JP2004098379A - Printing device with security means - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device capable of ensuring the confidentiality of a printed matter.
When a print processing command is input, a password input is accepted, the value is stored in a buffer A-1 (step S1), and a discharge cassette lid lock command is issued to lock the discharge cassette lid. Is performed to energize the solenoid (step S2). Then, after printing (step S3), the input of the password is requested again, and the input password is stored in the buffer A-2 (step S4). Next, the contents of the buffers A-1 and A-2 are compared. If the contents of both buffers do not match, the flow returns to step S4 to wait for the input of the password again, while the contents of both buffers are If they match, the process proceeds to step S6 to execute a discharge cassette lid lock release command to release the lock of the discharge cassette lid, and stop supplying power to the solenoid.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing device with a security means provided with a security means for concealing a printed matter from a third party.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 11 is a view showing the internal structure of a conventional general printing apparatus.
[0003]
In the figure, a printing paper 36 conveyed from a paper feeding device 30 is conveyed on a platen 34 between a pinch roller 33 and a conveying roller 31. At this time, printing is performed on the printing paper 36 by the print head (not shown) of the carriage 22 while scanning the carriage 22 in the direction A. Printing proceeds while repeating printing and transporting, and when printing is completed, the printing paper 36 is discharged onto a discharge tray 35 by discharge rollers (not shown). Then, the subsequent print sheets are successively stacked on the discharge tray 35 one after another.
[0004]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the internal structure of another conventional general printing apparatus.
[0005]
11, the printing paper is conveyed in the printing paper advancing direction 37 by the discharge rollers 38 as in FIG. The paper discharge cassette 39 stores discharged print paper, and has a plurality of paper discharge cassettes. Then, the discharged print paper is changed in the print paper advancing direction 37 by the discharge tray selecting means 41 so as to be discharged to the discharge cassette set before printing, and is discharged to the selected discharge cassette. The sheet is conveyed and stored in a sheet discharge cassette 39 by a sheet discharge roller 38.
[0006]
A discharge cassette lid 40 is attached to the discharge cassette 39, and the discharge cassette lid 40 can be opened by rotating the hinge 40-1 in the B direction with the hinge 40-1 as a fulcrum. Then, the printing paper 36 accumulated in the paper discharge cassette 39 can be taken out.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, printing apparatuses are not only installed at home and used personally, but also rarely installed and used in public places such as shops. Printing of data not only from a copying machine but also from a personal computer such as an ink jet printer has begun to be performed in public places.
[0008]
In this case, in the conventional printing apparatus as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, not only does the confidential document have a serious problem in confidentiality, but there is also a risk that the document can be taken away by others.
[0009]
In the case of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 11, since the discharged printing paper 36 is merely stacked on the paper output tray 35, the top printing paper 36 is easily exposed to the public, and the confidentiality of the confidential document is reduced. Not only is there a major problem, but also because the discharge tray has no cover such as a lid, it is easy to carry the document away.
[0010]
In the case of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 12, the discharge cassette 39 has the discharge cassette lid 40. Therefore, if the discharge cassette lid 40 is opaque, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be maintained. Can be freely opened and closed, so even if the confidential document cannot be seen with the paper discharge cassette lid 40, the confidentiality cannot be said to be sufficient. Further, similarly to the printing apparatus of FIG. 11, the document can be easily taken out by another person.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of this point, and it is a first object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can ensure the confidentiality of a printed matter.
[0012]
Further, if the confidentiality of the printed matter is ensured, the next user may not be able to print if the user does not immediately take out the printed matter stored in the paper discharge unit. Even if there are a plurality of paper discharge units, printing will be delayed if there are print requests for the number of paper discharge units or more.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of this point, and a second object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus in which printed matter does not stay for a long time in a paper discharge unit.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a printing unit that prints on printing paper, and a concealing unit that conceals a printed matter by the printing unit from a third party. And
[0015]
In order to achieve the second object, the printing device according to claim 2 is the printing device according to claim 1, wherein the timing device measures time during which the concealing device is used, and the printing device is configured to measure time by the timing device. Charging means for charging according to the time taken.
[0016]
The printing device according to claim 3 is the printing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concealing unit is stored in the storage unit before storing the printed matter, and the storage unit stores the printed matter. Lock means for locking the printed matter so that the printed matter cannot be taken out by a third party, unlock means for releasing the lock by the lock means, password setting means for setting a password before printing by the printing means, Collating means for collating the password entered after printing by the printing means with the set password; and, if the two passwords match as a result of the collation by the collating means, the lock releasing means allows the storage means to be locked by the unlocking means. Control means for controlling to release the lock.
[0017]
5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein the storage device includes a plurality of storage devices, the lock device independently locks each of the plurality of storage devices, and the password setting device. Can independently set a password for each of the plurality of storage means, the collation means, the input password, and the password set for each of the plurality of storage means, collation, The control means controls the unlocking of the storage means in which the password is set, if there is a password that matches the input password as a result of the verification by the verification means.
[0018]
6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of storage units have different capacities, and the charging unit includes a volume of the storage unit used among the plurality of storage units. Is charged according to
[0019]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the password setting unit is configured such that the same password as a password already set in one storage unit cannot be set in another storage unit. It is characterized by that.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a printing device with concealment means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
In the figure, the paper discharge cassette lid lock lever 43 is rotatable around a fulcrum 44 formed integrally with the paper discharge cassette 39, and is pulled downward by a spring 45. Since the discharge cassette lid lock lever 43 is configured to cover the discharge cassette lid 40 from above, the rotation of the discharge cassette lid 40 can be stopped from above, and the discharge cassette lid 40 is locked. be able to.
[0023]
When a discharge cassette lid unlocking command is executed in step S6 of FIG. 2 described later, the solenoid 46 is energized. The discharge cassette lid lock lever 43 is made of metal or has a metal part at least at a position facing the solenoid 46, and is attracted to the energized solenoid 46 (state 43-1).
[0024]
The lock lever 43-1 attracted to the solenoid 46 is separated from the discharge cassette lid 40 and deviates from the locus where the discharge cassette lid 40 opens, so that the discharge cassette lid 40 can be opened.
[0025]
Conversely, when the discharge cassette lid lock command is executed in step S2 of FIG. 2 described later, the power supply to the solenoid 46 is stopped. As a result, the paper discharge cassette lid lock lever 43 is pulled downward by the spring 45 to lock the paper discharge cassette lid 40.
[0026]
Note that the discharge cassette lid 40 is made of a material having such a transparency that at least the contents of the printed matter cannot be confirmed. Therefore, if the discharge cassette lid 40 is closed, the contents of the printing paper 36 in the discharge cassette will be described. Can not be confirmed.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process performed by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0028]
In FIG. 5, when a print processing command is input, the process proceeds to step S1, where the input of a password is accepted, and the value is stored in a buffer A-1.
[0029]
In the next step S2, in order to lock the discharge cassette lid 40, a discharge cassette lid lock command is executed, and the solenoid 46 is energized.
[0030]
Then, after printing is performed in step S3, the input of the password is requested again in step S4, and the input password is stored in the buffer A-2.
[0031]
In step S5, the contents of buffer A-1 and the contents of buffer A-2 are compared. If the contents of both buffers do not match, the flow returns to step S4 to wait for the input of the password again, while the contents of both buffers are returned. If they match, the flow advances to step S6 to execute a discharge cassette lid lock release command to release the lock on the discharge cassette lid 40, and stop the power supply to the solenoid 46.
[0032]
As described above, in this embodiment, since the cover having a transparency at least such that the printed matter cannot be confirmed is provided in the discharge cassette in the printing apparatus, the printed matter can be kept secret. In addition, the lid is provided with a lock function, the password entered before and after the printing process is collated, and as a result, when both passwords match, the lock is released, so the printed material was subjected to the printing process. Only people can take it out. As a result, the confidentiality of the confidential document can be maintained, and only the print commander can take out the printed matter.
[0033]
(Second embodiment)
The printing device with security means of the present embodiment differs from the printing apparatus with security means of the first embodiment only in that a password can be set independently for each of a plurality of paper discharge cassettes. ing. Therefore, the same hardware as that of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, that is, the hardware shown in FIG. 1 is used.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process performed by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0035]
In the figure, when a print processing command is input, the process proceeds to step S11, where the empty paper cassette is checked. As a method of detecting the empty space, any method may be adopted, such as optically detecting whether or not a mechanical switch is pressed by a printed material. If it is determined in step S11 that the paper discharge cassette is not empty, there is no paper discharge cassette for storing the printed material, and thus the printing process is terminated. In this case, printing cannot be performed until it is determined that the discharge cassette is left.
[0036]
If it is determined in step S11 that the discharge cassette is empty, the process proceeds to step S12, and a request is made to input a password. When the password is input, the password is stored in the buffer in step S13. In that case, first, it is checked whether the password is the same as the already set password, and then the password is stored in a buffer corresponding to an empty discharge cassette. In the present embodiment, the password is stored in the buffer D-1 corresponding to the D discharge cassette, assuming that the D discharge cassette is empty.
[0037]
Next, the D discharge cassette lid is locked in step S14, printing is performed in step S15, and the paper is discharged to the D discharge cassette in step S16. In step S17, a password input request is made again, and when the password is input, the input content is stored in the buffer D-2 corresponding to the D discharge cassette.
[0038]
Then, in step S18, the contents of the buffer D-1 and the contents of the buffer D-2 are compared. If the contents of both buffers do not match, the process returns to step S17 and waits for the input of the password again. If the contents match, the flow advances to step S19 to release the lock on the D discharge cassette lid.
[0039]
As described above, in the present embodiment, a password can be set independently for each of the plurality of output cassettes, and the same password cannot be set. Therefore, taking out the confidential document discharged to each output cassette is carried out. And the confidentiality of the confidential document can be maintained.
[0040]
(Third embodiment)
In the printing apparatus with concealment means of the second embodiment, the printing process itself is refused if there is no space in the paper discharge cassette, whereas in the printing apparatus with concealment means of this embodiment, The actual printing process cannot be performed until the paper cassette is empty, but the print data itself is received, and the processing of the print data is started as soon as the discharge cassette is empty. Therefore, the same hardware as that of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, that is, the hardware shown in FIG. 1 is used.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process performed by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0042]
In the figure, when a print processing command is input, the process proceeds to step S21, and it is determined whether or not the discharge cassette is empty.
[0043]
If the discharge cassette is empty in step S21, the same processing as steps S12 to S19 in FIG. 3 is performed.
[0044]
If the discharge cassette is not empty in step S21, the print data to be printed is stored in the standby buffer in step S22.
[0045]
Then, in step S23, the process waits for the collation of the already input password, that is, waits for the discharge cassette to be empty, and when there is an interruption of a password already input, that is, the discharge cassette is empty. If so, the contents of the password are stored in the buffer M in step S24.
[0046]
In the following step S25, the same password as the password stored in the buffer M is set, and the paper discharge cassette is searched. Specifically, the memory of * -1 is referred to. Assuming that the password matches the password input when printing is performed on the E discharge cassette, M = E-1. As a result, it is found that the password (E-1) input before printing matches the password M at the time of releasing the lock of the discharge cassette lid, so that the lock of the E discharge cassette lid is released in step S26.
[0047]
In step S27, it is determined whether or not print processing still remains. If there is no print processing to be processed, this print processing is terminated as it is, while data to be printed still remains. In this case, the process returns to step S21, and the above processing is repeated depending on the availability of the sheet discharge cassette.
[0048]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is no empty space in the paper discharge cassette (when the paper discharge cassette is filled without releasing the paper discharge cassette lid after performing the printing process), printing is temporarily performed on the standby buffer. Since the next printing process is executed when the data is stored and the lock of the discharge cassette lid is released, the print data can be accepted even if the discharge cassette is full.
[0049]
(Fourth embodiment)
The printing device with concealment means of the present embodiment is different from the printing device with concealment means of the first to third embodiments in that charging is performed in accordance with the time during which the concealment means is used. I have. Therefore, the same hardware as that of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, that is, the hardware shown in FIG. 1 is used.
[0050]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process performed by the printing apparatus with a concealing unit according to the present embodiment.
[0051]
In the figure, when the print processing command is input, the process proceeds to step S31, where the input of the password is accepted, and the value is stored in the buffer A-1.
[0052]
In the next step S32, the paper discharge cassette lid is locked.
[0053]
Then, after printing is performed in step S33, the discharge cassette timer T1 is started in step S34.
[0054]
Next, in step S35, input of the password is requested again, and the input password is stored in the buffer A-2.
[0055]
In step S36, the contents of buffer A-1 and the contents of buffer A-2 are compared. If the contents of both buffers do not match, the flow returns to step S35 to wait for the input of the password again, while the contents of both buffers are returned. If they match, the flow advances to step S37 to perform a charging process (FIG. 6), and the flow advances to step S38 to unlock the discharge cassette lid.
[0056]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the charging process in step S37.
[0057]
In the figure, first, in step S41, the value of the paper discharge cassette timer T1 is confirmed, and the value is stored in the memory M1.
[0058]
Next, in step S42, the charge is determined from the value in the memory M1 by referring to a table in which the charge is set for each time counted by the discharge cassette timer T1.
[0059]
Then, in step S43, a fee is requested from the user (displayed on a screen or the like), and in step S44, charging is awaited. If there is no charge even after the lapse of the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S45 to restart the paper discharge cassette timer T1, and returns to step S35 in FIG. 5 to wait for the password setting again. On the other hand, if the charging of the requested fee can be confirmed in step S44, the charging processing ends.
[0060]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the printing device with the concealment unit, the charge can be changed according to the time of using the concealment unit, and the fee can be set so that the more the occupation of the concealment unit, the more the charge is made. Therefore, the user can take out the printed matter from the security means as soon as possible, and many users can use the printing apparatus with security means.
[0061]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by the printing device with concealment unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0062]
In the figure, when a print processing command is input, the process proceeds to step S51, where the input of the password is accepted, and the value is stored in the buffer A-1.
[0063]
In the next step S52, the discharge cassette lid is locked.
[0064]
Then, after printing is performed in step S53, input of a password is requested again in step S54, and the input password is stored in the buffer A-2.
[0065]
In step S55, the contents of the buffers A-1 and A-2 are compared. If the contents of both buffers do not match, the flow returns to step S54 to wait for the input of the password again, while the contents of both buffers are kept. If they match, the flow advances to step S56 to execute a charging process (FIG. 9), and the flow advances to step S57 to unlock the discharge cassette lid.
[0066]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the supplement of the printing in step S53.
[0067]
In the figure, after printing is performed in step S53a, the size and the number of printing papers are checked in step S53b. Normally, these pieces of information are specified by a user who instructs printing. Then, in step S53c, the sheet is discharged to a discharge cassette corresponding to the sheet size and the number of sheets.
[0068]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the charging process in step S56.
[0069]
In the figure, in step S61, the size of the used paper discharge cassette is confirmed, and the value is stored in the memory M2.
[0070]
Next, in step S62, the fee is determined from the value of M2 with reference to a table in which the fee is set for each paper discharge cassette size.
[0071]
Then, in step S63, a fee is requested from the user (displayed on a screen or the like), and in step S64, charging is awaited. If there is no charge even after the lapse of the predetermined time, the flow returns to step S54 in FIG. 7 to wait for the password setting again. On the other hand, if the charging of the requested fee can be confirmed in step S64, the charging processing ends.
[0072]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the printing device with concealment means, there are a plurality of concealment means, and the charge is changed depending on the volume of the concealment means. Because it can be set, the user who uses the concealing means with a large volume can take out the printed matter sooner, the number of concealing means with a large volume can be reduced, and many concealing means are installed in a limited installation place Thus, many users can use the printing device with concealment means.
[0073]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a charging process executed by the printing device with concealment unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0074]
In the figure, in step S71, the size of the discharge cassette used is confirmed, and the value is stored in the memory M2.
[0075]
Next, in step S72, the value of the discharge cassette timer T1 is stored in the memory M1.
[0076]
In step S73, the charge is determined from the values of M1 and M2 with reference to a table in which the charge is set for each discharge cassette size and for each time counted by the discharge cassette timer T1.
[0077]
Then, in step S74, a fee is requested from the user (displayed on a screen or the like), and in step S75, charging is awaited. If there is no charge even after the lapse of the predetermined time, the flow proceeds to step S76 to start the discharge cassette timer T1 again, and returns to step S54 in FIG. 7 to wait for the password setting again. On the other hand, if the charging of the requested fee can be confirmed in step S75, the charging processing ends.
[0078]
In the present embodiment, the printing process is the printing process of FIG.
[0079]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the printing device with the concealing unit, the time for using the concealing unit and the plurality of concealing units are different, and the charge is changed according to the volume of the concealing unit. It is possible, and the concealment means is less occupied by a limited number of users.
[0080]
A storage medium storing the program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus is stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0081]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0082]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used. Further, the program code may be supplied from a server computer via a communication network.
[0083]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of each of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0084]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a password is set before printing by a printing unit, a password input after printing by the printing unit is compared with the set password, and a result of the matching is set. If the two passwords match, the storage means is unlocked, so that only the person who has performed the printing process can take out the printed matter, thus keeping the confidential document confidential. Only the print commander can take out the printed matter.
[0086]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to lock each of the plurality of storage means independently, to set a password independently for each of the plurality of storage means, Is compared with the password set in each of the storage means, and if there is a password matching the input password as a result of the comparison, the lock of the storage means in which the password is set is released. It is not possible to take out the confidential document for each storage means, so that the confidentiality of the confidential document can be maintained for each storage means.
[0087]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the fee can be set so that the longer the occupation of the concealing means, the more the user is charged, so that the user can take out the printed matter from the concealing means as soon as possible. A printing device with security means can be used.
[0088]
Further, according to the present invention, a fee can be set so that a large amount of concealment means is charged, so that a user who uses a large-volume concealment means can take out a printed material earlier, and therefore, a large-volume concealment means. The number of means to be installed can be reduced, and many concealing means can be installed in a limited installation place, so that many users can use the printing device with concealing means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a printing device with concealment means according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by the printing apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a billing process in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a supplement of printing in step S53 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a charging process in FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing process executed by a printing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a conventional general printing device.
FIG. 12 is a view showing the internal structure of another conventional general printing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
39 discharge cassette 40 discharge cassette lid 41 discharge cassette selection means 43 discharge cassette lid lock lever 44 discharge cassette lid lock lever hinge 45 discharge cassette lid lock lever spring 46 solenoid

Claims (6)

Printing means for printing on printing paper,
A concealing means for concealing a printed matter by the printing means from a third party. A clock means for measuring the time using the concealment means,
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising charging means for charging according to the time measured by said time measuring means. The concealment means,
Storage means for storing the printed matter,
Locking means for locking the printed matter stored in the storage means so that a third party cannot take out the printed matter stored in the storage means before printing by the printing means,
Unlocking means for unlocking by the locking means;
Before printing by the printing means, a password setting means for setting a password,
Collating means for collating the password entered after printing by the printing means with the set password,
3. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the unlocking means to unlock the storage means when the two passwords match as a result of the checking by the checking means. The printing device according to the above. There are a plurality of storage means,
The lock means independently locks each of the plurality of storage means,
The password setting means can independently set a password for each of the plurality of storage means,
The collation unit collates the input password with a password set for each of the plurality of storage units,
The control means controls, if the result of the comparison by the comparison means matches any of the inputted passwords, to unlock the storage means in which the password is set. 3. The printing device according to 3. The plurality of storage units have different volumes,
The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the billing unit bills according to the volume of the storage unit used among the plurality of storage units. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the password setting unit is configured so that a password same as a password already set in one storage unit cannot be set in another storage unit.

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