JPH06103008A - Network printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To secure the confidentiality of print data and print it when necessary. When a print file is sent from the workstation to the server 2, the password determining unit 15 determines whether the print file has a password. The print file with password is stored in the file storage memory 16 with password. When a password is input to the shared printer 1 and a password and a print request are sent to the server 2, the print file with password stored in the file reading section 17 is read and sent to the shared printer 1. Print.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network printing apparatus for printing a print file sent from each workstation with a shared printer, and more particularly to securing confidentiality.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a print file sent from each workstation is printed by a network shared printer, input / output processing of a data processing system and job execution are performed in parallel to improve efficiency. To ensure efficient operation
The print files are spooled to the printer, sent to the shared printer for printing in the order in which the spool is completed, or the print files sent directly from each workstation to the shared printer are stored in the shared printer. Spool to the means and print from the order in which the spool is completed.

[0003]

However, as described above, the data storage means of the server or the shared printer is spread.
If the printing is performed in the order in which the print job is completed, one printer is shared by a plurality of workstations, so that there is a drawback that it is not possible to know when the own data is printed.

Further, since he / she does not know when his / her data is printed, he forgets to go to get the printed data or loses the recording paper when he goes to pick up the printed recording paper. There was a risk of doing it. Further, in the case of data that is not desired to be seen by others, it is necessary to wait in front of the printer until its own data is printed, which is a disadvantage that time is wasted.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above drawbacks, and provides a network printer capable of ensuring confidentiality of data and printing a print file when necessary. The purpose is.

[0006]

A network printer according to the present invention is a shared printer having a password input means and a password sending means, a password determination means and a file with password. The shared printer includes a server having a storage means and a file reading means, and the password input means of the shared printer inputs the password of the print file and the password.
The password sending means sends the input password to the server, and the password judging means of the server judges whether or not the password is attached when the print file is sent, and the password is attached. The print file is stored in the file storing means with password, and the file reading means reads out the print file corresponding to the password from the file storing means with password when the password is sent from the shared printer. It is characterized by adding to the queue.

The shared printer of the printer has a file list requesting means for requesting transmission of a list of password-protected files stored in the server, and the server has a password.
It is characterized by further comprising file list reading means for reading the list of print files stored in the password-added file storage means when a list of file with attached files is requested.

Further, the shared printer has a storage means for storing a print file to be printed preferentially, and when the password is inputted, the password-added print file is stored in the storage means. And

Further, the shared printer has a print switching means for switching between printing of a file with a password and printing of a normal file.

Further, the shared printer connected to the network is provided with a data storage means, a data registration means, a password input means and a data search means, and each data storage means is provided with each data storage means. -A print queue for each station of the station and a print file storage section for storing the print file transmitted from each workstation, and the data registration means is provided from each workstation. When storing the transmitted print file in the print file storage section of the data storage means, the print file is connected to the print queue for each user by the transmitted password, and the password input means The password of the print file is inputted, the data retrieval means searches the print queue by the inputted password, and the print file is read out from the data storage means and outputted.

The data registration means, when the password of the user and the print file with another password are transmitted from each workstation, the print file is sent to another password. Connect to the print queue set according to.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the data registration means registers the name of the print file in the print queue when the name of the print file is transmitted together with the print file.

Further, the data retrieval means, when a password and a retrieval command are sent from each workstation,
The status of the print queue according to the password is
To each session, and passwords from each workstation.
It is preferable to search the print queue and output the print file when a data output command including the code and the name of the print file is sent.

Further, the data registration means may change the order of the print queue when receiving a command for changing the order of the print queue including the password and the name of the print file from each workstation. .

[0015]

In the present invention, when the print file is sent from the workstation to the server, the password judging means judges whether the print file has a password or not, and the password is judged. The print file with the password is stored in the file storage means with password. This password
When printing a print file with a password, the password is input from the password input means of the shared printer. The input password is sent to the server by the password sending means. The server reads the print file stored in the file storing means with password by the password sent from the shared printer by the file reading means, and sends it to the shared printer for printing.

When the file list requesting means of the shared printer requests the server to send the password-added file list, the file list reading means of the server saves the file with password. Read the list of print files saved in and send to a shared printer for display.

When a password is input to the shared printer and a password-added print file is sent from the server, the print file is stored preferentially in the storage means for storing the print file. Then, the print file is given priority over the normal print file.

If the print switching means is switched to the normal file printing while the password-added print file is being printed, the printing of the password-added print file is interrupted and the normal file is printed.

Further, when the print file directly transmitted from each workstation to the shared printer is to be spooled to the data storage means of the shared printer, each workstation is used.
When the print file transmitted from the application is stored in the data storage means, the transmitted print file is connected to the print queue for each user by the data registration means. When the password of the print file is input from the password input means of the shared printer, the data retrieval means searches the print queue with the input password, reads the print file, and prints it. To do.

When a workstation password and a print file with another password are transmitted from each workstation, the data registration means sends the print file to another password. It is connected to the print queue that is set according to the password and prints when another password is input.

Further, the data registration means, when the name of the print file is transmitted together with the print file, registers the name of the print file in the print queue to facilitate the search and confirmation of the print file.

In addition, the password can be changed from each workstation.
When a read command and a search command are sent, the data search means sends the status of the print queue corresponding to the password to the workstation to clarify the status of the print queue.

Further, when a data output command including the password and the name of the print file is sent from each workstation, the data retrieval means searches the print queue to retrieve the print file. Outputting enables control of print data output in each workstation.

In addition, the password can be obtained from each workstation.
When a print queue order change command including a command and a print file name is received, the data registration means changes the order of the print queue, and the required print file is printed quickly.

[0025]

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. The shared printer 1 is connected to a plurality of workstations 3a to 3n connected to a communication line via a server 2 as shown in the network diagram of FIG.
The shared printer 1 has an operation display unit 4, a control unit 5, a memory 6, a password sending unit 7 and a server input / output unit 8. As shown in the front view of FIG. 3, the operation display unit 4 has a password input unit 41, an LCD display unit 42, and an operation unit 43 for designating and displaying various functions used for normal print processing. The password input section 41 has a push button 411 for switching a normal input mode to a password input mode and a denki-412 for password input. The LCD display unit 42 displays the input password and the like. The control unit 5 manages the entire operation of the shared printer 1. Password
The sending section 7 sends the input password to the server input / output section 8
Sent to the server 2 via.

The server 2 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, and a work.
It has a station input section 13, a printer input / output section 14, a password determination section 15, a file storage memory with password 16 and a file reading section 17. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the entire server 2. The work station input unit 13 inputs the print files sent from the work stations 3a to 3n. The password determination unit 15 determines whether or not the password is attached when the print file is sent. The ordinary print file without the password is stored in the memory 12, and the print file with the password is attached. Is stored in the file storage memory 16 with password. The printer input / output unit 14 sends a print file to the shared printer 1 and exchanges signals with the shared printer 1. When the password is sent from the shared printer 1, the file reading unit 17 reads the print file corresponding to the password from the file storage memory with password 16 and adds it to the print queue of the memory 12.

The operation when the print file sent from each of the workstations 3a to 3n is spooled by the server 2 to be printed by the shared printer 1 configured as described above is shown in FIG. -It will be described with reference to the chart.

When it is desired to use the password function, each of the workstations 3a to 3n adds password data to the head of the print file and sends it to the server 2. When the waiting server 2 receives a print file from each of the workstations 3a to 3n (steps S1 and S2), the password determining unit 15 determines whether the print file has a password. The determination is made (step S3). If the received print file is a normal print file without password, it is added to the print queue of the memory 12. The control unit 11 reads out the print files in the order stored in the queue of the memory 12 and sends them to the shared printer 1. The shared printer 1 sequentially prints each time a normal print file is sent (step S1).
1, S12).

As described above, while the ordinary print file is being printed by the shared printer 1, the print file with the password is sent to the server 2, and the password is judged by the password judgment unit 15. When detected by the password determination unit 15, the password-added print file is stored in the password-added file storage memory 16 and is saved without printing until a print request is made (steps S5 and S6).

When printing a password-attached print file stored in the password-attached file storage memory 16, a push button 411 provided on the password input section 41 of the operation display section 4 of the shared printer 1 is used. To operate the password.
After switching to the input mode, the password is input with the Denki-412 (step S13). When the password is input, the password sending unit 7 sends the password and the output request to the server 2 via the server input / output unit 8 (step S14). When the file reading unit 17 of the server 2 receives the password and the output request (step S6), it reads the password-added print file corresponding to the sent password from the password-added file storage memory 16. , Is added to the head of the waiting queue of printing in the memory 12. Control unit 1
1 transmits a print file with a password to the shared printer 1 subsequently to the print file transmitted to the shared printer 1 (step S7). When the shared printer 1 receives the password-added print file (step S1)
4) When the printing at that time is completed (step S16), the password-added print file is printed (steps S17, S18). And print data on the server
Data is received (step S)
8).

In this way, the password-protected print file is stored without being printed until a print request is made, so that the contents of the print file can be kept secret. Also,
Since the print file with password can be printed when necessary, it can be printed without waiting too long.

In the above embodiment, the password-added print file is stored in the password-added file storage memory 16 of the server 2 until a print request is made, and is not added to the print queue of the memory 12. First, it is necessary to confirm whether the print file with password is properly scrolled to the server 2. Therefore, the push button 4 of the password input section 41 of the operation display section 4 of the shared printer 1
The password input mode and the file list read mode are switched by operating 11, and as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
8 should be provided.

Then, the push button 4 of the password input section 41
Operate 11 to select the file list read mode,
A file list transmission request is sent to the server 2 by sequentially operating the operation unit 43. Each time the file list reading unit 18 of the server 2 receives a file list transmission request, the password of the print file with password stored in the file storage memory with password 16 and the transmitted work station. And the application name are sequentially read and sent to the shared printer 1. The shared printer 1 displays the password and workstation name sent to the LC of the operation display unit 4 as shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the D display unit 42. In this way, the password-attached file stored in the password-attached file storage memory 16 can be confirmed by the shared printer 1.

In the above embodiment, when there is a print request for a password-added print file, the password-added print file is read from the password-added file storage memory 16 and placed in the print queue of the memory 12. The case where the password-added print file is printed after the addition of the data currently being printed is completed has been described. However, as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
Alternatively, the print switching unit 10 may be provided to immediately print the password-added print file when a print request for the password-added print file is made.

In this case, when there is a print request for a password-added print file from the shared printer 1, the file reading unit 17 of the server 2 causes the password-added print file corresponding to the sent password. Is read out from the file storage memory 16 with password, and the print file with password is sent to the priority memory 9 of the shared printer 1 without being added to the print queue of the memory 12. When the print file with the password is stored in the priority memory 9, the print switching unit 10 of the shared printer 1 interrupts the printing of the normal print file currently being printed, and the password with the password stored in the priority memory 9 is added. Switch to printing a print file. By switching this printing operation, the control unit 5 reads out the password-added print file stored in the priority memory 9 and prints it. When the printing of the password-added print file is completed, the ordinary print file interrupted previously is read from the memory 6 and printed.

In this way, the password-added print file can be preferentially printed, and the password-added print file can be printed without waiting time.

In many cases, the password-protected print file is not desired to be seen by others, but in such a case, the operator needs to stay at the shared printer 1 during printing. If the password-added print file is a long file and it takes a long time to print, it is necessary to suspend the printing. Therefore, the push button 411 of the operation display unit 4
When the print switching section 10 is switched with, and the push button 411 is operated during printing of the print file with password, the print file stored in the memory 6 is switched to the print file with password. It is also possible to suspend printing and print the print file stored in the memory 6.

In the above embodiments, the print files sent from the workstations 3a to 3n are spooled by the server 2 and then printed by the shared printer 1. Even when the workstations 3a to 3n directly spool to the data storage means of the shared printer 1 to print out, the print file is saved without printing until a print request is made, and the print file is saved. The contents of can be kept secret.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment in the case where the shared printer 1 is directly spooled and printed out as described above. As shown in the figure, the shared printer 1 has a work station connected to a network in addition to an operation control unit 4, a control unit 5, a memory 6 having an output print queue.
Input / output unit 20 for transmitting / receiving data to / from applications 3a to 3n
And a data storage means 21, a data registration means 22 and a data
It has a data search means 23.

The data storage means 21, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 8, has the work stations 3a to 3n in advance.
Print queues 31a to 31n registered for each user
And a print file storage unit 32 for storing the print files transmitted from each of the workstations 3a to 3n. The print file storage unit 32 has a header storage unit 33 and a data storage unit 34 for storing print data. The data registration means 22 stores the print file with the password transmitted from each of the workstations 3a to 3n in the data storage means 21 by the password transmitted together with the print file. A data storage unit 34 storing print data is connected to the print queues 31a to 31n for each user. The data retrieval means 23 is the operation display unit 4 shown in FIG.
User of print file to print out from Denki-412
When the name and password are entered, the entered user
The print queue 31a to 31n of the data storage means 21 is searched by the name and password, and the print file storage unit 32 is searched.
A predetermined print file is read from the data storage unit 34, and the data storage unit 34 storing the print file is connected to the output queue of the memory 6. The control unit 5 reads out the print data according to the order of the output queue of the memory 6 and outputs the print data.

The operation of the shared printer 1 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

For example, the user A of the workstation 3a
When a print file including a user name or password and print data A1 is transmitted from the shared printer 1 (step S2)
1), the data registration means 22 of the shared printer 1 stores the received print file in the data storage means 21 (steps S31 and S32). At this time, the data storage unit 34a storing the print data by the user name and password transmitted together with the print file is connected to the print queue 31a which is set and registered in the user A in advance and is in a standby state. (Step S33). In this state, when the Denki-412 of the operation display unit 4 of the shared printer 1 is operated and the name and password of the user A are input (step S34), the data retrieval means 23 is input by the user. The print queues 31a to 31n of the data storage means 21 are searched by the name A and the password, and the state of the print queue 31a is displayed on the operation display unit 4. After User A confirms this display, a predetermined print file is designated and a print command is input (step S
35, S36), the data retrieval means 23 uses the print queue 3
A predetermined print file is read from the print file storage unit 32 connected to 1a, the data storage unit 34a storing the print file is connected to the output queue of the memory 6, and the print queue 31a is connected. Is canceled (step S37). The control unit 5 stores data in the output queue of the memory 6.
When the data storage unit 34a is connected, the print data stored in the data storage unit 34a is read out and printed out (step S38). In this way, each user can print out when required, and thus it is possible to prevent the printed recording paper from being seen by other users.

In the above embodiment, when the print data is transmitted from each of the workstations 3a to 3n to the shared printer 1, the print file including the user name and the password is transmitted. As described above, when the print data name is transmitted together with the user name and password and the print file received by the data registration means 22 of the shared printer 1 is stored in the data storage means 21. The name of print data may be registered in a predetermined print queue. By registering the print data name in the predetermined print queue in this way, it is possible to easily confirm when the print queue status is searched and confirmed, and the required print data can be confirmed. Data can be easily obtained.

In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment has the workstation 3
The case where the user A who sent the print file from a prints out his / her own data has been described, but the same applies to the case where the data is sent to the user N of another workstation 3n. Thus, the confidentiality of the print data can be secured. In this case, when the print file is transmitted from the workstation 3a, as shown in the print file structure diagram of FIG. -Add the name and password and send. When the data registration means 22 of the shared printer 1 confirms the destination password of the received print file 25, the print data is stored when the print file 25 is stored in the data storage means 21. The data storage unit 34a is connected to the print queue 31n which is set and registered in the user N in advance, and the name of the print data is registered in the print queue 31n to enter the standby state. When the user N operates the operation display unit 4 of the shared printer 1 to issue a print command,
Predetermined data is printed out in the same manner as above.

In each of the above embodiments, when the data transmitted from each of the workstations 3a to 3n is printed out, the operation display section 4 of the shared printer 1 is operated to print out the data. However, the data retrieving means of the shared printer 1 is also issued when a print output command is issued by a workstation that has transmitted data or a workstation that has transmitted data. When 23 is operated, a print command can be sent from each of the workstations 3a to 3n.

In this case, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11, for example, from user A of workstation 3a to user name, password, data name and print data. When the print file including A1 is transmitted to the shared printer 1 (step S41), the data registration means 22 of the shared printer 1 stores the received print file in the data storage means 21 (steps S51, S52). Then, the data storage unit 34a storing the print data by the transmitted password is connected to the print queue 31a registered for the user A to enter the standby state (step S53). In this state,
When the data A needs to be printed out, the workstation A sends a request for printing data from the workstation 3a (step S42). When the control unit 5 of the shared printer 1 receives the print data request from the workstation 3a, it sends the password input request to the workstation 3a (step S54). When the user A of the workstation 3a sends the password to the shared printer 1 in response to this request (step S43), the data retrieval means 23 of the shared printer 1 sends the data by the transmitted password. The print queues 31a to 31n of the data storage means 21 are searched, the status of the print queue 31a registered in the user A is read, and the list of the names of the print data registered in the print queue 31a is retrieved. It is transmitted to the workstation 3a (step S55). User A confirms the transmitted contents, designates one or more required print data names, and transmits a print command to shared printer 1 (step S44). Upon receiving this command, the shared printer 1 connects the print data to the output queue of the memory 6 in the order registered in the print queue 31a, reads the print data, and prints it (step S56). , S57).

In the above embodiment, the case where the print output is performed in the order registered in the print queue 31a has been described. However, when the state of the print queue 31a is confirmed by the workstation 3a, Work station 3
By sending a command to change the order of the print queue 31a from a to change the order of the print queue 31a,
It is also possible to print out in the order of required print data.

In the above embodiment, the case where the self data is printed out has been described. However, when the user a prints the data transmitted from the other workstation 3n, , The work station 3a transmits a request for print data to the shared printer 1 at predetermined time intervals, and the status of the print queue 31a registered in the user A is confirmed to check the other work. It is possible to print out the data transmitted from the station 3n.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the print file is sent from the workstation to the server, it is judged whether the print file has a password or not, and the password is judged. Since the print file with a mark is saved without printing until a print request is made, the contents of the print file can be kept secret.

Further, since the password-added print file is printed when a print request is made, it is possible to arbitrarily select the printing timing and to print without waiting too much when necessary.

When the shared printer requests the server to send a list of password-added files,
Since the list of password-added print files stored in the server is read out and sent to the shared printer for display, the stored password-added print files can be accurately confirmed.

Further, when the password is input to the shared printer and the password-added print file is sent from the server, the password-added print file is preferentially printed or the password is attached. Since the printing of the print file can be interrupted and the normal file can be printed, confidential data can be printed without waiting time when necessary, and the usability of the shared printer can be improved. it can.

When a print file directly transmitted from each workstation to the shared printer is to be spooled to the data storage means of the shared printer, each workstation is used.
When the print file sent from the application is stored in the data storage means, the print file sent is connected to the print queue for each user and input when the password of the print file is input. By searching the print queue with the passwords that have been created, reading the print file and printing it out, it is possible to print when necessary and to secure the confidentiality of the print data by each method. .

When a workstation password and a print file with another password are transmitted from each workstation, the print file is set according to the other password. By connecting to another print queue and printing out when another password is input, the data sent to other workstations can be printed when necessary. The confidentiality of the print data can be regulated.

Further, when the name of the print file is transmitted together with the print file, the name of the print file is registered in the print queue to facilitate the search and confirmation of the print file.

In addition, the password can be changed from each workstation.
When a print queue reordering command including a command and a print file name is received, the required print file can be printed quickly by changing the order of the print queue.

In addition, the password can be changed from each workstation.
When a command and a search command are sent, the status of the print queue can be clarified by sending the status of the print queue corresponding to the password to the workstation.

Further, when a data output command including the password and the name of the print file is sent from each workstation, the print queue is searched and the print file is output. The work station can control the print data output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a network.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an operation display unit of the shared printer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of an operation display unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a data storage means.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a print file.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing another operation of the third embodiment.
It is

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 shared printer 2 server 4 operation display unit 7 password sending unit 9 priority memory 10 print switching unit 15 password judgment unit 16 file storage memory with password 17 file reading unit 18 file list reading unit 21 de Data storage means 22 Data registration means 23 Data search means 41 Password input section 42 LCD display section 43 Operation section

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A shared printer having a password input means and a password sending means, a server having a password judging means, a file storing means with password and a file reading means. The password input means of the shared printer inputs the password of the print file, the password transmission means sends the input password to the server, and the password judgment means of the server outputs the print file. When the password is sent, it is determined whether or not the password is attached, and the password-attached print file is saved in the password-attached file storage means.
The file reading means reads a print file corresponding to the password from the file storing means with the password when the password is sent from the shared printer and adds the print file to the print queue. Printing device. 2. A file list requesting means for requesting the shared printer to send a list of password-protected files stored in the server, wherein the server is requested to send a list of password-protected files. 2. The network printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising file list reading means for reading a list of print files stored in the password-equipped file storage means when the file is read. 3. A shared printer is provided with a storage means for storing a print file to be printed preferentially, and when the password is input, the storage means stores the print file with password. Alternatively, the network printing device described in 2. 4. The network printer according to claim 1, wherein the shared printer has a print switching means for switching between printing of a file with a password and printing of a normal file. 5. A network comprising a data storage means, a data registration means, a password input means and a data search means, and a network.
A shared printer connected to the workstation, the data storage means stores a print queue for each user of each workstation and a print file storage for storing print files transmitted from each workstation. The data registration means stores the print file transmitted from each workstation in the print file storage portion of the data storage means when storing the print file by the transmitted password. Connected to the print queue for each user, the password input means inputs the password of the print file, and the data search means searches the print queue by the inputted password and A network printing device characterized by reading a print file from the data storage means and outputting it. 6. The data registration means, when a password for a user and a print file with another password are transmitted from each workstation, the print file is sent to another password. 6. The network printing device according to claim 5, wherein the printing device is connected to a printing queue set according to the network. 7. The network printer according to claim 5, wherein the data registration means registers the name of the print file in the print queue. 8. A data search means is provided when a password and a search command are sent from each workstation.
8. The network printing device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the status of the print queue corresponding to the network is sent to the workstation. 9. The data retrieval means retrieves the print queue and retrieves the print file when a data output command including the password and the name of the print file is sent from each workstation. The network printing device according to claim 6, 7 or 8 for outputting. 10. The data registration means changes the order of the print queue when receiving a command for changing the order of the print queue including the password and the name of the print file from each workstation. A network printing device according to item 7, 8 or 9.