JP2022031302A - Printer, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of enhancing security in printing without requiring labor and time to register user information, and to provide a printing system, a control method and a program.

SOLUTION: When a user selects a document which he/she wants to print and gives a printing instruction for a document list screen displayed on a composite machine after pressing a user icon in a user list screen to log in, it is determined whether it is the first printing or not for the user. In the case of the first printing, the user is made to set a password via a password setting dialogue, and only if this setting is performed, user information (including the password) for generating a user icon is transmitted to another printer. Thereafter, the user icon is displayed in the user list screen on the other printer, and log-in can be performed after the password is input and authenticated when the user icon is pressed.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a method of logging in in a printing device.

Conventionally, a so-called "pull print (stored printing)" printing system that outputs print data from a printing device by making a printing request from the printing device for the print data temporarily stored on the server has been used. Are known.

As a result, the user can output print data from a desired printing device instead of outputting from the application to a specific printing device at the time of printing.

In addition, by realizing a pull print that identifies the job owner of print data, a mechanism that easily realizes a secure pull print without the need to introduce a complicated and high-cost authentication system is disclosed (for example). , Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-060378

However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when a user outputs using a printing device for the first time, a password cannot be given to the user in advance.

Therefore, for example, in a state where a plurality of printing devices are installed, when a user logs in to any of the printing devices, bibliographic information (attributes of print data) including the name of the print data stored in each printing device is included. Since information) is collected and displayed on the display screen as a list of print data, it is possible to refer to the print data on a plurality of linked printing devices, and it is considered that the risk of information leakage increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a printing device, a printing system, a control method, and a program capable of enhancing security at the time of printing without taking the trouble of registering user information. The purpose is to provide.

The present invention for solving the above problems is a printing device that prints print data including user information, and is a storage unit as new user information for acquiring user information from the print data and causing login. A storage means for storing in the storage unit, a display means for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and a display means for displaying the user information on the display unit, the user information is selected, logged in, and then printed. It is characterized by being provided with a receiving means for accepting a password setting related to user information, and a transmitting means for transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the receiving means. ..

According to the present invention, there is an effect that security at the time of printing can be enhanced without taking time and effort for registering user information.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client PC and a server. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of a multifunction device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of print data reception. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of displaying a document list screen. It is a flowchart which shows the output flow of print data. It is a figure which shows an example of a user information file. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage destination information file. It is a figure which shows an example of a bibliographic information file. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a user list screen. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a document list screen. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a password setting dialog. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the password unset dialog. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the user information notification destination selection screen. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a user confirmation screen.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, in the printing system 100 of the present invention, the multifunction devices 102-1 and 102-2 and the client PC 104 are communicably connected via LAN 106. Hereinafter, the multifunction devices 102-1 and 102-1 and 2 will be collectively referred to as a multifunction device 102.

The multifunction device 102-1 and the multifunction device 102-2 are equipped with a print data reception function, an extraction function for extracting journal information indicating the attributes of print data from the print data, and a management function for print data and journal information (multifunction device 102-1). Printing device).

An example of bibliographic information is shown in FIG. The bibliographic information is the correspondence information between the print data and the user who is the job owner (the user corresponding to the print data) of the print data.

Here, the communication port (LPR port, etc.) used for receiving print data and FAX data is set so that data can be received only from a specific device (other multifunction device, own device), and is set from the client PC 104. It is assumed that the data of is not accepted.

When data is transmitted from the client PC 104 to the multifunction device 102, it is assumed that the data is transmitted to the port to be monitored.

Further, the multifunction device 102-2 is a multifunction device on which the name information service is executed (in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the multifunction device 102-2 is executed). It has the same configuration as the multifunction device 102-1 except that the name information service is executed.

The name information service is a service for storing and managing which user's print data is stored in which multifunction device.

A printer driver and a FAX driver are installed in the client PC 104, and these drivers create print data and FAX data based on the data received from the application program, and are designated as a multifunction device via the network (LAN106). It has a function of transmitting to 102.

The above is an example of the configuration of the printing system 100, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and any configuration may be used as long as it is a system including a plurality of multifunction devices.

Hereinafter, an example of the hardware configuration of the client PC in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, 201 is a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204.

Further, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a function executed by a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter, OS) which is a control program of the CPU 201, and each server or each PC. Various programs described later are stored.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, or the like of the CPU 201. The CPU 201 realizes various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for executing a process from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing the loaded program.

Further, 205 is an input controller, which controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209, a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown), or the like. Reference numeral 206 denotes a video controller, which controls the display on a display such as a CRT display (CRT) 210.

Although it is described as CRT210 in FIG. 2, the display device may be not only the CRT but also another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

The 207 is a memory controller, which is connected to a hard disk (HDD) for storing boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, various data, etc., a flexible disk (FD), or a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter. It controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a communication I / F controller, which connects and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

The CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by, for example, executing an outline font expansion (rasterization) process in the display information area in the RAM 202. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 210.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction device in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, 316 is a controller unit, which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By doing so, image data and device information can be input and output.

In the controller unit 316, 301 is a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. The 302 is a RAM, which is a system network memory for operating the CPU 301, a program memory for recording a program, and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

Reference numeral 303 is a ROM, which stores a system boot program and various control programs. Reference numeral 304 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD), which stores various programs, image data, and the like for controlling the system.

Reference numeral 307 is an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F), which is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308.

Further, the operation unit I / F 307 plays a role of transmitting information (for example, user information and the like) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

The operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

Reference numeral 305 is a network interface (network I / F), which is connected to a network (LAN) to input / output data. Reference numeral 306 is a modem (MODEM), which is connected to a public line to input / output data such as transmission / reception of FAX.

Reference numeral 318 is an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE1394, a printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, it is for reading an IC card required for authentication. Card reader 319 is connected to an external I / F 318.

Then, the CPU 301 can control the reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire the information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

Reference numeral 320 is an image bus interface (image bus I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and the image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

The image bus 315 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE 1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a raster image processor (RIP), which expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

Reference numeral 311 is a printer interface (printer I / F), which connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

Further, 313 is a scanner interface (scanner I / F), which connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

Reference numeral 317 is an image processing unit, which corrects, processes, and edits the input image data, corrects the printer, converts the resolution of the print output image data, and the like.

In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs compression / decompression processing of image data, JPEG for multi-valued image data, JBIG, MMR, MH, etc. for binary image data.

The scanner 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor to convert it into an electrical signal as raster image data.

The manuscript paper is set in the tray of the manuscript feeder, and when the device user gives an instruction to read and start from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the manuscript paper one by one to read the manuscript image. I do.

The printer 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper, and the method is an electrophotographic method using a photoconductor drum or a photoconductor belt, and ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array to directly image on paper. There is an inkjet method for printing, but any method may be used.

The start of the print operation is started by the instruction from the CPU 301. The printer 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there is a paper cassette corresponding to the plurality of paper feed stages.

The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, a touch panel sheet is attached on the LCD, displays the operation screen of the system, and when the displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F307. Is transmitted to the CPU 301 via. Further, the operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting the reading operation of the original image. In the center of the start key, there is a two-color LED of green and red, and the color indicates whether the start key is ready for use.

Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation during operation. Further, the ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used to initialize the settings from the operation unit.

The card reader 319 reads the information stored in the IC card (for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) of Sony Corporation) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. Notify CPU 301.

With the above configuration, the multifunction devices 102-1 and 2 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 103, and the print data received from the LAN can be printed out by the printer 312.

Further, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312. The above is the explanation of FIG.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The programs and services described in this embodiment are installed in the multifunction device as software.

Further, each step is executed by the CPU (CPU 201 or CPU 301) of each device (client PC 104 or multifunction device 102-1, 102-2).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing relating to reception of print data in the present embodiment.

In step S100, the printer driver of the client PC 104 transmits the print data to the multifunction device 102-1 in response to the print instruction from the user.

In step S101, the multifunction device 102-1 receives the print data transmitted by the client PC 104 in step S100 at the print data reception port (LPR515 port or RAW9100 port) monitored in advance.

In step S102, the multifunction device 102-1 acquires the model name (for example, MFP5050) of the printer driver used for creating the print data from the client PC 104 from the acquired print data. It is assumed that the corresponding model name is given to the header of the print data by the printer driver.

The model name acquired here may be configured to be used when determining a model to which the generated print data can be output.

For example, by grouping each model and grouping and managing the model information in the group information that can be output, it is possible to output to the models belonging to the same group.

In step S103, the journal information service of the multifunction device 102-1 extracts the journal information of various print data included in the header of the print data received from the client PC 104.

That is, steps S102 to S103 are processes for acquiring bibliographic information for managing the print data in response to the acceptance of the print data.

In step S104, the multifunction device 102-1 creates a bibliographic information file including the bibliographic information extracted in step S103, and stores the bibliographic information file in a predetermined directory (for example, a predetermined storage area of an external memory) of the multifunction device 102-1. ..

FIG. 9 shows the structure of the journal information file for managing the journal information, and the journal information file has a job ID for uniquely identifying the print data, a file name of the print data, and print data. The user ID for uniquely identifying the logged-in user who issued the print instruction, the date indicating the date and time when the print instruction was issued, the number of pages of print data, the number of copies, the status indicating the print status, and whether the printed matter is printed in color. Alternatively, it includes a document color that identifies whether to print in monochrome, a printing method that indicates a printing format such as one-sided or double-sided, a page layout that indicates 1in1, 2in1, etc., and a paper size to be output.

In step S105, the multifunction device 102-1 extracts the storage destination information included in the header of the print data received from the client PC 104, creates a storage destination information file including the storage destination information, and creates the multifunction device 102-. It is stored in a predetermined directory of 1 (for example, a predetermined storage area of an external memory).

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the storage destination information file that manages the storage destination information, and the storage destination information file is a user ID for uniquely identifying the login user for the client PC 104, which is used by the user. The computer name of the client PC 104, the printer group to which the multifunction device that stores the print data belongs, the host name (IP address) that indicates the IP address of the multifunction device that stores the print data, and the date and time when the storage destination information was stored. It is configured to include the update date and time indicating.

In step S106, the multifunction device 102-1 extracts the user information included in the header of the print data received from the client PC 104, creates a user information file including the user information, and determines the predetermined device 102-1. Store in a directory (for example, a predetermined storage area of an external memory).

FIG. 7 shows the structure of the user information file, and the user information file includes a user ID 701 for uniquely identifying a logged-in user for the client PC 104, a computer name 702 of the client PC 104 used by the user, and the like. A button display name 703 indicating a display name for an icon displayed on the user list screen when logging in to the compound machine 102 is provided.

Further, the user information file indicates the password 704 to be entered after pressing the icon, the group ID 705 for uniquely identifying the group to which the user belongs, and the date and time when the user information in the user information file is updated. It is provided with an update date and time 706, and an initial print flag 707 indicating whether or not printing is the first time since the icon was generated.

In this step, when the user information file is stored, if the combination of the user name and the computer name included in the header of the print data exists in the user information file, the update date and time 706 of the user information file is updated.

If the combination of user name and computer name does not exist, add user information to the user information file.

When adding instead of updating in this way, the button display name 703, password 704, and group ID 705 are set to be empty, and the initial print flag 707 is set to TRUE and initialized.

In step S107, the multifunction device 102-1 stores the print data received from the client PC 104 in a predetermined directory (HDD 304) of the multifunction device 102-1 with a unique file name generated at the time of receiving the print data.

That is, steps S104 to S107 are processes for storing print data, bibliographic information, storage destination information, and user information.

In step S108, the value of the initial print flag 707 of the user information file saved in step S106 is acquired for the combination of the user name and the computer name included in the header of the print data.

If the value of the first print flag 707 of the acquired user information is FALSE, the process proceeds to step S109, and if the value of the first print flag 707 of the user is TRUE, this process ends.

In step S109, the multifunction device 102-1 transmits (notifies) the storage destination information to the multifunction device 102-2 in which the name information service is functioning.

The storage destination information referred to here is the identification information (here, the IP address) of the multifunction device (here, the multifunction device 102-1) in which the print data is stored, and the user name included in the bibliographic information of the stored print data. Information in combination with (information stored in the storage destination information file).

It is assumed that the information of the device of the transmission destination (notification destination) of the storage destination information (for example, the IP address of the multifunction device 102-2) is stored in the external memory of each multifunction device 102 in advance.

In step S110, the multifunction device 102-1 transmits (notifies) user information (information stored in the user information table) to the multifunction device 102-2 in which the name information service is functioning.

It is assumed that the information of the device of the transmission destination (notification destination) of the user information (for example, the IP address of the multifunction device 102-2) is stored in the external memory of each multifunction device 102 in advance.

In step S111, the multifunction device 102-2 receives the storage destination information transmitted in step S109.

In step S112, the multifunction device 102-2 receives the user information transmitted in step S110.

In step S113, the multifunction device 102-2 stores the storage destination information received in step S111 as a storage destination information file in the external memory.

In step S114, the multifunction device 102-2 stores the user information received in step S112 in the external memory as a user information file.

Next, the flow of displaying the document list screen in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S200, the user information file stored in the external memory of the multifunction device 102-1 is acquired in step S106.

In step S201, the storage destination information file stored in the external memory of the multifunction device 102-1 is acquired in step S105.

In step S202, the multifunction device 102-1 displays the user list screen as shown in FIG. 10 on the operation unit 308 based on the user information file acquired in step S200.

The user list screen is a screen displayed when logging in to the multifunction device 102, and user icons (1008 to 1011) of each user are displayed, and the user can log in by pressing the user icon. It becomes.

Further, the user list screen includes a narrowing condition selection list 1001 for selecting conditions for narrowing down user icons to be displayed. For example, when the user is classified by a group to which the user belongs, the group is narrowed down. When selected from the condition selection list 1001, only the user icons of the users belonging to the selected group are displayed.

Further, the user list screen is pressed when setting setting items such as the user icon addition button 1002 for pressing to additionally display the user icon and the setting of the display order of the user icons displayed on the user list screen. It is provided with a setting button 1003 for the operation.

In step S203, if it is determined that the user icon addition button 1002 has been pressed (step S204: TRUE), the process proceeds to step S204, and if it is not determined that the user icon addition button 1002 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S213. ..

In step S204, the multifunction device 102-1 displays a user confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the operation unit 308.

The user confirmation screen has security problems when adding a user icon to the user list screen, which user's user icon should be added, and if another user's user icon is added without permission. It prompts the user to enter a password for the user icon of the user.

The user confirmation screen includes an input area 1503 for inputting user information such as a user name, a computer name, and a password, and is input to the cancel button 1501 and the input area 1503 for pressing when stopping the addition of an icon. It is provided with an OK button 1502 to be pressed when starting an icon addition process with the user information.

In step S205, when it is determined that the OK button 1502 is pressed (step S205: TRUE), the process proceeds to step S206, and when it is determined that the cancel button 1501 is pressed, the user icon addition process is performed. It is determined that the cancellation has been made, and the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S206, the multifunction device 102-1 acquires the user information (here, the user name, the PC name, the password) input on the user confirmation screen, and causes the multifunction device 102-2 in which the name information service is functioning. A confirmation request for user information is sent to the user information.

In step S207, the multifunction device 102-2 receives the user information confirmation request.

In step S208, it is determined whether or not the user information file stored in the external memory of the multifunction device 102-2 includes the user information acquired in step S207. If user information is included, the user information is acquired.

In step S209, the multifunction device 102-2 generates the user confirmation result of step S208 and transmits it to the multifunction device 102-1.

In step S210, the multifunction device 102-1 receives the user confirmation result and adds the user information included in the user confirmation result to the user information file.

In step S211 it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful from the user confirmation result received in step S210.

If the authentication is successful (step S211: TRUE), the process proceeds to step S212. If the authentication fails (step S211: FALSE), the process proceeds to step S213, the user list screen is displayed, and the user icon is waited to be pressed by the user.

In step S212, the multifunction device 102-1 adds and updates the user icon of the user to the user list screen based on the user information file.

In step S213, when it is determined that the user icon (any of 1008 to 1011 in FIG. 11) displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction device 102-1 is pressed (step S213: TRUE), , The process proceeds to step S214.

In step S214, the multifunction device 102-1 searches the storage destination information file stored in the external memory for the user selected in step S213, and acquires the storage destination information of the print data of the user.

Based on the acquired storage destination information, the document list acquisition request of the user is transmitted to the multifunction device 102-2. Here, if there are a plurality of storage destination multifunction devices, the processes of steps S214 to S218 are performed for all the multifunction devices.

In step S215, the multifunction device 102-2 receives the document list acquisition request.

In step S216, the bibliographic information of the user is acquired from the bibliographic information file of the multifunction device 102-2.

In step S217, the multifunction device 102-2 transmits the bibliographic information of the user acquired in step S216 to the multifunction device 102-1.

In step S218, the bibliographic information of the print data stored in the multifunction device 102-2 of the user is received.

In step S219, the bibliographic information received in step S218 is sorted according to the setting of the display order of the document list on the multifunction device.

In step S220, the document list screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the operation unit 308 based on the bibliographic information sorted in step S219.

The document list screen shown in FIG. 11 is a screen for displaying the bibliographic information of the user in a list, and the user selects a record to be printed from this list and presses the print start button 1101 to correspond to the selected record. Print the print data.

Next, the flow of print data output processing in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S300, the multifunction device 102-1 displays the document list screen on the operation unit 308.

In step S301, the multifunction device 102-1 accepts a print data selection operation for the document list screen displayed in step S300.

In step S302, the multifunction device 102-1 receives a print instruction by detecting that the print start button 1101 is pressed with respect to the print data selected in step S301.

In step S303, the multifunction device 102-1 sets the value of the initial print flag 707 of the user information file for the user (user displaying the document list screen) corresponding to the user icon selected in step S213 of FIG. get.

If the acquired value of the initial print flag 707 is FALSE, the process proceeds to step S304, and if it is TRUE, the process proceeds to step S311.

In step S304, the multifunction device 102-1 transmits a print instruction request (print data acquisition request) to the multifunction device 102-2 that stores print data.

In step S305, the multifunction device 102-2 receives the print instruction request transmitted in step S304.

In step S306, the multifunction device 102-2 receives the print instruction request in step S305 and acquires print data.

In step S307, the multifunction device 102-2 transmits the print data acquired in step S306 to the multifunction device 102-1 that is the source of the print instruction request.

In step S308, the multifunction device 102-1 receives the print data transmitted in step S307.

In step S309, the multifunction device 102-1 prints the print data received in step S308.

In step S310, the multifunction device 102-1 displays the document list screen on the operation unit 308. At this time, the display of the document list screen updates the information of the document list as appropriate according to the display setting of the multifunction device 102-1.

For example, if the printed document is not displayed in the list, the printed data output in step S309 is not displayed in the document list.

In step S311, printing is executed with respect to the print data of the user selected by the multifunction device 102-1 selected in step S301.

In step S312, the multifunction device 102-1 displays a password setting dialog as shown in FIG.

The password setting dialog is a screen for assigning a password to the user icon when the user icon of the user is generated for the first time and printing is performed by pressing the generated user icon.

This makes it possible to log in by entering the password set in this password setting dialog the next time the user icon is pressed.

The password setting dialog includes a password input area 1203 for inputting this password, a password confirmation input area 1204 for confirming whether the password input in the password input area 1203 is appropriate, and further sets a password. It is provided with a cancel button 1201 for pressing when not performing, and an OK button 1202 for pressing when setting a password.

In step S313, when the cancel button 1201 or the OK button 1202 is pressed with an empty password set in the password setting dialog displayed in step S312 (step S313: TRUE), the process is performed in step S314. Move to. When the OK button 1202 is pressed with the password entered (step S313: FALSE), the process proceeds to step S316.

In step S314, the multifunction device 102-1 displays a password unset dialog as shown in FIG.

The password not set dialog is a screen for notifying the user that the password has not been set for the user icon. To close this password unset dialog, press the close button 1301.

As a result, the list of print data is displayed on other multifunction devices that cooperate with the user, and the user is notified that the risk of printing by a third party increases.

In step S315, when it is determined that the close button 1301 of the password unset dialog displayed in step S314 is pressed (step S315: TRUE), the process proceeds to step S316.

In step S316, the multifunction device 102-1 displays a user information notification destination selection screen as shown in FIG.

The user information notification destination selection screen is a screen for selecting another multifunction device 102 for which a user icon is to be displayed.

On the user information notification destination selection screen, a list of multifunction devices 102 is displayed, and by selecting the selection field 1402 for selecting the multifunction device 102 for which the user icon is to be displayed and pressing the OK button 1401, the user icon is displayed. It is possible to set the multifunction device 102 for which you want to display.

In step S317, when it is determined that the OK button 1401 on the user information notification destination selection screen displayed in step S316 is pressed (step S317: TRUE), the selected multifunction device information is acquired and processing is performed in step S318. Move to.

In step S318, the password entered in the password setting dialog is set in the password 704 of the user in the user information file stored in the external memory of the multifunction device 102-1, and the value of the initial print flag 707 is set to FALSE. Set.

As a result, the next time the user's print data is received by any multifunction device, the storage destination information will be notified to the linked multifunction device, so the user icon will be sent to all other multifunction devices. Is displayed. At that time, the processing of steps S203 to S212 in FIG. 5 becomes unnecessary.

In step S319, the multifunction device 102-1 displays the user list screen on the operation unit 308.

In step S320, the storage destination information of the user is transmitted to the multifunction device 102 of the user information notification destination selected in step S317.

In step S321, the user information of the user is transmitted to the multifunction device 102 of the user information notification destination selected in step S317.

In step S322, the multifunction device 102-1 receives the storage destination information transmitted in step S320.

In step S323, the multifunction device 102-1 receives the user information transmitted in step S321.

In step S324, the storage destination information received by the multifunction device 102-2 in step S322 is stored in the storage destination information file.

In step S325, the multifunction device 102-2 stores the user information received in step S323 in the user information file.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to enhance security at the time of printing without taking the trouble of registering user information.

Further, an object of the present invention is to allow a computer (or CPU or MPU) of a system or an apparatus to read and execute the program code from a storage medium storing the program code that realizes the procedure of the flowchart shown in the above-described embodiment. Also achieved by. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the program code and the storage medium in which the program code is stored also constitutes one of the present inventions.

As the storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. be able to.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized. It also includes a case where an OS (operating system) or the like running on a computer performs a part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the processing realizes the function of the above-described embodiment.

Further, the following cases are also included. The program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instruction of the program code, the function expansion board, the CPU provided in the function expansion unit, or the like performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the function of the above-described embodiment.

100 Printing system 102 Multifunction device 104 Client PC
106 LAN

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a printing device , a control method, and a program capable of enhancing security at the time of printing without taking the trouble of registering user information. With the goal.

The present invention for solving the above problems includes an acquisition means for acquiring print data including user information, and an acquisition means .
A setting means for setting a password based on an input from a user when a user performs printing for the first time indicated by user information included in the print data acquired by the acquisition means .
It is characterized by having a notification means for notifying other printing devices of user information including a password set by the setting means and information indicating the user.

An example of bibliographic information is illustrated in FIG. The bibliographic information is the correspondence information between the print data and the user who is the job owner (the user corresponding to the print data) of the print data.

In step S213, when it is determined that the user icon (any of 1008 to 1011 in FIG. 10 ) displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction device 102-1 is pressed (step S213: TRUE), , The process proceeds to step S214.

In step S 323 , the multifunction device 102-2 receives the storage destination information transmitted in step S320.

In step S324 , the multifunction device 102-2 receives the user information transmitted in step S321.

In step S 325 , the storage destination information received by the multifunction device 102-2 in step S 323 is stored in the storage destination information file.

In step S 326 , the multifunction device 102-2 stores the user information received in step S 324 in the user information file.

Claims (7)

A printing device that prints print data including user information.
A storage means for acquiring user information from the print data and storing it in a storage unit as new user information for logging in.
A display means for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and
After selecting the user information, logging in, printing, and then receiving means to accept the password setting related to the user information,
A transmission means for transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the reception means, and a transmission means.
A printing device characterized by being equipped with. An additional receiving means for accepting a password input when receiving an additional instruction for the new user information to the display unit.
Claim 1 is characterized in that when an additional instruction is received by the additional reception means, if the entered password and the password received by the reception means match, new user information is displayed on the display unit. The printing device described in. The printing devices that print the print data including the user information are printing systems connected via a network, respectively.
The printing system is
A storage means for acquiring user information from the print data and storing it in a storage unit as new user information for logging in.
A display means for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and
After selecting the user information, logging in, printing, and then receiving means to accept the password setting related to the user information,
A transmission means for transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the reception means, and a transmission means.
A printing system characterized by being equipped with. It is a control method of a printing device that prints print data including user information.
The printing device is
A storage step of acquiring user information from the print data and storing it in a storage unit as new user information for logging in.
A display step for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and
After selecting the user information, logging in, and printing, the reception step for accepting the password setting related to the user information, and
A transmission step of transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the reception step, and a transmission step.
A method of controlling a printing device, which comprises performing. A program that can be read and executed by a printing device that prints print data including user information.
The printing device
A storage means for acquiring user information from the print data and storing it in a storage unit as new user information for logging in.
A display means for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and
After selecting the user information, logging in, printing, and then receiving means to accept the password setting related to the user information,
A transmission means for transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the reception means, and a transmission means.
A program to make it work. A printing device that prints print data including user information is a control method for a printing system connected via a network.
The printing system is
A storage step of acquiring user information from the print data and storing it in a storage unit as new user information for logging in.
A display step for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and
After selecting the user information, logging in, and printing, the reception step for accepting the password setting related to the user information, and
A transmission step of transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the reception step, and a transmission step.
A method of controlling a printing system, characterized by the execution of. A printing device that prints print data including user information is a program that can be read and executed by a printing system connected via a network.
The printing system
A storage means for acquiring user information from the print data and storing it in a storage unit as new user information for logging in.
A display means for displaying user information including new user information stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and
After selecting the user information, logging in, printing, and then receiving means to accept the password setting related to the user information,
A transmission means for transmitting the new user information to another printing device after receiving the password by the reception means, and a transmission means.
A program to make it work.

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