JP5167200B2 - Print job extraction apparatus and print system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print system that records one or more print job data as a log.

  Conventionally, a print system in which a user's client PC and a printer are connected via a network is known. The print job is sent from the client PC to the printer server and spooled, and then sent from the printer server to the printer for printing. The printer server stores job data of a print job that has been subjected to print processing (referred to as print job data in the present specification) for a predetermined period. Used for printing.

  In the conventional print system, in order to make it easy to find the print job data, the information included in the print job data such as the name of the application that created the document related to the print job data and the name of the client PC is stored in the client. A technique of presenting to a user by displaying on a display of a PC or printer is known (for example, a print system described in Patent Document 1). In addition, when displaying information included in print job data on a display and presenting it to a user, a technique for grouping print job data having the same client PC name is known (for example, Patent Document 2). Printing system described).

JP-A-9-330190 JP 2001-205863 A

  However, recent printer servers have a hard disk with a larger capacity than the conventional storage area. As a result, the number of print job data stored in the printer server also increases, so that information about a larger amount of print job data than before is displayed on the display. In such a case, finding out desired print job data from a large amount of print job data is a troublesome operation for the user. In particular, when a person other than the user who created the print job data (hereinafter simply referred to as the creator) tries to find the print job data, the document name or the print time related to the print job data is unknown. It is difficult to specify print job data.

  Further, even if the print job data is displayed grouped based on the client PC name, the name of the client PC can be freely set and changed, so that the creator who created the print job data from the name of the client PC May not be easily identified. If it is not easy to specify the creator from the client PC name as described above, it is desirable for a person different from the creator even if the information about the print job data is grouped for each client PC. Specifying print job data is still not easy.

  An object of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a print job extraction technique that makes it possible to specify print job data easier than before.

Further, another aspect of the present invention provides information relating to a disclosure range restriction that individually defines for each user identification information which of a plurality of processing items can be executed for target print job data. Print job data associated with information on access restriction that individually defines, for each print job data, which of the plurality of processing items can be executed for part or all of the data is acquired, and predetermined A storage control unit that records as a log in the storage area, information on an extraction criterion based on at least one parameter relating to a print condition and the operation input that are associated with the print job data based on a user operation input An extraction criterion acquisition unit that acquires the user identification information indicating a user who performs the extraction criterion, and the extraction criterion acquired by the extraction criterion acquisition unit Based on the information about, an extraction unit configured to extract the print job data satisfying the extraction criterion among one or more of the print job data, associated with the extracted print job data extracted by said extraction unit Of the plurality of processing items based on the information on the access restriction and the information on the disclosure range restriction associated with the user identification information acquired by the extraction criterion acquisition unit. A process that does not permit execution of the process in at least one of the information related to the disclosure range and the information related to the disclosure range restriction, and a process restriction unit that does not allow the user corresponding to the user identification information to execute the extracted print job data ; , And a printing system.

Further, another aspect of the present invention provides information relating to a disclosure range restriction that individually defines for each user identification information which of a plurality of processing items can be executed for target print job data. Print job data including information on access restriction that defines for each print job data which of the plurality of processing items can be executed for a part or all of the data, and a predetermined storage area as a log Based on at least one parameter relating to printing conditions included in the print job data and the user identification information relating to the user performing the operation input based on the user's operation input The one or more print job data to be recorded based on the acquired information on the extraction criteria Print job data to extract, extracted said user identification information information relating to the opening range limit which is associated with the extraction print job data are information and acquired relating to the access limit which is associated with the being to meet the output criteria Based on the above, the processing that does not permit the execution of the processing in at least one of the information on the access restriction and the information on the disclosure range restriction among the plurality of processing items is performed by the user corresponding to the user identification information The present invention relates to a print job management method that does not permit execution of the extracted print job data .

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to specify print job data more easily than in the past.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the print system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of information included in the print job data in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a user authentication screen for authenticating a user in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram according to the printer server 101 in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a print job extraction request screen for accepting a print job extraction request in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary view of an editing screen for editing the print job extraction rule in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a Web page that displays information included in the extracted print job data in a display mode according to the print job extraction rule in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram of a Web page that displays information included in the extracted print job data in a display mode according to the print job extraction rule in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a Web page that displays information included in the extracted print job data in a display mode according to the print job extraction rule in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a print setting screen for executing print processing for extracted print job data in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of a print job generation instruction screen for causing the client PC 102 to generate print job data in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of a template file related to the disclosure range restriction stored in the storage unit 11 in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of a template file related to access restriction stored in the storage unit 11 in the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of processing related to user authentication in the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flow of print job extraction processing in the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram according to the printer server 101 in another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the print system of the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the print system includes a printer server 101, one or more client PCs 102, one or more MFPs (Multi Function Peripheral) 103, and an authentication server 104. Each component is connected via a network such as a LAN, a WAN, or a wireless LAN.

  Here, each component of the printer server 101, the client PC 102, and the authentication server 104 has standard elements mounted on a general-purpose computer. For example, such standard elements include a storage area such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, hard disk, and external storage device, a network interface, a display, a keyboard, and a mouse. Similarly, the MFP 103 also includes standard areas such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a storage area such as a hard disk, a scanner, a printer, a display, an operation unit such as a touch panel and buttons, and a network interface for communicating with the outside through a network. It has various elements.

  The CPU (CPU 101a of the printer server 101, CPU 102a of the client PC 102, CPU 103a of the MFP 103, and CPU 104a of the authentication server 104) included in each component is a storage area (a storage area 101b of the printer server 101, a storage area of the client PC 102). 102b, a storage area 103b of the MFP 103, and a storage area 104b of the authentication server 104) are executed, whereby a document can be created or modified. Further, the client PC 102 can generate print job data for a document created by an application by processing using a printer driver 102d (corresponding to a job data generation unit) mounted as a program.

  Hereinafter, each component of the print system will be described in detail. First, the printer server 101 acquires print job data, sends the print job data to the MFP 103 according to the print processing waiting status of the MFP 103, and analyzes the acquired print job data to determine the contents. Record as a log. In addition, the printer server 101 extracts print job data based on a print job extraction request acquired from the client PC 102 or the MFP 103 and displays at least a part of information included in the extracted print job data (see FIG. 7 to 9 (details will be described later). Here, the print job extraction request includes information for specifying a rule for extracting print job data (hereinafter referred to as a print job extraction rule) and an extraction criterion based on at least one parameter regarding the print condition. This is accompanied by at least one of timing (for example, specific date and time) when information or print job data is generated or information about an extraction criterion based on a period. The printer server 101 extracts print job data satisfying the extraction criteria based on the information about the print job extraction rule and at least one of the extraction criteria, and the print job extraction rule used in the extraction is extracted. The web page is configured so that at least a part of the information included in the print job data is displayed in a corresponding display mode.

  In this specification, the printing condition is a condition that can be set when newly creating print job data or when printing newly stored print job data. Examples thereof include the number of copies to be printed on a medium, color mode, double-sided printing, Nin1 printing (also referred to as N-up printing) in which a plurality of images are reduced and printed on a single paper medium. In the present embodiment, the printing condition used as the extraction criterion for the printing condition is, for example, a printing condition set when generating print job data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing conditions set when printing stored print job data may be used.

  In this embodiment, the print job data is job data for printing a document file created using an application, which can be generated by a printer driver mounted on the client PC 102, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the print job data includes the number of copies, the print date and time (date and time generated by the client PC 102, corresponding to when the print job data is generated), and the client PC 102 related to print job data generation. In addition to information on the user name, document file title, color mode, double-sided printing, Nin1 printing, information on the disclosure range restriction and access restriction described later, a document file (printing target) is included.

  The client PC 102 creates and edits a document using an installed application program. Further, the client PC 102 generates print job data for the document using the mounted printer driver 102 d and sends the print job data to the MFP 103 via the printer server 101. Further, the client PC 102 sends a print job extraction request to the printer server 101 via the network interface based on an input from a user who desires to extract print job data (hereinafter simply referred to as a requester). Furthermore, the client PC 102 can access a Web page configured by the printer server 101 and display part or all of job data related to the extracted print job on the display 102d. In addition, the client PC 102 can execute browsing, downloading, and printing processing of a document related to the extracted print job data using the Web page.

  The MFP 103 has a monochrome or color copy function, a monochrome or color scanner function, a function for performing monochrome printing or color printing based on print job data acquired from the printer server 101 via a network, and the like. The MFP 103 includes a display 103c, a graphical display equipped with a touch panel sensor, and an operation unit 103d configured with dedicated buttons, status display LEDs, and the like that are frequently used for numerical values, start, and cancel. Therefore, like the client PC 102, the MFP 103 can configure a print job extraction request based on the input work from the requester using the operation unit 103d and send it to the printer server 101 via the network interface. Further, the MFP 103 can access a Web page (FIGS. 7 to 9) configured by the printer server 101 and display part or all of the information included in the extracted print job data on the display 103c. In addition, the MFP 103 can execute browsing, downloading, and printing processing of a document related to the extracted print job data using the Web page.

  In the present embodiment, the client PC 102 or MFP 103 uses the user authentication screen 110 displayed on the display 102c or 103c of the client PC 102 or MFP 103 as shown in FIG. 3 to identify the user. (Hereinafter simply referred to as user identification information). Further, the MFP 103 may acquire the user identification information by using an authentication card reader 105 attached to the MFP 103 for acquiring the identification information included in the ID card 106 owned by the requester. The acquired user identification information is sent to the authentication server 104 to be described later via the network interface. The user identification information acquired using the user authentication screen and the user identification information acquired using the authentication card reader 105 may be the same or different.

  The authentication server 104 uses the user authentication screen displayed on the display 102c or 103c of the client PC 102 or the MFP 103 or the user identification information acquired from the ID card 106 owned by the requester using the authentication card reader 105 as the authentication server 104. It is determined whether it is included in any of the information regarding one or a plurality of users stored in advance in the server 104. If the acquired user identification information is included in any of the information relating to the user stored in advance, the authentication server 104 indicates that the print job data extraction process can be executed by the client PC 102 or Notify the MFP 103. When the client PC 102 or the MFP 103 acquires the notification, the client PC 102 or the MFP 103 sends a print job extraction request based on an input from the requester.

  Next, the block configuration of the print job data extraction function provided in the printer server 101 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The printer server 101 includes a storage unit 11, a storage control unit 12, an extraction reference acquisition unit 13, an extraction unit 14, and an information providing unit 15. The storage unit 11 stores print job data as a log. The storage control unit 12 acquires print job data generated by the printer driver 102 d of the client PC 102, records and stores it as a log in the storage unit 11, and sends the stored print job data to the MFP 103. The extraction criterion acquisition unit 13 acquires information about print job extraction rules and extraction criteria for extracting print job data based on the operation input of the requester. The extraction unit 14 extracts print job data satisfying the extraction criteria from one or a plurality of recorded print job data, based on the print job extraction rule and the information on the extraction criteria acquired by the extraction criterion acquisition unit 13. . The information providing unit 15 provides part or all of job data relating to the extracted print job in a display mode according to the print job extraction rule. In the present embodiment, the information providing unit 15 also serves as a processing restriction unit that restricts processing based on information about authority for processing part or all of the data included in the extracted print job data. (Details will be described later).

  The storage unit 11 (for example, the hard disk of the printer server 101) stores print job data recorded as a log, and also includes a print job extraction rule that is a rule for extracting print job data, and the extracted print job data. Stored is processing restriction information (details will be described later) related to the authority for processing on part or all of the included data.

  The storage control unit 12 performs analysis on the print job data generated by the printer driver 102d acquired from the client PC 102, and based on the analysis, the number of print copies and the print date / time included in the print job data (to the client PC 102) Date and time), a user name related to the client PC 102 related to print job data generation, information on the file title of the document, information on the disclosure range restriction and access restriction described later, and a document file (print target). Then, it is recorded and stored in the storage unit 11 as a log. Then, the storage control unit 12 sends the print job data for which the recording process has been completed to the MFP 103.

  The print job data stored in the storage unit 11 by the storage control unit 12 may be updated when a new print process is executed, or may be maintained without being updated. You may be made to do. Specifically, when the number of print copies is described as an example, when print job data to be stored is extracted and reprint processing is performed on the data, the number of print copies at the time of reprint processing is initially stored. It may be added to the number of printed copies. In addition, the number of print copies when the print job data is generated and the print processing is first executed is maintained in the print job data as it is without adding the number of print copies at the time of reprint processing. It can also be configured.

  The extraction criterion acquisition unit 13 acquires user identification information, information about a print job extraction rule, and information about an extraction criterion accompanying a print job extraction request sent from the MFP 103, and information about the print job extraction rule and Information about the extraction criteria is sent to the extraction unit 14. The user identification information is sent to the information providing unit 15.

  The extraction unit 14 extracts the print job data stored in the storage unit 11 based on the acquired information about the print job extraction rule and the information about the extraction criterion.

  The print job data extraction process will be described more specifically by taking as an example a case where an extraction request is sent from the MFP 103. After obtaining the notification that the print job extraction process can be executed from the authentication server 104, the MFP 103 displays a print job extraction request screen 310 for accepting the execution of the print job extraction request as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display 103c. Here, the button 301 is a print job data based on a print job data extraction request, an extraction criterion related to a printing period (or printing timing) to be described later, and an extraction criterion related to the number of prints to be described later, and the number of print copies within a predetermined timing or predetermined period. This button is used to send information about the print job extraction rule to extract to the printer server 101. A button 302 in the extraction request screen sends information about a print job extraction rule to extract print job data based on the number of print copies to the printer server 101, together with a print job data extraction request and an extraction standard related to the number of print copies described later. It is a button to do. Further, a button 303 is a print job extraction rule for extracting print job data that has been printed within a predetermined timing or within a predetermined period, together with an extraction criterion relating to a print job data extraction request and a printing period (or printing timing) described later. This button is used to send the information about the printer server 101 to the printer server 101.

  That is, when the requester presses any of the buttons 301 to 303 on the extraction request screen, the MFP 103 extracts the information about the print job extraction request and the extraction criterion, as well as the information about the print job extraction rule, from the printer server 101. Send to unit 12. In the present embodiment, the print job data includes a case where extraction is executed based on the number of print copies within a predetermined period and a case where extraction is executed based on the number of print copies (which is not limited to a period). This corresponds to a case where extraction is performed using an extraction criterion based on parameters relating to printing conditions.

  In the present embodiment, the extraction request screen 310 includes a check box 304 for adding information about an additional rule that can further limit the range of print job data to be extracted in print job data extraction, 305, and a button 306 that can be used to set information about extraction criteria and detailed conditions related to the additional rule.

  The check box 304 extracts information about a rule for extracting print job data created by a person different from the requester authenticated by the authentication server 104 (hereinafter simply referred to as a first additional rule). It is a check box for adding to a request. The check box 305 prints information regarding a rule (hereinafter simply referred to as a second additional rule) that is sent to a specific MFP 103, in other words, that extracts a print job that has undergone print processing in the specific MFP 103. This is a check box for adding to a job extraction request.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the button 306 is a timing or period serving as an extraction reference (hereinafter referred to as a reference timing or reference period), the MFP 103 in which print processing has been executed, and the number of copies serving as an extraction reference (hereinafter referred to as reference printing). This is a button for displaying an edit screen 410 for designating the number of copies). When the button 306 is pressed, the editing screen 410 in FIG. 6 is newly displayed on the display 103 c of the MFP 103.

  Therefore, the requester can specifically specify the printing period of the print job data to be extracted by inputting a numerical value in the text box 401. Further, the requester can specifically specify the range of the number of copies of the print job data to be extracted by inputting a numerical value in the text box 402.

  Here, in the text boxes 401 and 402, when a numerical value is input only to any of the boxes corresponding to the upper limit or lower limit of the range, the print job data printed or input before or after the input reference timing is input. Print job data greater or less than the reference number of copies is extracted. Also, if you enter a value in both the upper and lower boxes corresponding to the range, the print job data printed within the entered reference period or the number of copies will be greater than or equal to the lower limit of the reference print number and less than the upper limit. The print job data is extracted.

  That is, based on the input of the text box 401, information on the relationship between the reference period (or reference timing) and the print date and time and the reference period (or reference timing) in the print job data to be extracted (in this embodiment, the reference period) In the range, information indicating either before the reference timing or after the reference timing) is set as the information about the extraction reference regarding the reference period or the reference timing. Further, based on the input in the text box 402, information on the relationship between the reference print number and the number of print copies and the reference print number in the print job data to be extracted (in this embodiment, the value is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the reference print number. Information indicating whether the number is less than or equal to the upper limit value, less than the reference print number, or more than the reference print number) is set as the information regarding the extraction criterion related to the print number.

  In addition, the requester operates the list box 403 to specify the MFP 103 on which the printing process has been executed. Therefore, by checking the check box 305 and operating the list box 403, it is possible to extract a limited number of MFPs 103 for which print processing has been executed. A button 404 is a button for updating the setting, and a button 405 is a button for ending the process without updating the setting.

  The extraction criterion acquisition unit 13 in the printer server 101 acquires user identification information, information about the print job extraction rule, and information about the extraction criterion together with the print job extraction request, and information and extraction about the print job extraction rule. Information about the reference is sent to the extraction unit 14. Also, the user identification information is sent to the information providing unit 15 for use with processing restrictions described later. The extraction unit 14 identifies a print job extraction rule stored in the storage unit 11 based on the acquired information about the print job extraction rule, and based on the print job extraction rule and information about the acquired extraction criterion. Then, print job data that satisfies the extraction criteria is extracted from one or more print job data stored in the storage unit 11.

  Specifically, when based on a print job extraction rule for extracting print job data based on the number of print copies, the extraction unit 14 is stored print job data, and the number of print copies is the reference print number and the editing screen. Satisfying the relationship specified in (specifically, one that is greater than or equal to the lower limit value of the reference print number and less than or equal to the upper limit value, less than the reference print number, or greater than the reference print number) The information is extracted and sent to the information providing unit 15 together with information about the used print job extraction rule. In addition, when based on a print job extraction rule that extracts print job data based on the number of print copies within a predetermined period, the extraction unit 14 is stored print job data, and includes a reference timing or reference period and an edit screen 410. Satisfying the relationship specified in the above (specifically, one printed within the reference period, one printed before or after the reference timing), and the number of copies to be edited with the reference number of copies Those satisfying the relationship specified on the screen are extracted and sent to the information providing unit 15 together with information about the used print job extraction rules. On the other hand, when based on a print job extraction rule for extracting print job data within a predetermined period, the extraction unit 14 is stored print job data, which is specified in the reference timing or reference period and the edit screen 410. Those satisfying the relationship are extracted and sent to the information providing unit 15 together with information about the used print job extraction rules.

  Based on the information about the acquired print job data and the print job extraction rule, the information providing unit 15 configures a Web page that displays part or all of the job data on the display 103c in a display mode according to the print job extraction rule. To do.

  Specifically, when information about a print job extraction rule for extracting print job data based on the number of print copies within a predetermined period is acquired, and for a print job extraction rule for extracting print job data based on the number of print copies When the information is acquired, the information providing unit 15 arranges at least a part of the information included in the acquired print job data in the order of the number of copies as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. A Web page including a table 510 that displays at least the number of copies to be printed is configured. Further, when acquiring information about a print job extraction rule for extracting print job data that has been subjected to print processing within a predetermined period, the information providing unit 15 adds the acquired print job data as shown in FIG. At least a part of the included information is arranged in the order in which the printing process is executed, and a Web page including a table 512 that displays at least the printing date and time related to each print job data is configured.

  Here, in the tables 510, 511, and 512, a button group 501 for executing a browsing process for each print job data arranged in the View column, and a download for each print job data arranged in the Download column. A button group 502 for executing processing and a button group 503 for executing print processing for each print job data arranged in the Print column are provided.

  By pressing any button in the button group 501, a screen of a document relating to print job data corresponding to the pressed button is displayed on the display 103c of the MFP 103, and the user can view the document. Also, by pressing any button in the button group 502, it is possible to download the document file data included in the print job data corresponding to the pressed button. Further, by pressing any button in the button group 503, a print setting screen 610 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 103c. By pressing a print button 601 for executing a print process on the print setting screen 610, print job data corresponding to the pressed button in the button group 503 is transmitted from the storage unit 11 to the MFP 103, and the print process is performed. Can be executed. In the present embodiment, the number of copies, color mode selection, double-sided printing, Nin1 printing, and the like are performed by inputting or operating the boxes 602 to 605 for setting printing conditions on the print setting screen of FIG. Printing conditions can be set. Note that specific processing related to browsing, downloading, and printing is stored in any one of CPUs of the printer server 101, the client PC 102, and the MFP 103 by a normal method known to those skilled in the art. This can be performed by executing a program stored in the area.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the information providing unit 15 relates to the authority for processing (in this embodiment, browsing, downloading, or printing processing) for part or all of the data included in the print job data. Based on the information, execution of the process can be restricted. That is, the information providing unit 15 of the present embodiment also functions as a processing restriction unit.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 11 is provided for each template file and print job data related to the disclosure range restriction for gradually limiting the range of users who can execute processing such as browsing. A template file related to access restriction that restricts processing such as browsing in stages is stored in advance as process restriction information. Also, in the print job data, identification information (hereinafter referred to as restriction identification information) corresponding to the contents of the disclosure range restriction and access restriction stored in the storage unit 11 described in each template file. Included in job data, which corresponds to information on authority for processing part or all of the data).

  Based on the user identification information acquired from the extraction reference acquisition unit 13 and the limitation identification information included in the print job data acquired from the extraction unit 14, the information providing unit 15 stores the disclosure range restriction stored in the storage unit 11. Refer to the template file related to access restriction. Then, the information providing unit 15 applies restrictions on processing such as browsing corresponding to the restriction identification information included in the print job data based on the reference result, and restricts specific processing. The requester is notified via the Web page that it has been executed (that is, there is no authority to execute the process).

  In FIGS. 7 to 9, as an example of application relating to the restriction of the process that also serves as a notification, a button corresponding to a process that is permitted to execute is represented by a solid line, and a button that corresponds to a process that is not permitted to execute is a broken line. It is set so that it cannot be pressed (that is, an execution request for each process cannot be sent). That is, even if browsing of the document file included in the print job data is permitted, downloading of the document file and printing of the contents of the document file (in other words, sending of the print job data to the MFP 103) are permitted. If not, the button for browsing (solid line) can be pressed, but the button for downloading and printing (dashed line) cannot be pressed.

  In the present embodiment, there are cases where two types of restrictions, a disclosure range restriction and an access restriction, are applied. In other words, for a certain print job data, even if the processing such as browsing is set in the access restriction, the processing such as browsing is not permitted for the requester who made the print job extraction request based on the disclosure range restriction. All buttons corresponding to the print job data are displayed in broken lines and cannot be pressed.

  In the present embodiment, the disclosure range restriction and the access range restriction for each print job data are displayed on the display 102c of the client PC 102 and are displayed on the display 102c of the print job data generation instruction screen 710 for generating print job data (FIG. 11), when setting the printing conditions such as the number of copies, the color mode selection, the double-sided printing, and the Nin1 printing in the first printing process, they can be set together. In other words, in the present embodiment, the printer driver 102d corresponding to the job data generation unit generates print job data in a state where the restriction identification information is included in the print job data when the print job data is generated.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, as described above, the contents of the disclosure range restriction and the contents of the access restriction are stored in the storage unit 11 in advance as a template file. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show examples of template files for disclosure restriction and access restriction in this embodiment. In this embodiment, each template file is configured in the CSV file format, and for each process of viewing (View), downloading (Download), and printing (Print), the numerical value 1 indicates that the execution of the process is permitted. In addition, the numerical value 0 indicates that processing execution is not permitted. In this embodiment, the template file is configured as a CSV file as described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other formats (for example, an XML file) may be used.

  In instructing the generation of print job data, the creator of the print job data operates the list box 701 in the print job generation instruction screen 710 to determine which stage of the disclosure range is restricted for the print job data to be generated. In order to specify whether to apply, restriction identification information (one of No. 1 to No. 3 in the template file related to the disclosure range restriction) is specified. In addition, in order to specify which level of access restriction is applied to the print job data to be generated, the creator specifies any one of restriction identification information (No. 1 to No. 3 in the template file related to access restriction). Is specified. Then, the printer driver 102d adds the restriction identification information according to the designation in the data and generates print job data.

  As described above, the template file related to the disclosure range restriction and the access restriction is stored in the storage unit 11 of the printer server 101, and the client PC 102 and the MFP 103 download the template file and store the contents as the creator and the Can be presented to the requester. Further, when the template file stored in the storage unit 11 is updated, a notification about the update may be sent from the printer server 101 to the client PC 102 or the MFP 103.

  Next, a user authentication processing flow when requesting print job data extraction in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, taking as an example a case where the MFP 103 requests print job extraction.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, in Act 101, the MFP 103 acquires the requester's user identification information. Specifically, when the requester inputs an instruction to send a print job extraction request to the printer server 101 via the operation unit 103d to the MFP 103, the MFP 103 displays the user authentication screen 110 of FIG. 2 on the display 103c. When the user identification information is acquired by the requester's input into the text box on the user authentication screen, the MFP 103 sends the acquired user identification information to the authentication server 104. When the user identification information is acquired from the attached authentication card reader 105, the MFP 103 considers that the requester has issued a print job extraction request to the printer server 101, and the acquired user identification information. Is sent to the authentication server 104.

  Next, in Act 102, the authentication server 104 determines whether the user identification information about the requester acquired from the MFP 103 is included in any of the information related to the user registered in advance. If the information regarding the user including the acquired user identification information is not stored, the authentication server sends a notification regarding the authentication failure to the MFP 103, assuming that the user authentication has failed (Act 105). The MFP 103 that has received the notification of the authentication failure notifies the requester that the authentication has failed through a display on the display 103c or the like, and prompts the requester to input correct user identification information.

  On the other hand, if the acquired user identification information is included in any of the stored user information, the process proceeds to Act 103, and the authentication server 104 notifies the MFP 103 that the authentication is successful. When acquiring the notification of the authentication success, the MFP 103 displays a print job extraction request screen on the display 103c.

  In Act 104, the MFP 103 presses any one of the buttons 301 to 303 on the print job extraction request screen by the requester, and the user identification information and one of the print job extraction rules corresponding to each of the buttons 301 to 303 are determined. A print job extraction request is sent to the extraction reference acquisition unit 13 of the printer server 101 together with the information and information about the extraction reference. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, information on the first additional rule (rule that limits the extracted print job data to those created by a person different from the requester), and the second additional rule (print job) Either or both of the information regarding the rule that limits the MFP 103 on which the data is printed may be sent together.

  Subsequently, in Act 201 of FIG. 15, the extraction criterion acquisition unit 13 acquires user identification information, information about the print job extraction rule, and information about the extraction criterion together with the print job extraction request, and among these, the print job extraction Information about the rule and information about the extraction criterion are sent to the extraction unit 14. In addition, when the information about the first additional rule and the information about the second additional rule are included, these are also sent to the extraction unit 14. On the other hand, the user identification information is sent to the information providing unit 15.

  Next, in Act 202, the extraction unit 14 confirms whether or not the first additional rule has been acquired in addition to the information about the print job extraction rule and the information about the extraction criterion. Furthermore, the extraction unit 14 confirms in Act 203 whether the second additional rule is acquired in addition to the information about the print job extraction rule and the information about the extraction criterion. In addition, acquisition about the above-mentioned some information in the extraction reference | standard acquisition part 13 and the extraction part 14 may be acquired at a different timing separately, and may be acquired simultaneously. Moreover, what is necessary is just acquired as a result at the time of execution of the extraction process by the extraction part 14, and the order which acquires each information is not ask | required. The same applies to the acquisition of print job data and user identification information in the information providing unit 15 described later.

  In Act 204, the extraction unit 14 is based on the acquired information about the print job extraction rule and the information about the extraction criterion (when information about either or both of the first additional rule and the second additional rule is involved) Based on information on at least one of the additional rules), the print job data stored in the storage unit 11 is extracted. Next, the extraction unit 14 sends the extracted print job data to the information providing unit 15 together with information about the used print job extraction rule. If print job data that satisfies the relationship set in the extraction criteria and the edit screen 410 has not been extracted, a notification that it has not been extracted is sent to the information providing unit 13.

  In Act 205, the information providing unit 15 determines whether print job data has been extracted. When it is determined that the print job data has been extracted, in Act 206, the information providing unit 15 sets a restriction on a predetermined process based on the process restriction information stored in the storage unit 11. Specifically, the information providing unit 15 firstly discloses the disclosure range limitation and the access range limitation stored in the storage unit 11 based on the limitation identification information regarding the disclosure range limitation and the access limitation included in the print job data. Refer to the template file. Next, based on the reference result and the user identification information acquired from the extraction criterion acquisition unit 13, the browsing, downloading, and printing processes are individually limited for each of the extracted print job data.

  For example, in the present embodiment, numerical value No. is used as restriction specifying information for specifying access restrictions in the acquired print job data. 2 is included, the execution of browsing the document file for the print job data is permitted, but the execution of the download and print processing is not permitted. In addition, a numerical value No. is given as restriction specifying information for specifying the access restriction. 1 is included, and if it is based on access restriction, restriction specifying information for specifying the disclosure range restriction is permitted even if execution of any processing such as browsing the document file corresponding to the print job data is permitted Numerical value No. 3 is included in the print job data, and if the requester is determined to belong to a different department from the creator of the print job data based on the user identification information, execution of any processing such as browsing is permitted. Not.

  Next, in Act 207, the information providing unit 15 configures a Web page for presenting a part or all of the print job data in a display mode according to the print job extraction rule. Further, the information providing unit 15 notifies the MFP 103 that the Web page has been configured. The MFP 103 that has acquired the notification automatically accesses the configured Web page and displays it on the display 103c.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in Act 205 that the print job data has not been extracted, the information providing unit 15 configures a Web page that displays in Ac 207 that the print job data has not been extracted. In addition, the information providing unit 15 notifies the MFP 103 that the Web page has been configured, and displays the configured Web page on the display 103c in the same manner as when a print job is extracted.

  As described above, according to the printing system of this embodiment, the print job data extracted in the display mode according to the print condition specified by the requester is not displayed randomly as in the conventional case. Since part or all of the data is shown, the requester can find the print job data more easily than before.

  Further, since the print job data is extracted and a part or all of the extracted print job data is provided based on a predetermined rule relating to printing conditions that are not easily changed intentionally, the client PC name, etc. Compared with the prior art that shows information about print job data based on easily changeable criteria, the requester can find the desired print job data more reliably.

  Although the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and other embodiments can be used.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the information providing unit 15 is configured to also function as a processing limiting unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other configurations can of course be used. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the print server 103 may include the processing restriction unit 16 separately from the information providing unit 15.

  In this case, the processing restriction unit 16 obtains print job data from the extraction unit 14 and obtains user identification information from the extraction reference acquisition unit 13. The processing restriction unit 16 refers to the publication range restriction and access restriction template file stored in the storage unit 11 based on restriction identification information about the publication range restriction and access restriction included in the acquired print job data. Next, the processing restriction unit 16 applies the processing restriction to a part or all of the print job data (for example, a document file) based on the reference result and the user identification information. Then, the print job restriction unit 16 sends print job data to which the restriction of the processing is applied to a part or all of the print job restriction unit 16 to the information providing unit 15. The information providing unit 15 configures a Web page that displays at least a part of the print job data in a display mode corresponding to the information about the print job extraction rule acquired from the extraction unit 14, and is applied to the Web page. The user is notified of information on the restriction of the processed processing.

  In addition, in the embodiment described above, the print server 101 extracts print job data stored and provides a part or all of the extracted data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, another component such as the client PC 102 or the MFP 103 extracts print job data stored in the printer server 101, provides a part or all of the extracted data, and applies to a part or all of the print job data. Processing limitations may be executed. Therefore, an extraction function can be realized if at least the extraction reference acquisition unit 13 and the extraction unit 14 are provided.

  In this embodiment, the print job extraction rule is stored in the storage unit 11 in advance, and information about the rule is transmitted from the MFP 103 together with the print job extraction request. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other configurations are possible. For example, the print job extraction rule itself may be transmitted together with the print job extraction request.

  Further, the processing restriction information is also configured to be stored in advance in the storage unit 11, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured in other ways. For example, the processing restriction information may be stored in the client PC 102, and the printer driver may be generated by including the processing restriction information in the print job data.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the extraction standard regarding the number of copies is cited as the extraction standard regarding the printing condition, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when print job data is generated, an extraction criterion may be used to extract color-printed print job data, double-sided print job data, or Nin1-printed print job data.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the extraction criterion based on the timing or period when the print job data is generated is cited as the extraction criterion based on the timing or period, but the extraction criterion is not limited to this. For example, an extraction criterion based on the timing or period when the output processing to the paper medium is executed by the MFP 103 based on the print job data may be used.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a part or all of print job data extracted by configuring a Web page is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a part or all of the print job data is sent to the client PC 102 or MFP 103, and a screen on which the client PC 102 or MFP 103 displays part or all of the print job data is configured and displayed on the respective displays 102c and 103c. You may make it do. Further, in the present invention, the display of a part or all of the print job data is a concept including a display using output to a paper medium.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide a program for executing the above-described operations in one or a plurality of computers constituting the print system as a print job extraction program. In the present embodiment, the case where the program for realizing the function for carrying out the invention is recorded in advance in a storage area provided in the apparatus is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a similar program can be downloaded from the network. The program may be downloaded to the computer, or a similar program stored in a computer-readable recording medium may be installed in the apparatus. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program and can be read by a computer. Specifically, as a recording medium, for example, an internal storage device such as a ROM or a RAM, a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an IC card, a computer Examples include a database holding a program, another computer, its database, and a transmission medium on a line. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading in advance may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or the like inside the apparatus.

  Note that the program in the present embodiment includes a program in which an execution module is dynamically generated.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail according to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables the requester to specify print job data easier than before.

101: Printer server 102: Client PC
103: MFP
104: Authentication server

Claims (6)

Information regarding the disclosure range restriction that individually defines, for each user identification information, which of a plurality of processing items can be executed for the target print job data, and a part or all of the data . Storage control that acquires print job data associated with access restriction information that individually defines which of the processing items can be executed for each print job data, and records it as a log in a predetermined storage area And
Based on the user's operation input, the information about the extraction criterion based on at least one parameter relating to the printing condition and associated with the print job data and the user identification information indicating the user who performs the operation input are acquired. An extraction criteria acquisition unit;
An extraction unit that extracts the print job data that satisfies the extraction criterion from one or a plurality of the print job data based on the information about the extraction criterion acquired by the extraction criterion acquisition unit;
Information related to the access restriction associated with the extracted print job data extracted by the extraction unit and the disclosure range restriction associated with the user identification information acquired by the extraction reference acquisition unit Based on the information, for a process that does not permit the execution of the process in at least one of the information on the access restriction and the information on the disclosure range restriction among the plurality of process items, the user corresponding to the user identification information A processing restriction unit that does not allow execution of the extracted print job data by
A printing system comprising: The printing system according to claim 1 ,
A job data generation unit configured to generate print job data in a state in which the print job data includes information related to the disclosure range restriction and information related to the access restriction when the print job data is generated;
The storage control unit is a printing system that records the print job data generated by the job data generation unit as a log in the predetermined storage area. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The plurality of processing items are a printing system that is browsing, downloading, and printing processing. Information regarding the disclosure range restriction that individually defines, for each user identification information, which of a plurality of processing items can be executed for the target print job data, and a part or all of the data . Print job data including access restriction information that defines for each print job data which of the process items can be executed, and records it in a predetermined storage area as a log;
Based on the user's operation input, obtain information about an extraction criterion based on at least one parameter regarding printing conditions included in the print job data and the user identification information about the user who performs the operation input ,
Based on the acquired information on the extraction criteria, extract print job data that satisfies the extraction criteria from one or more recorded print job data,
Based on the information on the access restriction associated with the extracted print job data to be extracted and the information on the disclosure range restriction associated with the acquired user identification information, among the plurality of processing items In addition, regarding processing that does not permit execution of processing in at least one of the information related to the access restriction and the information related to the disclosure range restriction, execution of the extracted print job data by the user corresponding to the user identification information is not permitted. Print job management method. The method of claim 4 , wherein
When generating the print job data, the print job data is generated in a state in which the print job data includes information on the disclosure range restriction and information on the access restriction .
A print job management method for recording the generated print job data as a log in the predetermined storage area. The print job management method according to claim 4 or 5,
The plurality of processing items are a printing system that is browsing, downloading, and printing processing.

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