JPH11165446A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer for securing a confidentiality in the case of printing of a document having a high confidentiality. SOLUTION: The printer comprises a normal mode for printing print data of a normal low confidentiality and a confidential mode for printing print data of a high confidentiality. In the confidential mode, a controller 34 writes print data received from a host system in a user storage area of a memory 32, collates it with a password input from an operating and displaying unit 35, a received user ID, a user ID and a password registered with a password table of a key code memory 33, reads the data stored in the user storage area of the memory 32 only in the case of bringing the user ID and the password into coincidence, and conducts a printing operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer, and more particularly, to a local area network (LA).
N), which is shared by a plurality of personal computers and a host device such as a word processor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs"), various so-called network printers connected to a local area network and shared by a host device such as a plurality of PCs have become widespread.

[0003] For example, there is a printer device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-34147. Such a printer device includes a user management table for registering a unique user ID and a password of each user, a user ID, a use start time of a printer measure of each user corresponding to the user ID, and The non-volatile memory in which the usage history table for recording the usage end time is set, the user ID and password included in the data from the higher-level device, and the user ID and password registered in the user management table are compared. When the user ID and the password match, the user ID and the use start time of the printer are recorded to start the print operation of the printer, and when the print operation of the printer is finished, the printer is added to the use history table. And a control unit for recording a use end time. With this configuration, the printer cannot be used unless the user is a registered user, and the usage opportunities are made uniform.

[0004]

However, in the printer described in JP-A-8-34147, a plurality of users share an ID and a password with the printer in order to share one printer. Is registered, and before issuing an output instruction from the PC, a password is input, thereby restricting the users who can use it.
There were the following problems.

First, for example, when the printer is away from the printer, the document is left unattended until the user goes to retrieve the document output to the printer, and the confidentiality is not sufficient. There's a problem.

Second, on the PC, it is possible to confirm what state the data transmitted to the printer is in. In the printer, it is determined whether the data to be output is stored in the memory of the printer. There is a problem of not knowing.

Third, there is a problem that even a general document with low confidentiality cannot be output from a printer unless a password is input each time.

Fourth, in recent years, some printers are equipped with a plurality of paper output trays and have a function as a mailbox function. However, the cost is accordingly increased, and such a device is used. Otherwise, the confidential document and the general document are mixed and discharged on one paper output tray, and there is a problem that the confidentiality of the document cannot be maintained.

Fifth, when the output of the printer is completed, there is a problem that the completion cannot be confirmed from the host PC.

Sixth, since the number of copies to be output can be specified only from the PC, there is a problem that if the specification of the number of copies is wrong or insufficient, it is necessary to specify again from the PC.

Seventh, when a confidential document is output, there is a problem that the document being output can be seen by surrounding people.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a printer device capable of securing confidentiality when printing a highly confidential document.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer which is connected to a local area network and is shared by a plurality of higher-level devices. Communication means for transmitting and receiving, and at least a user I of each user
D, a first storage unit for storing a password table in which a password corresponding to the user ID is registered, and a storage area assigned to each of the users, and a print received from the upper-level device. A second storage unit for storing data in a corresponding storage area, an input unit for inputting data such as the password, and a password input from the input unit and received from the higher-level device via the communication unit The user ID is compared with the user ID and the password registered in the password table, and only when the user ID and the password match, the print data stored in the storage area of the corresponding second storage means. Control means for reading out and performing a printing operation, and a printing means for performing printing output in accordance with a printing command from the control means. It is those with a.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer connected to a local area network and shared by a plurality of higher-level devices, the printer having first and second print modes, Communication means for transmitting and receiving, and at least a user ID of each user
And a first storage unit for storing a password table in which a password corresponding to the user ID is registered; and a user storage area and a common storage area assigned to each of the users. Second storage means for storing print data received from a higher-level device in a corresponding storage area; input means for inputting data such as the password; control means for controlling each section of the printer device; A printing means for performing a printing output in response to a printing command from the means, wherein when the first printing mode is selected by the higher-level device, the control means controls the printing received from the higher-level device. After writing the data in the common storage area of the second storage means, the printing means performs a printing operation of the print data stored in the common storage area. , When the second print mode by said host system is selected, the control means, the print data received from the host device, said corresponding second
The password is written in the user storage area of the storage unit, and the password input from the input unit and the user ID received from the higher-level device via the communication unit are compared with the user ID and the password registered in the password table. Only when the user ID and the password match, the print data stored in the user storage area is read and the printing operation is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer according to the first or second aspect, further comprising the presence / absence of print data stored in a user storage area of the second storage means, and / or Display means for displaying the number of print data is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to any one of the second and third aspects, the printer device further comprises a plurality of discharge trays, and the control means controls the first print mode and the first print mode. In the second printing mode, the printing means causes the printing means to print out to a different discharge tray.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control means stores the print data transmitted from the higher-level device in the second storage. Means that the storage of the print data has been completed, via the communication means,
Notify.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the input means can set a printing condition of print data to be printed out. is there.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to the fourth aspect, a discharge tray for printing and outputting in the second mode is a lower stage of a discharge tray for printing and outputting in the first mode. It is arranged in.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the higher-level device is a personal computer.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a printing system to which a printing apparatus according to the present invention is applied. The print system shown in FIG. 1 includes higher-level devices 10A to 10 including a personal computer for transmitting print data.
N, and a printer device 30 for printing print data sent from the higher-level devices 10A to 10N. The higher-level devices 10A to 10N and the printer device 10 are connected by a LAN 20.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the host devices 10A to 10N and the printer 30 will be described in order.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the host devices 10A to 10A shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the ON. In FIG. 2, the host device is, for example, a personal computer or the like, and has an input unit 14 for inputting a character string, an I / F 16 for performing data communication, a display unit 15, and a CPU 11 which controls the entire device of the host device. And a ROM 12 storing various control programs for operating the CPU 11, and a RAM 1 used as a work area for the various control programs.
And 3.

The input unit 14 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like.
A key press signal of a key pressed on such a keyboard is sent to the CPU.
11 is output.

The I / F 16 is connected to the LAN 20 and
This is for performing data communication with another host device or the printer device 30 via the AN 20. The display unit 15 has a CR
The display is configured by a T, an LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the CPU 11. The display unit 1
Numeral 5 displays necessary data when creating print data or transferring print data.

The CPU 11 is a central control unit that controls the entire apparatus according to various control programs and application programs stored in the ROM 12. The CPU 11 includes an input unit 14, an I / F 16, a display unit 15, The ROM 12 and the RAM 13 are connected to each other. Data communication, reading of application programs by accessing the memory, and reading / reading of various data are performed.
Controls writing, data / command input, display, etc.

The ROM 12 stores various control programs for operating the CPU 11, applications, parameters and data used for the processing, and the like. These various control programs and application programs are stored in the form of program codes readable by the CPU 11.

The RAM 13 includes a work memory for storing designated control programs and application programs, input instructions, input data, processing results, and the like;
And a display memory for temporarily storing display data to be displayed on the display screen.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the printer device 30 of FIG. The printer device 10 shown in FIG. 3 has a network I / F 3 for performing data communication.
1, a storage unit 32 for storing print data and the like, a control unit 34 for controlling the entire printer device, a key code storage unit 33 for storing a password table in which a user ID and a password are associated, and data and the like. An operation / display unit 35 for inputting and displaying display data, and a printing mechanism unit 37
, And a printing mechanism 37 for printing print data on paper or the like.

The network I / F 31 is connected to the LAN 20, and transmits and receives data such as user ID data and print data between a plurality of higher-level devices AZ.

The storage unit 32 is composed of, for example, a hard disk, and is connected to the host devices 10A to 10A connected to the LAN 20.
This buffer temporarily stores print data sent from 10N, and has a memory configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG.
Common area 3 that can be commonly used by all upper devices A to Z
2a and user storage areas 32b to 32d... Corresponding to the user IDs of the respective users. That is, it has an electronic mailbox function. In the normal print mode (first print mode), print data received from the host devices 10A to 10N is stored in the common area (common storage area) 32a, and in the confidential mode (second print mode). , Print data received from the host devices 10A to 10N are stored in the corresponding user storage areas 32b to 32d.

The key code storage unit 33 is composed of a nonvolatile memory and stores a password table as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a user ID of each user and a password corresponding to the user ID are registered in the password table. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, "" is entered in the password table as the user ID.
11111 "and" 22222 "are registered, and the corresponding passwords are" XXXXXX "and" YYYYY ".
Is registered.

The control unit 34 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The CPU is a control unit that controls the entire printer in accordance with various control programs stored in the ROM. Network I / F 31, storage unit 32, key code storage unit 3
3. The operation display unit 35 and the mechanism control unit 36 are connected. Specifically, the control unit 34 controls the network I / F 3
1 controls the read / write of the print data received by the storage unit 32 to the storage unit 32, the input / display control of the data / command of the operation / display unit 35, the control of the printing operation in the mechanism control unit 36 and the printing mechanism unit 37, and the key code. It performs collation, registration, and updating of data in the storage unit 33. The detailed operation of the control unit 34 will be described later.

The mechanism control section 36 inputs the print data stored in the storage section 32 based on a print command from the control section 34, and operates the print mechanism section 37 at a predetermined timing to execute the print data. Output. The printing mechanism 37 is provided with a counting means for counting the number of sheets used for printing the print data.

The operation / display unit 35 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel with touch keys, and serves both as an operation unit and a display unit. From this operation unit, data such as a password and printing conditions are input, and the display unit displays set printing conditions and data necessary for a printing operation. Note that the operation unit and the display unit may be configured separately, or may be configured using another device.

The above-described printer device has two printing modes: a normal mode (first printing mode) for printing normal low-confidential printing data, and a confidential mode (first printing mode) for printing high-confidential printing data. 2 print modes). The print mode is selected according to the host devices 10A to 1A.
0N. Details of the normal mode and the confidential mode will be described later.

In the printer device configured as described above, the network I / F 31 is a communication unit, the key code storage unit 33 is a first storage unit, the storage unit 32 is a second storage unit, and the operation / display unit 35 Are input means and display means,
The control unit 34 realizes a control unit, and the mechanism control unit 36 and the printing mechanism unit 37 realize a printing unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration (front view) of the printer device. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 30 denotes a main body of the printer device. The main body 30 is provided with an operation / display section 35 above the main body, and below the main body 30,
Two-stage paper delivery trays 44 and 45 configured to be detachable are provided. Further, on the left side of the main body 30, there are provided two levels of paper discharge trays 41 and 42, and on the upper side, a paper discharge tray 42 is arranged, and on the lower side, at a position substantially directly below the paper discharge tray 42. A paper discharge tray 41 is provided. The printed paper in the normal mode is discharged to the upper discharge tray 42, and the printed paper in the confidential mode is discharged to the lower discharge tray 41.

Next, the operation of the printing system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system.

When printing is performed by the printer device, first, the user uses an application program corresponding to the printer device 30 to execute any one of the host devices 10.
Print data such as a document or a figure is created in steps A to 10N (step S1). After the completion of the creation of the print data, the above-mentioned user selects a printer for which print output is desired by using a printer driver prepared in the application program (step S2).
Format settings such as a paper size and the number of characters are performed by the printer driver (step S3). Then, the user selects either the confidential mode or the normal mode as the print mode (step S4).

Then, the user selects the print mode selected from the higher-level device and the user I registered in the higher-level device in advance.
D (user ID) and print data
(Step S5).

The selected print mode, user ID,
In the printer device 30 receiving the print data, the control unit 3
4 first determines whether the selected print mode is the confidential mode or the normal mode. If the confidential mode, the process proceeds to step P2, whereas if the selected mode is the normal mode, the process proceeds to step P8. Transition.

In step P2, the control unit 34
After confirming the user ID, the print data is stored in the user storage area of the storage unit 32 corresponding to the user ID (user) (step P3). If the received user ID is not registered, the upper device is notified that the user ID is in error.

When the storage of the print data in the storage unit 32 is completed, the control unit 34 notifies the host device 10 of a message indicating that the storage of the print data is completed (step P).
4). Then, the control unit 34 displays on the operation / display unit 35 whether or not the print data is stored in the user storage area of the storage unit 32 corresponding to the user ID, and how many print data are stored. A message prompting input and a message prompting input of the number of output copies are displayed (step P5).

Then, when the user comes to the place where the printer is located and inputs the number of output copies and the password from the operation / display unit 35 (step P6), the control unit 34
Checks the received user ID and the input password against the user ID and the password registered in advance in the password table of the key code storage unit 33 (step P7). If the entered password matches the user ID and password registered in the password table in advance,
Move to Step P8. If they do not match,
The process shifts to Step P6 to wait for the input of the password again.

In step P8, the control section 34 outputs a print command and the selected print mode to the mechanism control section 36, and in response to the print command, the mechanism control section 36 prints the print data on the corresponding recording section 32. Is read out, and the printing mechanism 37 prints out the set number of output copies (step P).
8). Here, the mechanism control unit 36 controls the printing mechanism unit 37 to
When the confidential mode is selected, the paper discharge tray 41
Print output, and when the normal mode is selected, the output tray 42 prints.

Then, the control section 34 deletes the stored print data, and notifies a message to the effect that the printing has been completed to the host device.

As described above, the printer of this embodiment has the normal mode for printing normal low-confidential print data and the confidential mode for printing high-confidential print data. In confidential mode,
The control unit 34 writes the print data received from the higher-level device in the user storage area of the corresponding storage unit 32, registers the password input from the operation / display unit 35, the received user ID, and the password registered in the password table. User I
D and the password are compared with each other, and only when the user ID and the password match, the print data stored in the user storage area is read and the print operation is performed. Only when the password input from the display unit 35 is correct, the print data sent from the higher-level device can be printed, and the confidentiality of a highly confidential printed document can be ensured.

Since the operation / display unit 35 displays whether or not the print data is stored in the user storage area of the storage unit 32 and how many print data are stored, the print data is stored in the user storage area. How many records are stored
The user can check.

The user can select a normal mode for printing normal low-confidential print data and a confidential mode for printing high-confidential print data. Functions can be used properly according to the confidentiality.

Further, since the print document is output to the different paper output trays 41 and 42 in the confidential mode and the normal mode, the highly confidential document and the low confidential document are stored in separate paper output trays. It is possible to output the document, and it is possible to prevent a highly confidential document and a less confidential document from being mixed.

Further, since the paper output tray 41 for printing and outputting in the confidential mode is arranged below the paper output tray 42 for printing and outputting in the normal mode, a document having high confidentiality from the outside even at the time of printing is provided. Can be prevented from being seen.

The printer device notifies the host device of the completion of the storage of the print data in the user storage area of the storage unit 32, so that the status of the printer device is confirmed from the host device. It becomes possible.

Further, since the printing conditions such as the number of print data to be printed can be set from the operation / display unit 35 of the printer device, the operability when the number of prints is mistaken or changed is improved. I do.

In the above-described embodiment, a hard disk is used as the storage unit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any rewritable storage medium may be used.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0058]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device connected to a local area network and shared by a plurality of higher-level devices, wherein communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the higher-level device, and at least each user First storage means for storing a password table in which a user ID and a password corresponding to the user ID are registered, and a storage area assigned to each user and received from a higher-level device. Second storage means for storing print data in a corresponding storage area, input means for inputting data such as a password, and a password received from the input means and a user received from a higher-level device via the communication means Check the user ID and password registered in the password table against the user ID and password registered in the password table. Control means for reading out the print data stored in the storage area of the corresponding second storage means and performing a print operation only when the print data matches, and a print means for performing print output in response to a print command from the control means The print data sent from the host device can be printed only when the password input from the input device provided in the own device is correct, and printing of a highly confidential document can be performed. The confidentiality of the document can be secured.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer connected to a local area network and shared by a plurality of higher-level devices, having first and second print modes, and transmitting and receiving data to and from the higher-level device. , A first storage unit for storing at least a user ID of each user and a password table in which a password corresponding to the user ID is registered, and a first storage unit for assigning the user ID to each user. A second storage unit having a designated user storage area and a common storage area and storing print data received from a higher-level device in a corresponding storage area; an input unit for inputting data such as a password; and a printer device. Control means for controlling each part of the above, and printing means for performing print output in response to a print command from the control means, Ri when the first printing mode is selected, the control unit after writing the print data received from the host device to the common memory area of the second storage means,
While causing the printing means to perform the printing operation of the print data stored in the common storage area,
When the print mode is selected, the control means writes the print data received from the upper-level device into the corresponding user storage area of the second storage means, and transmits the print data via the password and communication means input from the input means. The user ID received from the host device is compared with the user ID and password registered in the password table, and only when the user ID and password match, the print data stored in the user storage area. Is read and a printing operation is performed, so that only when the password input from the input means provided in the own device is correct, it is possible to print the print data transmitted from the higher-level device, thereby providing high confidentiality. It is possible to ensure the confidentiality of the printed document. In addition, normal low-confidential print data can be printed in the first print mode, and high-confidential print data can be printed in the second print mode. , Function can be selected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer according to the first or second aspect, further comprising the presence / absence of print data stored in a user storage area of the second storage means, and / or the printing of the print data. Since the display means for displaying the number of data items is provided, the user can check how many print data items are stored in the user storage area.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device according to any one of the second and third aspects, further comprising a plurality of paper discharge trays, and the control means comprising:
In the print mode and the second print mode, the printing means prints out to different paper output trays, so that a highly confidential document and a less confidential document are output to separate paper output trays. It is possible to prevent a document with high confidentiality from being mixed with a document with low confidentiality.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control means stores the print data transmitted from the higher-level device in the second storage means. In this case, the fact that the storage of the print data has been completed is notified via the communication means, so that the status of the printer device can be confirmed from the host device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the input means is capable of setting printing conditions of print data to be printed out. Operability when the number of copies is mistaken or changed is improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the fourth aspect, a discharge tray for printing and outputting in the second mode is disposed below the discharge tray for printing and outputting in the first mode. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a highly confidential document from being viewed from the outside even during printout.

The printer according to claim 8 is the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the higher-level device is a personal computer. The transmitted print data can be printed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a printing system to which a printing apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a higher-level device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the printer device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory configuration of a storage unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a password table stored in a key code storage unit in FIG. 3;

6 is a schematic external configuration (front view) of the printer of FIG. 1;
FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the print system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 host device 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 input unit 15 display unit 16 I / F 20 LAN 30 printer device 31 network I / F 32 storage unit 33 key code storage unit 34 control unit 35 operation / display unit 36 mechanism control unit 37 Printing mechanism

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printer connected to a local area network and shared by a plurality of higher-level devices, comprising: communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the higher-level devices; at least a user ID of each user; Person ID
A first storage unit for storing a password table in which a password corresponding to the user is registered; and a storage area assigned to each of the users, wherein print data received from the higher-level device is stored in the corresponding storage area. A second storage unit for storing; an input unit for inputting data such as the password; a password input from the input unit; a user ID received from the higher-level device via the communication unit; and the password The user ID and the password registered in the table are collated, and only when the user ID and the password match, the print data stored in the storage area of the corresponding second storage means is read and the printing operation is performed. Control means for performing printing, and printing means for performing print output in response to a print command from the control means. Printer apparatus according to symptoms. 2. A printer device connected to a local area network and shared by a plurality of higher-level devices, comprising a first and a second print mode, and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the higher-level device; At least the user ID of each user and the user ID
A first storage unit for storing a password table in which a password corresponding to the user is registered; a user storage area and a common storage area assigned to each of the users; A second storage unit for storing data in a corresponding storage area; an input unit for inputting data such as the password; a control unit for controlling each unit of the printer; and a print command from the control unit. And a printing unit for performing a print output in response to the first printing mode being selected by the host device, wherein the control unit stores the print data received from the host device in the second storage mode. After writing to the common storage area of the means, the printing means performs the printing operation of the print data stored in the common storage area, When the second print mode is selected, the control unit writes the print data received from the higher-level device into a corresponding user storage area of the second storage unit, and receives the input data from the input unit. The password and the user ID received from the higher-level device via the communication means are compared with the user ID and the password registered in the password table.
A printer device which reads out print data stored in a user storage area and performs a printing operation only when D and a password match. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising display means for displaying the presence or absence of print data stored in a user storage area of said second storage means and / or the number of print data. 3. The printer device according to 1 or 2. 4. A printing apparatus comprising a plurality of paper output trays, wherein said control means causes said printing means to print and output to different paper output trays in said first print mode and said second print mode. 4. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein: 5. When the print data transmitted from the host device is stored in the second storage unit, the control unit notifies the storage unit that the storage of the print data has been completed via the communication unit. The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is capable of setting a print condition of print data to be printed out. 7. The printer device according to claim 4, wherein a paper output tray for printing and outputting in the second mode is arranged below the paper output tray for printing and outputting in the first mode. 8. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the host device is a personal computer.