JP2009251863A - Print driver transmission device and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer for reducing the load of a user by simplifying an authenticating operation by the user in restricting printing. <P>SOLUTION: A composite machine 20 stores the driver program of the composite machine 20 to be transmitted to a terminal connected through a network and a driver code to be added to this and authentication information to be used for access authentication to the composite machine 20. When receiving the transmission request of the driver program from the terminal, the composite machine performs authentication by using the authentication information, and transmits the driver program to which the driver code has been attached to the terminal only when the authentication is successful. When printing is requested from the terminal to the composite machine 20, the driver program transmits print data including the driver code to the composite machine 20 without making it unnecessary for a user to input the authentication information. The composite machine 20 determines the permission/inhibition of printing based on the driver code included in the print data received from the terminal and the driver code stored in itself for restricting printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print driver transmission device that transmits a print driver of a printing device having a print restriction function to a terminal device, and a printing device that has a print restriction function to restrict printing requested from the terminal device.

  Some printing apparatuses such as printers and multifunction peripherals have a print restriction function for restricting printing requested from a terminal device such as a personal computer connected via a network based on preset conditions.

  Such printing restriction is generally performed by using authentication information given to a user who is authorized to access the printing apparatus. For example, when a user inputs user authentication information such as a user ID (Identification) and password or department authentication information such as a department management code from a print driver of a terminal device and instructs printing, the authentication information is added to the print data. Sent to the printing device. The printing apparatus performs authentication based on the authentication information included in the print data received from the terminal device, identifies the user and the department to which the user belongs, and permits / prohibits printing set for the user and department. Furthermore, printing is executed or restricted based on the upper limit number of prints, a print function that permits use (color print permission or monochrome print permission only), and the like.

  In addition, when a print request is made to the printing apparatus, the print driver of the terminal apparatus transmits a user ID to the print restriction server on the network to request print permission, and the print restriction server performs user authentication to permit / prohibit printing. There is a technique for restricting printing by making a determination (see Patent Document 1). Further, there is a technique for identifying a terminal device that has requested printing based on a transmission source physical address included in print data received by the printing apparatus and performing printing restriction (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-117737 A JP 2002-215372 A

  However, in the conventional general print restriction method in which the user must input authentication information, the authentication information input operation is complicated and an input error may occur, which places a burden on the user. Yes.

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, a dedicated server that performs authentication for each print request by the terminal device is required. With the technique of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to input and register the physical addresses of all the terminal devices on the network that have the authority to access the printing device, and this takes time. Furthermore, in order to identify the print request source terminal device, it is necessary to compare and collate a plurality of registered physical addresses with the transmission source physical address in the print data. There is also a problem.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and a print driver transmission device that simplifies an operation for authentication by a user when printing is restricted by the printing device, and can reduce the burden on the user. The object is to provide a printing device.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A print driver for transmitting print data to be transmitted to a printing device from a terminal device communicably connected to the printing device, including print permission information used for printing permission determination by the printing device is stored. A print driver storage unit;
A communication unit that communicates with the terminal device;
A control unit;
With
When the control unit receives the print driver transmission request from the terminal device through the communication unit, the control unit adds the print permission information to the print driver stored in the print driver storage unit and A print driver transmission device, characterized in that the print driver transmission device transmits to a terminal device as a transmission source.

  In the above invention, when a print driver transmission request is received from a terminal device, the print driver transmission device adds print permission information to the print driver stored in the device and transmits the print driver to the terminal device. For example, the print permission information is added to the print driver transmission apparatus by acquiring the print permission information stored in the communicably connected external apparatus, or stored in advance in the print driver transmission apparatus. It is possible to add the permitted print permission information to the print driver.

  The terminal device can install the print driver received from the print driver transmission device and request printing to the printing device. That is, the print data can be transmitted by the print driver. Also, when a print request is made, the print driver includes the print permission information in the print data and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus without the user inputting authentication information or the like to the terminal apparatus. As a result, the printing apparatus can determine whether printing is permitted or prohibited based on the printing permission information included in the print data received from the terminal apparatus, and can perform printing restriction. Therefore, the operation for authentication by the user when performing the print restriction on the printing apparatus is simplified, and the burden on the user is reduced.

[2] An input unit for inputting the print permission information;
A print permission information storage unit for storing the print permission information input through the input unit;
Further comprising
The control unit stores the print permission information input through the input unit in the print permission information storage unit, and when the transmission request is received, transmits the print request to a terminal device that is a transmission source of the transmission request. The print driver transmission apparatus according to [1], wherein the print permission information stored in the print permission information storage unit is added to the print driver transmission apparatus.

  In the above invention, the print driver transmission device stores the print permission information input by the administrator or the like in the device, and when the print driver transmission request is received from the terminal device, the print permission stored in the device. The information is added to the print driver and transmitted to the terminal device.

  As described above, since the print permission information can be input and stored in the print driver transmission apparatus, it is possible to easily manage the change or additional registration of the print permission information.

[3] The control unit performs authentication based on authentication information received from the terminal device through the communication unit, and receives the transmission request and transmits the print driver only when the authentication is performed. The print driver transmission device according to [1] or [2].

  In the above-described invention, for example, the administrator or the like notifies the authentication information in advance to the user who uses the terminal device that permits transmission of the print driver, that is, the user who permits printing by the printing device. When the terminal device accesses the print driver transmission device, the authentication information is transmitted from the terminal device to the print driver transmission device, for example, when the user inputs the authentication information to the terminal device. The print driver transmission device performs authentication based on the authentication information received from the terminal device. This authentication is performed, for example, by collating the authentication information previously entered and registered in the print driver transmission device by the administrator with the authentication information received from the terminal device. The print driver transmission apparatus accepts reception of a print driver transmission request from the terminal apparatus only when the authentication is performed (access restriction is released). When the transmission request is received, the print driver transmission apparatus adds print permission information to the print driver. Send to.

  As a result, the terminal device of the user who is permitted to print by the printing apparatus receives and installs the print driver to which the print permission information is added from the print driver transmission apparatus, and can print on the printing apparatus. Further, by not providing authentication information to a user who prohibits printing by a printing apparatus (a user who uses a terminal apparatus that does not permit transmission of a print driver), the terminal apparatus of the user receives the print driver. Cannot be printed on the printing apparatus.

  In this way, the user who is permitted to print by the printing device only performs an authentication operation once to receive the print driver from the print driver transmission device, and then requests printing from the terminal device to the printing device. Printing by the printing apparatus can be performed without performing an authentication operation such as inputting authentication information to the terminal device.

[6] Print permission information that is stored in advance in a print driver of a terminal device that is communicably connected to the printing device and is included in print data to be transmitted to the printing device is used for printing permission determination by the printing device. An input part to be input;
A print permission information storage unit for storing the print permission information input through the input unit;
A communication unit that communicates with the terminal device;
A printing section;
A control unit;
With
The control unit stores print permission information input through the input unit in the print permission information storage unit, and is stored in the print permission information storage unit in print data received from the terminal device through the communication unit. A printing apparatus that causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the print data when print permission information that matches the print permission information is included.

  In the above invention, the printing apparatus stores the print permission information input by the administrator or the like in the apparatus. Further, when printing is requested from the terminal device to the printing device, the print permission information held in advance by the print driver is included in the print data without the user inputting authentication information to the terminal device. Send. When the print data received from the terminal device includes print permission information that matches the print permission information stored in the device, the printing device performs printing based on the print data. If the matching print permission information is not included, printing is restricted. As a result, when printing is restricted by the printing apparatus, an operation for authentication performed by the user through the terminal device (print driver) is simplified, and the burden on the user is reduced.

[7] A print driver storage unit for storing a print driver to be transmitted by including the print permission information in the print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus;
When the control unit receives a transmission request of the print driver from the terminal device through the communication unit, the control stored in the print permission information storage unit is stored in the print driver stored in the print driver storage unit. The printing apparatus according to [6], wherein permission information is added and transmitted to the terminal device that is the transmission source of the transmission request.

  In the above invention, when receiving a print driver transmission request from the terminal device, the printing device adds print permission information to the print driver stored in the device and transmits the print driver to the terminal device. The terminal device can install the print driver received from the printing device and request printing to the printing device, that is, the print data can be transmitted by the print driver.

  Thus, since the printing apparatus also has a function of providing a print driver to the terminal device, it is not necessary to separately provide a server or the like that provides the print driver, and the configuration of the entire system can be simplified.

[8] The control unit performs authentication based on authentication information received from the terminal device through the communication unit, and receives the transmission request and transmits the print driver only when the authentication is performed. [7] The printing apparatus according to [7].

  In the above invention, similar to the invention described in [3], the user who is permitted to print by the printing apparatus uses the authentication information notified in advance by the administrator or the like in order to receive the print driver from the printing apparatus. Once the authentication operation such as inputting to the terminal device is performed once, printing by the printing device can be performed without performing the same authentication operation every time the terminal device requests printing from the terminal device thereafter. .

[4] The print permission information includes department management information used to perform printing management by the printing apparatus for each department. [1] to [3] Print driver transmission device.

[9] The print permission information includes department management information used for managing printing by the printing apparatus for each department,
The printing apparatus according to any one of [5] to [8], wherein the control unit performs printing management for each department based on the department management information.

  In the inventions of [4] and [9] above, the printing apparatus identifies the department to which the user who uses the terminal device belongs based on the department management information included in the print permission information in the print data received from the terminal apparatus, Manage printing for each department. As a result, in addition to printing restrictions, printing department management can be performed.

[5] The printing permission information according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the printing permission information includes printing condition information used for determining a printing condition permitted by the printing apparatus. Driver transmission device.

[10] The printing permission information includes printing condition information used for determining printing conditions permitted by the printing apparatus,
The control unit determines a printing condition to be permitted based on the printing condition information, and causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the print data based on the determined permitted printing condition. The printing apparatus according to any one of [5] to [9].

  In the above inventions [5] and [10], the printing apparatus determines the permitted printing conditions based on the printing condition information included in the printing permission information in the print data received from the terminal apparatus, and the determined permission. Printing is performed under the printing conditions to be used. This printing condition is synonymous with the printing function, and includes conditions such as a color mode (full color / monochrome only), for example. This makes it possible to limit printing conditions in addition to printing limitations.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify an operation for authentication by a user when performing a print restriction in a printing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a printing system 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 5 connects an arbitrary number of terminals 10 and an arbitrary number of multifunction peripherals (MFP; Multi Function Peripheral / Multi Function Printer) 20 accessed from each terminal 10 to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Configured.

  The multi-function device 20 is a device (printing device / print driver transmitting device) having a document copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. The printer function included in the multifunction device 20 includes a print restriction function for restricting (permitting / prohibiting) printing requested from the terminal 10 or the like based on preset conditions (print permission information / driver code). ing.

  The terminal 10 is a device (terminal device) that accesses the multifunction device 20 through the network 2 and requests various operations such as printing and operation, and is, for example, a personal computer (PC). 20 driver programs (print drivers) are incorporated.

  The driver program of the multifunction device 20 incorporated in the terminal 10 is stored in the multifunction device 20, and is provided from the multifunction device 20 to the terminal 10 when the terminal 10 accesses and downloads the multifunction device 20. When providing the driver program, the multi-function device 20 adds a predetermined driver code to the driver program and provides it to the terminal 10. This driver code is print permission information used by the multifunction device 20 for the print permission determination requested from the terminal 10.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the terminal 10. The terminal 10 is equipped with an operating system (OS) and various application programs that operate on the OS, a function for creating a document (file) such as a document or an image by the application program, and printing of the document or the like. A function of transmitting print data to the multi-function device 20 through the network 2 by a driver program. Further, the terminal 10 has a function of accessing the multifunction device 20 through the network 2 and downloading a driver program from the multifunction device 20 and a function of installing and setting up a driver program downloaded from the multifunction device 20.

  The terminal 10 is connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, and a hard disk device 15 (HDD: Hard in the figure) via a bus 12. The display unit 16, the operation unit 17, and the network communication unit 18 are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 controls the operation of the terminal 10 based on a program stored in the ROM 13. The RAM 14 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes a program. In addition to the OS and application programs, the hard disk device 15 stores a driver program 50 of the multifunction machine 20, documents, various saved data, and the like.

  The display unit 16 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a screen for operating and setting the OS, application program, and driver program 50, and images and videos. The operation unit 17 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and receives operations and inputs performed by the user on the terminal 10. The network communication unit 18 has a function of communicating with an external device such as the multifunction device 20 through the network 2.

  The driver program 50 is downloaded from the multifunction device 20 when a user using the terminal 10 performs a predetermined operation through the display unit 16 and the operation unit 17. Specifically, the driver program is used only when the user performs an access operation to the multi-function device 20 and performs authentication information input operation (authentication operation) required for access authentication by the multi-function device 20 and is authenticated by the multi-function device 20. 50 storage destinations are disclosed and can be downloaded. Here, when the user performs a download operation, the terminal 10 downloads the driver program 50 from the storage destination in the multifunction device 20.

  The user who has been given access authority to the multifunction device 20 is notified in advance with the above-mentioned authentication information given by the administrator. This authentication information is information used for authenticating the terminal 10 (user) that the multi-function device 20 accesses through the network 2, and further authenticates the terminal 10 that permits the transmission of the driver program 50 to authenticate the driver program. This is information used to publish 50 storage destinations. In the present embodiment, the authentication information is an ID and a password. As the ID, when managing the number of prints and billing for each department, the department ID assigned to each department is used. When such department management is not performed, a common user ID is used. The terminal 10 can download the driver program 50 from the multifunction device 20 only when the authentication information input by the user in the access authentication to the multifunction device 20 is authenticated by the multifunction device 20.

  A request for printing from the terminal 10 to the multifunction device 20 is made by a user using the terminal 10 instructing printing of a desired document or the like through the display unit 16 and the operation unit 17. When the user issues a print instruction, the driver program 50 of the terminal 10 sends print data such as a document instructed to be printed to the multi-function device 20 to request printing. Further, the driver program 50 includes information about the terminal 10 (terminal information), information about the contents of printing (print contents information), and a driver code 40 held in advance by the driver program 50 in the header of the print data. It is added and transmitted to the multi-function device 20.

  The terminal information added to the print data is information such as the name of the terminal 10 and the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the terminal 10 on the network 2. The print content information added to the print data includes, for example, the name of the document to be printed, the size of the print data, the number of pages of the document, the size of the recording paper (A4 / A3, etc.), and the print direction (vertical / horizontal). , Layout (2 in 1/4 in 1 etc.), print mode (single side / double side), color mode (monochrome / color), resolution, number of copies, etc.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 20. The multi-function device 20 includes a CPU 21 as a control unit, a ROM 23, a RAM 24, a nonvolatile memory 25, a hard disk device 26 (displayed as HDD in the figure), an operation display unit 27, and a facsimile communication unit via a bus 22. 28, a network communication unit 29, an image processing unit 30, a scanner unit 31, a printer unit 32 (printing unit), and a print permission determination unit 33.

  The CPU 21 controls the operation of the multifunction device 20 based on a program stored in the ROM 23. The RAM 24 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 21 executes a program, and is also used for an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The nonvolatile memory 25 is a memory that retains memory even when the power is turned off, and stores the above-described driver code 40, authentication information 41 (ID and password), and the like. The hard disk device 26 stores an OS that operates the multifunction device 20, application programs that operate various functions of the multifunction device 20, a driver program 50 of the multifunction device 20 that is provided to an external device such as the terminal 10, various saved data, and the like. In addition, image data (print data) in a copy requested by an external device such as a copy of the original or the terminal 10 is also saved.

  The operation display unit 27 functions as a display unit that displays various operation screens and guidance screens to the user, and functions as an operation unit that receives operations and inputs performed by the user on the multifunction device 20. Further, the operation display unit 27 also functions as an input unit that receives input of the driver code 40 and the authentication information 41. Here, the operation display unit 27 includes a liquid crystal display, a touch panel provided on the screen, and various switches.

  The facsimile communication unit 28 performs a function of communicating with an external device having a facsimile function through a public line. The network communication unit 29 has a function of communicating with an external device such as the terminal 10 through the network 2.

  The scanner unit 31 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The scanner unit 31 includes, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, an image sensor that receives reflected light from the document and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and a reading position in units of lines by the image sensor. A scanning mechanism that moves in the vertical direction, and an optical path including a lens and a mirror that guides reflected light from the document to the image sensor to form an image. The image processing unit 30 functions to perform various types of image processing such as image correction, rotation, enlargement / reduction, compression / expansion on image data.

  The printer unit 32 has a function of printing an image corresponding to the input image data on a recording sheet and outputting it. For example, a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, and the like are provided, and an image is recorded on the recording paper by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a laser printer to be formed.

  The print permission determination unit 33 analyzes the header of the print data received by the network communication unit 29, and determines whether to permit or prohibit printing of the print data based on the presence / absence of the driver code and the content of the driver code. Fulfills the function of performing.

  Further, the CPU 21 functions as a control unit that performs the following operations by executing the program.

(1) The driver code 40 and the authentication information 41 input through the operation display unit 27 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 25.
(2) At the time of access by the terminal 10, access authentication is performed by comparing the authentication information received from the terminal 10 with the authentication information 41 stored in the nonvolatile memory 25.
(3) Only when authentication is performed by the above-described access authentication, the access restriction for the authenticated terminal 10 is released and reception of a download request for the driver program 50 is accepted.
(4) When the above download request is received, the driver code 40 stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 is added to the driver program 50 stored in the hard disk device 26 and transmitted to the terminal 10.
(5) When print data is received from the terminal 10, based on a determination result (print permission / prohibition) by the print permission determination unit 33, execution or restriction of printing by the printer unit 32 is performed on the print data.

  4 to 8 show screens displayed on the operation display unit 27 of the multifunction machine 20. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a print restriction operation screen 60 for setting the print restriction function and various operations associated therewith, and a button screen 65 on which various buttons (not shown) are displayed. The button screen 65 includes a start button for performing a start operation, a stop button for performing a stop operation, an on / off switching button for switching settings on / off, an alphanumeric button for inputting alphanumeric characters, and the like. Is displayed. 5 to 7 show a print restriction input screen 70 for inputting detailed settings of the print restriction function provided in the lower layer of the print restriction operation screen 60. FIG. 8 shows a driver publication restriction input screen 90 for inputting driver program publication restriction settings provided in the lower layer of the printing restriction operation screen 60.

  Only managers having specific authority can perform operations and input of settings on each screen. For example, when the administrator authentication is performed, the multi-function device 20 shifts to the administrator mode and can access the print restriction operation screen 60. The administrator enters the administrator mode, and uses the print restriction operation screen 60, the button screen 65, the print restriction input screen 70 below the print restriction operation screen 60, and the various types of print restriction functions through the driver disclosure restriction input screen 90. You will be able to enter operations and settings.

  The print restriction operation screen 60 shown in FIG. 4 displays a print restriction input button 61 (print permission condition input button), a driver save button 62, and a driver disclosure restriction input button 63.

  The print restriction input button 61 is a button for performing an operation for inputting detailed settings of the print restriction function. When the print restriction input button 61 is pressed, the print restriction operation screen 60 displayed on the operation display unit 27 is switched to the print restriction input screen 70. The print restriction input screen 70 includes a print restriction setting button 71, a print restriction setting display part 72, a department management setting button 73, a department management setting display part 74, a printing condition setting button 75, and a printing condition setting display part. 76 and a setting save button 77 are displayed.

  The print restriction setting button 71 is a button for performing an operation of inputting print restriction settings. The print restriction setting display section 72 is an area where print restriction settings are displayed. When the print restriction setting button 71 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 5, the print restriction setting button 71 and the print restriction setting display section 72 change to a display state indicating that they are selected. A print restriction item display section 78 is displayed on the print restriction input screen 70.

  As a print restriction item, “permitted” is provided, and the print restriction item display unit 78 displays the item. Specifically, “1: permission” is displayed in the print restriction item display section 78. Here, when the button indicating “1” is pressed on the button screen 65 (see FIG. 4), the print restriction is provisionally set to allow. The print restriction setting display section 72 displays the currently set print restriction state as “permitted”. It should be noted that the above setting operation may be omitted by setting “permitted” as the default for this print restriction item.

  The department management setting button 73 is a button for performing an operation of inputting department management settings when managing the number of printed sheets (upper limit number of sheets) and billing by the multifunction machine 20 for each department. The department management setting display unit 74 is an area in which department management settings are displayed. When the department management setting button 73 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 6, the department management setting button 73 and the department management setting display unit 74 change to a display state indicating that they are selected. A department management item display unit 79 is displayed on the print restriction input screen 70.

  The department management items include use of department management function (on setting) or non-use (off setting), department management code (department code) used to authenticate (identify) the department performing department management, and printing conditions. Is provided. As printing conditions, “full color” indicating a color mode and “monochrome only” are provided. These items are provisionally set or input by operating on / off switching buttons and alphanumeric buttons on the button screen 65.

  Specifically, the department management item display section 79 is provided with a department management use setting display section 80, a department management code input display section 81, and a printing condition display section 82. When the use of the department management function is temporarily set by the operation of the on / off switching button on the button screen 65, “department management: ON” is displayed in the department management use setting display section 80, and the department management function is not used. Is temporarily set, “department management: OFF” is displayed. The department management code input display unit 81 displays a department management code input by operating an alphanumeric button on the button screen 65. The department management code is, for example, a 4-digit character string (number). In the printing condition display section 82, “color printing permission” is displayed when full color is temporarily set by a printing condition setting operation to be described later, and “only monochrome printing is permitted” when only monochrome is temporarily set. Is done.

  Further, the department management setting display section 74 displays the usage status of the department management function currently temporarily set as “used” or “not used”. This department management function is set to “not used” by default. The department management code is set to “0 (zero)” by default.

  The print condition setting button 75 is a button for performing an operation of inputting print condition settings. The print condition setting display section 76 is an area where print condition settings are displayed. When the print condition setting button 75 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 7, the print condition setting button 75 and the print condition setting display section 76 change to a display state indicating that they are selected. A print condition item display unit 83 is displayed on the print restriction input screen 70.

  As described above, “full color” and “monochrome only” are provided as printing condition items, and these items are displayed on the printing condition item display portion 83. Specifically, “0: full color” and “1: black and white only” are displayed in the printing condition item display section 83. Here, when the button indicating “0” is pressed on the button screen 65, the printing condition is temporarily set to full color. When the button indicating “1” is pressed on the button screen 65, the printing condition is temporarily set to black and white only. The print condition setting display section 76 displays the currently set print condition state (type) as “full color” or “monochrome only”. The printing conditions temporarily set by operating the printing condition setting button 75 and the button screen 65 are reflected on the printing conditions in the above-described department management item and displayed on the printing condition display unit 82 (see FIG. 6).

  The setting saving button 77 is a button for performing an operation of confirming and saving the setting of printing restriction, department management, and printing conditions. When the setting save button 77 is pressed, the above settings are confirmed and saved. Specifically, the driver code 40 including data (authorization data) indicating setting contents and a department management code is generated by the CPU 11 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 25.

  The data indicating the setting contents includes a printing restriction flag indicating the setting contents of the printing restriction, a department management flag indicating the setting contents of use / non-use of the department management function, and a printing condition flag indicating the setting contents of the printing conditions. It is out.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of each flag indicating each setting content and an example of a department management code in a list form.

  In the first print restriction flag shown in the list of FIG. 9, “1” indicates “permitted”. In the department management flag shown second, “0” indicates “not used” of the department management function, and “1” indicates “use” of the department management function. The department management flag is set to “0” indicating “not used” by default. As described above, the third department management code is a four-digit character string (number) such as “XXXX”, and is set to “0000” by default. In the fourth printing condition flag, “0” indicates “full color” and “1” indicates “monochrome only”.

  The driver code 40 includes each flag shown in FIG. 9, that is, data indicating setting contents regarding the print restriction function, and a department management code. Specifically, the driver code 40 is described with a 7-digit character string in which the flags and department management codes shown in FIG. 9 are arranged in the first to fourth order in the list of FIG. 9 from the upper digit to the lower digit. Is done.

  For example, if the print restriction is permitted, the department management function is not used (department management code: 0000), and the printing condition is set to monochrome only, the driver code 40 is “1000001”. When the print restriction is permitted, the department management function is used (department management code: ABCD), and the printing condition is set to full color, the driver code 40 is “11ABCD0”.

  If there are a plurality of departments that manage printing by the multifunction machine 20, the administrator registers a plurality of types of department management codes dedicated to each department in the multifunction machine 20, and is given access authority to the multifunction machine 20. When the published driver program 50 is transmitted (downloaded), the driver code 40 including the department management code of the type corresponding to the department to which the user belongs is added to the driver program 50 and transmitted to the user of each department. To be.

  Specifically, for example, when managing printing of three departments, such as department A, department B, and department C, the administrator is “ADGJ” for department A, “BEHK” for department B, and department C. Are assigned different department management codes such as “CFIL”, and are registered in the multifunction device 20.

  When the driver program 50 is transmitted from the multifunction machine 20 to the terminal 10, the driver code 40 including the department management code “ADGJ” (for example, “11ADGJ0”) is added to the terminal 10 of the department A user. Then send. The driver code 40 including the department management code “BEHK” (for example, “11BEHK0”) is added to the driver program 50 and transmitted to the terminal 10 of the department B user. The driver code 40 including the department management code “CFIL” (for example, “11CFIL0”) is added to the driver program 50 and transmitted to the terminal 10 of the department C user.

  When the user of each department requests printing from the terminal 10 to the multifunction device 20, the type of the department management code in the driver code 40 added to the header of the print data received from the terminal 10 by the multifunction device 20 is set. The department to which the user who has requested the printing belongs is identified, and the number of prints (upper limit number) and billing are managed for each department.

  The driver save button 62 on the print restriction operation screen 60 shown in FIG. 4 is a button for performing an operation of saving the driver program 50 by the multi-function device 20. When the driver save button 62 is pressed, the multi-function device 20 acquires the driver program 50 recorded on, for example, a recording medium set in the multi-function device 20, stores it in the hard disk device 26, and saves it. In addition to the recording medium, the multi-function device 20 may access a server provided in the network 2 to acquire the driver program 50 from the server and store it in the hard disk device 26.

  The driver disclosure restriction input button 63 is a button for performing an operation of inputting a setting for restricting the disclosure of the driver program 50. When the driver disclosure restriction input button 63 is pressed, the print restriction operation screen 60 displayed on the operation display unit 27 is switched to the driver disclosure restriction input screen 90 shown in FIG. A driver publication restriction item display unit 91 is displayed on the driver publication restriction input screen 90.

  The items of driver disclosure restriction are an ID (user ID / department ID) and a password as authentication information described above. Here, the driver disclosure restriction item display unit 91 is provided with an ID input display unit 92 and a password input display unit 93, and is further provided with a setting save button 94.

  The ID and password are input by operating the alphanumeric buttons on the button screen 65. The ID input display unit 92 displays the input ID, and the password input display unit 93 displays the input password. The setting save button 77 is a button for performing an operation of confirming and saving the ID and password settings. When the setting save button 94 is pressed after entering the ID and password, the entered ID and password settings are finalized and saved in the nonvolatile memory 25 as authentication information 41.

  Next, operations of the multifunction machine 20 and the terminal 10 in the printing system 5 will be described.

  FIG. 10 shows a flow of setting processing related to saving and printing restrictions of the driver program 50 by the multi-function device 20. In this process, the saving operation of the driver program 50 and the setting operation related to the printing restriction are performed by the administrator as described above.

  When authentication is performed by the administrator in the multifunction device 20, the CPU 21 shifts the multifunction device 20 to an administrator mode in which specific operations and settings can be performed. When an operation for displaying an operation screen for the print restriction function is performed in the administrator mode, the CPU 21 starts this processing (Start) and causes the operation display unit 27 to display the print restriction operation screen 60 and the button screen 65. (See FIG. 4), the input is received by various buttons displayed on the screen.

  When the save driver button 62 on the print restriction operation screen 60 is pressed, the CPU 21 acquires the driver program 50 from a recording medium set in the multi-function device 20 or a server provided on the network 2, and the hard disk device. 26 (step S101).

  When the print restriction input button 61 on the print restriction operation screen 60 is pressed, the CPU 21 switches the print restriction operation screen 60 displayed on the operation display unit 27 to the print restriction input screen 70 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). , Print restriction, department management, and print condition items are set to accept input.

  On the print restriction input screen 70, input of a print restriction item is performed through the button screen 65 after the print restriction setting button 71 is pressed, or input to the print condition item is performed through the button screen 65 after the print condition setting button 75 is pressed. If it has been performed, the CPU 21 sets these items to the input settings (temporary settings) (step S102).

  Furthermore, when an input for a department management item is made through the button screen 65 after the department management setting button 73 is pressed (step S103; Y), the CPU 21 sets the item to the input setting (temporary setting). (Step S104). When no input is made for the department management item (step S103; N), the default setting is maintained for the department management item.

  When the setting save button 77 on the print restriction input screen 70 is pressed, the CPU 21 determines and saves the settings of print restriction, department management, and printing conditions. Specifically, the driver code 40 including a print restriction flag, a department management flag, a printing condition flag, which is data indicating setting contents, and a department management code (a default department management code when the department management function is not used) is generated. Then, it is stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 (step S105). Further, the CPU 21 returns the print restriction input screen 70 displayed on the operation display unit 27 to the print restriction operation screen 60.

  When the driver disclosure restriction input button 63 on the print restriction operation screen 60 is pressed, the CPU 21 switches the print restriction operation screen 60 displayed on the operation display unit 27 to the driver publication restriction input screen 90 (see FIG. 8). An input of an access authority setting that restricts the release of the driver program 50 is accepted.

  On the driver disclosure restriction input screen 90, the access authority setting is input, that is, when the ID and password are input through the button screen 65 and the setting save button 94 is pressed, the CPU 21 is input. The setting of the ID and password is confirmed and stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 as the authentication information 41 (step S106). Further, the CPU 21 returns the driver disclosure restriction input screen 90 displayed on the operation display unit 27 to the print restriction operation screen 60, and ends this processing (End).

  In the department management of printing by the multifunction machine 20, when there are a plurality of departments to be managed, the administrator prepares a dedicated department management code and authentication information (department ID and password) for each department, A driver code 40 including a department management code is input for each department, and the settings for the above-mentioned printing restriction, department management, and printing conditions are entered for each department, and access authority (department ID and password) settings are entered. The authentication information 41 is associated and registered in the multifunction device 20.

  FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing for downloading and installing the driver program 50 from the multifunction device 20 by the terminal 10.

  When the user performs an access operation to the multifunction device 20 at the terminal 10, the CPU 11 starts this processing (Start), and performs an operation of accessing the multifunction device 20 through the network 2 (step S111). In accessing the multifunction device 20, the terminal 10 is requested to transmit an access authentication ID and password from the multifunction device 20.

  When the user has been given access authority to the multifunction machine 20 and the administrator has previously notified the access authentication ID and password, the user inputs the ID and password to the terminal 10. The CPU 11 transmits the input ID and password to the multifunction device 20.

  In the multifunction device 20, the CPU 21 collates the ID and password received from the terminal 10 with the ID and password (authentication information 41) stored in the nonvolatile memory 25. If they match, the CPU 21 permits the terminal 10 to access the multifunction device 20 and publishes the storage destination of the driver program 50 in the multifunction device 20 to the terminal 10.

  If the IDs and passwords are not transmitted from the terminal 10 even if the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 21 does not permit the terminal 10 to access the multifunction device 20 and the terminal 10 On the other hand, the storage destination of the driver program 50 in the multifunction device 20 is not disclosed. Further, the CPU 21 gives a warning to the terminal 10 whose access is not permitted that the access authority is incorrect (ID and password do not match) or that the time is over.

  Further, when the CPU 21 receives a download request (transmission request) of the driver program 50 from the terminal 10 permitted to access, the CPU 21 stores the driver stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 in the driver program 50 stored in the hard disk device 26. The code 40 is added and transmitted to the terminal 10.

  In the terminal 10, upon completion of access authentication by the multifunction device 20 and disclosure of the storage location of the driver program 50, the CPU 11 can access the storage location of the driver program 50 in the multifunction device 20 (step S112; Y). If the access authentication by the multifunction device 20 is not completed, the CPU 11 cannot access the multifunction device 20 (step S112; N), and displays a warning received from the multifunction device 20 on the display unit 16. Later, this process ends (End).

  When the user performs a download operation of the driver program 50 after the access authentication by the multifunction device 20 is completed, the CPU 11 transmits a download request for the driver program 50 to the multifunction device 20 and receives the download request from the multifunction device 20. The driver program 50 to which the transmitted driver code 40 is added is received and saved (downloaded). Further, when the user installs the driver program 50, the CPU 11 installs the driver program 50 in the terminal 10 and stores it in the hard disk device 15 (step S113), and ends this processing (End).

  Further, in the department management of printing by the multifunction machine 20, when there are a plurality of departments to be managed, the administrator assigns the department to which the user belongs to the user of each department who has been given access authority to the multifunction machine 20. Is previously notified of the department ID and password for access authentication given to.

  When the user performs an access operation to the multi-function device 20 using the terminal 10 and inputs the department ID and password notified from the administrator, the multi-function device 20 that has received the authentication information authenticates with the non-volatile memory 25. After confirming that the information 41 is stored, access to the terminal 10 is permitted and the storage location of the driver program 50 is disclosed. When receiving a download request for the driver program 50 from the terminal 10, the multi-function device 20 transmits the driver code 40 corresponding to the authentication information 41 received from the terminal 10, that is, the department to which the user using the terminal 10 belongs. A driver code 40 including a department management code assigned to the terminal 10 is added to the driver program 50 and transmitted to the terminal 10. Thus, the driver program 50 to which the driver code 40 including the department management code dedicated to the department to which the user belongs is installed on the terminal 10 used by the user of each department to be department management. Become.

  FIG. 12 shows a flow of execution / restriction processing for printing requested by the multifunction peripheral 20 from the terminal 10.

  When a printing instruction is issued by the user at the terminal 10, the driver program 50 installed in the terminal 10 includes the terminal information (such as the IP address of the terminal 10), the print content information (such as the color mode), and the driver. The driver code 40 held by the program 50 itself is added to the header of the print data and transmitted to the multi-function device 20 through the network 2.

  When reception of print data is detected by the multifunction device 20, the CPU 21 starts this processing (Start), and receives print data transmitted from the terminal 10 through the network 2 (step S121). Further, the CPU 21 causes the print permission determination unit 33 to analyze the header of the print data (step S122) and to determine whether to permit or prohibit printing (step S123).

  When the driver code is detected by analyzing the header of the print data, the print permission determination unit 33 collates the driver code with the driver code 40 stored in the nonvolatile memory 25, and they match. And whether printing is permitted or not is determined based on whether or not the two conditions that the printing conditions are met are satisfied. In this embodiment, the print condition is set to monochrome printing only. When print content information indicating monochrome printing is detected from the print data header, the print condition is set to full color, and the print data header is set. The printing conditions are met when the print content information indicating black and white printing or full color printing is detected. If only monochrome printing is set, and print content information indicating full color printing is detected from the header of the print data, the print condition becomes incompatible. If the driver code is not detected from the header of the print data, the print permission determination unit 33 determines whether to prohibit printing.

  FIG. 13 shows the match / mismatch of the driver code and the suitability / nonconformity of the print condition, which are the judgment conditions for permission / prohibition of printing when the driver code is detected from the header of the print data, and the permission / non-compliance of the print as the judgment result The relationship with prohibition is shown as a list.

  When the department management function is set to non-use (when the upper two digits of the driver code are “10”), the print permission determination unit 33 matches that other than the department management code in the driver code, and Judgment is made to allow printing only when the printing conditions are met. In other cases, it is determined to prohibit printing.

  When the department management function is set to use (when the upper two digits of the driver code are “11”), the print permission determination unit 33 matches the department management code included in the driver code and determines the department It is determined that printing is permitted only when codes other than the management code are matched, that is, when the entire driver code is matched and the printing conditions are met. In other cases, it is determined to prohibit printing.

  When the CPU 21 receives the print permission determination result from the print permission determination unit 33 (step S123; Y), the CPU 21 causes the printer unit 32 to execute printing based on the print data (step S124), and ends this processing (step S124). End). When a print prohibition determination result is received from the print permission determination unit 33 (step S123; N), printing for print data is restricted and included in the driver code or driver code for the terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the print data. A warning is given to the effect that the registered department management codes do not match or the printing conditions are not met (step S125), and the process is terminated (End).

  In addition, when there are a plurality of departments to be managed in the department management of printing by the MFP 20, the driver program 50 of the terminal 10 used by the user of each department to be managed is the user in the header of the print data. A driver code 40 including a department management code dedicated to the department to which the user belongs is added, and the print data is transmitted to the multifunction machine 20. The multi-function device 20 checks the type of the department management code in the driver code 40 added to the header of the print data received from the terminal 10 and identifies the department to which the user who has requested printing belongs. Manage the number of prints (upper limit) and billing.

  For example, if the determination result by the print permission determination unit 33 is print permission and the upper limit number set for the department to which the user who has requested printing belongs does not exceed, the printing is executed. The number of sheets related to the printing is added to the counted number of sheets before printing. Even if the determination result is print permission, if the upper limit number is exceeded or already exceeded, printing is restricted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when printing is requested from the terminal 10 in which the driver program 50 of the multifunction device 20 is installed to the multifunction device 20, even if the user does not input authentication information or the like to the terminal 10, the terminal The ten driver programs 50 include the driver code in the print data and transmit it to the multi-function device 20. When the print data received from the terminal 10 includes a driver code that matches the driver code stored in the non-volatile memory 25, the multi-function device 20 performs printing on the print data. If no matching driver code is included, printing is restricted. As a result, when printing is restricted by the multifunction device 20, the operation for authentication performed by the user operating the (driver program 50) of the terminal 10 is simplified, and the burden on the user is reduced.

  The multifunction machine 20 according to the present embodiment also has a function of providing the driver program 50 to the terminal 10. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide a server for providing a driver program to the terminal 10, and the configuration of the entire system can be simplified. Further, when a user who has been given access authority to the multifunction device 20 accesses the multifunction device 20 and downloads the driver program 50, the authentication is entered into the terminal 10 by the authentication information notified in advance by the administrator. Once the operation is performed, each time the terminal 10 requests the multifunction device 20 to perform printing, the multifunction device 20 can perform printing without performing the same authentication operation.

  Further, the MFP 20 according to the present embodiment identifies the department to which the user who uses the terminal 10 belongs based on the department management code included in the driver code 40 in the print data received from the terminal 10, and for each department. Manage printing. As a result, in addition to printing restrictions, department management for printing can be performed.

  Further, the multi-function device 20 according to the present embodiment determines the permitted print condition (in this embodiment, the color mode) based on the print condition flag included in the driver code 40 in the print data received from the terminal 10. Then, the printing is performed under the permitted printing conditions determined. This makes it possible to limit printing conditions in addition to printing limitations.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the MFP 20 described in the embodiment, a driver code (print permission information) generated by setting each item of print restriction, department management, and print conditions is input through the operation display unit 27. The input of the driver code is not limited to that performed by the operation display unit 27. The driver code may be acquired and input from the server or the like through the network 2 by the multifunction machine 20. In this case, the network communication unit 29 of the multifunction device 20 functions as a driver code input unit. As the server, a user information management server that manages user information such as a department to which the user belongs and printing conditions to be permitted can be used.

  The driver program 50 is stored in the hard disk device 26 in the multi-function device 20 and is transmitted (provided) to the terminal 10. The multi-function device 20 itself transmits the driver program 50 to the terminal 10. Not limited to. For example, the driver program 50 is stored in a providing server or the like connected to the network 2, and the storage destination of the driver program 50 by the providing server or the like is disclosed to the terminal 10 of the user who has been authenticated. When a download request is received from the terminal 10, the driver code 40 may be added to the driver program 50 and transmitted.

  The access authentication for the terminal 10 to download the driver program 50 is performed by the multifunction device 20, but may be performed by an authentication server connected to the network 2.

  Further, the driver code 40 described in the embodiment performs print condition information (print condition flag) used for determining the print conditions permitted in the multifunction device 20 and print management by the multifunction device 20 for each department. Department management information (department management code) is used, and the department management information is valid only when department management is performed. Driver code that does not include such print condition information or department management information You can use it. In addition, when the driver code is detected from the print data received by the multi-function device 20, the print permission determination based on the driver code that does not include the print condition information is performed by using the driver code and the driver code stored in the nonvolatile memory 25. It is sufficient to determine that printing is permitted if they match, and printing is prohibited if they do not match, and printing is prohibited if they do not match.

  In addition to the color mode (monochrome / color), the printing condition may be the number of pages (number of printed sheets), the size of the recording paper, the number of copies, and the like. Specifically, in the case of the number of pages, for example, only N pages or less are permitted, in the case of the recording paper size, for example, only A4 sizes or less are permitted, and in the case of the number of copies, for example, only M copies or less are permitted. Good.

  Further, when the printing conditions are restricted, the restricted printing conditions may not be specified by the printing setting by the driver program 50 of the terminal 10. For example, when full color printing is restricted, full color printing may not be selected on a screen for designating a color mode displayed by the driver program. As described above, when the restricted print condition cannot be specified by the driver program, the print condition may not be confirmed by the print permission determination by the multifunction machine 20. That is, it may be determined whether printing is permitted / prohibited only by confirming whether the driver code matches or does not match, without confirming whether the driver code matches the printing condition.

  Further, in the processing of the MFP 20 shown in FIG. 10, the driver program 50 is saved (step S101), the setting / saving regarding the printing restriction (steps S102 to S104), and the access authority is set / saved (step S105). ) May be changed in order. Since these are switched according to the order of operations performed by the administrator, they may be executed in any order.

  The driver program 50 may be downloaded from the multifunction device 20 by the terminal 10 using a dedicated installation program. Specifically, for example, the multi-function device 20 stores a driver program 50 and an installation program thereof, and transmits an installation program to the terminal 10 when a download request is received from the terminal 10. Thereafter, when the installation program is executed in the terminal 10 and the multi-function device 20 receives a download request transmitted by the installation program, the driver program 50 may be transmitted to the terminal 10.

  Further, when it is desired to set all the multi-function devices 20 connected to the network 2 to the same setting, for example, when the multi-function device 20 is newly added or replaced, the new multi-function device 20 is changed from the existing multi-function device 20. The setting may be acquired. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a new multifunction device 20 indicated by “MFP2” in the drawing accesses the existing multifunction device 20 indicated by “MFP1” in the drawing via the network 2, and the It is possible to import setting information (printing restrictions, department management, printing condition items (driver code), authentication information, etc.) in the existing MFP 20.

  The print driver transmission device according to the present invention is not limited to the multifunction device described in the embodiment, and includes the above-described providing server that provides the terminal device with a print driver of the multifunction device. Furthermore, the printing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the multi-function device described in the embodiment, and includes a printer, a copier having a printer function, and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral as a printing apparatus and a print driver transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print restriction operation screen and a button screen displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting items of print restriction on a print restriction input screen displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for setting department management items on a print restriction input screen displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for setting items of printing conditions on a print restriction input screen displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the driver public restriction input screen displayed on the operation display part of the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows each flag and department management code which comprise the driver code based on embodiment of this invention as a list. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for saving a driver program and setting for printing restriction by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing processing for downloading and installing a driver program from a multi-function peripheral by a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing execution / restriction processing for printing requested from a terminal by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of a part of determination conditions for permission / prohibition of printing performed by a print permission determination unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Network 5 ... Printing system 10 ... Terminal (PC)
11 ... CPU
12 ... Bus 13 ... ROM
14 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Hard disk apparatus 16 ... Display part 17 ... Operation part 18 ... Network communication part 20 ... Multi-function device (MFP)
21 ... CPU
22 ... Bus 23 ... ROM
24 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 25 ... Non-volatile memory 26 ... Hard disk device 27 ... Operation display part 28 ... Facsimile communication part 29 ... Network communication part 30 ... Image processing part 31 ... Scanner part 32 ... Printer part 33 ... Print permission judgment part 40 ... Driver code 41 ... Authentication information DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Driver program 60 ... Print restriction operation screen 61 ... Print restriction input button 62 ... Save driver button 63 ... Driver release restriction input button 65 ... Button screen 70 ... Print restriction input screen 71 ... Print restriction setting button 72 ... Print restriction setting display Section 73 ... Department management setting button 74 ... Department management setting display section 75 ... Print condition setting button 76 ... Print condition setting display section 77 ... Setting save button 78 ... Print restriction item display section 79 ... Department management item display section 80 ... Department management Usage setting display section 81 ... department management code input display section 82 Printing condition display unit 83 ... printing condition item display section 90 ... driver public limited input screen 91 ... driver public limited item display section 92 ... ID input display section 93 ... password input display section 94 ... Save Settings button

Claims (10)

A print driver storage that stores a print driver that transmits print data transmitted from a terminal device that is communicably connected to the printing device to the printing device, and includes print permission information used for printing permission determination by the printing device. And
A communication unit that communicates with the terminal device;
A control unit;
With
When the control unit receives the print driver transmission request from the terminal device through the communication unit, the control unit adds the print permission information to the print driver stored in the print driver storage unit and A print driver transmission device, characterized in that the print driver transmission device transmits to a terminal device as a transmission source. An input unit for inputting the print permission information;
A print permission information storage unit for storing the print permission information input through the input unit;
Further comprising
The control unit stores the print permission information input through the input unit in the print permission information storage unit, and when the transmission request is received, transmits the print request to a terminal device that is a transmission source of the transmission request. The print driver transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: print permission information stored in the print permission information storage unit. The control unit performs authentication based on authentication information received from the terminal device through the communication unit, and receives the transmission request and transmits the print driver only when the authentication is performed. Or the print driver transmission apparatus according to 2; The print driver transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print permission information includes department management information used for managing printing by the printing apparatus for each department. The print driver transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print permission information includes print condition information used to determine a print condition permitted by the printing apparatus. Print permission information that is stored in advance in a print driver of a terminal device that is communicably connected to the printing device and is included in print data to be transmitted to the printing device is used to determine whether printing is permitted by the printing device. An input section;
A print permission information storage unit for storing the print permission information input through the input unit;
A communication unit that communicates with the terminal device;
A printing section;
A control unit;
With
The control unit stores print permission information input through the input unit in the print permission information storage unit, and is stored in the print permission information storage unit in print data received from the terminal device through the communication unit. A printing apparatus that causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the print data when print permission information that matches the print permission information is included. A print driver storage unit for storing a print driver to be transmitted by including the print permission information in the print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus;
When the control unit receives a transmission request of the print driver from the terminal device through the communication unit, the control stored in the print permission information storage unit is stored in the print driver stored in the print driver storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein permission information is added and transmitted to a terminal device that is a transmission source of the transmission request. 8. The control unit performs authentication based on authentication information received from a terminal device through the communication unit, and receives the transmission request and transmits the print driver only when the authentication is performed. The printing apparatus as described in. The print permission information includes department management information used for managing printing by the printing apparatus for each department,
The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit manages printing for each department based on the department management information. The printing permission information includes printing condition information used for determining printing conditions permitted by the printing apparatus,
The control unit determines a printing condition to be permitted based on the printing condition information, and causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the printing data under the determined permitted printing condition. Item 10. The printing apparatus according to any one of Items 5 to 9.

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