JP2004268535A - Printer and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from being made to wait by other users when he/she goes to an installation place of a printer, in the case of the performance of confidential printing. <P>SOLUTION: This printer 3 has a confidential printing mode for printing stored printing data in accordance with the user's operations using an operation part 9, after the reception and storage of the printing data transmitted from host apparatuses 1 and 2. In this constitution, the printer 3 is equipped with: a means for receiving a request to prohibit the other users from doing the printing by operating the operation part 9 is operated, along with user identification information of a request source; a means for prohibiting the operation of the operation part 9 in accordance with the received request to prohibit the operation; and a means for giving a printing operation right to print the stored printing data by operating the operation part 9, to the user who inputs the user identification information determined to correspond to the user identification information of the request source, only when the input user identification information corresponds to the user identification information of the request source, in the case where the user identification information is input from the operation part 9 in the state of prohibiting the operation of the operation part 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing device that prints print data transmitted from a host device, and a printing system using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Today, printing systems that share a printing device using a network have been actively used. Specifically, by connecting a plurality of host computers serving as higher-level devices to one network and connecting one printing device to this network, for example, a print job from a plurality of higher-level devices can be connected to one printing device. And printing can be performed.
[0003]
As a printing device connected to a higher-level device through a bidirectional interface including a network, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-163,097 allows a print job to be reserved even when a print job has not been generated. A printing apparatus that preferentially processes a print job of a reserving person is disclosed.
[0004]
Also, in a printing system using a network, when a user sends print data from a higher-level device to a printing device and prints, the contents of a print document output as a sheet medium from the printing device are prevented from being viewed by others. Therefore, a function called confidential printing is supported. Confidential printing is also called confidential document printing because it is mainly used for printing confidential documents.
[0005]
In this confidential printing, when a user transmits print data from a higher-level device to a printing device, for example, the user transmits print data to which user identification information and a password are added. On the other hand, the printing device that has received the print data from the host device stores the received print data and the information added thereto on the hard disk. Then, the print data is read from the hard disk and printed only when the user moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus and inputs correct user identification information and a correct password from the operation panel of the printing apparatus. Thus, printing is performed only when the user who has sent the print data from the host device is at the installation location of the printing device, so that there is no possibility that the contents of the printed document can be viewed by others against the user's intention.
[0006]
As a printing apparatus having a confidential printing function, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163, when a plurality of passwords for confidential printing are input in succession, it is necessary to accept a password when confidential printing needs to be performed continuously. A printing apparatus has been disclosed that performs confidential printing in the same order as described above and provides a predetermined blank time between the previous confidential printing and the subsequent confidential printing so that the confidentiality of print documents between confidential printing can be maintained. I have.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-242460 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-216123 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the related art, when a user performing confidential printing transmits print data to a printing apparatus, and then moves to an installation location of the printing apparatus as a transmission destination and tries to perform an operation for performing printing, another user has already performed another operation. If the user is operating or printing, there is a problem that the subsequent user is kept waiting until the operation is completed.
[0009]
Regarding this point, for example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, since a printing device is reserved by specifying time, it is difficult to make a reservation in real time when the user actually wants to print. Therefore, when the user performs confidential printing, even if the user sends the print data by making a reservation in time, when the user actually goes to the installation location of the printing apparatus and tries to print, the reservation time has already passed. It is also possible that they are gone. In this case, even if the user moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus, if the processing of another user is reserved at that time, the user cannot operate the printing apparatus or execute printing, and until the processing is completed. I will be kept waiting.
[0010]
Further, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, in the case of continuous confidential printing, the next confidential printing is performed after a certain time interval, so that the user who performs the next confidential printing will perform printing at any time. There is a drawback that it is impossible to grasp. Therefore, even if the password input operation on the printing apparatus can be executed first, it is necessary to wait on the spot until the confidential printing of the previous user is completed.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to, when a certain user performs confidential printing or the like, print data sent to a printing apparatus in advance and saved, and An object of the present invention is to make it possible to immediately operate a printing apparatus and execute printing without waiting for another user's operation or printing when moving to an installation location and printing.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A printing apparatus according to the present invention has a predetermined print mode in which after receiving and storing print data transmitted from a higher-level apparatus, the print apparatus prints stored print data according to a user operation using an operation unit of the apparatus. And an operation prohibition request receiving unit that receives an operation prohibition request that prohibits another user from printing by operating the operation unit, together with the user identification information of the requesting user who made the operation prohibition request. When the operation prohibition request receiving unit receives the operation prohibition request, the operation prohibition request other than the requesting user can not operate and print the operation unit except for the user identification information input operation. An operation prohibition unit for prohibiting operation of the operation unit; and a user identification information input from the operation unit when the operation prohibition unit prohibits the operation of the operation unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the input user identification information matches the user identification information of the requesting user; and when the determination means determines that the user identification information matches, the user identification information determined to match is input. Control means for giving a user a print operation right to print the stored print data by operating the operation unit.
[0013]
In the printing apparatus having the above configuration, when a user who has sent and stored print data from a higher-level apparatus to the printing apparatus tries to actually print the print data and moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus, for example, When the operation prohibition request is sent to the printing apparatus together with the user identification information based on the command information from the host device, the operation prohibition request is received by the operation prohibition receiving unit together with the user identification information. Then, the operation prohibiting means excludes the input operation of the user identification information (in other words, the input of the user identification information) so that a user other than the requesting user who made the operation prohibition request cannot operate and print the operation unit. Since the operation of the operation unit is prohibited (to allow only the input operation), another user can operate the operation unit to perform printing until the user who has issued the operation prohibition request reaches the installation location of the printing apparatus. become unable. Also, when user identification information is input from the operation unit while the operation of the operation unit is prohibited by the operation prohibition unit, whether the input user identification information matches the user identification information of the requesting user (actually, Is determined to be the user who has made the operation prohibition request), and only when it is determined that they match, the print operation right is given to the user who previously entered the user identification information.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this printing system, two host devices 1 and 2 and one printing device 3 are connected via a common network 4 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The network 4 is configured by, for example, a cable using a cable, a line, or the like, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed wirelessly without using a cable, a line, or the like, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like. The network 4 may have any configuration as long as the network means enables bidirectional communication between the host devices 1 and 2 and the printing device 3.
[0016]
The higher-level devices 1 and 2 are configured by, for example, personal computers, and are used to print various application programs that implement data creation functions such as documents, graphics, and images, and data created using the application programs. It has a printer driver and the like which are used for the printer. The printer driver processes data to be printed and generates print data in, for example, a PDL (page description language) format, and adds predetermined information to the print data generated by the data generation function. Information addition function to perform As an example of additional information added by the information adding function, when performing confidential printing using this printing system, attribute information indicating confidential printing, user identification information required for performing confidential printing, There are passwords. Such additional information is described, for example, as PJL (printer job language) data before print data in PDL format. The PJL format data is also applied as a data format when various settings and setting changes are performed by sending command information from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 to the printing device 3.
[0017]
The printing device 3 receives the print data transmitted from the upper device 1 or the upper device 2 via the network 4 and prints out the received print data on a sheet medium such as a sheet. The printing device 3 temporarily stores print data received from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 via the network 4 in addition to the normal print mode for printing without storing print data received from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 via the network 4. After that, a confidential print mode for printing previously stored print data (hereinafter also referred to as stored print data) in accordance with a user operation using an operation unit (to be described later) of the own apparatus is provided. Confidential printing means that the user who sent the print data operates the printing device to prevent the print result (paper document) of the print data sent from the host device to the printing device from being viewed by others. A confidential print mode refers to a mechanism for performing printing, and a confidential print mode refers to a print mode for executing confidential printing.
[0018]
The printing apparatus 3 includes a main control unit 5, a host interface unit (host I / F unit) 6, a network interface unit (network I / F unit) 7, a user interface unit (user I / F unit) 8, The configuration includes an operation unit 9, an analysis / editing unit 10, a print control unit 11, a print output unit (printer engine) 12, an operation management unit 13, a print management unit 14, and a memory 15. .
[0019]
The main control unit 5 controls the overall processing operation of the printing apparatus 3. The host interface unit 6 is an interface for bidirectional communication (information transfer) with the higher-level devices 1 and 2 via the network interface unit 7. The network interface unit 7 is an interface for connecting to the network 4. Various types of information (including print data) transmitted from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 are received by the network interface unit 7 via the network 4 and then transferred to the analysis / editing unit 10 via the host interface unit 7. Various information is transmitted from the host interface unit 6 to the host devices 1 and 2 via the network 4 through the network interface unit 7.
[0020]
The user interface unit 8 manages the processing operation of the operation unit 9 serving as a direct interface with the user. The operation unit 9 is an interface used when a user directly operates the printing apparatus 3. The operation unit 9 includes, for example, an operation panel having an input panel on which buttons, switches, keys, and the like for input operations are arranged, and a display panel for displaying information. Information input by the user by operating the operation unit 9 is transferred to a predetermined function unit via the user interface unit 8. For example, message information for operation guidance and other display information are sent from the user interface unit 8 to the operation unit 9.
[0021]
The analysis / editing unit 10 analyzes the information received from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 and transfers the information to another functional unit based on the analysis result. Is edited (rasterized) and converted into bitmap print data. The print control unit 11 sends the print data edited by the analysis editing unit 10 to the print output unit 12 and controls a printing operation by the print output unit 12. The print output unit 12 prints out the print data as a visible image on a sheet medium such as paper by performing a printing operation according to the print data (bitmap data) sent from the print control unit 11. As a printing method by the print output unit 12, for example, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or the like can be adopted.
[0022]
The operation management unit 13 recognizes the user identification information sent from the host devices 1 and 2 and the user identification information input by the user from the operation unit 9, and based on the recognition result, the user using the operation unit 9. Is to manage the operation. The operation management unit 13 prohibits other users except the specific user from operating the operation unit 9 to print the stored print data, and operates the operation unit 9 only for the specific user. The print operation right for printing the stored print data (the right to perform an operation for printing) is given, and conversely, the operation of the operation unit 9 is performed so that all users can operate the operation unit 9 to print the stored print data. Processing to cancel the setting of prohibition is performed.
[0023]
Incidentally, the user identification information is identification information given to each user in order to uniquely identify the user, and is constituted by, for example, a user ID composed of a character string obtained by arbitrarily combining alphanumeric characters. The input of the user identification information may be performed by performing a key operation or the like on the operation unit 9, or may be performed by inserting a portable recording medium (for example, an IC card) owned by the user into the slot. Sometimes, it may be executed by reading the identification information recorded on the recording medium. In addition, other than this, for example, biometric information (for example, a fingerprint) indicating the physical characteristics of the user is adopted as the user identification information, and the biometric information is detected by a sensor (for example, a fingerprint sensor or the like). The input of the user identification information may be executed.
[0024]
When the print data (print data to which the user identification information and the password are added) transmitted for the confidential printing from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 is received by the network interface unit 7, the print management unit 14 Is stored in the memory 15 together with the information (user identification information and password information) added to the data, and the data identification information (for example, the file name of the print data) for identifying the print data stored in the memory 15 and the user corresponding thereto are stored. It manages identification information and password information. In the present embodiment, as the data identification information for identifying the print data, for example, a file name given to the print data by the host device 1 or 2 is adopted.
[0025]
The memory 15 stores print data for confidential printing and various types of information (user identification information, password information, and file names) corresponding to the print data, and includes, for example, a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM). You. The format of the print data stored in the memory 15 may be the same as the format (in this example, the PDL format) transmitted from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 (received by the network interface unit 7). The data may be a data format edited in step 10 (a bitmap format in this example) or an intermediate data format between them. However, if the format of the print data stored in the memory 15 is PDL data or intermediate data between PDL data and bitmap data, the print data is converted into a bitmap format by the analysis / editing unit 10. From the print control unit 11 to the print output unit 12.
[0026]
Next, the processing operation of the printing apparatus 3 in the printing system having the above configuration will be described.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host apparatus transmits print data in the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the case where print data is transmitted from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 of the two higher-level devices 1 and 2 will be described as an example, but the print data is transmitted from the higher-level device 2 to the printing device 3. In this case, the same processing procedure is performed.
[0028]
First, when a user who operates the higher-level device 1 performs confidential printing, the higher-level device 1 transmits a confidential print to the printing device 3 by adding attribute information indicating confidential printing, user identification information, and a password. 4, the print data is transmitted. Then, the printing device 3 receives the print data transmitted from the upper device 1 together with the additional information (attribute information, user identification information, password) added to the print data by the network interface unit 7 (step S11). ). Next, the print data received earlier is sent to the analysis / editing unit 10 together with the additional information added thereto and analyzed, thereby confirming the presence or absence of the user identification information and the password (step S12).
[0029]
Here, when the analysis result of the analysis editing unit 10 is that the user identification information and the password are present, the printing mode of the printing apparatus 3 is set to the confidential printing mode, and the user identification information and the password are changed to the printing data. Together with the print management unit 14. Then, the print management unit 14 saves (writes) the print data, the user identification information, and the password received from the analysis / editing unit 10 in the memory 15 together with the file name serving as the identification information of the print data (step S13). . Subsequently, the print management unit 14 determines whether the print data has been successfully stored (step S14). Then, when the storage has been completed normally (success) (Yes in step S14), the host interface unit 6 sends a notification to that effect (storage completion notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. . (Step S15). If the saving of the print data has failed (No in step S14), the host interface unit 6 discards the previously received print data (step S16), and sends a notification to that effect (storage failure notification) to the host interface unit 6. The data is sent to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S17).
[0030]
If the user operating the higher-level device 1 does not perform confidential printing, the print data is transmitted from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 via the network 4 without adding the above-described attribute information, user identification information, password, and the like. Is sent. In this case, since the analysis and editing unit 10 recognizes that there is no user identification information and password in step S12, the print mode of the printing apparatus 3 is set to the normal print mode, and the print data received in step S11 is The print data is converted into data in the map format, and the converted print data is sent to the print control unit 11, and printing is executed by the print output unit 12 (step S18). Thereafter, when printing by the print output unit 12 is completed, the host interface unit 6 sends a notification to that effect (print completion notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S19). Incidentally, the notifications (storage completion notification, storage failure notification, print completion notification) sent from the printing device 3 to the host device 1 in steps S15, S17, S19 are displayed as messages on the display of the host device 1. Therefore, by confirming the message displayed on the display of the host device 1, the user can know in real time whether or not the processing on the printing device 3 side desired by the user has been completed normally. However, since it is not always necessary for the user to confirm the storage completion notification and the printing completion notification, display or non-display may be selected according to the user's preference.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host device transmits an operation prohibition request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where command information of an operation prohibition request is transmitted from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 of the two higher-level devices 1 and 2 will be described as an example. The same processing procedure is performed even when the command information of the prohibition request is transmitted.
[0032]
First, when the user operating the host device 1 attempts to print the print data stored in the printing device 3 in advance, the user operates the printing device 3 before actually moving to the installation location of the printing device 3. Command information of an operation prohibition request that prohibits another user from printing by operating the unit 9 is transmitted to the printing device 3 together with the user identification information of the user. Then, in the printing device 3, the network interface unit 7 receives the command information of the operation prohibition request and the user identification information added thereto via the network 4 (step S21).
[0033]
Next, the command information of the operation prohibition request received earlier is sent to the analysis / editing unit 10 together with the user identification information added thereto and analyzed, and the analysis result is sent to the operation management unit 13 to obtain the user identification information. Is determined (step S22). Whether the user identification information is correct or not is determined by the analysis editing unit 10 that the user identification information is added to the command information of the operation prohibition request, and the same user identification information recognized by the analysis editing unit 10 is already printed. When the operation management unit 13 confirms that the data is stored in the memory 15 by the unit 14, it is determined to be “correct”, and otherwise, it is determined to be “incorrect (illegal)”. At this time, only when it is determined that the user identification information is “correct”, the printing device 3 formally accepts the operation prohibition request from the higher-level device 1. If it is determined that the user identification information is “incorrect (unauthorized)”, it refuses to accept the operation prohibition request from the higher-level device 1 and notifies that the user identification information is incorrect (user identification information illegal notification). ) Is sent from the host interface unit 6 to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S23).
[0034]
Subsequently, in the printing device 3 that has received the operation prohibition request as described above, the operation management unit 13 sets the operation management unit 13 to prohibit printing of the stored print data as the current setting state of the own device. It is confirmed whether or not it has been performed (step S24). If the operation of the operation unit 9 is not set to prohibition (No in step S24), another user other than the request source user of the operation prohibition request received in step S21 operates the operation unit 9. Then, the operation of the operation unit 9 excluding the input operation of the user identification information is set to be prohibited by the operation management unit 13 so that the printing cannot be performed (step S25). Next, the host interface unit 6 sends a notification (operation permission notification) to the effect that the operation of the printing apparatus 3 has been granted according to the command information of the operation prohibition request received in step S21 via the network interface unit 7. Send to 1. (Step S26). This operation permission notification is displayed as a message on the display of the host device 1. Therefore, the requesting user who has sent the operation prohibition request from the higher-level device 1 confirms the operation permission notification message displayed on the display, and according to his / her request, the printing device 3 (operation unit 9) by another user. The user can know that the operation of ()) has been set to be prohibited.
[0035]
If the operation of the operation unit 9 has been set to prohibit in step S24, the user identification information of the user who made the operation prohibition request is confirmed, and the operation unit 9 is operated in response to the operation prohibition request from the same user. It is determined whether the operation of No. 9 is prohibited (step S27). This determination is made by comparing the user identification information recognized when the operation management unit 13 previously set the operation of the operation unit 9 to prohibition with the user identification information for which a new operation prohibition request has been issued. If the user identification information matches, it is determined that the operation of the operation unit 9 is prohibited by the operation prohibition request from the same user, and if they do not match, the operation of the operation unit 9 is requested by the operation prohibition request from a different user. Is determined to be prohibited.
[0036]
If it is determined in step S27 that the operation of the operation unit 9 is prohibited by the operation prohibition request from the same user, a notification that the operation permission has already been issued (operation permission completed notification) is sent to the host interface. The unit 6 sends the data to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7 (step S28). If it is determined in step S27 that the operation of the operation unit 9 is prohibited by the operation prohibition request from a different user, a notification that the operation of the operation unit 9 is set to be prohibited by another user ( The host interface unit 6 sends a notification indicating that another user operation is prohibited to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7 (step S29). In addition, the notification indicating that the user operation is prohibited is displayed as a message on the display of the host device 1. Therefore, the requesting user who has sent the operation prohibition request from the higher-level device 1 confirms the other user operation prohibition notification message displayed on the display, thereby prohibiting the operation from other users before requesting it. It is possible to know from the request that the operation of the printing apparatus 3 (operation unit 9) is set to prohibition.
[0037]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when the higher-level apparatus transmits an operation prohibition release request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where command information of a release request is transmitted from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 of the two higher-level devices 1 and 2 will be described as an example. When the command information is transmitted, the same processing procedure is performed.
[0038]
First, the user who operates the higher-level device 1 transmits command information of a cancellation request for canceling the setting of operation prohibition of the operation unit 9 to the printing device 3 together with its own user identification information. Then, in the printing device 3, the network interface unit 7 receives the command information of the release request and the user identification information added thereto via the network 4 (step S31).
[0039]
Next, the command information of the cancellation request received earlier is sent to the analysis / editing unit 10 together with the user identification information added thereto and analyzed, and the analysis result is sent to the operation management unit 13 so that the user identification information Whether it is correct or not is determined (step S32). The method of determining the correctness of the user identification information is as described above. Only when it is determined that the user identification information is “correct”, an operation prohibition release request from the higher-level device 1 is formally accepted by the printing device 3, and when the user identification information is determined to be “incorrect (illegal)” Rejects the acceptance of the release request from the higher-level device 1 and notifies the host interface unit 6 of a notification that the user identification information is invalid (user-identification-information invalidity notification) via the network interface unit 7. Send to (Step S33).
[0040]
Subsequently, in the printing device 3 that has received the operation prohibition release request as described above, the operation management unit 13 prohibits the user from operating the operation unit 9 and printing the stored print data as the current setting state of the own device. Is set (step S34). If the operation of the operation unit 9 is not set to prohibition (No in step S34), all operations of the operation unit 9 have already been performed without canceling the operation prohibition setting in response to the current release request. The host interface unit 6 sends a notification to the effect that the user is permitted (all user operation permission notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S35).
[0041]
If the operation of the operation unit 9 is set to prohibition (Yes in step S34), the user identification information of the user who has made the operation prohibition request is confirmed, and the currently set operation is performed. It is determined whether the user who has made the prohibition request and the user who has made the operation prohibition cancellation request this time are the same user (step S36). The determination here is based on the user identification information recognized when the operation management unit 13 previously set the operation of the operation unit 9 to prohibition and the user identification information recognized when the operation prohibition release request is received. When the user identification information matches, it is determined that they are the same user, and when they do not match, it is determined that they are different users.
[0042]
If it is determined in step S36 that the users are the same user, the operation prohibition setting of the operation unit 9 which is currently set is released by the operation management unit 13, and all the users operate the operation unit 9. The operation of the operation unit 9 is permitted so that the stored print data can be printed (step S37). Next, the host interface unit 6 sends a notification (release completion notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7 that the operation prohibition of the operation unit 9 has been released in accordance with the release request. (Step S38). If it is determined in step S36 that the user is a different user, the host interface unit 6 issues a notification that the operation of the operation unit 9 is set to be prohibited by another user (a notification indicating that other user operation is prohibited). The data is sent to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7 (step S39).
[0043]
By providing such a processing function to the printing apparatus 3, a user who wants confidential printing can perform an operation prohibition request and receive an operation permission notification, and then want to postpone execution of printing for some reason. By releasing the operation prohibition cancellation request and canceling the operation prohibition setting of the operation unit 9, it is possible to return to a state where all users can operate the operation unit 9 and print.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus based on a user operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the user who performs confidential printing sends print data from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 and receives a storage completion notification, and then sends the command information of the operation prohibition request from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 to permit operation. After receiving the notification, the user moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus 3 and operates the operation unit 9. At this time, the user operates the operation unit 9 to input his / her own user identification information (step S41). At this time, the user identification information input by the user is notified to the operation management unit 13 via the user interface unit 8.
[0045]
Next, the operation management unit 13 determines whether the user identification information input in the previous step S41 matches the currently set user identification information of the requesting user who has made a request to prohibit operation of the operation unit 9. It is determined whether or not it is (step S42). If it is determined that they do not match, the operation unit 9 informs the user of the operation unit 9 that the operation for printing the stored print data is not permitted to the user who has input the user identification information in step S41. It is displayed on the display panel (step S43). If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to step S44 and subsequent steps to give the user who has entered the user identification information in step S41 the print operation right to operate the operation unit 9 to print the stored print data. .
[0046]
In step S44, the print management unit 14 reads out the file name of the stored print data stored in the memory 15 according to the instruction from the operation management unit 13 and transfers the file name to the user interface unit 8, thereby giving the print operation right. For the user, the file name of the stored print data is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 9. At this time, the print management unit 14 uses the user identification information of the user having the print operation right as a search key, and stores all the file names of the stored print data in the memory 15 associated with the user identification information that matches the search key. Extract. Accordingly, the display panel of the operation unit 9 displays a list of the file names of all the print data that the user having the print operation right has previously sent to the printing apparatus 3 and stored.
[0047]
Subsequently, the user operates the input panel while looking at the file name displayed on the display panel on the operation unit 9 to select a file name to be subjected to processing (step S45). Then, the result of the user's selection of the file name is notified to the print management unit 14 via the user interface unit 8. Next, the user operates the input panel of the operation unit 9 to input a password corresponding to the previously selected file name (step S46). Then, the input password information is notified to the print management unit 14 via the user interface unit 8. At this time, the number of selected file names in step S45 may be one or more. When a plurality of file names are selected, a password is input for each file name.
[0048]
Subsequently, the operation management unit 13 determines whether the previously input password is correct (step S47). Whether the password is correct is determined by comparing the password added to the print data when the print data corresponding to the file name selected by the user in step S45 is stored in the memory 15 with the password input in step S46. If the passwords match each other, it is determined that the password is correct, and if they do not match, it is determined that the password is incorrect (incorrect). If it is determined that the password is "incorrect", a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 9 (step S48).
[0049]
If it is determined that the password is "correct", the contents of the process selected by the user according to the user's request are determined (steps S49 and S50). Specifically, the user interface unit 8 displays the selection items of the processing menu on the display panel of the operation unit 9 according to an instruction from the operation management unit 13. As the selection items of the processing menu, for example, three items such as “print print data”, “delete print data”, and “return to file selection” are prepared. When the user operates the input panel of the operation unit 9 to select a desired item from the selection items, the selection result is notified to the print management unit 14 via the user interface unit 8.
[0050]
Accordingly, when the user selects “print print data” (Yes in step S49), the print management unit 14 stores the print data in the memory 15 in association with the file name selected in the previous step S45. The read print data is read and sent to the analysis / editing unit 11, where it is converted into print data in a bitmap format. The print data is sent to the print control unit 11 to instruct print execution. 12 is caused to execute printing (step S51).
[0051]
At this time, if printing of the print data received in the normal print mode is being executed by the print output unit 12, the print management unit 14 instructs the print control unit 11 to perform the interrupt printing in order to give priority to confidential printing. Instruct confidential printing to interrupt. As a result, printing in the normal print mode is temporarily interrupted and printing in the confidential print mode is started. Thereafter, when printing in the confidential print mode is completed, the remaining printing in the normal print mode is restarted. Therefore, the user who performs confidential printing does not have to wait for printing in the normal print mode.
[0052]
When the user selects “delete print data” (Yes in step S50), the print management unit 14 stores the print data in the memory 15 in association with the file name selected in the previous step S45. The existing print data and the information added thereto are deleted (step S52). If the user selects "return to file selection" (No in step S50), the process returns to step S44 to display the file name again.
[0053]
Subsequently, the print management unit 14 instructed to execute printing in step S51 determines whether printing of all the print data selected in step S45 has been completed by the print output unit 12 (step S53). If it is determined that printing of all the print data has been completed, the print data that has been printed and the information added thereto are deleted from the memory 15 (step S54).
[0054]
After that, after the stored data is deleted in steps S52 and S54, the operation management unit 13 disables the operation of the operation unit 9 in order to allow all users to operate the operation unit 9 which has been set to be operation-prohibited until then. The setting is released (step S55). As a result, after printing is performed in accordance with the request of the user having the print operation right, it is possible to automatically return to a state where all users can operate the operation unit 9 to perform printing.
[0055]
In the processing operation of the printing apparatus 3 shown in FIG. 3, when an operation prohibition request is issued from a certain user, the operation of the operation unit 9 is already set to prohibition by an operation prohibition request from a user different from the user. In this case, a notification indicating that other user operation is being prohibited is sent to the host device 1 to that effect. More preferably, the following processing operation may be employed.
[0056]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host device transmits an operation prohibition request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the processing flow shown in FIG. 6, the processing in steps S61 to S68 is the same as the processing in steps S21 to S28 in FIG. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0057]
In step S69, if it is determined in step S67 that the operation of the operation unit 9 has been prohibited by the operation prohibition request from a different user, the user identification information of the user who made the operation prohibition request is processed later. Register in the waiting queue (queue). The operation management unit 13 manages the processing queue (queuing). Further, the operation management unit 13 registers the user identification information in the processing queue according to the order of receiving the operation prohibition requests.
[0058]
Next, as described above, when the user identification information is registered in the processing queue, the host interface unit 6 sends a notification to that effect (queue registration completion notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S70). This notification of the queue registration is displayed as a message on the display of the host device 1. Therefore, the requesting user who has transmitted the operation prohibition request from the higher-level device 1 confirms the queue registration notification message displayed on the display, and before the user himself / herself makes the request, receives an operation prohibition request from another user. It is possible to know that the operation of the printing apparatus 3 (the operation unit 9) has been set to be prohibited, and that the own operation prohibition request has been treated as waiting for processing.
[0059]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host device transmits an operation prohibition release request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, the processing in steps S71 to S78 is the same as the processing in steps S31 to S38 in FIG.
[0060]
In the step S79, it is checked whether or not the user identification information is registered in the processing queue. If it is registered, the operation management unit 13 prohibits the operation of the operation unit 8 in accordance with the operation prohibition request from the user having the user identification information registered in the first column of the processing queue, and The user having the user identification information registered in the first column of the waiting queue is notified (operation permission notification) that the operation of the printing apparatus 3 is permitted according to the command information of the operation prohibition request from the user. , The host interface unit 6 sends it to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Steps S80, S81).
[0061]
On the other hand, in step S76, if it is determined that the user who has made the currently set operation prohibition request is different from the user who has made the operation prohibition cancellation request this time, the user of the user who made the operation prohibition cancellation request this time It is determined whether the identification information is registered in the processing queue (step S82). If it is determined that the user identification information is registered in the processing queue, the user identification information is deleted from the processing queue (step S83), and then the user who has issued the operation prohibition release request is released as requested. The host interface unit 6 sends a notification (released notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S84). If it is determined in step S82 that the request has not been registered in the processing queue, a notification that the operation prohibition request from the user has not been received (request non-reception notification) is sent to the user who issued the release request. ) Is sent from the host interface unit 6 to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S85).
[0062]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus based on a user operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. The processing of steps S91 to S93 shown in FIG. 8 is performed after the processing of step S55 in the processing of steps S41 to S55 shown in FIG.
[0063]
That is, in step S91, it is determined whether or not the user identification information is registered in the processing queue. If it is registered, the operation management unit 13 prohibits the operation of the operation unit 8 in accordance with the operation prohibition request from the user having the user identification information registered in the first column of the processing queue, and The user having the user identification information registered in the first column of the waiting queue is notified (operation permission notification) that the operation of the printing apparatus 3 is permitted according to the command information of the operation prohibition request from the user. , The host interface unit 6 sends it to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Steps S92 and S93).
[0064]
As described above, in the printing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the printing system using the same, when the user performs the confidential printing, the print data for the confidential printing is transmitted from the upper apparatus 1, 2 to the printing apparatus 3. , And then, when printing the print data stored in the printing device 3 in advance, the command information of the operation prohibition request is sent from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 to the printing device 3. Upon receiving the operation permission notification, the user changes the print operation right (the right to exclusively operate the printing device 3) by actually operating the operation unit 9 at the installation location of the printing device 3 and printing the stored print data. The print data serving as the source of the data can be transmitted from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 and can be given only to the user who wants to print the transmitted print data.
[0065]
As a result, until the user who has obtained the printing operation right actually moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus 3 and operates the operation unit 9 of the printing apparatus 3, another user who does not have the printing operation right operates the operation unit 9. To print. Therefore, the user who has the printing operation right has exclusively obtained the right to operate the printing apparatus 3 to perform printing. After arriving at the installation location of the printing apparatus 3, the user having the printing operation right can perform other operations or printing. It is possible to immediately perform an operation for printing and execute printing without waiting.
[0066]
Further, when the operation of the operation unit 9 is set to prohibition in the printing apparatus 3, by registering the user identification information of the user who has made the operation prohibition request in the processing waiting queue, the registration results in the processing waiting. The user does not need to make an operation prohibition request to the printing apparatus 3 many times. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user who makes the operation prohibition request.
[0067]
Further, when the setting of the operation prohibition of the operation unit 9 is released in the printing apparatus 3, it is checked whether or not the user identification information is registered in the processing waiting queue. Since the operation of the operation unit 9 is prohibited in accordance with the operation prohibition request from the user having the user identification information, the user who has waited for the process can satisfy his own operation prohibition request without any particular operation.
[0068]
Further, when the operation of the operation unit 9 is prohibited in accordance with the operation prohibition request from the user waiting for processing, the operation permission notification is transmitted to the higher-level device, so that the user waiting for processing can perform the operation according to his / her request. The user can know in real time that the operation prohibition has been set. This eliminates the need for the user who has been waiting for processing to go to the installation location of the printing device 3 and check the operation status and printing status each time, so that unnecessary waiting between users at the installation location of the printing device 3 can be eliminated. it can.
[0069]
[Second embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this printing system, as in the first embodiment, two host devices 1 and 2 and one printing device 3 are connected via a common network 4 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The basic configuration of the printing apparatus 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the first embodiment, the confidential print mode is adopted as one of the print modes that can be executed by the printing apparatus 3, but in the second embodiment, the accounting print mode is always adopted. Therefore, in this printing system, a fee receiving device 16 is connected to the printing device 3 in order to perform accounting printing.
[0070]
The fee receiving device 16 is installed near the printing device 3 in a form attached to the printing device 3. The fee receiving device 16 has a configuration including a fee input unit 17 and a fee determining unit 18. The charge input unit 17 is a part where the user inserts money (coins, bills). The fee determination unit 18 determines the amount of money (the amount of money) inserted from the fee input unit 17, and the result of the determination is notified to the print management unit 14.
[0071]
Here, it is assumed that money (cash) is inserted from the charge input unit 17 of the charge receiving device 201. However, in addition to this, for example, a card insertion slot is provided in the charge input unit 17, and instead of the money, the card insertion port is used. Alternatively, the prepaid card may be inserted into the payment card, and the remaining amount (balance) usable by the prepaid card may be determined by the fee determining unit 18.
[0072]
Here, the accounting printing refers to a printing process that involves accounting when printing the print data on a sheet medium by the printing apparatus 3, and the accounting printing mode refers to a printing mode in which the accounting printing is performed. In accounting printing, for example, the amount of printing is determined according to the number of prints, the number of copies, and printing conditions (sheet size, color printing / black and white printing, etc.). In the case where the printing is performed by the printing apparatus 3, the user identification information is used to specify the user to be charged. When actually executing the accounting print mode in the printing apparatus 3, the print data received from the higher-level apparatuses 1 and 2 via the network 4 is temporarily stored in the memory 15, and then the user using the operation unit 9 of the own apparatus. The stored print data is read from the memory 15 and printed according to the operation of (1).
[0073]
Hereinafter, the processing operation of the printing apparatus 3 related to the accounting printing will be described. The processing operation of the printing apparatus when the higher-level device transmits an operation prohibition request as command information is the same as the processing flow shown in FIG. 3, and when the higher-level device transmits an operation prohibition release request as command information. The processing operation of the printing apparatus is the same as the processing flow shown in FIG.
[0074]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when a higher-level apparatus transmits print data in the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the case where print data is transmitted from the higher-level device 1 to the printing device 3 of the two higher-level devices 1 and 2 will be described as an example, but the print data is transmitted from the higher-level device 2 to the printing device 3. In this case, the same processing procedure is performed.
[0075]
First, when the user who operates the higher-level device 1 performs accounting printing, the higher-level device 1 connects to the printing device 3 via the network 4 in a form in which attribute information indicating the accounting printing and user identification information are added. Print data is transmitted. Then, the printing device 3 receives the print data transmitted from the higher-level device 1 together with the additional information (attribute information, user identification information) added to the print data by the network interface unit 7 (step S111). Next, the print data received earlier is sent to the analysis / editing unit 10 together with the additional information added thereto and analyzed, thereby confirming the presence or absence of the user identification information and the attribute information (step S112).
[0076]
Here, when the analysis and editing unit 10 recognizes that the user identification information and the attribute information are present, the user identification information is sent to the print management unit 14 together with the print data. Then, the print management unit 14 saves (writes) the print data and the user identification information received from the analysis / editing unit 10 in the memory 15 together with the file name serving as the identification information of the print data (step S113). Subsequently, the print management unit 14 determines whether the print data has been successfully stored (step S114). Then, when the storage is completed normally (success) (Yes in step S114), the host interface unit 6 sends a notification to that effect (storage completion notification) to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. . (Step S115). If the storage of the print data has failed (No in step S114), the host interface unit 6 discards the previously received print data (step S116), and sends a notification to that effect (storage failure notification). The data is sent to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7. (Step S117).
[0077]
If it is determined in step S112 that there is no user identification information and / or attribute information, the print data received earlier is discarded (step S118), and then a notification that the print request is invalid (print request The host interface unit 6 sends an invalid notification to the host device 1 via the network interface unit 7 (step S119).
[0078]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus based on a user operation in the second embodiment of the present invention. First, the user who performs accounting printing sends print data from the host device 1 to the printing device 3 and receives a storage completion notification, and then sends the command information of the operation prohibition request from the host device 1 to the printing device 3 to permit operation. After receiving the notification, the user moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus 3 and operates the operation unit 9. At this time, the user operates the operation unit 9 and inputs his / her user identification information (step S121). At this time, the user identification information input by the user is notified to the operation management unit 13 via the user interface unit 8.
[0079]
Next, the operation management unit 13 determines whether the user identification information input in the previous step S121 matches the currently set user identification information of the requesting user who has made a request to prohibit operation of the operation unit 9. It is determined whether or not it is (step S122). If it is determined that they do not match, the operation unit 9 informs the user of the operation unit 9 that an operation for printing stored print data is not permitted to the user who has input the user identification information in step S121. It is displayed on the display panel (step S123). If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to step S124 and subsequent steps to give the user who has input the user identification information in step S121 the print operation right to operate the operation unit 9 to print the stored print data. .
[0080]
In step S124, the print management unit 14 reads the file name of the stored print data stored in the memory 15 and transfers it to the user interface unit 8 in accordance with an instruction from the operation management unit 13, so that the print operation right is given. For the user, the file name of the stored print data is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 9. At this time, the print management unit 14 uses the user identification information of the user having the print operation right as a search key, and stores all the file names of the stored print data in the memory 15 associated with the user identification information that matches the search key. Extract. Accordingly, the display panel of the operation unit 9 displays a list of the file names of all the print data that the user having the print operation right has previously sent to the printing apparatus 3 and stored.
[0081]
Subsequently, the user operates the input panel while viewing the file name displayed on the display panel on the operation unit 9 to select a file name to be subjected to processing (step S125). Then, the result of the user's selection of the file name is notified to the print management unit 14 via the user interface unit 8.
[0082]
Subsequently, the operation management unit 13 determines the content of the process selected by the user according to the user's desire (steps S126 and S127). Specifically, in response to an instruction from the operation management unit 13, the user interface unit 8 causes the display panel of the operation unit 9 to display a selection item of a processing menu (for example, “print print data”, “delete print data”, 3 items such as "return"). When the user operates the input panel of the operation unit 9 to select a desired item from the selection items, the selection result is notified to the print management unit 14 via the user interface unit 8.
[0083]
Accordingly, when the user selects “print print data” (Yes in step S126), the print management unit 14 prints the print data of the file name selected in step S125. Prior to this, the amount required to perform this printing is determined, and the required amount is displayed, for example, on a charge display unit provided in the charge input unit 17 of the charge receiving device 16 (step S128). Thereafter, in the fee receiving device 16, the fee inserted by the user from the fee input unit 17 is judged (counted) by the fee determining unit 18, and when the input amount reaches the required amount, the print management unit 14 is notified of the fact. . On the other hand, the print management unit 14 determines whether or not the input amount has reached the required amount based on the presence or absence of the notification from the charge determination unit 18 (step S129). When determining that the input amount has reached the required amount, the print management unit 14 reads out the print data stored in the memory 15 in association with the file name selected in the previous step S125, and reads out the print data stored in the memory 15. After that, the print data is converted into the bitmap format print data, and the print data is sent to the print control unit 11 to instruct the print execution, and the print output unit 12 executes the print in accordance with the instruction (step S130).
[0084]
When the user selects “delete print data” (Yes in step S127), the print management unit 14 stores the print data in the memory 15 in association with the file name selected in step S125. The existing print data and the information added thereto are deleted (step S131). If the user selects "return to file selection" (No in step S127), the process returns to step S124 to display the file name again.
[0085]
Subsequently, the print management unit 14 instructed to execute printing in step S130 determines whether printing of all the print data selected in step S125 is completed by the print output unit 12 (step S132). If it is determined that printing of all the print data has been completed, the print data that has been printed and the information added thereto are deleted from the memory 15 (step S133).
[0086]
Thereafter, after the stored data is deleted in steps S131 and 133, the operation management unit 13 prohibits the operation of the operation unit 9 so as to permit all users to operate the operation unit 9 which has been set to prohibit the operation. Release (step S134). As a result, after printing is performed in accordance with the request of the user having the print operation right, it is possible to automatically return to a state where all users can operate the operation unit 9 to perform printing.
[0087]
In the second embodiment, as another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host device transmits the operation prohibition request as the command information, the processing flow illustrated in FIG. 6 may be employed. Corresponding to this, the processing flow shown in FIG. 7 described above may be adopted as another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the higher-level device transmits an operation prohibition release request as command information. Further, as another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus based on the user operation, the processing of steps S91 to S93 in FIG. 8 may be performed after the processing of step S134 shown in FIG.
[0088]
As described above, in the printing apparatus 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the printing system using the same, when the user performs the accounting printing, the printing data for the accounting printing is transmitted from the upper apparatuses 1 and 2 to the printing apparatus 3. , And then, when printing the print data stored in the printing device 3 in advance, the command information of the operation prohibition request is sent from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 to the printing device 3. Upon receiving the operation permission notification, the user changes the print operation right (the right to exclusively operate the printing device 3) by actually operating the operation unit 9 at the installation location of the printing device 3 and printing the stored print data. The print data serving as the source of the data can be transmitted from the higher-level devices 1 and 2 and can be given only to the user who wants to print the transmitted print data.
[0089]
As a result, until the user who has obtained the printing operation right actually moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus 3 and operates the operation unit 9 of the printing apparatus 3, another user who does not have the printing operation right operates the operation unit 9. To print. Therefore, the user who has the printing operation right has exclusively obtained the right to operate the printing apparatus 3 to perform printing. After arriving at the installation location of the printing apparatus 3, the user having the printing operation right can perform other operations or printing. It is possible to immediately perform an operation for printing and execute printing without waiting.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a print operation right for printing stored print data by operating the operation unit of the printing apparatus is transmitted from the higher-level device to the print data from which the stored print data is based and transmitted. It can be given only to the user who wants to print the already-printed print data. This allows another user who does not have the print operation right to operate the operation unit and perform printing until the user who has obtained the print operation right actually moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus and operates the operation unit. Can not be done. Therefore, the user having the printing operation right can perform the printing operation immediately after arriving at the installation location of the printing apparatus without having to wait for another user's operation or printing. Become.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when a higher-level apparatus transmits print data in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host apparatus transmits an operation prohibition request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when a higher-level device transmits an operation prohibition release request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus based on a user operation in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the host device transmits an operation prohibition request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the printing apparatus when the higher-level device transmits an operation prohibition release request as command information in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a processing operation of the printing apparatus based on a user operation in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus when a higher-level apparatus transmits print data in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the printing apparatus based on a user operation in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Upper apparatus, 2 ... Upper apparatus, 3 ... Printing apparatus, 4 ... Network, 5 ... Main control part, 6 ... Host interface part, 7 ... Network interface part, 8 ... User interface part, 9 ... Operation part, 10 ... Analysis / editing unit, 11 print control unit, 12 print output unit, 13 operation management unit, 14 print management unit, 15 memory, 16 fee receiving unit, 17 fee input unit, 18 fee determination unit

Claims (11)

After receiving and storing the print data transmitted from the higher-level device, a printing device having a predetermined print mode to print the stored print data according to a user operation using the operation unit of the own device,
An operation prohibition request receiving unit that receives an operation prohibition request that prohibits another user from printing by operating the operation unit, together with the user identification information of the requesting user who made the operation prohibition request;
When the operation prohibition request receiving unit receives the operation prohibition request, the operation except for the user identification information input operation is performed so that a user other than the requesting user cannot operate and print the operation unit. Operation prohibition means for prohibiting operation of the unit,
If user identification information is input from the operation unit while the operation of the operation unit is prohibited by the operation prohibition unit, does the input user identification information match the user identification information of the requesting user? Determining means for determining whether
A control unit that, when the determination unit determines that they match, gives a printing operation right to print the stored print data by operating the operation unit to the user who has input the user identification information determined to match. A printing apparatus comprising: A release request receiving unit that receives a release request for releasing the setting of operation prohibition by the operation prohibiting unit, together with the user identification information of the requesting user who made the release request,
When the cancellation request is received by the cancellation request receiving unit, the validity of the user identification information of the requesting user is determined, and when the user identification information is determined to be correct, the operation prohibition unit sets the operation prohibition. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first canceling unit for canceling the printing. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation prohibition request receiving unit receives the operation prohibition request based on command information from the higher-level device. When the user having the print operation right operates the operation unit to print the stored print data, canceling the operation prohibition setting by the operation prohibiting unit when the printing of the stored print data is completed. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a release unit. 2. The printing method according to claim 1, further comprising: when the user having the print operation right operates the operation unit to print the stored print data, deletes the print data that has been printed. apparatus. In a state in which the operation of the operation unit is prohibited by the operation prohibiting unit, when the operation prohibition request receiving unit receives an operation prohibition request from another user who has requested the operation prohibition, 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that registers the user identification information in a processing queue. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print mode is a confidential print mode. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print mode is a charge print mode. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the release request receiving unit receives the release request based on command information from the higher-level device. When the setting of the operation prohibition by the operation prohibition unit is released by the first release unit or the second release unit, it is checked whether or not the user identification information is registered in the processing waiting queue. Wherein the operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of the operation unit in accordance with an operation prohibition request from a user having user identification information registered in the first column of the processing queue. 7. The printing device according to 6. The host device connected to the network, the host device is connected to the host device via the network, and after receiving and storing the print data transmitted from the host device via the network, the operation unit of the own device is A printing apparatus having a predetermined print mode for printing stored print data according to the operation of the user using the printing apparatus,
The printing device,
An operation prohibition request receiving unit that receives an operation prohibition request that prohibits another user from printing by operating the operation unit, together with the user identification information of the requesting user who made the operation prohibition request;
When the operation prohibition request receiving unit receives the operation prohibition request, the operation except for the user identification information input operation is performed so that a user other than the requesting user cannot operate and print the operation unit. Operation prohibition means for prohibiting operation of the unit,
If user identification information is input from the operation unit while the operation of the operation unit is prohibited by the operation prohibition unit, does the input user identification information match the user identification information of the requesting user? Determining means for determining whether
A control unit that, when the determination unit determines that they match, gives a printing operation right to print the stored print data by operating the operation unit to the user who has input the user identification information determined to match. A printing system comprising:

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