳ７３］解除情報検出部２１３は、解除情報を検出したか否かについて判定する。すなわち、解除情報検出部２１３は、ステップＳ７２で取得したユーザの暗証番号が、解除情報記憶部２２０に記憶されているユーザの暗証番号と比較して一致しているか否かについて判定する。暗証番号が一致していれば、処理がステップＳ７４に進められる。一方、暗証番号が一致していなければ、処理がステップＳ７５に進められる。 [Step S73] The release information detection unit 213 determines whether release information has been detected. That is, the cancellation information detection unit 213 determines whether or not the user's personal identification number acquired in step S72 matches the user's personal identification number stored in the cancellation information storage unit 220. If the passwords match, the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, if the passwords do not match, the process proceeds to step S75.
　［ステップＳ７４］解除情報入力部２２１は、表示パネル１０４ａに表示されている暗証番号入力画面の表示を終了する。その後、処理は終了して、制限解除判定処理を呼び出した処理に復帰する。 [Step S74] The cancellation information input unit 221 ends the display of the personal identification number input screen displayed on the display panel 104a. Thereafter, the process ends, and the process returns to the process that called the restriction release determination process.
　［ステップＳ７５］解除情報入力部２２１は、ユーザに暗証番号が一致しない旨を通知するエラー表示を表示パネル１０４ａに表示する。その後、処理がステップＳ７１に進められる。 [Step S75] The cancellation information input unit 221 displays on the display panel 104a an error display notifying the user that the passwords do not match. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S71.
　図２０は、第２の実施の形態の解除処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図２０に示す解除処理は、プリンタ２００およびユーザが使用するパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、図１６において前述したパーソナルコンピュータ２５００）において実行される処理である。この解除処理は、管理者の操作に基づいてパーソナルコンピュータ２５００およびプリンタ２００に課された制限を解除する処理である。解除処理は、ユーザが操作部１０５ａ（図３において前述）を操作して行う制限を解除する操作によって実行が開始される。 FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the release process according to the second embodiment. The release process shown in FIG. 20 is a process executed in the printer 200 and a personal computer used by the user (for example, the personal computer 2500 described above with reference to FIG. 16). This canceling process is a process for canceling the restrictions imposed on the personal computer 2500 and the printer 200 based on the operation of the administrator. Execution of the canceling process is started by an operation of canceling the restriction performed by the user operating the operation unit 105a (described above in FIG. 3).
　［ステップＳ８１］印刷制御部２１２は、管理者を認証してパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作制限を解除するための管理者用パスワードの入力を受け付ける解除画面を、表示パネル１０４ａ（図３において前述）に表示させる。この解除画面により、管理者用パスワードが入力される。解除画面については、詳しくは図２６において後述する。 [Step S81] The print control unit 212 displays on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) a cancel screen for accepting an input of an administrator password for authenticating the administrator and canceling the operation restriction of the personal computer 2500. Let The administrator password is entered on this release screen. The release screen will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ８２］解除情報入力部２２１は、ユーザによりキャンセルが選択された、すなわち解除画面のキャンセルボタン（図２６において後述）が操作されたか否かについて判定する。キャンセルが選択されていれば、処理がステップＳ８６に進められる。一方、キャンセルが選択されていなければ、処理がステップＳ８３に進められる。 [Step S82] The cancellation information input unit 221 determines whether or not cancellation has been selected by the user, that is, whether or not a cancellation button (described later in FIG. 26) on the cancellation screen has been operated. If cancel is selected, the process proceeds to step S86. On the other hand, if cancel is not selected, the process proceeds to step S83.
　［ステップＳ８３］パーソナルコンピュータ２５００が有する情報入力部２５２１は、管理者用パスワードの入力を受け付ける。
　［ステップＳ８４］認証部２１８は、ステップＳ８３で入力が受け付けられた管理者用パスワードによって管理者を認証し、認証に成功したか否か、すなわち予め設定されている管理者用パスワードに一致したか否かについて判定する。認証に成功すれば、処理がステップＳ８７に進められる。一方、認証に失敗すれば、処理がステップＳ８５に進められる。 [Step S83] The information input unit 2521 of the personal computer 2500 receives an input of an administrator password.
[Step S84] The authentication unit 218 authenticates the administrator using the administrator password received in step S83, and whether or not the authentication is successful, that is, whether the administrator password matches a preset administrator password. Determine whether or not. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S87. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S85.
　［ステップＳ８５］印刷制御部２１２は、管理者の認証に失敗した旨を通知するエラー表示を表示パネル１０４ａに表示する。その後、処理がステップＳ８１に進められる。
　［ステップＳ８６］印刷制御部２１２は、ユーザに対する印刷出力の制限を解除するか否かについて判定する制限解除判定処理を実行する。 [Step S85] The print controller 212 displays on the display panel 104a an error display notifying that the administrator authentication has failed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S81.
[Step S86] The print control unit 212 executes a restriction release determination process for determining whether to release the restriction on print output for the user.
　［ステップＳ８７］印刷制御部２１２は、印刷出力実行処理のステップＳ６２（図１８において前述）で課されたパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の操作の制限および印刷出力実行処理のステップＳ６３（図１８において前述）で課されたプリンタ２００の印刷出力の制限を解除する。この管理者による制限の解除が行われる場合には、制限解除ログ記録部２２２により、制限解除ログに解除が行われた旨が記録される。これにより、不正な解除をけん制することで、不正な解除を抑止することができる。その後、処理は終了する。 [Step S87] The print control unit 212 restricts the operation of the personal computer 2500 imposed in step S62 (described above in FIG. 18) of the print output execution process and in step S63 (described above in FIG. 18) of the print output execution process. The restriction on the print output of the printer 200 is released. When the restriction is released by the administrator, the restriction release log recording unit 222 records that the release is performed in the restriction release log. As a result, the unauthorized release can be suppressed by restraining the unauthorized release. Thereafter, the process ends.
　次に、本実施の形態で表示される表示画面について説明する。
　図２１は、第２の実施の形態の設定画面を示す図である。図２１に示す設定画面２５３１は、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００（図１６において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。設定画面２５３１は、プリンタ２００における印刷出力に基づく制限の内容を設定する設定画面の一例である。 Next, a display screen displayed in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 21 illustrates a setting screen according to the second embodiment. A setting screen 2531 shown in FIG. 21 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16). The setting screen 2531 is an example of a setting screen for setting the content of restriction based on print output in the printer 200.
　設定画面２５３１には、操作制限設定領域２５３１ｄ、ユーザ名（ＩＤ）および暗証番号入力欄２５３１ｅ、管理者用パスワード入力欄２５３１ｆ、ＯＫボタン２５３１ｇおよびキャンセルボタン２５３１ｈが設けられている。 The setting screen 2531 is provided with an operation restriction setting area 2531d, a user name (ID) and password input field 2531e, an administrator password input field 2531f, an OK button 2531g, and a cancel button 2531h.
　操作制限設定領域２５３１ｄは、プリンタ２００において印刷出力が実行された後に課される制限を設定する領域である。本実施の形態では、印刷出力の実行後に課される制限は、すべてのＰＣ操作の禁止、次の印刷の禁止およびメッセージ表示のみのうちのいずれか１つを選択することができる。 The operation restriction setting area 2531d is an area for setting restrictions imposed after print output is executed in the printer 200. In the present embodiment, the restriction imposed after execution of print output can select any one of prohibition of all PC operations, prohibition of next printing, and only message display.
　課される制限にすべてのＰＣ操作を設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００では、プリンタ２００に対する印刷要求を行って以降、原則として識別コードの入力以外の操作を行うことができないという制限が課される。ここで、他のパーソナルコンピュータの操作は制限しなくてもよい。 When all PC operations are set to the imposed restrictions, the personal computer 2500 is imposed a restriction that, in principle, operations other than the input of an identification code cannot be performed after a print request is made to the printer 200. Here, the operation of other personal computers may not be limited.
　このすべてのＰＣ操作を課される制限に設定する場合、同時に、要求された文書等の印刷出力におけるプリンタ用紙が、所定枚数以上である場合には、ＰＣの操作を制限せずに後述する回収および識別コードの入力を促すメッセージの表示のみとするように設定することもできる。これにより、大量の印刷を行う場合のみ制限を緩和することにより、印刷を要求したユーザおよびパーソナルコンピュータ２５００の作業効率の大幅な低下を防止することができる。 When all the PC operations are set to the imposed restrictions, and at the same time, if the number of printer sheets in the print output of the requested document or the like is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the collection operation described later is performed without restricting the PC operations. It is also possible to set so that only the message prompting the input of the identification code is displayed. Accordingly, by relaxing the restriction only when a large amount of printing is performed, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in the work efficiency of the user who requested printing and the personal computer 2500.
　課される制限に次の印刷の禁止を設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００では、プリンタ２００に対する印刷要求を行って以降、正しい識別コードを入力するまでプリンタ２００からの新たな印刷要求に基づく印刷出力が行われないという制限が課される。ここで、他のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷要求に基づく印刷出力は制限しなくてもよい。 When prohibition of the next printing is set as the imposed restriction, the personal computer 2500 makes a print output based on a new print request from the printer 200 until a correct identification code is input after making a print request to the printer 200. There is a restriction that it is not done. Here, print output based on a print request from another personal computer may not be limited.
　課される制限にメッセージ表示のみを設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００に接続されたモニタ５８１には、プリンタ２００においてユーザの要求に基づく印刷出力が行われた旨をユーザに通知するメッセージ表示が表示される。 When only the message display is set as the imposed restriction, a message display is displayed on the monitor 581 connected to the personal computer 2500 to notify the user that the printer 200 has performed the print output based on the user's request. The
　ここで、ユーザが一旦このメッセージ表示を終了させた後、プリンタ用紙の回収および制限の解除のいずれも行われない場合に再度このメッセージ表示を表示させる再表示を設定することができる。また、再表示までの時間間隔を設定することができる。 Here, after the message is once displayed by the user, it is possible to set a redisplay for displaying this message display again when neither the collection of the printer paper nor the release of the restriction is performed. In addition, a time interval until redisplay can be set.
　ユーザ名（ＩＤ）および暗証番号入力欄２５３１ｅは、プリンタ２００およびパーソナルコンピュータ２５００に課された制限を解除するためにユーザが入力する符号である暗証番号を設定する欄である。このユーザ名（ＩＤ）および暗証番号入力欄２５３１ｅにより、管理者は新たに暗証番号を設定しまたは設定された暗証番号を変更することができる。暗証番号は、例えば、ユーザ毎に一意に割り当てられた複数桁（例えば４桁）の正の整数の値とするが、必ずしもこれに限られず、必要に応じて数字以外の文字を使用してもよい。また、複数ユーザの暗証番号設定を容易にするために、設定ファイルを取り込めるようにしてもよい。 The user name (ID) and personal identification number input field 2531e is a field for setting a personal identification number, which is a code input by the user in order to remove restrictions imposed on the printer 200 and the personal computer 2500. With this user name (ID) and password input field 2531e, the administrator can newly set a password or change the set password. The personal identification number is, for example, a positive integer value of a plurality of digits (for example, four digits) uniquely assigned to each user, but is not limited to this, and characters other than numbers may be used as necessary. Good. Further, in order to facilitate the setting of the personal identification number for a plurality of users, a setting file may be taken in.
　管理者用パスワード入力欄２５３１ｆは、ユーザが暗証番号を忘却するなどで制限を解除することができなくなった場合、管理者によって解除可能とするための管理者パスワードを入力する欄である。入力するパスワードは、本実施の形態のように入力欄を設けて、制限解除専用に個別に指定してもよいし、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００の管理者パスワードを利用してもよい。 The administrator password input field 2531f is a field for inputting an administrator password that can be canceled by the administrator when the restriction cannot be canceled because the user forgets the password. As for the password to be input, an input field may be provided as in the present embodiment, and the password may be individually designated exclusively for releasing the restriction, or the administrator password of the personal computer 2500 may be used.
　ＯＫボタン２５３１ｇは、管理者が設定画面２５３１によって入力した内容で設定を新たに取得または更新し、設定画面２５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。キャンセルボタン２５３１ｈは、管理者が設定画面２５３１によって入力した設定の内容を無効にし、設定画面２５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。 The OK button 2531g is a button for newly acquiring or updating the setting with the content input by the administrator on the setting screen 2531 and ending the display of the setting screen 2531. The cancel button 2531h is a button for invalidating the setting content input by the administrator on the setting screen 2531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 2531.
　なお、ユーザによって暗証番号が安易に変更されることを防止するために、管理者パスワードを用いた認証などにより、設定画面２５３１の表示が行える人物を、例えば、管理者等に制限してもよい。 In order to prevent the password from being changed easily by the user, the person who can display the setting screen 2531 by authentication using an administrator password may be limited to, for example, an administrator. .
　図２２は、第２の実施の形態のユーザ選択画面を示す図である。図２２に示すユーザ選択画面２３２は、プリンタ２００が有する表示パネル１０４ａ（図３において前述）に表示される画面である。ユーザ選択画面２３２は、ユーザがプリンタ２００における印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するために、ユーザ自身を選択して入力するユーザ選択画面の一例である。 FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a user selection screen according to the second embodiment. A user selection screen 232 shown in FIG. 22 is a screen displayed on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) of the printer 200. The user selection screen 232 is an example of a user selection screen in which the user selects and inputs the user himself / herself in order to release the restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 200.
　ユーザ選択画面２３２には、ユーザ表示領域２３２ａが設けられている。ユーザ表示領域２３２ａには、選択領域２３２ｂが設けられている。また、ユーザ選択画面２３２には、ユーザに対してユーザの選択を促すメッセージが表示される。 The user selection area 232a is provided on the user selection screen 232. The user display area 232a is provided with a selection area 232b. The user selection screen 232 displays a message that prompts the user to select a user.
　ユーザ表示領域２３２ａは、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００（図１６において前述）からプリンタ２００に印刷の要求を行ったユーザおよびそれらのユーザの未回収文書が表示されると共に、ユーザがユーザ自身を選択して入力する領域である。ユーザは、操作部１０５ａ（図３において前述）を操作して選択領域２３２ｂを移動させてユーザ自身を選択することにより、制限の解除を行うユーザ自身を入力することができる。 The user display area 232a displays the users who have requested printing from the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16) to the printer 200 and the uncollected documents of those users, and the user selects and inputs the user himself / herself. It is an area. The user can input the user himself / herself to release the restriction by operating the operation unit 105a (described above in FIG. 3) to move the selection area 232b and select the user himself / herself.
　図２３は、第２の実施の形態の回収確認画面を示す図である。図２３に示す回収確認画面２３３は、プリンタ２００が有する表示パネル１０４ａ（図３において前述）に表示される画面である。回収確認画面２３３は、ユーザがプリンタ２００に対して印刷出力を要求した文書が印刷出力された後に、印刷出力された文書の確認を求める回収確認画面の一例である。 FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a collection confirmation screen according to the second embodiment. A collection confirmation screen 233 shown in FIG. 23 is a screen displayed on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) of the printer 200. The collection confirmation screen 233 is an example of a collection confirmation screen that asks for confirmation of the printed document after the document requested by the user for printing output to the printer 200 is printed out.
　回収確認画面２３３には、回収確認文書表示領域２３３ａが設けられている。また、回収確認画面２３３には、ユーザに対してユーザの選択を促すメッセージが表示される。
　回収確認文書表示領域２３３ａは、ユーザ選択画面２３２（図２２において前述）で選択されたユーザの未回収文書が表示される領域である。ユーザは、表示パネル１０４ａに表示される回収確認画面２３３により、印刷出力された回収すべき文書等を認識することができる。 The collection confirmation screen 233 is provided with a collection confirmation document display area 233a. The collection confirmation screen 233 displays a message that prompts the user to select the user.
The collection confirmation document display area 233a is an area in which an uncollected document of the user selected on the user selection screen 232 (described above in FIG. 22) is displayed. The user can recognize the printed document to be collected and the like on the collection confirmation screen 233 displayed on the display panel 104a.
　図２４は、第２の実施の形態の暗証番号入力画面を示す図である。図２４に示す暗証番号入力画面２３４は、プリンタ２００が有する表示パネル１０４ａ（図３において前述）に表示される画面である。暗証番号入力画面２３４は、ユーザがプリンタ２００における印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するための暗証番号の入力を受け付ける暗証番号入力画面の一例である。 FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a personal identification number input screen according to the second embodiment. 24 is a screen displayed on the display panel 104a (described above in FIG. 3) of the printer 200. The personal identification number input screen 234 is an example of a personal identification number input screen that accepts an input of a personal identification number for releasing the restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 200.
　暗証番号入力画面２３４には、暗証番号入力欄２３４ｅが設けられている。また、暗証番号入力画面２３４には、ユーザに対して暗証番号の入力を促すメッセージが表示される。 The personal identification number input screen 234 has a personal identification number input field 234e. In addition, the password input screen 234 displays a message that prompts the user to input a password.
　暗証番号入力欄２３４ｅは、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００（図１６において前述）からプリンタ２００に印刷の要求を行ったユーザが、ユーザに割り当てられた暗証番号を入力する欄である。ユーザは、この割り当てられた暗証番号を、暗証番号入力欄２３４ｅに入力することにより、印刷出力に基づく制限を解除することができる。 The personal identification number input field 234e is a field in which a user who has made a print request from the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16) to the printer 200 inputs a personal identification number assigned to the user. The user can release the restriction based on the print output by inputting the assigned personal identification number into the personal identification number input field 234e.
　図２５は、第２の実施の形態の回収指示画面を示す図である。図２５に示す回収指示画面２５３５は、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００（図１６において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。回収指示画面２５３５は、プリンタ２００における印刷出力の後に、ユーザに対して印刷出力された文書等の回収および制限の解除の操作を促す回収指示画面の一例である。 FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a collection instruction screen according to the second embodiment. 25 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16). The collection instruction screen 2535 is an example of a collection instruction screen that prompts the user to collect and output restrictions on the printed document after the print output in the printer 200.
　回収指示画面２５３５には、ＯＫボタン２５３５ｇが設けられている。また、回収指示画面２５３５には、ユーザに対して印刷出力された文書等の回収および制限の解除の操作を促すメッセージが表示される。 The collection instruction screen 2535 is provided with an OK button 2535g. The collection instruction screen 2535 displays a message that prompts the user to collect and print out the printed document and the restriction.
　ＯＫボタン２５３５ｇは、ユーザが印刷出力された文書等の回収の指示を確認した後、回収指示画面２５３５の表示を終了するボタンである。
　図２６は、第２の実施の形態の解除画面を示す図である。図２６に示す解除画面２５３６は、パーソナルコンピュータ２５００（図１６において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。解除画面２５３６は、管理者がプリンタ２００における印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するために管理者用パスワードの入力を受け付けまたは文書の再印刷を行う解除画面の一例である。 The OK button 2535g is a button for ending the display of the collection instruction screen 2535 after the user confirms the instruction for collecting the printed document or the like.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a release screen according to the second embodiment. 26 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 2500 (described above in FIG. 16). The cancel screen 2536 is an example of a cancel screen that accepts an administrator password input or reprints a document in order to cancel a restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 200 by the administrator.
　解除画面２５３６には、管理者用パスワード入力欄２５３６ｆ、ＯＫボタン２５３６ｇおよびキャンセルボタン２５３６ｈが設けられている。また、解除画面２５３６には、管理者に対して管理者用パスワードの入力を促すメッセージが表示される。 The cancel screen 2536 is provided with an administrator password input field 2536f, an OK button 2536g, and a cancel button 2536h. In addition, the cancellation screen 2536 displays a message that prompts the administrator to input the administrator password.
　管理者用パスワード入力欄２５３６ｆは、制限を解除する場合、管理者が管理者用パスワードを入力する入力欄である。
　ＯＫボタン２５３６ｇは、ユーザが管理者用パスワード入力欄２５３６ｆに入力した管理者用パスワードに基づいて管理者を認証することにより、管理者の正当性を判定すると共に、解除画面２５３６の表示を終了するボタンである。キャンセルボタン２５３６ｈは、管理者による管理者用パスワードの入力を中止し、解除画面２５３６の表示を終了するボタンである。 The administrator password input field 2536f is an input field for an administrator to input an administrator password when canceling the restriction.
The OK button 2536g determines the validity of the administrator by authenticating the administrator based on the administrator password input by the user in the administrator password input field 2536f, and ends the display of the release screen 2536. Button. The cancel button 2536h is a button for canceling the input of the administrator password by the administrator and terminating the display of the release screen 2536.
　以上のように、第２の実施の形態によれば、プリンタ２００側でユーザに対して暗証番号を入力させることにより、出力されたプリンタ用紙の速やかかつ確実な回収を促すことが可能になる。 As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to promptly and surely collect the output printer paper by allowing the user to input the password on the printer 200 side.
　［第３の実施の形態］
　次に、第３の実施の形態について説明する。上記の第１の実施の形態および第２の実施の形態との相違点を中心に説明し、同様の事項については同一の符号を用いると共に説明を省略する。 [Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are used for the same matters, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
　第３の実施の形態は、プリンタ３００が、スキャナ（scanner）３６１を有する解除情報読み取り部３２３を有する点で、第１の実施の形態と異なる。また、このスキャナ３６１により、解除情報である識別コードを読み取って取得する点で、第１の実施の形態と異なる。 The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the printer 300 includes a release information reading unit 323 having a scanner 361. Further, this scanner 361 is different from the first embodiment in that an identification code that is release information is read and acquired.
　図２７は、第３の実施の形態のプリンタの外観を示す図である。図２７に示すプリンタ３００は、プリンタ用紙に文書データや画像データ等のファイルの内容を示す印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行するプリンタである。プリンタ３００は、印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙等の印刷媒体が排出される排紙部３０３ａ、文字等の情報を表示する表示パネル３０４ａ、ユーザの操作を受け付ける操作部３０５ａ、光学的な読み取り機能を有するスキャナ３６１を有する。 FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer according to the third embodiment. A printer 300 shown in FIG. 27 is a printer that executes print output based on print data indicating the contents of a file such as document data or image data on a printer sheet. The printer 300 includes a paper discharge unit 303a from which a print medium such as printer paper on which print output has been output is discharged, a display panel 304a that displays information such as characters, an operation unit 305a that receives user operations, and an optical reading function. It has a scanner 361.
　排紙部３０３ａは、印刷出力部１０３（図４において前述）によって印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙が排出される機構である。表示パネル３０４ａは、表示部１０４（図４において前述）からの制御に基づいて文字または画像を表示する表示画面を有する表示装置である。操作部３０５ａは、操作入力部１０５（図４において前述）に接続された、プリンタ３００の操作を行うための入力装置である。スキャナ３６１は、プリンタ用紙等に記載されたイメージ情報や文字情報を光学的に読み取る装置である。 The paper discharge unit 303a is a mechanism that discharges the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described above in FIG. 4). The display panel 304a is a display device having a display screen for displaying characters or images based on control from the display unit 104 (described above in FIG. 4). The operation unit 305a is an input device for operating the printer 300 connected to the operation input unit 105 (described above in FIG. 4). The scanner 361 is an apparatus that optically reads image information and character information written on printer paper or the like.
　なお、本実施の形態ではスキャナ３６１を有するプリンタ３００について説明したが、これに限らず、印刷機能および読み取り機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 In the present embodiment, the printer 300 having the scanner 361 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus other than a printer may be used as long as the apparatus has a printing function and a reading function. A multi-function printing apparatus having a function of a copying machine or the like may be used.
　図２８は、第３の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。図２８に示すプリンタ３００は、ＬＡＮ１０（図２において前述）を介して接続されたパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、パーソナルコンピュータ３５００）からの印刷データを受け付けて印刷出力する。プリンタ３００は、通信部３１１、印刷制御部３１２、解除情報検出部３１３、印刷出力部３１４、再印刷制御部３１５、制限通知部３１６、認証部３１８、解除情報生成部３１９、解除情報記憶部３２０、制限解除ログ記録部３２２、解除情報読み取り部３２３および制限指示部３２５を有する。 FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to the third embodiment. A printer 300 shown in FIG. 28 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 3500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out. The printer 300 includes a communication unit 311, a print control unit 312, a release information detection unit 313, a print output unit 314, a reprint control unit 315, a restriction notification unit 316, an authentication unit 318, a release information generation unit 319, and a release information storage unit 320. A restriction release log recording unit 322, a release information reading unit 323, and a restriction instruction unit 325.
　通信部３１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してパーソナルコンピュータ３５００が有するＰＣ側通信部３５１１と通信可能である。プリンタ３００は、通信部３１１によって、パーソナルコンピュータ３５００から送信される印刷データを取得すると共に、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The communication unit 311 can communicate with the PC-side communication unit 3511 of the personal computer 3500 via the LAN 10. The printer 300 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 3500 through the communication unit 311 and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
　印刷制御部３１２は、印刷出力部３１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部３１３によって識別コードが検出されるまで、印刷出力の印刷指示が行われたパーソナルコンピュータ３５００から行われた、以降の印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行を制限する。そして、印刷制御部３１２は、解除情報検出部３１３によって識別コードが検出された場合、印刷出力部３１４による同一のパーソナルコンピュータ３５００からの印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する。このとき印刷制御部３１２は、１つの印刷出力について複数の識別コードが生成された場合、解除情報検出部３１３により、その印刷出力に対して解除情報生成部３１９によって生成されたすべての識別コードが検出されるまで、以降の印刷出力部３１４による印刷出力の実行を制限する。識別コードは、解除情報として機能する。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 314, the print control unit 312 is performed from the personal computer 3500 that is instructed to print the print output until the identification information is detected by the release information detection unit 313. Restrict execution of print output based on subsequent print instructions. When the release information detection unit 313 detects the identification code, the print control unit 312 cancels the restriction on execution of print output based on the print instruction from the same personal computer 3500 by the print output unit 314. At this time, when a plurality of identification codes are generated for one print output, the print control unit 312 detects all the identification codes generated by the release information generation unit 319 for the print output by the release information detection unit 313. Until it is detected, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 314 is restricted. The identification code functions as release information.
　なお、ここでは、同一のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷出力を、同一のユーザから要求されたものであるとみなして扱うが、これに限らず、各ユーザに対して、各ユーザＩＤ、パスワードや暗証番号等を割り当て、これらに基づいて同一のユーザからの印刷出力であるか否かについて判定し、この判定に基づいて印刷出力やそのユーザが使用しているパーソナルコンピュータの動作を制限してもよい。 Here, print output from the same personal computer is regarded as being requested by the same user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for each user, each user ID, password and password Or the like, and based on these, it may be determined whether or not the print output is from the same user, and based on this determination, the print output and the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
　印刷制御部３１２は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力がプリンタ用紙において複数枚に亘って出力される場合であって、かつ印刷出力部３１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合において、プリンタ用紙の枚数が所定数未満であるときには、解除情報検出部３１３によって識別コードが検出されるまで、以降の印刷出力部３１４による印刷出力の実行を禁止する。一方、印刷データに基づく印刷出力に使用されるプリンタ用紙の枚数が所定の枚数（例えば、１００枚）以上であるときには、印刷制御部３１２は、制限通知部３１６によって通信部３１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ３５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of sheets on the printer paper and the print output is executed by the print output unit 314, the print control unit 312 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 314 is prohibited until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 313. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for the print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 312 executes the print output to the communication unit 311 by the restriction notification unit 316. Is sent to the personal computer 3500 to notify that the printing is restricted.
　解除情報検出部３１３は、パーソナルコンピュータ３５００から送信された識別コードを受け付け、識別コードを検出する。この識別コードは、印刷出力の制限を解除するための情報である。識別コードは、例えば、印刷対象（例えば、ユーザが印刷出力を要求する文書）の印刷出力ごとに変化する情報であり、プリンタ用紙に印刷されている。ユーザが出力されたプリンタ用紙をスキャナ３６１に読み取らせて、この識別コードをプリンタ３００に取得させることで、再びプリンタ３００の制限が解除され、印刷出力が可能になる。 The release information detection unit 313 receives the identification code transmitted from the personal computer 3500 and detects the identification code. This identification code is information for canceling the restriction of print output. The identification code is, for example, information that changes for each print output of a print target (for example, a document for which the user requests print output), and is printed on printer paper. By causing the scanner 361 to read the printer paper output by the user and causing the printer 300 to acquire this identification code, the restriction of the printer 300 is released again, and printing output becomes possible.
　印刷出力部３１４は、通信部３１１によって受信されたパーソナルコンピュータ３５００からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する。印刷出力部３１４は、プリンタ用紙における印刷出力が印刷されている面の印刷出力が印刷されている領域よりも外側に識別コードを印刷する。印刷出力部３１４は、プリンタ用紙中に複数の識別コードを分割して出力することもできる。このとき、印刷出力部３１４は、文書等が複数のプリンタ用紙に亘って出力される場合、印刷出力における最初の印刷媒体と最後の印刷媒体とに識別コードを印刷する。 The print output unit 314 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 3500 received by the communication unit 311. The print output unit 314 prints the identification code outside the area where the print output of the surface of the printer paper on which the print output is printed is printed. The print output unit 314 can also divide and output a plurality of identification codes in the printer paper. At this time, when a document or the like is output over a plurality of printer papers, the print output unit 314 prints the identification code on the first print medium and the last print medium in the print output.
　また、印刷出力部３１４は、再印刷制御部３１５から出力された再印刷指示を検出した場合、印刷出力部３１４によって出力された印刷出力と同一内容の印刷出力を実行する。
　なお、印刷出力部３１４は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力が印刷されている面とは異なる面に識別コードを印刷してもよい。これにより、印刷媒体をコピー機などで複写した場合に、識別コードが不必要にコピーされることを防止することができる。 When the print output unit 314 detects a reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 315, the print output unit 314 executes a print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 314.
Note that the print output unit 314 may print the identification code on a surface different from the surface on which the print output based on the print data is printed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the identification code from being unnecessarily copied when the print medium is copied by a copying machine or the like.
　また、印刷出力部３１４は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力が複数のプリンタ用紙に亘って出力される場合、印刷出力における最後のプリンタ用紙に識別コードを印刷してもよい。これにより、ユーザにプリンタ用紙を最後のページまで回収させることができる。 The print output unit 314 may print the identification code on the last printer sheet in the print output when the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of printer sheets. This allows the user to collect the printer paper up to the last page.
　再印刷制御部３１５は、印刷出力部３１４に対して既に出力されたプリンタ用紙と同一内容の印刷出力を実行させる再印刷指示を出力する。なお、再印刷制御部３１５は、同一内容の文書等について所定回数以上は出力しない。無制限に再印刷を行うことを可能とした場合、印刷出力に制限を課す意義が減少するからである。 The reprint control unit 315 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 314 to execute a print output having the same content as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 315 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
　制限通知部３１６は、印刷制御部３１２によって印刷出力の実行が制限される場合、通信部３１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ３５００に対して送信させる。 When the print control unit 312 restricts execution of print output, the restriction notification unit 316 causes the communication unit 311 to transmit a print restriction notification for notifying execution of print output to the personal computer 3500. .
　認証部３１８は、管理者用パスワードによって管理者を認証する。認証部３１８は、管理者の認証に成功した場合、印刷制御部３１２に制限の解除を指示する解除指示を出力する。認証部３１８から出力された解除指示は、ＰＣ側通信部３５１１からプリンタ３００に送信される。この解除指示は、識別コードと同様に、プリンタ３００によって課された制限を解除する解除情報として機能する。 The authentication unit 318 authenticates the administrator with the administrator password. If the authentication unit 318 succeeds in authenticating the administrator, the authentication unit 318 outputs a cancel instruction that instructs the print control unit 312 to cancel the restriction. The cancellation instruction output from the authentication unit 318 is transmitted from the PC side communication unit 3511 to the printer 300. This release instruction functions as release information for releasing the restriction imposed by the printer 300, as with the identification code.
　解除情報生成部３１９は、識別コードを生成される毎に変化するようにアトランダムに生成する。解除情報生成部３１９は、識別コードを複数生成し、生成したそれぞれの識別コードをプリンタ用紙の異なるページに配置されるように印刷出力する。 The cancellation information generation unit 319 generates an identification code at random so as to change every time the identification code is generated. The release information generation unit 319 generates a plurality of identification codes, and prints out the generated identification codes so that they are arranged on different pages of the printer paper.
　識別コードは、アトランダムに生成され毎回変化する情報であり、文字、数字、記号のうちの少なくともいずれか１つを有する。なお、識別コードは、バーコードや二次元コード等の図形情報であってもよい。 The identification code is information that is generated randomly and changes each time, and has at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols. The identification code may be graphic information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.
　解除情報記憶部３２０は、解除情報生成部３１９で生成された識別コードを記憶する。解除情報記憶部３２０に記憶されている識別コードは、印刷制御部３１２によって読み出される。 The cancellation information storage unit 320 stores the identification code generated by the cancellation information generation unit 319. The identification code stored in the cancellation information storage unit 320 is read by the print control unit 312.
　制限解除ログ記録部３２２は、認証部３１８による管理者の認証に成功したことに基づいて認証部３１８から解除指示が出力された場合、認証部３１８による認証の成功に基づいて制限が解除されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。また、制限解除ログ記録部３２２は、印刷出力部３１４によって再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力された場合、再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。 When the cancellation instruction is output from the authentication unit 318 based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit 318, the restriction release log recording unit 322 has released the restriction based on the successful authentication by the authentication unit 318 To record in the restriction release log. Further, when the print output unit 314 outputs a print based on the reprint instruction, the restriction release log recording unit 322 records that the print is output based on the reprint instruction in the restriction release log.
　解除情報読み取り部３２３は、スキャナ３６１でプリンタ用紙から識別コードを読み取って抽出し、解除情報検出部３１３に出力する。
　制限指示部３２５は、印刷出力部３１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部３１３によって識別コードが検出されるまでパーソナルコンピュータ３５００の動作を制限させることを指示する動作制限指示を、通信部３１１にパーソナルコンピュータ３５００に対して送信させる。 The cancellation information reading unit 323 reads and extracts the identification code from the printer paper by the scanner 361, and outputs it to the cancellation information detection unit 313.
When the print output is executed by the print output unit 314, the restriction instruction unit 325 communicates an operation restriction instruction for instructing to restrict the operation of the personal computer 3500 until the identification code is detected by the release information detection unit 313. The unit 311 transmits to the personal computer 3500.
　パーソナルコンピュータ３５００は、図２に示すようにＬＡＮ１０によってプリンタ３００と接続された情報処理装置である。パーソナルコンピュータ３５００は、ＰＣ側通信部３５１１、印刷指示部３５１２、情報入力部３５２１および制限実行部３５２６を有する。 The personal computer 3500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 300 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG. The personal computer 3500 includes a PC side communication unit 3511, a print instruction unit 3512, an information input unit 3521, and a restriction execution unit 3526.
　ＰＣ側通信部３５１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してプリンタ３００が有する通信部３１１と通信可能である。パーソナルコンピュータ３５００は、ＰＣ側通信部３５１１によってプリンタ３００と通信することにより、印刷要求、印刷データ、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The PC-side communication unit 3511 can communicate with the communication unit 311 included in the printer 300 via the LAN 10. The personal computer 3500 transmits and receives a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data by communicating with the printer 300 through the PC-side communication unit 3511.
　印刷指示部３５１２は、ユーザによる文書等のプリンタ３００に対する印刷出力の要求を受け付けると共に、その文書等の印刷要求および印刷出力される文書等の印刷データをＰＣ側通信部３５１１にプリンタ３００に対して送信させる。 The print instruction unit 3512 accepts a print output request from the user to the printer 300 such as a document, and sends the print request for the document and the print data of the document to be printed to the PC-side communication unit 3511 to the printer 300. Send it.
　情報入力部３５２１は、ユーザや管理者による、図５において前述したキーボード５８２やマウス５８３等の入力装置の操作を受け付ける入力部である。パーソナルコンピュータ３５００は、情報入力部３５２１により、管理用パスワードその他の情報やプリンタ３００の動作に関する操作を取得する。 The information input unit 3521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG. The personal computer 3500 uses the information input unit 3521 to acquire a management password and other information and operations related to the operation of the printer 300.
　制限実行部３５２６は、制限指示部３２５から送信された動作制限指示に基づいて、パーソナルコンピュータ３５００の動作を制限する。このパーソナルコンピュータ３５００の動作に対する制限は、例えば、制限の解除に関する操作以外の操作を不可能にするものとすることができる。具体的には、操作の制限が課されている場合、パーソナルコンピュータ３５００は、ユーザによるスキャナ３６１を用いた識別コードの読み取りに関する操作および管理者による管理者用パスワードの入力に関する操作以外の操作を受け付けないようにすることができる。 The restriction execution unit 3526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 3500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 325. The restriction on the operation of the personal computer 3500 can make an operation other than the operation related to releasing the restriction impossible, for example. Specifically, when the operation restriction is imposed, the personal computer 3500 accepts an operation other than the operation related to the reading of the identification code by the user using the scanner 361 and the operation related to the input of the administrator password by the administrator. Can not be.
　なお、プリンタ３００は、プリンタの他、印刷機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 Note that the printer 300 may be a device other than a printer, as long as it has a printing function. For example, the printer 300 is a multi-function printing device having functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like. Also good.
　次に、本実施の形態で表示される表示画面について説明する。
　図２９は、第３の実施の形態の識別コード読み取り画面を示す図である。図２９に示す識別コード読み取り画面３５３１は、パーソナルコンピュータ３５００（図２８において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。識別コード読み取り画面３５３１は、ユーザがプリンタ３００における印刷出力の後に課された制限を解除するために、文書等に印刷された識別コードを読み取らせる際に表示される識別コード読み取り画面の一例である。 Next, a display screen displayed in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an identification code reading screen according to the third embodiment. An identification code reading screen 3531 shown in FIG. 29 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 3500 (described above in FIG. 28). The identification code reading screen 3531 is an example of an identification code reading screen that is displayed when the user reads an identification code printed on a document or the like in order to release the restriction imposed after the print output in the printer 300. .
　識別コード読み取り画面３５３１には、スキャン状況表示領域３５３１ｃおよびＯＫボタン３５３１ｇが設けられている。また、識別コード読み取り画面３５３１には、ユーザに対して印刷出力された文書等の回収および解除情報読み取り部３２３による識別コードの読み取りを促すメッセージが表示される。 The identification code reading screen 3531 is provided with a scan status display area 3531c and an OK button 3531g. In addition, on the identification code reading screen 3531, a message prompting the user to read the identification code by the collection and release information reading unit 323 of the printed document or the like is displayed.
　スキャン状況表示領域３５３１ｃは、スキャナ３６１による識別コードの読み取り状況を表示する領域である。スキャン状況表示領域３５３１ｃには、１ページ目の識別コードの読み取りの状況および最終ページの識別コードの読み取りの状況が表示される。本実施の形態では、識別コードは、例えば、文書等の先頭のページ（１ページ目）および最終ページ等に印刷される。ユーザは、この文書等に印刷された識別コードを、スキャナ３６１を用いて解除情報読み取り部３２３に読み取らせることにより、印刷出力に基づく制限を解除することができる。 The scan status display area 3531c is an area for displaying the reading status of the identification code by the scanner 361. In the scan status display area 3531c, the status of reading the identification code of the first page and the status of reading the identification code of the last page are displayed. In the present embodiment, the identification code is printed, for example, on the first page (first page) and the last page of a document or the like. The user can release the restriction based on the print output by causing the release information reading unit 323 to read the identification code printed on the document or the like using the scanner 361.
　ＯＫボタン３５３１ｇは、ユーザが識別コードの読み取り状況を確認した後、識別コード読み取り画面３５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。
　以上のように、第３の実施の形態によれば、識別コードを光学的に読み取ることにより、ユーザにおける操作の負担が軽減するので、ユーザに抵抗感を与えずに出力されたプリンタ用紙の速やかかつ確実な回収を促すことが可能になる。 The OK button 3531g is a button for ending the display of the identification code reading screen 3531 after the user confirms the reading state of the identification code.
As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the burden of operation on the user is reduced by optically reading the identification code, the printer paper that is output without giving a sense of resistance to the user can be quickly displayed. In addition, reliable collection can be promoted.
　［第４の実施の形態］
　次に、第４の実施の形態について説明する。上記の第１の実施の形態から第３の実施の形態までとの相違点を中心に説明し、同様の事項については同一の符号を用いると共に説明を省略する。 [Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Differences from the first embodiment to the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are used for the same matters, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
　第４の実施の形態は、プリンタ４００が、用紙センサ４７１ａを有するスタッカ４７１を有する点で、第１の実施の形態と異なる。また、用紙センサ４７１ａによって印刷出力された文書等が検出されることに基づいて解除情報が出力される点で、第１の実施の形態と異なる。 The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the printer 400 includes a stacker 471 having a paper sensor 471a. Further, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that release information is output based on detection of a document or the like printed out by the paper sensor 471a.
　図３０は、第４の実施の形態のプリンタの外観を示す図である。図３０に示すプリンタ４００は、プリンタ用紙に文書データや画像データ等のファイルの内容を示す印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行するプリンタである。プリンタ４００は、印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙等の印刷媒体が排出される排紙部４０３ａ、文字等の情報を表示する表示パネル４０４ａ、ユーザの操作を受け付ける操作部４０５ａ、排紙部４０３ａと同様に印刷媒体が排出されると共に、排出されたプリンタ用紙を分類して保持する複数のスタッカ４７１を有する。 FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer according to the fourth embodiment. A printer 400 shown in FIG. 30 is a printer that executes print output based on print data indicating the contents of a file such as document data or image data on a printer sheet. The printer 400 is similar to the paper discharge unit 403a from which print media such as printer paper that has been printed is discharged, a display panel 404a that displays information such as characters, an operation unit 405a that receives user operations, and a paper discharge unit 403a. And a plurality of stackers 471 for sorting and holding the discharged printer paper.
　排紙部４０３ａは、印刷出力部１０３（図４において前述）によって印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙が排出される機構である。表示パネル４０４ａは、表示部１０４（図４において前述）からの制御に基づいて文字または画像を表示する表示画面を有する表示装置である。操作部４０５ａは、操作入力部１０５（図４において前述）に接続された、プリンタ４００の操作を行うための入力装置である。 The paper discharge unit 403a is a mechanism for discharging the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described above in FIG. 4). The display panel 404a is a display device having a display screen for displaying characters or images based on control from the display unit 104 (described above in FIG. 4). The operation unit 405a is an input device for operating the printer 400, connected to the operation input unit 105 (described above in FIG. 4).
　スタッカ４７１は、印刷出力部１０３（図４において前述）によって印刷出力がされたプリンタ用紙が排出される機構である。プリンタ４００は、排紙部４０３ａとは別に、複数のスタッカ４７１を有しており、印刷出力されて排紙されたプリンタ用紙を、それぞれのスタッカ４７１に、例えばユーザ毎等に、区別可能に保持することができる。本実施の形態では、各スタッカ４７１は、プリンタ４００を利用するユーザ毎に割り当てられている。このスタッカ４７１については、詳しくは図３１において後述する。 The stacker 471 is a mechanism for discharging the printer paper that has been printed out by the print output unit 103 (described above in FIG. 4). The printer 400 has a plurality of stackers 471 separately from the paper discharge unit 403a, and holds the printer paper that has been printed out and discharged in each stacker 471 in a distinguishable manner, for example, for each user. can do. In the present embodiment, each stacker 471 is assigned to each user who uses the printer 400. The stacker 471 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
　なお、プリンタ４００について説明したが、これに限らず、印刷機能および読み取り機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 Although the printer 400 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any device other than a printer may be used as long as the device has a printing function and a reading function. For example, the printer 400 has a function such as a printer, a FAX machine, or a copier. A functional printing apparatus may be used.
　図３１は、第４の実施の形態のスタッカを示す図である。図３１に示すスタッカ４７１は、文書等が印刷され排紙されたプリンタ用紙を、印刷出力を要求したユーザ毎に区別可能に保持する機構である。各スタッカ４７１は、それぞれ用紙センサ４７１ａを有する。 FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a stacker according to the fourth embodiment. A stacker 471 shown in FIG. 31 is a mechanism that holds the printer paper on which a document or the like is printed and discharged so as to be distinguishable for each user who requests print output. Each stacker 471 has a paper sensor 471a.
　用紙センサ４７１ａは、各スタッカ４７１に設けられており、排紙されたプリンタ用紙を光学的に検出するセンサである。これにより、プリンタ４００は、文書等が印刷出力されたことおよび文書等が印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙の回収の有無を、ユーザ毎に検出することができる。 The paper sensor 471a is provided in each stacker 471 and is a sensor that optically detects the discharged printer paper. Accordingly, the printer 400 can detect, for each user, whether or not a document or the like has been printed out and whether or not the printer paper on which the document or the like has been printed out has been collected.
　用紙センサ４７１ａは、常にまたは一定の時間間隔等の所定の契機で光を照射すると共に、照射した反射光の有無または反射光の強度を検出することで、プリンタ用紙の有無を検出する。例えば、ある用紙センサ４７１ａが反射光を検出すれば、その用紙センサ４７１ａを有するスタッカ４７１上にプリンタ用紙があるとされ、反射光が検出されなければ、プリンタ用紙がないとされる。 The paper sensor 471a detects the presence or absence of the printer paper by irradiating light constantly or at a predetermined trigger such as a fixed time interval and detecting the presence or absence of the reflected light or the intensity of the reflected light. For example, if a certain paper sensor 471a detects reflected light, it is determined that there is printer paper on the stacker 471 having the paper sensor 471a, and if no reflected light is detected, there is no printer paper.
　各用紙センサ４７１ａは、プリンタ用紙の存在を検出すると、検出信号を印刷媒体検出部４２４（図３２において後述）に出力する。また、用紙センサ４７１ａは、プリンタ用紙が存在しなくなったことを検出すると、検出信号の印刷媒体検出部４２４に対する出力を停止する。これにより、印刷媒体検出部４２４は、各スタッカ４７１上に排出されるプリンタ用紙の存在の有無を検出することができる。 Each paper sensor 471a outputs a detection signal to the print medium detection unit 424 (described later in FIG. 32) when detecting the presence of the printer paper. Further, when the paper sensor 471a detects that the printer paper is no longer present, the paper sensor 471a stops outputting the detection signal to the print medium detection unit 424. Accordingly, the print medium detection unit 424 can detect the presence or absence of the printer paper discharged on each stacker 471.
　なお、本実施の形態では、用紙センサ４７１ａは光学的方法でプリンタ用紙を検出するが、これに限らず、プリンタ用紙を、プリンタ用紙の存在の有無を物理的に検出する機械的方法、またはその他の方法で検出してもよい。 In this embodiment, the paper sensor 471a detects the printer paper by an optical method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanical method for physically detecting the presence or absence of the printer paper is available. You may detect by the method of.
　図３２は、第４の実施の形態のプリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。図３２に示すプリンタ４００は、ＬＡＮ１０（図２において前述）を介して接続されたパーソナルコンピュータ（例えば、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００）からの印刷データを受け付けて印刷出力する。プリンタ４００は、通信部４１１、印刷制御部４１２、解除情報検出部４１３、印刷出力部４１４、再印刷制御部４１５、制限通知部４１６、制限解除ログ記録部４２２、印刷媒体検出部４２４および制限指示部４２５を有する。 FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to the fourth embodiment. A printer 400 shown in FIG. 32 receives print data from a personal computer (for example, a personal computer 4500) connected via the LAN 10 (described above in FIG. 2) and prints it out. The printer 400 includes a communication unit 411, a print control unit 412, a release information detection unit 413, a print output unit 414, a reprint control unit 415, a restriction notification unit 416, a restriction release log recording unit 422, a print medium detection unit 424, and a restriction instruction. Part 425.
　通信部４１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してパーソナルコンピュータ４５００が有するＰＣ側通信部４５１１と通信可能である。プリンタ４００は、通信部４１１によって、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００から送信される印刷データを取得すると共に、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The communication unit 411 can communicate with the PC-side communication unit 4511 included in the personal computer 4500 via the LAN 10. The printer 400 acquires print data transmitted from the personal computer 4500 through the communication unit 411 and transmits / receives control data for controlling execution of print output and other data.
　印刷制御部４１２は、印刷出力部４１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部４１３によって用紙センサ４７１ａから送信された解除信号が検出されるまで、印刷出力の印刷指示が行われたパーソナルコンピュータ４５００から行われた、以降の印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行を制限する。そして、印刷制御部４１２は、解除情報検出部４１３によって解除信号が検出された場合、用紙センサ４７１ａ（図３１において前述）が配置されているスタッカ４７１（図３１において前述）に割り当てられているユーザのパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷指示に基づく印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する。解除信号は、解除情報として機能する。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 414, the print control unit 412 receives the print output print instruction until the release information detection unit 413 detects the release signal transmitted from the paper sensor 471a. Execution of print output based on the subsequent print instruction performed from the computer 4500 is restricted. Then, when a release signal is detected by the release information detection unit 413, the print control unit 412 is assigned to the user assigned to the stacker 471 (described above in FIG. 31) in which the paper sensor 471a (described above in FIG. 31) is arranged. The restriction on execution of print output based on the print instruction from the personal computer is released. The release signal functions as release information.
　なお、ここでは、同一のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷出力を、同一のユーザから要求されたものであるとみなして扱うが、これに限らず、各ユーザに対して、各ユーザＩＤ、パスワードや暗証番号等を割り当て、これらに基づいて同一のユーザからの印刷出力であるか否かについて判定し、この判定に基づいて印刷出力やそのユーザが使用しているパーソナルコンピュータの動作を制限してもよい。 Here, print output from the same personal computer is regarded as being requested by the same user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for each user, each user ID, password and password Or the like, and based on these, it may be determined whether or not the print output is from the same user, and based on this determination, the print output and the operation of the personal computer used by the user may be limited.
　印刷制御部４１２は、印刷データに基づく印刷出力がプリンタ用紙において複数枚に亘って出力される場合であって、かつ印刷出力部４１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合において、プリンタ用紙の枚数が所定数未満であるときには、解除情報検出部４１３によって解除信号が検出されるまで、以降の印刷出力部４１４による印刷出力の実行を禁止する。一方、印刷データに基づく印刷出力に使用されるプリンタ用紙の枚数が所定の枚数（例えば、１００枚）以上であるときには、印刷制御部４１２は、制限通知部４１６によって通信部４１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ４５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of sheets on the printer paper and the print output is executed by the print output section 414, the print control unit 412 determines that the number of the printer paper is predetermined. When the number is less than the number, the subsequent print output by the print output unit 414 is prohibited until the release information detection unit 413 detects the release signal. On the other hand, when the number of printer sheets used for print output based on the print data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets), the print control unit 412 causes the communication unit 411 to execute print output by the restriction notification unit 416. Is sent to the personal computer 4500 to notify that the printing is restricted.
　解除情報検出部４１３は、用紙センサ４７１ａから出力された解除信号を受け付け、解除信号を検出する。この解除信号は、用紙センサ４７１ａが印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙が回収されたことを検出するための信号であり、印刷出力の制限を解除するための情報である。ユーザが出力されたプリンタ用紙を回収することにより、この解除信号を解除情報検出部４１３に検出させることで、再びプリンタ４００の制限が解除され、印刷出力が可能になる。 The release information detection unit 413 receives the release signal output from the paper sensor 471a and detects the release signal. This release signal is a signal for detecting that the printer paper on which the print output has been output is collected by the paper sensor 471a, and is information for releasing the restriction on the print output. By collecting the printer paper output by the user and causing the release information detection unit 413 to detect this release signal, the restriction of the printer 400 is released again, and print output becomes possible.
　印刷出力部４１４は、通信部４１１によって受信されたパーソナルコンピュータ４５００からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する。
　また、印刷出力部４１４は、再印刷制御部４１５から出力された再印刷指示を検出した場合、印刷出力部４１４によって出力された印刷出力と同一内容の印刷出力を実行する。 The print output unit 414 executes print output based on the print data from the personal computer 4500 received by the communication unit 411.
When the print output unit 414 detects the reprint instruction output from the reprint control unit 415, the print output unit 414 executes the print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit 414.
　再印刷制御部４１５は、印刷出力部４１４に対して既に出力されたプリンタ用紙と同一内容の印刷出力を実行させる再印刷指示を出力する。なお、再印刷制御部４１５は、同一内容の文書等について所定回数以上は出力しない。無制限に再印刷を行うことを可能とした場合、印刷出力に制限を課す意義が減少するからである。 The reprint control unit 415 outputs a reprint instruction for causing the print output unit 414 to execute a print output having the same contents as the already output printer paper. Note that the reprint control unit 415 does not output a document or the like having the same content more than a predetermined number of times. This is because when it is possible to perform reprinting without limitation, the significance of imposing restrictions on print output decreases.
　制限通知部４１６は、印刷制御部４１２によって印刷出力の実行が制限される場合、通信部４１１に印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知をパーソナルコンピュータ４５００に対して送信させる。 When the print control unit 412 restricts execution of print output, the restriction notification unit 416 causes the communication unit 411 to transmit a print restriction notification for notifying execution of print output to the personal computer 4500. .
　制限解除ログ記録部４２２は、印刷出力部４１４によって再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力された場合、再印刷指示に基づいて印刷が出力されたことを制限解除ログに記録する。 When the print output unit 414 outputs a print based on the reprint instruction, the restriction release log recording unit 422 records that the print is output based on the reprint instruction in the restriction release log.
　印刷媒体検出部４２４は、印刷出力部によって出力されたプリンタ用紙の有無を検出すると共に、検出したプリンタ用紙の有無に基づいて解除情報を解除情報検出部４１３に出力する。 The print medium detection unit 424 detects the presence / absence of printer paper output by the print output unit, and outputs release information to the release information detection unit 413 based on the detected presence / absence of printer paper.
　制限指示部４２５は、印刷出力部４１４によって印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部４１３によって解除信号が検出されるまでパーソナルコンピュータ４５００の動作を制限させることを指示する動作制限指示を、通信部４１１にパーソナルコンピュータ４５００に対して送信させる。 When the print output is executed by the print output unit 414, the restriction instruction unit 425 transmits an operation restriction instruction that instructs to restrict the operation of the personal computer 4500 until the release information detection unit 413 detects a release signal. The unit 411 is transmitted to the personal computer 4500.
　パーソナルコンピュータ４５００は、図２に示すようにＬＡＮ１０によってプリンタ４００と接続された情報処理装置である。パーソナルコンピュータ４５００は、ＰＣ側通信部４５１１、印刷指示部４５１２、情報入力部４５２１および制限実行部４５２６を有する。 The personal computer 4500 is an information processing apparatus connected to the printer 400 via the LAN 10 as shown in FIG. The personal computer 4500 includes a PC side communication unit 4511, a print instruction unit 4512, an information input unit 4521, and a restriction execution unit 4526.
　ＰＣ側通信部４５１１は、ＬＡＮ１０を介してプリンタ４００が有する通信部４１１と通信可能である。パーソナルコンピュータ４５００は、ＰＣ側通信部４５１１によってプリンタ４００と通信することにより、印刷要求、印刷データ、印刷出力の実行を制御する制御データおよびその他のデータを送受信する。 The PC-side communication unit 4511 can communicate with the communication unit 411 included in the printer 400 via the LAN 10. The personal computer 4500 transmits and receives a print request, print data, control data for controlling execution of print output, and other data by communicating with the printer 400 through the PC-side communication unit 4511.
　印刷指示部４５１２は、ユーザによる文書等のプリンタ４００に対する印刷出力の要求を受け付けると共に、その文書等の印刷要求および印刷出力される文書等の印刷データをＰＣ側通信部４５１１にプリンタ４００に対して送信させる。 The print instruction unit 4512 accepts a print output request from the user to the printer 400 such as a document, and sends the print request for the document and the print data of the document to be printed to the PC-side communication unit 4511 to the printer 400. Send it.
　情報入力部４５２１は、ユーザや管理者による、図５において前述したキーボード５８２やマウス５８３等の入力装置の操作を受け付ける入力部である。パーソナルコンピュータ４５００は、情報入力部４５２１により、管理用パスワードその他の情報やプリンタ４００の動作に関する操作を取得する。 The information input unit 4521 is an input unit that receives an operation of an input device such as the keyboard 582 and the mouse 583 described above with reference to FIG. The personal computer 4500 uses the information input unit 4521 to acquire management passwords and other information and operations related to the operation of the printer 400.
　制限実行部４５２６は、制限指示部４２５から送信された動作制限指示に基づいて、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００の動作を制限する。このパーソナルコンピュータ４５００の動作に対する制限は、例えば、すべての操作を不可能にすることができる。 The restriction execution unit 4526 restricts the operation of the personal computer 4500 based on the operation restriction instruction transmitted from the restriction instruction unit 425. This restriction on the operation of the personal computer 4500 can make all operations impossible, for example.
　なお、プリンタ４００は、プリンタの他、印刷機能を有する装置であればプリンタ以外の装置であってもよく、例えば、プリンタやＦＡＸ機、コピー機等の機能を有する多機能型印刷装置であってもよい。 The printer 400 may be a device other than a printer as long as it has a printing function. For example, the printer 400 is a multifunction printing device having functions of a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, and the like. Also good.
　次に、本実施の形態で実行される処理について説明する。
　図３３は、第４の実施の形態の制限解除判定処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。図３３に示す制限解除判定処理は、プリンタ４００において実行される処理である。この制限解除判定処理は、用紙センサ４７１ａによるプリンタ用紙の検出信号を受け付けて、プリンタ４００およびパーソナルコンピュータ４５００（図３２において前述）に課された制限を解除する処理である。制限解除判定処理は、印刷出力実行処理（図１７および図１８において前述）、解除処理（図２０において前述）から呼び出されることによって実行が開始される。 Next, processing executed in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of restriction release determination processing according to the fourth embodiment. The restriction release determination process shown in FIG. 33 is a process executed in the printer 400. This restriction release determination process is a process for releasing a restriction imposed on the printer 400 and the personal computer 4500 (described above in FIG. 32) upon receiving a printer paper detection signal from the paper sensor 471a. The restriction release determination process is started when called from the print output execution process (described above in FIGS. 17 and 18) and the release process (described above in FIG. 20).
　［ステップＳ９１］印刷媒体検出部４２４（図３２において前述）は、ユーザに印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙の回収を促す回収指示画面をモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示させる。回収指示画面については、詳しくは図３５において後述する。 [Step S91] The print medium detection unit 424 (described above in FIG. 32) causes the monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) to display a collection instruction screen that prompts the user to collect the printer paper printed out. Details of the collection instruction screen will be described later with reference to FIG.
　［ステップＳ９２］印刷媒体検出部４２４は、用紙センサ４７１ａにより、文書等が印刷されたプリンタ用紙の有無、すなわちプリンタ４００のスタッカ４７１に排紙されたプリンタ用紙の有無を検出する。印刷媒体検出部４２４は、一旦検出したプリンタ用紙が検出されなくなったことに基づいて、解除情報検出部４１３に解除信号を出力する。 [Step S92] The print medium detection unit 424 uses the paper sensor 471a to detect the presence or absence of printer paper on which a document or the like is printed, that is, the presence or absence of printer paper discharged to the stacker 471 of the printer 400. The print medium detection unit 424 outputs a release signal to the release information detection unit 413 based on the fact that the once detected printer paper is no longer detected.
　ここで、各スタッカ４７１は、ユーザに割り当てられている。これにより、プリンタ用紙の存在を検出した用紙センサ４７１ａを有するスタッカ４７１に基づいて印刷出力を要求したユーザを特定することができる。 Here, each stacker 471 is assigned to a user. Thereby, the user who requested the print output can be specified based on the stacker 471 having the paper sensor 471a that has detected the presence of the printer paper.
　［ステップＳ９３］解除情報検出部４１３は、解除情報を検出したか否かに基づき、印刷物が回収されたか否かについて判定する。すなわち、解除情報検出部４１３は、ステップＳ９２で印刷媒体検出部４２４から出力される解除信号を検出したか否かについて判定する。解除信号を検出していれば、印刷物が回収されたものとして、処理がステップＳ９４に進められる。一方、解除信号を検出していなければ、印刷物が回収されていないものとして、処理がステップＳ９２に進められる。 [Step S93] The cancellation information detection unit 413 determines whether the printed matter has been collected based on whether the cancellation information is detected. That is, the release information detection unit 413 determines whether or not the release signal output from the print medium detection unit 424 is detected in step S92. If the cancel signal is detected, it is assumed that the printed material has been collected, and the process proceeds to step S94. On the other hand, if the release signal is not detected, it is determined that the printed matter has not been collected, and the process proceeds to step S92.
　［ステップＳ９４］印刷媒体検出部４２４は、モニタ５８１に表示されている回収指示画面の表示を終了する。その後、処理は終了して、制限解除判定処理を呼び出した処理に復帰する。 [Step S94] The print medium detection unit 424 ends the display of the collection instruction screen displayed on the monitor 581. Thereafter, the process ends, and the process returns to the process that called the restriction release determination process.
　次に、本実施の形態で表示される表示画面について説明する。
　図３４は、第４の実施の形態の設定画面を示す図である。図３４に示す設定画面４５３１は、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００（図３２において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。設定画面４５３１は、プリンタ４００における印刷出力に基づく制限の内容を設定する設定画面の一例である。 Next, a display screen displayed in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen according to the fourth embodiment. A setting screen 4531 shown in FIG. 34 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 4500 (described above in FIG. 32). A setting screen 4531 is an example of a setting screen for setting the content of restrictions based on the print output in the printer 400.
　設定画面４５３１には、操作制限設定領域４５３１ｄ、ＯＫボタン４５３１ｇおよびキャンセルボタン４５３１ｈが設けられている。
　操作制限設定領域４５３１ｄは、プリンタ４００において印刷出力が実行された後に課される制限を設定する領域である。本実施の形態では、印刷出力の実行後に課される制限は、すべてのＰＣ操作の禁止、次の印刷の禁止およびメッセージ表示のみのうちのいずれか１つを選択することができる。 The setting screen 4531 is provided with an operation restriction setting area 4531d, an OK button 4531g, and a cancel button 4531h.
The operation restriction setting area 4531d is an area for setting restrictions imposed after print output is executed in the printer 400. In the present embodiment, the restriction imposed after execution of print output can select any one of prohibition of all PC operations, prohibition of next printing, and only message display.
　課される制限にすべてのＰＣ操作を設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００では、プリンタ４００に対する印刷要求を行って以降、原則としてすべての操作を行うことができないという制限が課される。ここで、他のパーソナルコンピュータの操作は制限しなくてもよい。 When all PC operations are set to the imposed restrictions, the personal computer 4500 imposes a restriction that, in principle, all operations cannot be performed after making a print request to the printer 400. Here, the operation of other personal computers may not be limited.
　このすべてのＰＣ操作を課される制限に設定する場合、同時に、要求された文書等の印刷出力におけるプリンタ用紙が、所定枚数以上である場合には、ＰＣの操作を制限せずに後述する回収を促すメッセージの表示のみとするように設定することもできる。これにより、大量の印刷を行う場合のみ制限を緩和することにより、印刷を要求したユーザおよびパーソナルコンピュータ４５００の作業効率の大幅な低下を防止することができる。 When all the PC operations are set to the imposed restrictions, and at the same time, if the number of printer sheets in the print output of the requested document or the like is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the collection operation described later is performed without restricting the PC operations. It is also possible to set to display only a message prompting the user. Accordingly, by relaxing the restriction only when a large amount of printing is performed, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in work efficiency of the user who requested printing and the personal computer 4500.
　課される制限に次の印刷の禁止を設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００では、プリンタ４００に対する印刷要求を行って以降、印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙を回収するまでプリンタ４００からの新たな印刷要求に基づく印刷出力が行われないという制限が課される。ここで、他のパーソナルコンピュータからの印刷要求に基づく印刷出力は制限しなくてもよい。 When the next printing prohibition is set to the imposed restriction, the personal computer 4500 makes a print request to the printer 400 and then based on a new print request from the printer 400 until the printed printer paper is collected. There is a restriction that no printout is performed. Here, print output based on a print request from another personal computer may not be limited.
　課される制限にメッセージ表示のみを設定した場合、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００に接続されたモニタ５８１には、プリンタ４００においてユーザの要求に基づく印刷出力が行われた旨をユーザに通知するメッセージ表示が表示される。 When only the message display is set as the restriction to be imposed, the monitor 581 connected to the personal computer 4500 displays a message display notifying the user that the printer 400 has performed the print output based on the user's request. The
　ここで、ユーザが一旦このメッセージ表示を終了させた後、プリンタ用紙の回収および制限の解除のいずれも行われない場合に再度このメッセージ表示を表示させる再表示を設定することができる。また、再表示までの時間間隔を設定することができる。 Here, after the message is once displayed by the user, it is possible to set a redisplay for displaying this message display again when neither the collection of the printer paper nor the release of the restriction is performed. In addition, a time interval until redisplay can be set.
　ＯＫボタン４５３１ｇは、管理者が設定画面４５３１によって入力した内容で設定を新たに取得または更新し、設定画面４５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。キャンセルボタン４５３１ｈは、管理者が設定画面４５３１によって入力した設定の内容を無効にし、設定画面４５３１の表示を終了するボタンである。 The OK button 4531g is a button for newly acquiring or updating the setting with the content input by the administrator on the setting screen 4531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 4531. The cancel button 4531h is a button for invalidating the setting contents input by the administrator on the setting screen 4531 and terminating the display of the setting screen 4531.
　図３５は、第４の実施の形態の回収指示画面を示す図である。図３５に示す回収指示画面４５３２は、パーソナルコンピュータ４５００（図３２において前述）と接続されたモニタ５８１（図５において前述）に表示される画面である。回収指示画面４５３２は、プリンタ４００における印刷出力の後に、ユーザに対して印刷出力された文書等の回収を促す回収指示画面の一例である。 FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a collection instruction screen according to the fourth embodiment. A collection instruction screen 4532 shown in FIG. 35 is a screen displayed on a monitor 581 (described above in FIG. 5) connected to the personal computer 4500 (described above in FIG. 32). The collection instruction screen 4532 is an example of a collection instruction screen that prompts the user to collect a document that has been printed out after the printer 400 prints out.
　回収指示画面４５３２には、ＯＫボタン４５３２ｇが設けられている。また、回収指示画面４５３２には、ユーザに対して印刷出力された文書等の回収を促すメッセージが表示される。 The collection instruction screen 4532 is provided with an OK button 4532g. The collection instruction screen 4532 displays a message that prompts the user to collect the printed document or the like.
　ＯＫボタン４５３２ｇは、ユーザが印刷出力された文書等の回収の指示を確認した後、回収指示画面４５３２の表示を終了するボタンである。
　以上のように、第４の実施の形態によれば、文書等が印刷出力されたプリンタ用紙の有無をセンサによって未回収の文書等を検出することにより、自動的にプリンタ４００およびパーソナルコンピュータ４５００に対して課された制限を解除することができるので、ユーザに抵抗感を与えずに出力されたプリンタ用紙の速やかかつ確実な回収を促すことが可能になる。 The OK button 4532g is a button for ending the display of the collection instruction screen 4532 after the user confirms the instruction for collecting the printed document or the like.
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the printer 400 and the personal computer 4500 are automatically detected by detecting the unrecovered document or the like by the sensor for the presence or absence of the printer paper on which the document or the like is printed out. Since the restriction imposed on the printer paper can be removed, it is possible to promptly and surely collect the output printer paper without giving the user a sense of resistance.
　以上、開示の印刷装置、印刷システムおよび印刷制御方法を、図示の実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、各部の構成は同様の機能を有する任意の構成のものに置換することができる。また、開示の技術に他の任意の構成物や工程が付加されてもよい。また、開示の技術は前述した実施の形態のうちの任意の２以上の構成を組み合わせたものであってもよい。 As described above, the disclosed printing apparatus, printing system, and printing control method have been described based on the illustrated embodiment, but the configuration of each unit can be replaced with any configuration having the same function. In addition, any other component or process may be added to the disclosed technology. Further, the disclosed technique may be a combination of any two or more of the above-described embodiments.
　上記については単に本発明の原理を示すものである。さらに、多数の変形、変更が当業者にとって可能であり、開示の技術は上記に示し、説明した正確な構成および応用例に限定されるものではなく、対応するすべての変形例および均等物は、添付の請求項およびその均等物による本発明の範囲とみなされる。 The above merely shows the principle of the present invention. In addition, many variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and the disclosed technology is not limited to the exact configurations and applications shown and described above, and all corresponding variations and equivalents are The scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
符号の説明Explanation of symbols
　１　印刷装置
　１ａ　通信部
　１ｂ　印刷出力部
　１ｃ　解除情報検出部
　１ｄ　印刷制御部
　２　情報処理装置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 1a Communication part 1b Print output part 1c Release information detection part 1d Print control part 2 Information processing apparatus

Claims (30)

  1. 　通信回線を介して情報処理装置と通信する通信部と、
    　前記通信部によって受信された前記情報処理装置からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する印刷出力部と、
    　解除情報を検出する解除情報検出部と、
    　前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力部による次の前記印刷出力の実行を制限すると共に、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出された場合、前記印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する印刷制御部と、
    　を有することを特徴とする印刷装置。     A communication unit that communicates with the information processing apparatus via a communication line;
    A print output unit that executes print output based on print data from the information processing apparatus received by the communication unit;
    A release information detection unit for detecting release information;
    When the print output is executed by the print output unit, the execution of the next print output by the print output unit is limited until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit, and the release information detection is performed. A printing control unit that removes the restriction on execution of the print output when the release information is detected by a printing unit;
    A printing apparatus comprising:
  2. 　前記印刷制御部は、前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力の印刷指示が行われた前記情報処理装置と同一の前記情報処理装置から行われた、以降の前記印刷指示に基づく前記印刷出力の実行を制限すると共に、前記解除情報検出部によって前記情報処理装置からの前記印刷指示に基づく制限を解除する前記解除情報が検出された場合、前記情報処理装置からの前記印刷指示に基づく前記印刷出力の実行の制限を解除することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The print control unit, when the print output is executed by the print output unit, the information processing apparatus in which a print instruction for the print output is performed until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit; The execution of the print output based on the subsequent print instruction performed from the same information processing apparatus is restricted, and the restriction based on the print instruction from the information processing apparatus is released by the release information detection unit The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when release information is detected, the restriction on execution of the print output based on the print instruction from the information processing apparatus is released.
  3. 　前記印刷出力部は、前記解除情報を前記印刷出力の印刷媒体に出力することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print output unit outputs the release information to a print medium for the print output.
  4. 　前記印刷媒体から前記解除情報を読み取って前記解除情報検出部に出力する解除情報読み取り部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第３項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a release information reading unit that reads the release information from the print medium and outputs the read release information to the release information detection unit.
  5. 　前記印刷出力部によって出力された印刷媒体の有無を検出すると共に、検出した前記印刷媒体の有無に基づいて前記解除情報を出力する印刷媒体検出部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 2. The print medium detection unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a print medium detection unit that detects the presence / absence of a print medium output by the print output unit and outputs the release information based on the detected presence / absence of the print medium. The printing apparatus as described.
  6. 　前記印刷出力の実行の制限を解除するユーザによる操作を受け付けると共に、前記操作に基づいて前記解除情報を出力する解除情報入力部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a release information input unit that receives an operation by a user for releasing the restriction on execution of the print output and outputs the release information based on the operation.
  7. 　前記印刷制御部によって前記印刷出力の実行が制限される場合、前記通信部に前記印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知を前記情報処理装置に対して送信させる制限通知部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 When the execution of the print output is restricted by the print control unit, a restriction notification unit that causes the information processing apparatus to transmit a print restriction notification that notifies the communication unit that the execution of the print output is restricted The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
  8. 　前記印刷制御部は、前記印刷データに基づく前記印刷出力が複数の印刷媒体に亘って出力される場合であって、かつ前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合において、前記印刷媒体の数が所定数未満であるときには、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力部による次の前記印刷出力の実行を禁止する一方、前記印刷媒体の数が所定数以上であるときには、制限通知部によって前記通信部に前記印刷出力の実行を制限していることを通知する印刷制限通知を前記情報処理装置に対して送信させることを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The print control unit is configured to output the print medium when the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of print media and the print output unit executes the print output. When the number is less than a predetermined number, the print output unit prohibits execution of the next print output until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit, while the number of the print media is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. The print restriction notification for notifying the communication unit that execution of the print output is restricted is transmitted to the information processing apparatus by the restriction notification unit. The printing apparatus as described.
  9. 　前記解除情報は、文字、数字、記号のうちの少なくともいずれか１つを有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the release information includes at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  10. 　前記解除情報は、バーコードであることを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the release information is a barcode.
  11. 　前記解除情報は、二次元コードであることを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the release information is a two-dimensional code.
  12. 　前記解除情報は、アトランダムに生成される情報であることを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the release information is information generated at random.
  13. 　前記印刷出力部は、前記印刷データに基づく前記印刷出力が印刷されている面とは異なる面に前記解除情報を印刷することを特徴とする請求の範囲第３項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the print output unit prints the release information on a surface different from a surface on which the print output based on the print data is printed.
  14. 　前記印刷出力部は、前記印刷媒体における前記印刷出力が印刷されている面の前記印刷出力が印刷されている領域よりも外側に前記解除情報を印刷することを特徴とする請求の範囲第３項記載の印刷装置。 The print output unit prints the release information outside a region where the print output is printed on a surface of the print medium on which the print output is printed. The printing apparatus as described.
  15. 　前記印刷出力部は、前記印刷データに基づく前記印刷出力が複数の前記印刷媒体に亘って出力される場合、前記印刷出力における最後の前記印刷媒体に前記解除情報を印刷することを特徴とする請求の範囲第３項記載の印刷装置。 The print output unit, when the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of the print media, prints the release information on the last print medium in the print output. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
  16. 　前記解除情報を生成される毎に変化するように生成する解除情報生成部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第３項記載の印刷装置。 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a release information generation unit that generates the release information so as to change every time the release information is generated.
  17. 　前記解除情報を複数生成する解除情報生成部を有し、
    　前記印刷出力部は、前記印刷媒体中に複数の前記解除情報を分割して出力し、
    　前記印刷制御部は、前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、前記解除情報検出部により、前記解除情報生成部によって生成されたすべての前記解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力部による次の前記印刷出力の実行を制限することを特徴とする請求の範囲第３項記載の印刷装置。     A release information generating unit for generating a plurality of release information;
    The print output unit divides and outputs a plurality of the release information in the print medium,
    When the print output is executed by the print output unit, the print control unit outputs the print output until the release information detection unit detects all the release information generated by the release information generation unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein execution of the next print output by a unit is restricted.
  18. 　前記印刷出力部は、前記印刷データに基づく前記印刷出力が複数の前記印刷媒体に亘って出力される場合、前記印刷出力における最初の前記印刷媒体と最後の前記印刷媒体とに前記解除情報を印刷することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１７項記載の印刷装置。 The print output unit prints the release information on the first print medium and the last print medium in the print output when the print output based on the print data is output over a plurality of the print media. The printing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:
  19. 　管理者を認証し、前記管理者の認証に成功した場合前記解除情報を出力する認証部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit that authenticates an administrator and outputs the release information when the administrator is successfully authenticated.
  20. 　前記認証部による前記管理者の前記認証に成功したことに基づいて前記認証部から前記解除情報が出力された場合、前記認証部による前記認証の成功に基づいて前記制限が解除されたことを示す制限解除ログを記録する制限解除ログ記録部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１９項記載の印刷装置。 When the release information is output from the authentication unit based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit, the restriction is released based on the success of the authentication by the authentication unit 20. The printing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a restriction release log recording unit that records the restriction release log.
  21. 　前記認証部による前記管理者の前記認証に成功したことに基づいて前記認証部から前記解除情報が出力された場合、前記認証部による前記認証の成功に基づいて前記制限が解除されたことを示す制限解除ログを記録させる制限解除ログ通知を前記通信部に前記情報処理装置に対して送信させる制限解除ログ通知部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１９項記載の印刷装置。 When the release information is output from the authentication unit based on the successful authentication of the administrator by the authentication unit, the restriction is released based on the success of the authentication by the authentication unit 20. The printing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a restriction release log notification unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a restriction release log notification for recording a restriction release log to the information processing apparatus.
  22. 　前記印刷出力部に対して既に出力された印刷媒体と同一内容の印刷出力を実行させる再印刷指示を出力する再印刷制御部を有し、
    　前記印刷出力部は、前記再印刷指示を検出した場合、前記印刷出力部によって出力された前記印刷出力と同一内容の前記印刷出力を実行することを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載の印刷装置。     A reprint control unit that outputs a reprint instruction for executing print output of the same content as the print medium that has already been output to the print output unit;
    2. The printing according to claim 1, wherein when the reprint instruction is detected, the print output unit executes the print output having the same content as the print output output by the print output unit. apparatus.
  23. 　前記再印刷制御部は、所定回数以上出力しないことを特徴とする請求の範囲第２２項記載の印刷装置。 The printing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the reprint control unit does not output a predetermined number of times.
  24. 　前記印刷出力部によって前記再印刷指示に基づいて前記印刷が出力された場合、前記再印刷指示に基づいて前記印刷が出力されたことを示す制限解除ログを記録する制限解除ログ記録部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第２２項記載の印刷装置。 A restriction release log recording unit that records a restriction release log indicating that the print is output based on the reprint instruction when the print is output based on the reprint instruction by the print output unit; 23. A printing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein:
  25. 　前記印刷出力部によって前記再印刷指示に基づいて前記印刷が出力された場合、前記再印刷指示に基づいて前記印刷が出力されたことを示す制限解除ログを記録させる制限解除ログ通知を前記通信部に前記情報処理装置に対して送信させる制限解除ログ通知部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第２２項記載の印刷装置。 When the print is output based on the reprint instruction by the print output unit, a restriction release log notification that records a restriction release log indicating that the print is output based on the reprint instruction is sent to the communication unit 23. The printing apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a restriction release log notifying unit that transmits the information to the information processing apparatus.
  26. 通信回線を介して印刷装置と通信する情報処理装置側通信部と、
    　前記情報処理装置側通信部によって前記印刷装置に対して印刷データを送信する印刷指示部と、
    　を有する情報処理装置と、
    　通信回線を介して前記情報処理装置と通信する通信部と、
    　前記通信部によって受信された前記情報処理装置からの前記印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行する印刷出力部と、
    　解除情報を検出する解除情報検出部と、
    　前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力部による次の前記印刷出力の実行を制限すると共に、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出された場合、前記印刷出力の実行の制限を解除する印刷制御部と、
    　を有する印刷装置と、
    　を有することを特徴とする印刷システム。     An information processing apparatus-side communication unit that communicates with the printing apparatus via a communication line;
    A print instruction unit for transmitting print data to the printing apparatus by the information processing apparatus side communication unit;
    An information processing apparatus having
    A communication unit that communicates with the information processing apparatus via a communication line;
    A print output unit for executing print output based on the print data from the information processing apparatus received by the communication unit;
    A release information detection unit for detecting release information;
    When the print output is executed by the print output unit, the execution of the next print output by the print output unit is limited until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit, and the release information detection is performed. A printing control unit that removes the restriction on execution of the print output when the release information is detected by a printing unit;
    A printing device having
    A printing system comprising:
  27. 　前記印刷装置は、前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出されるまで前記情報処理装置の動作を制限させることを指示する動作制限指示を、前記通信部に前記情報処理装置に対して送信させる制限指示部を有し、
    　前記情報処理装置は、前記制限指示部からの前記動作制限指示に基づいて、前記情報処理装置の動作を制限する制限実行部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第２６項記載の印刷システム。     When the print output is executed by the print output unit, the printing apparatus issues an operation restriction instruction that instructs to restrict the operation of the information processing apparatus until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit. , Having a restriction instruction unit that causes the communication unit to transmit to the information processing device,
    27. The printing system according to claim 26, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a restriction execution unit that restricts an operation of the information processing apparatus based on the operation restriction instruction from the restriction instruction unit.
  28. 　前記情報処理装置は、前記解除情報を生成される毎に変化するように生成する解除情報生成部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第２６項記載の印刷システム。 27. The printing system according to claim 26, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a release information generation unit that generates the release information so as to change every time the release information is generated.
  29. 　前記情報処理装置は、ユーザを認証すると共に、前記ユーザの認証に成功した場合前記解除情報を出力する認証部を有することを特徴とする請求の範囲第２６項記載の印刷システム。 27. The printing system according to claim 26, wherein the information processing apparatus includes an authentication unit that authenticates a user and outputs the release information when the user is successfully authenticated.
  30. 　印刷出力部が、通信回線を介して情報処理装置と通信する通信部によって受信された前記情報処理装置からの印刷データに基づいて印刷出力を実行し、
    　印刷制御部が、前記印刷出力部によって前記印刷出力が実行された場合、解除情報検出部によって解除情報が検出されるまで、前記印刷出力部による次の前記印刷出力の実行を制限し、
    　前記印刷制御部が、前記解除情報検出部によって前記解除情報が検出された場合、前記印刷出力の実行の制限を解除することを特徴とする印刷制御方法。     The print output unit executes print output based on the print data from the information processing device received by the communication unit that communicates with the information processing device via a communication line;
    When the print output is executed by the print output unit, the print control unit restricts execution of the next print output by the print output unit until the release information is detected by the release information detection unit,
    The print control method according to claim 1, wherein when the release information is detected by the release information detection unit, the restriction on execution of the print output is released.
PCT/JP2009/056545 2009-03-30 2009-03-30 Printing device, printing system and method for controlling of printing WO2010116461A1 (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103434276A (en) * 2013-07-11 2013-12-11 中国工商银行股份有限公司 Multi-standard printing equipment
CN105034620A (en) * 2015-08-11 2015-11-11 安徽远鸿机械自动化有限公司 Printing method for packaging bags

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Patent Citations (1)

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JP2008242770A (en) * 2007-03-27 2008-10-09 Sky Kk Print system, and its management server and terminal

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103434276A (en) * 2013-07-11 2013-12-11 中国工商银行股份有限公司 Multi-standard printing equipment
CN103434276B (en) * 2013-07-11 2015-10-28 中国工商银行股份有限公司 A kind of multi-standard printing device
CN105034620A (en) * 2015-08-11 2015-11-11 安徽远鸿机械自动化有限公司 Printing method for packaging bags

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