JP2002321429A - Printing apparatus, printing system, printing method, print processing program, and recording medium storing print processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a printing apparatus which can secure confidentiality of confidential documents and can suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in size of the apparatus. In the printing apparatus, a printing process is being performed (S15.
When the sensor detects the absence of the user at the operation position in S16), the system control unit determines that the user has left the printer, and interrupts the printing process (S19). That is, the present printing apparatus prevents a confidential document from being output and left on an unprotected discharge tray when the user is absent. As a result, even when the user is absent, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be protected from other users.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for performing print document output processing based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document, a printing system including the printing apparatus, and a printing apparatus. The present invention relates to a printing method used, a print processing program for realizing the printing method by a computer, and a recording medium storing the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of networks, a single printer has often been shared and used by a plurality of terminal devices (such as personal computers). By the way, in such a usage form, there is a problem of "how to conceal the contents when a confidential document is printed by a printer". Conventionally, there are various printing methods for solving this problem. Has been proposed.

As a printer that realizes such a printing method, for example, there is a printer that receives and stores print data and then performs printing after receiving an input of an ID and a password from a user (confidential print).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-28850 discloses a printer for preventing print documents from being left behind during confidential printing. That is, at the time of confidential printing, when a large amount of image data is processed, when the capability of the printer is low, or the like, the output interval of the print document becomes long. For this reason, even during printing, the user may mistakenly think that printing has ended and move away from the printer, leaving the secret document output thereafter in an unprotected output tray. .

In order to prevent such a situation, the printer disclosed in the above publication displays a message indicating that printing has been completed on a display panel when printing is completed. That is,
This printer is set so as to prompt the user to wait in front of the printer until an end message is displayed.

[0006] However, such an end display is meaningless for a user who does not know that such a display is made. Also, the user may leave the printer during printing due to the occurrence of an urgent matter or the like. Therefore, the above-mentioned printer cannot completely prevent confidential documents from being left unattended.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-185449 discloses a printer in which a printed secret document is stored in a stacker (mail box) that can be opened only by a printer. Further, the printer has a function of shredding a secret document which has not been taken out of the stacker for a predetermined time or more by a shredder. This allows the user to secure the confidentiality of the secret document even if the user does not stick to the printer during printing.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
The printer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 000-185449 uses a solid stacker, and thus has a problem that the manufacturing cost is increased and the size of the printer is increased. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. And the purpose is to secure the confidentiality of the confidential documents, increase the manufacturing cost,
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in size of the apparatus.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention (printing apparatus) according to the present invention uses a confidential job for a specific target user to obtain a print document. An input unit that receives an instruction from a target user, an output unit that executes an output process according to a confidential job, a sensor that detects whether the target user is at a predetermined position, and a control unit in the printing device that performs the output process. This control unit controls the output unit when a print instruction including specific confidential information is input to the input unit, and executes output processing of a print document related to the confidential job. During output processing by the output unit, when the absence of the target user at the predetermined position is detected by the sensor, the output processing by the output unit is set to be interrupted. To have.

The printing apparatus is a printing apparatus suitably used as a printer connected to a terminal device such as a personal computer or a workstation. The printing apparatus is set so that an output unit can execute a print document output process based on a confidential job input from the outside (a terminal device or the like).

Here, a confidential job is a specific user (target user; for example, a user who has issued a print instruction).
Is a print job corresponding to a print document (confidential document) to be acquired by the user. That is, the printing apparatus is set to perform a printing process (confidential print) for outputting a confidential document for a specific target user in response to an input of a confidential job.

In the printing apparatus, the output processing is executed by the output unit only under the control of the control unit when the target user inputs a print instruction including specific confidential information to the input unit. Has become.

Here, the output unit prints image data included in the confidential job on a printing sheet (recording paper) and outputs the image data. Also, the confidential information is, for example,
Information such as a user name / ID and a password for specifying the target user, a job name / ID given to the confidential job, and the like, which is a keyword associated with the specific confidential job. The input unit is a user instruction input device (such as an input panel) provided in the housing of the printing apparatus or in the vicinity of the printing apparatus.

That is, in the printing apparatus, a confidential document cannot be obtained unless the user goes to the installation position of the printing apparatus and inputs confidential information as a keyword to the input unit.

Thus, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to prevent a user unrelated to the confidential print from acquiring a confidential document. Accordingly, confidential documents (private documents, important documents, confidential documents, confidential documents, etc. relating to personal information) that need to be passed only to the target user can be obtained only by the target user by confidential printing.

In particular, the printing apparatus includes a sensor (determination unit) for detecting whether or not a target user is at a predetermined position during output processing in the output unit. Then, when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position, the control unit interrupts the output process by the output unit.

Here, the predetermined position is set in advance in the vicinity (near) of the printing apparatus, such as in the vicinity of the front of the printing apparatus or in a position suitable for performing an input operation to the input unit. , Where the user stands.

In the printing apparatus, the sensor detects the presence / absence of the user at a predetermined position.
When the absence of a user at this position is detected, the detection result is set to be transmitted to the control unit. Then, the control unit that has received the detection result determines that the target user has left the printing apparatus, and is set to temporarily suspend the output process by the output unit.

As described above, in the printing apparatus, if the target user leaves the printing apparatus during the output processing for confidential printing, the output processing is interrupted.
In other words, the present printing apparatus prevents a confidential document from being output and left on an unprotected discharge tray when the target user is not present. Thereby, even if the target user is absent, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be protected from other users.

In addition, the printing apparatus does not require a rigid housing member such as a lockable stacker in order to maintain the confidentiality of the confidential document from other users. This allows
It is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost and an increase in the size of the apparatus for protecting the confidential documents.

Further, if the printing apparatus and the terminal apparatus are connected to a network, a printing system capable of securely protecting confidential documents can be constructed. Here, the network includes a wiring (cable) for connecting the printing apparatus and the terminal apparatus, and includes a wide area network such as a LAN and the Internet, and a serial cable connecting the apparatuses.

The printing apparatus can be used as a copying machine (copying machine) for reading an image and performing copy printing. In this case, the image data read by the scanner (image reading device) and various instructions input to the operation panel of the copying machine correspond to the confidential job. Then, when an instruction to execute confidential print is received from the user on the operation panel, the instruction is recognized as confidential information, and a setting is made to execute confidential print processing.

The printing apparatus may further include a discharge tray for placing the output confidential document, and a discarding unit for collecting and discarding the confidential document placed on the discharge tray. preferable. Further, in this case, the control unit may be configured to interrupt the output process by the output unit and then control the above-described discard unit to discard the confidential document placed on the output tray. preferable.

That is, if the confidential document remains on the paper discharge tray when the target user leaves the printing apparatus, the confidential document cannot be protected from others only by interrupting the output process.

Therefore, in the above configuration, when the target user leaves the printing apparatus, the discarding section is set to collect and discard such output confidential documents. Thus, even if the target user leaves the printing apparatus while leaving the output confidential document, confidentiality of the document can be protected from other users.

It is preferable that the discarding unit includes a collecting device for collecting confidential documents on the paper discharge tray and a collecting device for discarding the collected documents. Here, as the discarding device, for example, a lockable and rigid trash can, an incinerator for incinerating documents, a shredder for shredding documents, or the like can be used. In particular, if a shredder is used, an inexpensive discarding device that can reliably discard confidential documents so that it cannot be read by others can be configured.

[0027] Further, after interrupting the output processing by the output unit, the control unit detects that the absence of the target user at the predetermined position has been continuously detected for a predetermined time or more.
It is preferable that the setting is made so that the confidential document is discarded by the discarding unit.

With this setting, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the output confidential document is discarded even when the target user is absent for a very short time. As a result, secure and reliable confidential printing can be executed without impairing the efficiency of the printing process.

In this case, when the sensor detects that the target user is at the predetermined position within the predetermined time (ie, when the target user returns within the predetermined time), the control unit outputs It is preferable that the setting is made so as to restart the output processing by the unit. With this setting, the target user does not need to redo the confidential print if he / she returns immediately even if he leaves the printing apparatus. Thereby, the printing efficiency can be further improved.

It is preferable that the control unit is configured to notify the target user of a message indicating that the confidential document has been destroyed after the confidential document is destroyed. With this setting, the target user can know the cause of the absence of documents from the paper discharge tray.

Further, even when the discard unit is not provided,
In order to improve the printing efficiency, the control unit is configured to restart the output process by the output unit when the sensor detects that the target user is at the predetermined position within a predetermined time after the interruption of the output process. It is preferred that

In resuming the output process, the control unit may request the target user to re-enter a print instruction including specific confidential information. That is, it is preferable that the setting is made so that the output processing is restarted after confirming such re-input of the print instruction.

With this setting, when the target user leaves the printing apparatus and another user stands by the printing apparatus (at a predetermined position), the output is restarted. This can be prevented.

It is preferable that the printing apparatus is provided with an alarm for generating a warning sound. When the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position, the control unit is preferably set so as to control an alarm and generate a warning sound. By doing so, the user's intention to leave the printing apparatus can be alerted, so that the target user can be prevented from inadvertently leaving the printing apparatus.

Further, according to the printing method of the present invention, in a printing method for performing a print document output process based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document, a print instruction including specific confidential information is provided. An output step of executing a print document output process for a confidential job when input by the target user is included, and the output step is set to be interrupted when the absence of the target user at a predetermined position is detected. The method is characterized in that:

This printing method is a printing method used in the printing apparatus described above. Therefore, if this printing method is used, even if the target user is absent, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be protected from other users without increasing the cost and size of the printing apparatus. Confidential print that can be performed.

Further, the print processing program of the present invention allows a computer of a printing apparatus that performs print document output processing based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document to print a print job including specific confidential information. When the instruction is input by the target user, the output unit is controlled to execute the output processing of the print document related to the confidential job, and when it is confirmed that the target user is not at a predetermined position during the output processing, the output unit is output. The function of the control unit is to function as a control unit for interrupting the output processing by the control unit.
By causing the computer of the printing apparatus to read this program, the processing of the control unit in the printing apparatus can be realized by the computer. Also, by storing this program on a computer-readable recording medium, the program can be easily stored and distributed. Further, by reading this recording medium, a confidential print in the printing apparatus can be performed by a printing apparatus including a computer.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as the present system). As shown in this figure, the present system connects PCs (personal computers; terminal devices) 11 to 13 and a printer (printing device) 21 to a LAN (Local Area Network).
rk).

In the present system, the user operates each PC 11
13 to send a print job including print data (data obtained by converting various types of data files into a printable form) to the printer 21 to output the data file to a sheet (recording paper). , You can create printed documents.

In particular, this system is set so that confidential printing using the printer 21 can be performed. Here, the confidential print is a printing process for outputting a confidential document by the printer 21, and is a method of obtaining the print document only by a user (target user) who has issued a print instruction using the PCs 11 to 13. .

That is, when performing confidential printing, the PC 1
Nos. 1 to 13 include confidential information in the header D2 of the print job. Here, the confidential information is keyword information (keyword information specifying a confidential job) including information indicating that the print job is related to confidential printing, and a user ID and a password. The user ID is an identification number set for each user using the system. In addition, the password is the characters and characters set for the print job by each user.
This is a numeric string, which is used as a password for confidential printing.

When the printer 21 receives a print job (confidential job) related to confidential print,
This job is stored once. The print processing (confidential print) for this job is waited until a user inputs a confidential print execution instruction and a user ID / password. It should be noted that the printer 21 is set so that, when a print job (normal job) that is not a confidential job is received, the print process for this print job is immediately performed.

In particular, in confidential printing in the present system, the output process is interrupted when the user who inputs the user ID and password leaves the printer 21 during the output process of the print document. If the user does not return after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) or more, the print document that has already been output is set to be discarded (shredded).

In the present embodiment, the expression "printing process" is used to describe the entire printing operation of the printer 21 (ie, the output process of reading the print data D1 and the like and outputting it to a sheet, (Including processing for cutting the sheet). The expression “output processing” is used to indicate processing for forming an image on a sheet and outputting the image to the paper discharge tray 32.

Here, a detailed configuration of the present system will be described. The PCs (terminal devices) 11 to 13 have various software such as word processing software and CAD software, and are information processing devices that create and store data files based on user instructions. In addition, PC11 to PC1
Reference numeral 3 has a function of generating print data from a data file, creating a print job including the print data, and transmitting the print job to the printer 21 to perform print processing.

Here, print jobs transmitted and received in the present system will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a print job. As shown in this figure, the print job includes print data D1 and a header D2.

The print data D1 is data obtained by converting various types of data files into a printable format. Further, the header D2 includes print format information (print format (sheet size, number of prints, type of print surface, Nu) of the print job.
p), and attribute information (creator, transmitted PC, transmission date, etc.). In the present system, the confidential information is included in the header D2, so that confidential printing using the printer 21 can be performed.

The printer 21 is a printing device that receives a print job transmitted from each of the PCs 11 to 13 and outputs print data included in the print job to a sheet.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 21 includes a printing unit 31, a paper discharge tray 32, and a shredder 33.

The printing unit (printing device) 31 is composed of PCs 11 to 1
3 receives the print job and outputs the print data D1 to a sheet (recording paper) based on the print format information included in the header D2. Further, the printing unit 31 includes a scanner for reading an image, and also has a function as a copier (copying machine) for printing the image captured by the scanner.

The paper discharge tray 32 is a table on which a sheet (print document) on which an image has been output by the printing unit 31 is placed (stored). Shredder (shredder, discard part) 33
Is a device for storing and shredding printed documents left in the discharge tray 32, and is used for confidential printing. That is, the shredder 33 is used to
2 is provided with a collection device for collecting the printed documents on the top and a cutting device for cutting the collected documents (both not shown).

Here, the function of the printer 21 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the printer 21. As shown in this figure, the printer 21 includes a system control unit 41, a print engine 42, a shredder 33, a sensor 43, an alarm 44, a timer 45, a data transmission / reception unit 46, an operation / display unit 47,
An image processing unit 48 and a storage unit 49 are provided, and print processing is performed by these units. In addition, among these, the members 41 to 49 correspond to the printing unit 31 shown in FIG.
The data transmitting / receiving unit (control unit) 46, which is a member of
This is a network interface in the printer 21. That is, the data transmitting / receiving unit 46
Communication data (such as print jobs) transmitted to and received from
Is executed.

The storage unit 49 stores the header D2 and the print data D1 included in the print job. The image processing unit 48 (output unit) converts the print data D1 stored in the storage unit 49 into a form that can be processed by the print engine 42 and transmits the print data D1 to the print engine 42. The print engine (output unit) 42
For a predetermined sheet, an image corresponding to the print format information of the header D2 and the print data D1 is output on the sheet.

The operation / display section (input section) 47 includes a display panel and an input panel (both not shown) provided on the front of the printer 21. It has a function of displaying the progress and results of the printing process and accepting a user's instruction. In particular, the operation / display unit 4
7 is provided with an instruction button for inputting a confidential print execution instruction, and a keyboard (all not shown) for inputting a user ID and a password.

The sensor 43, the alarm 44 and the timer 45 are used at the time of confidential printing. The sensor 43 is an infrared sensor for detecting whether or not a user is at an operation position (a position (fixed position) where the operation / display unit 47 can be easily operated) of the printer 21 at the time of confidential printing. Along with 47, it is provided on the front surface of the printer 21.

The sensor 43 has an irradiating unit for irradiating infrared rays from the front of the printer 21 toward the operation position, and a light receiving unit for receiving infrared rays from the operation position toward the front of the printer 21 (both are shown in the drawing). Zu). And
When the sensor 43 receives the reflected light from the light receiving unit, the sensor 43 determines that the infrared light of the irradiation unit has been reflected to the user at the operation position, and determines that the user is at the operation position.

The alarm 44 is a speaker that generates a warning sound, and is used when a user moves away from the operation position of the printer 21 during confidential printing. The alarm 44 is set to generate a buzzer sound to draw the user's attention and a voice call such as "Don't leave the printer because confidential printing is in progress" as a warning sound. . The timer (control unit) 45 measures the time during which the user leaves the operation position during confidential printing.

The system control unit (control unit) 41 is a central part of the printer 21 that controls the members 42 to 49 and 33 in the printer 21 to execute a printing process. That is, the system control unit 41 converts the header D2 and the print data D from the print job received by the data
1 is extracted and stored in the storage unit 49.

Then, the system control unit 41 sets the header D
The print data D1 is set to be output based on the print format information included in the print data D2. That is, the system control unit 41 has a function of controlling the image processing unit 48 to convert the print data D1 and then controlling the print engine 42 to execute image output according to the print format information. ing.

The system control unit 41 also includes a header D2
Has a function of determining whether or not the print job is a confidential job based on the presence or absence of the confidential information. When a confidential job is processed, the output processing is executed while confirming the presence / absence of the user by the sensor 43, and if necessary, a warning by the alarm 44 and a shredding of the print document by the shredder 33 are performed. ing.

Next, the printing process in the printer 21 will be described. As described above, if the print job is a confidential job, the printer 21 is configured to temporarily store the print job and wait until a user's instruction is given. On the other hand, if the job is a normal job, the printer 21 immediately performs output processing of the job.

Therefore, first, the print job receiving process and the print process when the received print job is a normal job will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing this processing. As shown in this figure, when the data transmitting / receiving unit 46 receives a print job (S1), the system control unit 41 stores the print job (header D2 and print data D1) in the storage unit 49 (S2).

Thereafter, the system control unit 41 determines whether or not this print job is a confidential job by confirming the presence or absence of confidential information in the header D2 of the print job (S3).

If it is determined that the job is not a confidential job, the system control unit 41 controls the image processing unit 48 to convert the print data D1, and then reads the print format information of the header D2. Thereafter, the print engine 42 is controlled to output the print data D1 based on the print format information (S6). Further, after the output is completed, the system control unit 41 deletes the print job stored in the storage unit 49 (S7), and ends the print processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is a confidential job,
The system control unit 41 analyzes the confidential information included in the header D2 and extracts the user ID and the password included therein. After that, the system control unit 41
Stores the extracted user ID and password in the storage unit 49 in association with the confidential job to which the user belongs.
5), end the processing.

Next, print processing (confidential print) relating to a confidential job will be described. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of this confidential print. This operation starts when the user inputs a confidential print execution instruction using the instruction button on the operation / display unit 47 of the printer 21.

When a confidential print execution instruction is input (started) and an ID / password is input by the user, the system control unit 41 determines whether or not the input ID / password is stored in the storage unit 49. to decide.
If it is determined that the input is not stored, the system control unit 41 determines that there is an error in the user's input, and prompts for re-input (S11 to S13).

If the user cannot input an appropriate ID / password within a predetermined time (by the time-up), the system control unit 41 displays “Incorrect input Is displayed "and the process is terminated (S12 / S18).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input ID / password is stored in the storage unit 49, the system control unit 41 reads a confidential job corresponding to these from the storage unit 49. Then, after controlling the image processing unit 48 to convert the print data D1, the print format information of the header D2 is analyzed. Thereafter, the system control unit 41 controls the print engine 42 to start outputting the print data D1 based on the print format information (S14).

After the output is started, the system control unit 41
Controls the sensor 43 to detect whether or not the user is at the operation position of the printer 21 (S15). While the user is confirmed to be at this position, the output process is continued until the output is completed (until all the print data D1 is output) (S15 / S1).
6).

When the output is completed, the system control unit 41 deletes the confidential job (printed data D1 and its header D2 that have been output) from the storage unit 49, and ends the processing (S17).

On the other hand, if the sensor 43 determines that the user has left the operation position, the system controller 4
1 temporarily suspends the output (S19). Then, the alarm 44 is controlled to give a warning to the user, and the timer 45 is controlled to measure the time from when the user leaves the operation position (S20).

Further, the system control section 41 continues to detect the user by the sensor 43 even after the user leaves the operation position. Then, when the user returns to the operation position within a predetermined time (by the time-up) (when the user can be detected by the sensor 43),
The system control unit 41 restarts the interrupted output (S21 and S22).

On the other hand, if the user does not return even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the system control unit 41 determines whether or not there is a printed document on the discharge tray 32. If there is a print document in the discharge tray 32, the shredder 33 is controlled to cut the print document (S23).
S24). Thereafter, the system control unit 41 controls the data transmission / reception unit 46 to send the confidential job to the PC 1
An error message is notified to each of Nos. 1 to 13 by e-mail (S25), and the process is terminated.

In this case, the system control unit 41
The setting is such that the confidential job is not deleted from the storage unit 49 but is kept stored. For this reason, the user can restart the printing process by re-entering the user ID and password in the operation / display unit 47.

FIG. 6 shows that the PCs 11 to 11 are used in S25.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an error message notified to a user 13; As shown in this figure, this error message indicates that confidential printing has been interrupted, that the printed document on the paper output tray 32 has been discarded (shredded), and that the operation / display unit 47
In this case, the user can re-enter the user ID and password to restart the printing process.

As described above, in the present system, the printer 21 is provided with the sensor 43 for detecting whether or not the user is at the operation position during the output processing in the print engine 42 and the image processing section 48. Then, when the sensor 43 detects the absence of the user at the operation position, the system control unit 41 interrupts the output processing by the print engine 42 and the image processing unit 48.

That is, in the printer 21, the sensor 43 detects the presence / absence of the user at the operation position, and transmits the detection result to the system control unit 41 when detecting the absence of the user at the operation position. Is set to Then, the system control unit 41 that has received this detection result determines that the user has left the printer 21 and is set to temporarily suspend the output process.

As described above, in the printer 21, during the output process for the confidential print, the user
When the distance from 1 is exceeded, the output processing is interrupted. That is, the printer 21 prevents a print document (confidential document) relating to the confidential job from being output and left on an unprotected discharge tray or the like when the user is absent. As a result, even when the user is absent, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be protected from other users.

Further, the printer 21 does not require a rigid housing member such as a lockable stacker in order to maintain confidentiality of the confidential document from other users. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in the size of the apparatus for protecting the confidential document.

The printer 21 includes a paper discharge tray 32 for placing the output confidential documents, and a shredder 33 for collecting and shredding the confidential documents placed on the paper discharge tray 32. I have. And the system control unit 4
1 is the above shredder 3 after interrupting the output process.
3 is controlled so as to cut the confidential documents placed on the discharge tray 32.

That is, when the confidential document remains on the paper discharge tray 32 when the user leaves the printer 21, the confidential document cannot be protected from others only by interrupting the output process. Therefore, in the above configuration, when the user moves away from the printer 21, the shredder 33 is configured to collect and shred such output confidential documents. Thus, even if the user leaves the printer 21 while leaving the output confidential document, the confidentiality of this document can be protected from other users.

After the output processing is interrupted, the system control section 41 detects that the sensor 43 has continuously detected the absence of the user at the operation position for a predetermined time or more.
The confidential document is cut by the shredder 33. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the output confidential document is discarded even when the user is absent for a very short time. Accordingly, secure and reliable confidential printing can be executed without impairing the efficiency of the printing process.

Further, the system control section 41 detects that the user is at the operation position within the above-mentioned predetermined time by the sensor 4.
3 is set to restart when the detection is detected (that is, when the user returns within a predetermined time). Thus, even if the user leaves the printer 21, if the user returns immediately, there is no need to redo the confidential print. Therefore, printing efficiency can be further improved.

Further, the system control section 41 is set so as to notify the user of a message indicating that the confidential document has been cut after executing the shredding of the confidential document. Thereby, the user can know the cause of the absence of documents from the discharge tray 32.

The printer 21 is provided with an alarm 44 for generating a warning sound. Then, when the sensor 43 detects the absence of the user at the operation position, the system control unit 41 is set so as to control an alarm and generate a warning sound. Thereby, since the user's attention to be separated from the printer 21 can be attracted, it is possible to suppress the user from being inadvertently separated from the printer 21.

In the processing shown in FIG. 1, if the user leaves the operation position during confidential printing and does not return after a predetermined time, the system control unit 41 deletes the confidential job from the storage unit 49. Instead, it keeps memorizing it. However, the system control unit 41 may delete, from the storage unit 49, the data regarding the print document already removed by the user in the print data D1.

Note that a printed document that has already been removed is a printed document that has been output and has not been left on the discharge tray 32. Further, instead of confirming the presence or absence of such a print document, the shredder 3 is used in S24.
Alternatively, it may be confirmed whether or not the cutting by 3 has been performed. Then, when the shredding is performed, all of the print data D1 is left.
2 if no print document is left), the data relating to the output sheet may be deleted from the print data D1. Further, such print data D
It is preferable that the user can freely set whether or not to partially delete 1.

Further, in the process of FIG. 1, after the output is interrupted (after S19), it may be confirmed whether or not there is a printed document in the paper discharge tray 32. When it is confirmed that there is no print document, the output process may be interrupted.

In the processing of FIG. 1, when the user returns to the operation position within a predetermined time after the interruption of the output, the output is restarted. However, when the output is restarted, the user may be set to re-enter the user ID / password.

With this setting, it is possible to prevent the output from being restarted when another user stands by the printer 21 (at the operation position) after the user leaves the printer 21. It is possible to do. Therefore, the confidentiality of the confidential job can be maintained more reliably.

The predetermined time (the waiting time from when the user leaves the printer 21 to when the user shreds the paper with the shredder 33 (or until the confidential printing ends)) can be freely set by the user. It is preferred that That is, time information for setting a predetermined time is inserted in the header D2 (confidential information) of the confidential job, and the system control unit 41 determines the predetermined time (standby time) according to the time information. It is preferred that it is.

In the present embodiment, if the user is away from the printer 21 by a predetermined time or more during confidential printing, the print document on the paper output tray 32 is shredded by the shredder 3.
It is said to be cut by three.

However, the processing for the printed document on the paper discharge tray 32 in this case is not limited to shredding, and may be any processing as long as the printed document is discarded. For example, instead of the shredder 33, a lockable trash box that can collect printed documents on the paper output tray 32 may be provided, and the printed documents may be discarded in this trash box.

Further, the printer 21 is disposed near a dust chute which leads to a garbage collection room (or an incinerator) of a facility equipped with the present system. The above printed document may be thrown into the dust chute.

Further, the confidential print in the printer 21 may be a process that does not cut the shredder 33 (that is, does not discard the output print document) in the process shown in FIG. Shredder 33
, It is possible to avoid a new output of the confidential document when the user is absent, and to protect the confidentiality of this document.

In this embodiment, the sensor 43
Is the user's location at the operation position of the printer 21 /
When it is determined that no user is present at this position, the output in the confidential print is interrupted.

However, the user's detection position on the printer 21 only needs to be around (near) the printer 21 and is not limited to the above-described operation position. For example, a plurality of sensors 43 are provided in the housing of the printer 21, and as long as any of the plurality of sensors 43 detects the presence of the user (that is, as long as the user is around the printer 21), the confidential print is performed. You may make it continue.

The sensor 43 is not limited to an infrared sensor, and may be a sensor capable of detecting a user by reflection, such as an ultrasonic sensor.
Further, a pressure sensor may be disposed on a floor surface (or a floor surface at an operation position) in front of the printing apparatus, and the user may be detected by the pressure sensor.

In the present embodiment, when confidential printing is interrupted and terminated, an error message is notified by e-mail to PCs 11 to 13 to which the confidential job has been sent from printer 21. However, this error message may be transmitted to the user (the user who should receive the confidential document). Therefore, it is not limited to e-mail, but means for notifying via a network, broadcasting by a speaker, telephone, FA
X, a mobile phone, a pager (registered trademark), or other communication means may be used to directly transmit the information to the user. Further, an error message may be displayed on the operation / display unit 47 of the printer 21.

In the present embodiment, the target user in confidential printing (user receiving confidential documents)
Is a user who has issued a print instruction using the PCs 11 to 13. However, the target user may be a different user from the user who issued the print instruction (instruction user).

That is, when it is desired that a different user obtains a document, the instructing user creates a message for urging the target user to go to the printer 21 and obtain a confidential document. This may be transmitted together with confidential information (user ID and password).

When the target user is a user of the PCs 11 to 13, the instructing user can easily transmit the above message by e-mail in the present system. In addition, target users are PCs 11 to 13
If the user is not a user, the message can be transmitted by broadcasting using a speaker or using communication means such as a telephone, a facsimile, a mobile phone, and a pager.

When the designated user and the target user are different, it is preferable that the system control unit 41 is set so as to send a message notifying the confidential job printing status to the designated user. Here, the output status (print status) of the confidential job is, for example, information indicating whether or not the target user has executed the confidential print (whether or not the user ID and password have been input).

When the designated user and the target user are different, and the confidential print is terminated with the confidential print interrupted, the system control unit 41 sends an error message shown in FIG. It is preferable to notify both.

In the present embodiment, the present system
It is assumed that the printer 11 includes PCs 11 to 13 and a printer 21 connected via a LAN. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present system may be configured by the PCs 11 to 13 and the printer 21 connected via a larger-scale wide area network (for example, the Internet). Further, the present system may be configured by the printer 21 and one PC connected to the printer 21 by a printer cable.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus of the present invention is shown as a printer 21 which is used by connecting to PCs 11 to 13 serving as terminal apparatuses via a network. However, the mode of use in the printing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to such a mode.

That is, the printing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to any form as long as a print job (confidential job) input from the outside can be printed in accordance with the instruction of the target user. For example, it can be used as a copying machine (copying machine) provided with a scanner (image reading device).

In this case, the image data (corresponding to the print data D1) read by the scanner and various instructions (instructions relating to the print format; equivalent to the header D2) input to the operation panel of the copying machine are transmitted to the printer 21. Is equivalent to the print job in. Then, when an instruction to execute confidential print is received from the user on the operation panel, the instruction is recognized as confidential information, and the confidential print shown in FIG. 1 (particularly, S14 to S25) is set to be executed. Is preferred.

In the present embodiment, the printer 21
Printing process (printing operation) shown in FIGS.
Is performed under the control of the system control unit 41.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an information processing apparatus that records a program for performing the processes of FIGS. 1 and 5 on a recording medium and can read the program may be used instead of the system control unit 41. Good.

In this configuration, an arithmetic unit (CPU or MPU) of the information processing apparatus reads out a program recorded on a recording medium and executes a printing process. Therefore, it can be said that the program itself implements the printing process.

Here, as the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, in addition to a general computer (workstation or personal computer), a function expansion board or a function expansion unit mounted on the computer can be used.

The above-mentioned program is a program code (executable program, intermediate code program, source program, etc.) of software for realizing the printing process. This program may be used alone or in combination with another program (such as an OS). This program is read from a recording medium and then read from a memory (RAM
Etc.), and then read out and executed again.

The recording medium on which the program is recorded may be one which can be easily separated from the information processing apparatus.
It may be fixed (attached) to the device. Further, the external storage device may be connected to the device.

Examples of such a recording medium include a magnetic tape such as a video tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a hard disk, and a C disk.
Optical disks (magneto-optical disks) such as D-ROM, MO, MD, DVD, and CD-R, memory cards such as IC cards and optical cards, mask ROMs, EPROMs, and EEPROMs
M, a semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM or the like can be applied. Further, a recording medium connected to the information processing device via a network (intranet, Internet, or the like) may be used. In this case, the information processing device acquires the program by downloading via the network. That is, the above-described program may be obtained via a transmission medium (medium that dynamically stores the program) such as a network (connected to a wired line or a wireless line). It is preferable that the program for performing the download is stored in the device in advance.

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention receives a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document from a terminal device connected via a network, and performs a printing process based on the confidential job. In the printing apparatus, an input unit for receiving an instruction from a target user and a print process corresponding to a confidential job are set when a print instruction including specific confidential information is input to the input unit. An output unit, and further, a sensor that detects whether or not the target user is at a predetermined position during a printing process in the output unit, and an output when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position. And a control unit for interrupting the printing process by the unit.
It can also be expressed as

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention receives a confidential job for allowing a specific target user to obtain a print document from a terminal device connected via a network, and performs a printing process based on the confidential job. In the printing device to perform, an input unit that receives an instruction from the target user, an output unit that executes output processing according to the confidential job, a sensor that detects whether the target user is at a predetermined position,
And a control unit that, when a print instruction including specific confidential information is input to the input unit, controls the output unit to execute output processing of a print document related to the confidential job. On the other hand, during the output process by the output unit, when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position, the output unit may be configured to interrupt the output process. it can.

Also, an object of the present invention is to transfer a confidential document to an image forming apparatus, input a ID and a password, and start confidential printing. It can be said that the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which aims to cut the printed material with a shredder when the printing is stopped and the printed material is left unattended.

In recent years, with the development of networks,
More and more users share and use the image forming apparatus over a network. In such a use form, when printing a confidential document on an image forming apparatus shared by a plurality of users, there is a problem of how to maintain the confidentiality. For this purpose, various printing methods for confidential documents have been proposed.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-28850, a confidential print (when printing a confidential document, print data is transmitted to an image forming apparatus and stored, and a print requester inputs an ID and a password on the image forming apparatus. When a printed matter on which an image is formed is removed by performing the above operation, a printing apparatus is disclosed that displays the end of printing on a display panel to prevent the user from leaving the printed matter. Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 185449, when printing a highly confidential document, it is determined whether the document is a confidential document when a print request is received. If the document is a confidential document, the document is stored in a stacker after image formation. (Mailbox)
An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which a printed matter is conveyed to a shredder and cut if the printed matter is not taken out.

In JP-A-11-28850, however, the progress of printing is displayed on the display panel to prevent the user from forgetting to take out the printed material. No consideration has been given to the handling of Also, JP-A-2000-185
In Japanese Patent No. 449, the cost is increased due to the use of a mailbox, and the mailbox can be used in the case of a large-sized image forming apparatus having a large number of discharge trays, but is not suitable for a small-sized image forming apparatus. .

It can also be said that an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus for maintaining confidentiality of a confidential document when a user leaves the image forming apparatus during printing of the confidential document. PCs 11 to 13 shown in FIG.
It can also be said that it is a client PC. Also, the error message shown in Figure 6 is "Your print job has discarded the output paper for security. By inputting the ID and the password again, the output can be performed. "May be used. In addition, it can be said that this error message is a status monitor of the printer 21.

Further, the present invention can be expressed as the following first to sixth image forming apparatuses. That is, the first
The image forming apparatus includes a sensor for detecting the presence of a user in front of the image forming apparatus, and thereby detects that the user has left the image forming apparatus during printing of a confidential document, and performs printing. Is stopped. Thereby, even if the user leaves the image forming apparatus due to urgent business or the like, printing is automatically stopped, so that confidentiality can be maintained.

The second image forming apparatus of the first image forming apparatus has a shredder device interlocked with the paper discharge tray, thereby detecting that the user has left the image forming apparatus. In this configuration, a printed document is automatically conveyed to a shredder and cut. This allows
If a user forgets to place a confidential document in the output tray, it is automatically sent to a shredder and destroyed, so that confidentiality can be maintained.

Further, the third image forming apparatus holds the data being printed in the first image forming apparatus,
When a password is input, the system is provided with a function of printing the continuation of the data that has been interrupted or the entire document. As a result, the user can output the automatically interrupted and destroyed document without retransmitting (retransmitting the document data to the image forming apparatus).

Further, in the fourth image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus includes a notification unit for notifying the user that the printing is stopped or the printing is canceled by the shredder. It is. This allows the user to know that the printing has been interrupted (stopped) or discarded.

The fifth image forming apparatus is the same as the first image forming apparatus, except that a warning means (such as an alarm) for the user is provided.
With this configuration, a function is provided that senses that the user has left the front of the image forming apparatus and warns the user of leaving the document. As a result, the user can be alerted by warning that the confidential document has been left. Further, it is possible to prevent a user from unnecessarily leaving the image forming apparatus during printing of a confidential document.

Further, the sixth image forming apparatus has a settable timer in the first image forming apparatus, so that it is sensed that the user has left the image forming apparatus, and the set time is set. In this configuration, the document is cut by a shredder later (for example, 10 seconds; freely settable).
Thus, it is possible to prevent a document from being sent to the shredder even if the user is momentarily away.

[0128]

As described above, the printing apparatus of the present invention (the present printing apparatus) is a printing apparatus that performs print document output processing based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document. An input unit that receives an instruction from the target user, an output unit that executes an output process according to the confidential job, a sensor that detects whether the target user is at a predetermined position, and a control unit. The control unit, when a print instruction including specific confidential information is input to the input unit, controls the output unit to execute output processing of a print document related to the confidential job, and during the output processing by the output unit, The configuration is such that when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position, the output process by the output unit is interrupted.

The printing apparatus is provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not the target user is at a predetermined position during output processing in the output unit. Then, when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position, the control unit interrupts the output process by the output unit.

That is, in this printing apparatus, the sensor
The presence / absence of the user at this predetermined position is detected, and when the absence of the user at this position is detected, the detection result is transmitted to the control unit. Then, the control unit that has received the detection result determines that the target user has left the printing apparatus, and is set to temporarily suspend the output process by the output unit.

As described above, in the printing apparatus, if the target user leaves the printing apparatus during the output processing for confidential printing, the output processing is interrupted.
That is, the present printing apparatus prevents a print document (confidential document) relating to a confidential job from being output and left on an unprotected discharge tray or the like when the target user is absent. Thereby, even if the target user is absent, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be protected from other users.

Further, the present printing apparatus does not require a rigid housing member such as a lockable stacker in order to maintain the confidentiality of the confidential document from other users. This allows
It is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost and an increase in the size of the apparatus for protecting the confidential documents.
Further, if the printing device and the terminal device are connected to a network, a printing system capable of reliably protecting confidential documents can be constructed.

Further, the printing apparatus may be provided with a discharge tray for placing the output confidential document, and a discarding unit for collecting and discarding the confidential document placed on the discharge tray. preferable. Further, in this case, the control unit may be configured to interrupt the output process by the output unit and then control the above-described discard unit to discard the confidential document placed on the output tray. preferable.

That is, if the confidential document remains on the paper discharge tray when the target user leaves the printing apparatus, the confidential document cannot be protected from others only by interrupting the output process. Therefore, in the above configuration, when the target user leaves the printing apparatus, a setting is made such that the output confidential document is collected and discarded by the discarding unit. Thus, even if the target user leaves the printing apparatus while leaving the output confidential document, confidentiality of the document can be protected from other users.

It is preferable that the discarding unit includes a collecting device for collecting confidential documents on the paper discharge tray and a collecting device for discarding the collected documents. Here, as the discarding device, for example, a lockable and rigid trash can, an incinerator for incinerating documents, a shredder for shredding documents, or the like can be used. In particular, if a shredder is used, an inexpensive discarding device that can reliably discard confidential documents so that it cannot be read by others can be configured.

Further, after interrupting the output process by the output unit, the control unit, when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position continuously for a predetermined time or more,
It is preferable that the setting is made so that the confidential document is discarded by the discarding unit.

With this setting, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the output confidential document is discarded even when the target user is absent for a very short time. As a result, it is possible to maintain the security without impairing the efficiency of the printing process. A secure confidential print can be executed.

In this case, when the sensor detects that the target user is at the predetermined position within the above-mentioned predetermined time (that is, when the target user returns within the predetermined time), the control unit outputs It is preferable that the setting is made so as to restart the output processing by the unit. With this setting, the target user does not need to redo the confidential print if he / she returns immediately even if he leaves the printing apparatus. Thereby, the printing efficiency can be further improved.

It is preferable that the control unit is set so as to notify the target user of a message indicating that the confidential document has been destroyed after the confidential document is destroyed. With this setting, the target user can know the cause of the absence of documents from the paper discharge tray.

Further, even when no discard unit is provided,
In order to improve the printing efficiency, the control unit is configured to restart the output process by the output unit when the sensor detects that the target user is at the predetermined position within a predetermined time after the interruption of the output process. It is preferred that

In restarting the output process, the control unit may request the target user to re-input a print instruction including specific confidential information. That is, it is preferable that the setting is made so that the output processing is restarted after confirming such re-input of the print instruction.

With this setting, when the target user leaves the printing apparatus and another user stands by the printing apparatus (at a predetermined position), the output is restarted. This can be prevented.

Further, it is preferable that the printing apparatus is provided with an alarm for generating a warning sound. When the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position, the control unit is preferably set so as to control an alarm and generate a warning sound. By doing so, the user's intention to leave the printing apparatus can be alerted, so that the target user can be prevented from inadvertently leaving the printing apparatus.

Further, according to the printing method of the present invention, in a printing method for performing output processing of a print document based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain the print document, a print instruction including specific confidential information is provided. An output step of executing a print document output process for a confidential job when input by the target user is included, and the output step is set to be interrupted when the absence of the target user at a predetermined position is detected. That's the way.

This printing method is a printing method used in the printing apparatus described above. Therefore, if this printing method is used, even if the target user is absent, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be protected from other users without increasing the cost and size of the printing apparatus. Confidential print that can be performed.

Further, the print processing program according to the present invention enables a computer of a printing apparatus, which performs print document output processing based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document, to perform printing including specific confidential information. When the instruction is input by the target user, the output unit is controlled to execute the output processing of the print document related to the confidential job, and when it is confirmed that the target user is not at a predetermined position during the output processing, the output unit is This is a program that functions as a control unit that interrupts the output processing by. By causing the computer of the printing apparatus to read this program, the processing of the control unit in the printing apparatus can be realized by the computer. In addition, by recording this program on a computer-readable recording medium,
You can easily store and distribute programs. Further, by reading this recording medium, a confidential print in the printing apparatus can be performed by a printing apparatus including a computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of confidential print processing by a printer in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the printing system described above.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a print job transmitted and received in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions of a printer in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print job receiving process in the printer illustrated in FIG. 4 and a print process when the received print job is a normal job.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an error message notified from the printer shown in FIG. 4 to the PC.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 to 13 PC (terminal device) 21 printer (printing device) 31 printing unit (printing device) 32 paper discharge tray 33 shredder (shredder, discarding unit) 41 system control unit (control unit) 42 print engine (output unit) 43 Sensor 44 Alarm 45 Timer (control unit) 46 Data transmission / reception unit (control unit) 47 Operation / display unit (input unit) 48 Image processing unit (output unit) 49 Storage unit D1 Print data D2 Header (identification information)

Claims (13)

[Claims] An input unit for receiving an instruction from a target user, an output unit for receiving an instruction from the target user, and an output corresponding to the confidential job. It has an output unit for executing processing, a sensor for detecting whether or not the target user is at a predetermined position, and a control unit. The control unit inputs a print instruction including specific confidential information to the input unit. If the sensor detects the absence of the target user at the predetermined position during the output process by the output unit, the output unit is controlled to execute the output process of the print document related to the confidential job. A printing apparatus set to interrupt output processing by an output unit. An output tray on which the output print document is placed; and a discarding unit for collecting and discarding the print document placed on the output tray. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the output process is interrupted, the printing unit is set to control the discarding unit to discard the print document placed on the paper output tray. 3. The control unit, after interrupting the output process, executes discarding of the printed document by the discarding unit when the sensor continuously detects the absence of the target user at a predetermined position for a predetermined time or more. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting is performed so that the printing is performed. 4. When the sensor detects that the target user is at a predetermined position within the predetermined time, the control unit is set to restart the output processing by the output unit. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to notify the target user of a message indicating that the print document has been destroyed after the print document is destroyed. 3. The printing device according to 2. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said discarding unit includes a shredder for shredding a printed document. 7. When the sensor detects that the target user is at a predetermined position within a predetermined time after the interruption of the output processing, the control unit is set to restart the output processing by the output unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control section is configured to resume output processing by the output section after a print instruction including specific confidential information is re-input to the input section. A printing device according to claim 1. 9. An alarm for generating a warning sound, wherein the control unit is configured to control the alarm to generate a warning sound when the sensor detects the absence of the target user at a predetermined position. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 10. A printing system comprising: the printing device according to claim 1; and a terminal device connected to a network together with the printing device. 11. A printing method for performing print document output processing based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document, wherein a print instruction including specific confidential information is input by the target user. Further comprising an output step of executing a print document output process related to a confidential job, wherein the output step is set to be interrupted when the absence of the target user at a predetermined position is detected. Printing method. 12. A computer of a printing apparatus that performs output processing of a print document based on a confidential job for causing a specific target user to obtain a print document, wherein a print instruction including specific confidential information is input by the target user. In this case, the control unit controls the output unit to execute the output process of the print document related to the confidential job, and suspends the output process by the output unit when it is confirmed that the target user is not at a predetermined position during the output process. A print processing program characterized by functioning as: 13. A computer-readable recording medium on which the print processing program according to claim 12 is recorded.