JPH06175794A - Print processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a third person from freely using and printing a print resource stored in a printer. CONSTITUTION:When print is requested, a requester access right-acquiring part 22 acquires the requester access right from an access right management part 23, and a print resource use instruction in which this requester access right is built is issued. The requester access right built in this instruction is collated with a user access right added to a print resource 39 with access right by a printer 12. If it is discriminated as the result that the requester does not have the just right, the use of the print resource 39 is rejected, and the result is reported to a host computer 11. Deletion and update of the print resource are controlled in the same manner.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print resource storing means such as a host computer having print resources, and print information consisting of characters or graphics when the print resource is supplied from the print resource storing means as required. The present invention relates to a print processing system including a printing device that prints, and more particularly, to a print processing system that allows a printing device to manage various processes such as use, deletion, or update of printing resources.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus is designed to print a document or print information such as graphic drawing information while using print resources such as a character font and a character pattern that are individually designated. . In such a print processing system, every time printing is started, all the print resources used for the print information at that time are transferred from the host computer to the printing apparatus.
In such a system, every time the print information is switched, all the previously transferred print resources are deleted and a new print resource is transferred. Therefore, there is a problem that transfer takes time and time.

To solve this problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-130362 discloses an improvement of the above-mentioned method, in which the printing apparatus is provided with a relatively large-capacity storage means such as a magnetic disk for storing the minimum required printing resources. It is designed to let you. When new printing is performed, only printing resources required for the printing information are transferred from the printing resource storage means such as the host computer.

[0004]

However, in the proposed print processing system, the print resources stored in the print resource storage means such as the host computer are eventually freely drawn by the person who requests the printing, and each individual Etc. will be transferred to the printing device side managed by the above. Therefore,
When the print resource is confidential, the problem of leakage of confidentiality occurs.

Further, the storage means such as a magnetic disk provided in the printing apparatus cannot store the printing resources indefinitely, so that it is necessary to properly arrange them. At this time, a third party may erroneously delete the print resource transferred from the print resource storage means. In this case, it is necessary to newly transfer the print resource from the host computer or the like, which causes a problem that the time required for printing is substantially lengthened.

Further, there are cases in which a third party arbitrarily corrects and updates the contents of the printing resources transferred from the printing resource storage means. In this case, the printing resource itself used for printing is deteriorated such that the character pattern is different, or the content of a word or a sentence corresponding to a predetermined combination of character codes is different. Therefore, using the print resource without knowing that it has been updated causes a problem that the printed content itself becomes unexpected.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a print processing system capable of protecting confidential print resources supplied from print resource storage means such as a host computer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a print processing system which prevents a third party from arbitrarily deleting a predetermined one of print resources supplied from print resource storage means such as a host computer. It is in.

Still another object of the present invention is a print processing system which prevents a third party from arbitrarily updating a predetermined one of print resources supplied from print resource storage means such as a host computer. To provide.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, (a) a transmission side print resource storing means for storing print resources required for printing a character font and the like, and processing for each print resource A user management table that defines the available users as user access rights, a requester management table that defines the access range of print resources as requester access rights for each print resource processing requester, and a sender-side print resource storage unit When the transmission of the print resource stored in the is requested, the print resource transfer means for adding the user access right corresponding to each print resource and transferring the print resource and the requester access right when the request for processing the print resource is made. A host computer provided with a print resource use instruction issuing means for issuing an embedded print resource processing instruction, and (b) a seal connected to the host computer by a line. Receiving side print resource storage means for storing the resource when it is sent, print resource processing command receiving means for receiving the print resource processing command, and utilization of the target print resource when the print resource processing command is received The print processing system is provided with a printing device including a comparison unit that compares the access right of the requester with the access right of the requester that has been received, and a use refusal unit that rejects the processing of the print resource when the comparison results do not match.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the print resource is transmitted from the host computer to the printing apparatus and stored in the print apparatus, the usage indicating the user who can process the print resource together with the print resource is used. Person access right is added and transferred. Also, for a person who requests the use of the print resource, the host computer transmits the requester access right representing the print resource that the person can access to the print resource processing command and transmits it to the printing apparatus. To The printing device collates the requester access right extracted from this print resource processing instruction with the user access right added to the corresponding print resource, and if the requester does not have the right to process the print resource, By refusing the processing, the security of the processing such as the use, deletion, and update of the printing resources is ensured.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) a transmitting side print resource storing means for storing print resources required for printing such as character fonts, and a user who can use each print resource at the time of printing The user management table defined as the user access right, the requester management table defining the access range of the print resource for each requester of the print resource as the requester access right, and the print resource storage unit on the transmission side are stored. A print resource transfer means for adding a user access right corresponding to each print resource when the print resource is requested to be transmitted, and a print resource incorporating the requester access right when a request for using the print resource is made. A print resource for issuing a use instruction, a host computer having a use instruction issuing means, and (b) a print resource connected to the host computer by a line. A print resource storage means for receiving the print resource use instruction, a print resource use instruction receiving means for receiving the print resource use instruction, and a user access right of the target print resource when the print resource use instruction is received The print processing system is provided with a printing device having a comparing means for comparing the received requester access right and the use rejecting means for rejecting the use of the print resource when the comparison results do not match.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the print resource is transmitted from the host computer to the printing apparatus and stored in the print apparatus, the usage which represents the user who can use the printing resource together with the printing resource is used. Person access right is added and transferred. Further, for a person who requests the use of the print resource, the host computer transmits the requester access right representing the print resource that the person can access to the print resource utilization command and transmits it to the printing apparatus. To The printing device side compares the requester access right extracted from this print resource use command with the user access right added to the corresponding print resource, and if the requester does not have the right to use the print resource, By refusing the use of the printing resources, the use of the printing resources is secured.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, (a) the sending side print resource storing means for storing the print resources required for printing such as character fonts, and the user who can delete them for each print resource are users. A user management table defined as the access right, a requester management table defining the access range of the print resource for each requester of the deletion of the print resource as the requester access right, and the print resource stored in the sending side print resource storage means. And a print resource transfer means for adding a corresponding user access right for each print resource when the transmission of the print resource is requested, and a print resource delete command incorporating the requester access right when a print resource delete request is made. A host computer having a print resource use instruction issuing means for issuing
(B) Receiving side print resource storing means for connecting the host computer by a line and storing print resource when sent, print resource delete command receiving means for receiving print resource delete command, and print resource delete command A means for comparing the user access right of the target print resource with the received requester access right when the request is received, and a use refusal means for rejecting the deletion of the print resource when the comparison results do not match. A printing device is provided in the print processing system.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the print resource is transmitted from the host computer to the printing apparatus and is stored therein, the deletion indicating the deleter who can delete the print resource together with the print resource. Person access right is added and transferred. Also, for a person who requests the use of the print resource, the host computer transmits the requester access right indicating the print resource that the person can access to the print resource deletion command and transmits it to the printing apparatus. To The printing apparatus collates the requester access right extracted from this print resource deletion command with the deleter access right added to the corresponding print resource, and if the requester does not have the right to delete the print resource, By rejecting the deletion, the inconvenience of deleting the print resource is prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, (a) a sender-side print resource storage unit that stores print resources required for printing a character font and the like, and a user who can update them for each print resource. A user management table defined as the access right, a requester management table defining the access range of the print resource for each requester of the update of the print resource as the requester access right, and the print resource stored in the sending side print resource storage means. And a print resource transfer means for adding a corresponding user access right for each print resource when the request is sent, and a print resource update command incorporating the requester access right when a print resource update request is made. A host computer having a print resource use instruction issuing means for issuing
(B) Receiving side print resource storing means connected to the host computer via a line to store print resource, print resource update command receiving means for receiving print resource update command, and print resource update command A means for comparing the user access right of the target print resource and the received requester access right when the print request is received, and a use refusal means for rejecting the update of the print resource when the comparison results do not match. A printing device is provided in the print processing system.

That is, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the print resource is transmitted from the host computer to the printing apparatus and stored in the print apparatus, the update that represents the updater who can update the print resource together with the print resource is updated. Person access right is added and transferred. Also, for a person who requests the use of the print resource, the host computer transmits the requester access right indicating the print resource that the person can access to the print resource update command and transmits it to the printing apparatus. To The printing device side compares the requester access right extracted from this print resource update command with the updater access right added to the corresponding print resource, and if the requester does not have the right to update the print resource, By rejecting the update, the inconvenience of updating the print resource is prevented.

[0018]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples.

First embodiment

FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of a print processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This print processing system is composed of a host computer 11 that stores print resources, a printer 12 and a line 13 that connects them.

A control unit 15 for controlling the host computer 11 is arranged on the side of the host computer 11. The control unit 15 is C
A PU (Central Processing Unit) 16 is provided, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 17, R is provided via a bus (not shown).
In addition to being connected to an AM (random access memory) 18, it is also connected to a terminal device 19 via an input / output circuit (not shown). Here, the terminal device 19 is composed of an output device such as a CRT and an input device such as a keyboard.

The control unit 15 includes a user access right setting unit 2
1. The requester access right acquisition unit 22 and the access right management unit 23 are controlled. Here, the user access right setting unit 21 assigns a user access right to a print resource (not shown) that does not have a user access right and is stored in the magnetic disk device 24. Is a functional component for Here, the user access right is information that defines the range of persons who can use print resources. Among print resources, there are print resources that do not need to be limited to users, that is, print resources that can be freely used by anyone, but in this specification, this is also referred to as “access that anyone can access”. The user access right setting unit 21 is configured to set the "access right". The access-privileged print resource 25 is sent from the print resource transmitting unit 26 to the printing device 12 side through the line 13 as necessary.

The access right management unit 23 manages the setting of the user access right and the requester access right. For this management, the access right management unit 2
3 has an access right management table 28 in the magnetic disk device 24. The magnetic disk device 24 also stores programs necessary for the control unit 15 to perform various controls.

The requester access right acquisition unit 22 is a functional component that acquires the requester access right when the print resource is used. Here, the requester access right is an access right possessed by a person who requests the use of print resources, and is equal to an access right required to access print information such as a document. When the use of the print resource is requested, the print resource use instruction unit 29 acquires the requester access right under the control of the access right management unit 23 and issues the print resource use instruction to which the requester access right is added. This print resource use command is sent to the printer 12 through the line 13.

Next, the printer 12 will be described. A control unit 31 that controls the printing apparatus 12 is also arranged. The control unit 31 includes a CPU 32 and is connected to the ROM 33 and the RAM 34 via a bus (not shown). The print resource with access right sent from the print resource sending unit 26 of the host computer 11 is received by the print resource receiving unit 36. Then, the print resource storage unit 37 controlled by the control unit 31 stores the print resource 39 with access right in the magnetic disk device 38. The magnetic disk device 38 is connected to the control unit 31 via a disk control device (not shown), and stores various programs for controlling the control unit 31 in addition to the print resource 39 with access right. ing.

On the other hand, the line 1 from the host computer 11
The print resource use command sent through the No. 3 is received by the print resource use command response unit 41 and sent to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 compares the requester access right with the user access right attached to the print resource 39 with access right. If the requester has user access to the print resource to be used, the use of the print resource is permitted. Otherwise, the print resource is not allowed to be used. When the use of the print resource is permitted, the print processing unit 43 determines that the print resource with access right 39
Use to print the print information.

When the use of the print resource is not permitted, the print information is printed using the print resource within the range that the requester can use. For example, suppose that the user is limited to a special character font and the person who prints the print information requests the use, but the use is not permitted. At this time, printing is possible by using another character font that can be used by the requester.

FIG. 2 shows the flow of processing when print resources are transferred to the printing apparatus side in this print processing system. Among the print resources without access right 51, those requested to be granted user access are changed to the print resource with access right 25 by the user access right setting unit 21. At this time, the access right management unit 23 performs the management.

FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration of the user access right setting unit. The user access right setting unit 21 acquires the user access right by the access right management unit 2
User access right acquisition requesting unit 53 for requesting 3
And a print resource access right setting unit 54 that sets a user access right to the print resource 51 without access right, and a user access right setting control unit 55 that controls these. The user access right setting control unit 55 controls the user access right setting unit 21 under the control of the control unit 15.

FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of the access right management unit. The access right management unit 23 uses the access right acquisition request receiving unit 57 that receives the access right acquisition request from the user access right setting unit 21 and the access right management table 28 when the access right acquisition request is made. It has an access right acquisition unit 58 for acquiring the right, and an access right transmission unit 59 for transmitting the acquired access right to the user access right acquisition request unit 53 of FIG. The access right management control unit 61, under the control of the control unit 15,
Control of each of these parts is performed.

That is, the access right management unit 23 indicates, when the addition of the access right to the print resource 51 without access right is requested, the access right management table indicating what kind of access is given to what print resource. 28, the corresponding access right is read out, this is added to the print resource, and the print resource with access right 2
5 will be created. The print resource 25 with the access right is sent from the print resource sending unit 26, and the printing device 12
Is received by the print resource receiving unit 36. Then, the print resource storage unit 37 stores the print resource 39 with access right in the magnetic disk device 38 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 shows a processing flow of the print processing system when the print resource is used. In order to make the printing device 12 print, the host computer 1
When the print resource use request is generated at 1, the requester access right acquisition unit 22 acquires the requester access right under the control of the access right management unit 23. The requester access right is sent to the print resource use instruction unit 29, and the print resource use instruction issuing unit 63 issues the print resource use instruction. This print resource use instruction is transmitted from the print resource use instruction transmitting unit 64 to the printing device 12.

FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration of the requester access right acquisition unit. The requester access right acquisition unit 22 acquires the requester access right by the access right management unit 23.
A requester access right acquisition request unit 66 for requesting
A use command access right setting unit 67 for adding the acquired requester access right to the print resource use command and sending it to the print resource use command unit 29 is provided. The requester access right acquisition control unit 68 controls the requester access right acquisition request unit 66 and the use command access right setting unit 67 under the control of the control unit 15.

Returning to FIG. 5, the description will be continued. The print resource use instruction transmitted from the print resource use instruction transmitting unit 64 of the host computer 11 is received by the print resource use instruction receiving unit 71 in the print resource use instruction response unit 41 of the printing device 12, and the print resource access right confirmation is performed. Sent to section 42. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 prints the print resource with access right 3
9, the access right is confirmed, and if the access right is not found, it is reported to the host computer 11 via the print resource use command response section 72 in the print resource use command response section 41.

Based on this, the host computer 11 takes measures such as using an alternative printing resource or stops printing. Also, the print resource access right confirmation unit 4
When 2 determines that there is an access right to the print resource, it permits the use of the print resource 39 with the corresponding access right, and the print resource is sent to the print resource use section 73 in the print processing section 43. It will be used for printing print information.

FIG. 7 shows a specific configuration of the print resource access right confirmation unit. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 uses the requester access right acquisition unit 71 that acquires the access right of the print resource use requester via the print resource use command response unit 41 and the print resource 39 with access right. The user access right acquisition unit 72 is provided with two acquisition units. Access right confirmation section 7
3 compares these two types of access rights and confirms whether or not there is an access right for the print resource.
The access right confirmation result transmission unit 74 transmits this result to the host computer 11 via the print resource use command response unit 41. The print resource access right confirmation control unit 75 in the print resource access right confirmation unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 31 on the side of the printing device 12 to control the respective units 71 to 74, and is also applicable when the use of the print resource is permitted. The control of sending the print resources of the above to the print processing unit 43 is also performed.

FIG. 8 shows the flow of processing when transferring print resources in such a print processing system. When transferring print resources from the host computer 11 shown in FIG. 1 to the printer 12, the user access right setting unit 21 shown in FIG.
Request to get user access right. The access right management unit 23 includes the access right acquisition request receiving unit 5 shown in FIG.
7, the access right acquisition unit 58 refers to the access right management table 28 to acquire the corresponding access right (step S101 in FIG. 8).

The access right transmitting unit 59 returns the user access right to the user access right setting unit 21, and then returns the control to the user access right setting unit 21. In the user access right setting unit 21, the user access right received from the access right management unit 23 is added to the transfer target print resource in the print resource access right setting unit 54. And
The print resource transmission unit 26 is requested to transfer the print resource to the printing device 12. As a result, the printing resource to which the user access right is added is transferred to the printing device 12 (step S1).
02).

The print resource with user access right transferred from the print resource transmitting unit 26 is received by the print resource receiving unit 36 (step S103), and the magnetic disk device 38 is received.
(Step S104).

FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing when printing the print information using the transferred print resources. When a print resource use request is generated (step S201; Y), the requester access right acquisition unit 22 causes the requester access right acquisition request unit 66 to access the access right management unit 2.
3 is requested to acquire the requester access right. In the access right management unit 23, the access right acquisition request receiving unit 57 receives this request, and the access right acquisition unit 58 uses the access right management table 28 to acquire the requester access right for the corresponding use requester (step S202). ). Then, from the access right transmission unit 59 to the requester access right acquisition unit 22
This is sent back to the requester access right acquisition unit 22 for control.
Return to.

In the requester access right acquisition unit 22, the requester access right received from the access right management unit 23 is added to the print resource use command by the use command access right setting unit 67. Then, the print resource use instruction issuing unit 63 of the print resource use instruction unit 29 is requested to issue the print resource use instruction to the printing device 12. The print resource use instruction issuing unit 63 issues a print resource use instruction based on this (step S203).

The issued print resource use command with requester access right is received by the print resource use command response unit 41 (step S204), and the print resource access right confirmation unit 4 is received.
Passed to 2. In the print resource access right confirmation unit 42, the requester access right acquisition unit 71 acquires the requester access right from the print resource use command (step S205). Also,
In the user access right acquisition unit 72, the print resources with access right 3 stored in the magnetic disk device 38 of the printing device 12
User access right is acquired from 9 (step S20).
6). The access right confirmation unit 73 collates and confirms the requester access right and the user access right acquired as described above (step S207). Then, as a result of the confirmation, when it is determined that the requester can use the print resource (step S2
08; Y), and the print processing unit 43 performs printing using the corresponding print resource (step S209).

On the other hand, if the requester is not permitted to use the corresponding print resource (step S20).
8; N), the use of the print resource is rejected (step S210). In either case, the print resource use command response unit 41 creates response information for the request (step S2).
11), which is connected to the host computer 1 through the line 13.
It will be transmitted to the first side (step S212). When printing cannot be performed because the printing resource cannot be used, the information to that effect is incorporated as the response information.

Second embodiment

FIG. 10 shows the basic configuration of a print processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
This print processing system includes a host computer 11A that stores print resources, a printer 12A, and a line 13 that connects them. Since this print processing system has many parts in common with that of the first embodiment, parts having the same circuit device contents are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. Omit it. Further, although the contents themselves of the circuit device are different, it is convenient to describe the circuit device in association with the first embodiment, the reference numeral "A" is added to the end of the reference numerals used in those portions. I will do it.

The host computer 11A has a print resource deletion command section 29A instead of the print resource use command section 29 of the first embodiment. The printer 12A includes a print resource deletion command response unit 41A instead of the print resource use command response unit 41 of the first embodiment, and a print resource deletion unit 43A instead of the print processing unit 43.

Here, the print resource deletion command unit 29A receives the access right management unit 23 when the deletion of the print resource is requested.
It is also for obtaining a requester access right under the control of and issuing a print resource deletion command with the access right added. This print resource deletion command is sent to the printing device 12A through the line 13.

On the other hand, the print resource deletion command sent from the host computer 11A through the line 13 is received by the print resource deletion command response unit 41A and sent to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 compares the requester access right with the user access right attached to the print resource 39 with access right. If the requester has user access to the print resource to be deleted, the deletion of the print resource is permitted. Otherwise, the print resource is not allowed to be deleted. When the deletion of the print resource is permitted, the print resource deletion unit 43A deletes the corresponding print resource in the print resource with access right 39.

FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing when print resources are transferred to the printing apparatus side in this print processing system. Among the print resources without access right 51, those requested to be granted user access are changed to the print resource with access right 25 by the user access right setting unit 21. At this time, the access right management unit 23
Manages it.

FIG. 12 shows a specific configuration of the user access right setting section. The user access right setting unit 21 requests the access right management unit 23 to acquire the user access right, and the user access right acquisition request unit 53.
And a print resource access right setting unit 54 that sets a user access right to the print resource 51 without access right, and a user access right setting control unit 55 that controls these. The user access right setting control unit 55 controls the user access right setting unit 21 under the control of the control unit 15A.

FIG. 13 shows a specific configuration of the access right management unit. The access right management unit 23 receives an access right acquisition request from the user access right setting unit 21 and an access right management table 28A when an access right acquisition request is made.
Access right acquisition unit 58 for acquiring an access right using
And an access right transmitting unit 59 for transmitting the acquired access right to the user access right acquisition requesting unit 53 of FIG. The access right management control unit 61 controls each of these units under the control of the control unit 15A.

That is, the access right management section 23 indicates, when the addition of the access right to the print resource 51 without access right is requested, the access right management table showing what kind of access is given to what print resource. 28A, read the corresponding access right,
This is added to the print resource to create the print resource with access right 25. The print resource 25 with the access right is transmitted from the print resource transmitting unit 26, and the printing device 1
It is received by the print resource receiving unit 36 of 2A. Then, the print resource storage unit 37 stores the print resource 39 with access right in the magnetic disk device 38 (FIG. 10).

FIG. 14 shows the flow of processing of the print processing system when a print resource is deleted. In order to delete the print resource, the host computer 11
When a print resource deletion request occurs in A, the requester access right acquisition unit 22A acquires the requester access right under the control of the access right management unit 23. The requester access right is sent to the print resource deletion command unit 29A, and the print resource deletion command issuing unit 63A issues the print resource deletion command. This print resource deletion command is transmitted from the print resource deletion command transmission unit 64 to the printing device 12A.

FIG. 15 shows a specific configuration of the requester access right acquisition unit. The requester access right acquisition unit 22A requests the access right management unit 23 to acquire the requester access right.
And a delete command access right setting unit 67 for adding the acquired requester access right to the print resource delete command and sending it to the print resource delete command unit 29A. The requester access right acquisition control unit 68 controls the requester access right acquisition request unit 66 and the deletion command access right setting unit 67 under the control of the control unit 15A.

Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued. The print resource deletion command transmitted from the print resource deletion command transmission unit 64A of the host computer 11A is the print resource deletion command reception unit 7 in the print resource deletion command response unit 41A of the printing device 12A.
It is received at 1A and sent to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 confirms the access right by using the print resource with access right 39, and when the access right is absent, the print resource deletion response unit 72A in the print resource deletion command response unit 41A. It is reported to the host computer 11A via. When the print resource access right confirmation unit 42 determines that the print resource has the access right, the print resource with the access right 3
Allow deletion of 9. In this case also, the execution result of the deletion is reported to the host computer 11A.

FIG. 16 shows a specific configuration of the print resource access right confirmation unit. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42, the requester access right acquisition unit 71A that acquires the access right of the print resource deletion requester via the print resource deletion command response unit 41A, and the print resource with access right 39
The user access right acquisition unit 72A for acquiring the user access right by using the two acquisition units. The access right confirmation unit 73 compares these two types of access rights and confirms whether or not there is an access right for the print resource.

The access right confirmation result transmission unit 74 transmits this result to the host computer 11A via the print resource deletion command response unit 41A. Print resource access right confirmation control unit 75 in print resource access right confirmation unit 42
Controls the respective units 71A to 74 under the control of the control unit 31A on the side of the printing apparatus 12A, and also performs the control when the print resource deletion unit 43A deletes the print resources when the deletion of the print resources is permitted. Has become.

In the first embodiment described above, the flow of processing at the time of transferring print resources in the print processing system is shown in FIG. 8, but since there is no substantial change in this respect in the second embodiment, A description of this will be omitted.

FIG. 17 shows the flow of processing when deleting the transferred print resource. When a print resource deletion request is generated (step S301; Y), the requester access right acquisition unit 22A requests the access right management unit 23 to acquire the requester access right by the requester access right acquisition request unit 66. To do. In the access right management unit 23, the access right acquisition request receiving unit 57 receives this request, and the access right acquisition unit 58 receives the access right management table 2.
8A is used to acquire the requester access right for the corresponding deletion requester (step S302). Then, the access right transmission unit 59 returns this to the requester access right acquisition unit 22A, and returns control to the requester access right acquisition unit 22A.

In the requester access right acquisition unit 22A, the requester access right received from the access right management unit 23 is added to the print resource deletion command by the delete command access right setting unit 67. Then, the print resource delete command issuing unit 63A of the print resource delete command unit 29A is requested to issue the print resource delete command to the printer 12A. Print resource deletion command issuing unit 63A
Issues a print resource deletion command based on this (step S
303).

The issued print resource deletion command with requester access right is received by the print resource deletion command response unit 41A (step S304) and passed to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. In the print resource access right confirmation unit 42,
The requester access right acquisition unit 71A acquires the requester access right from the print resource deletion command (step S305). Further, the user access right acquisition unit 72A uses the printing device 12A.
The user access right is acquired from the print resource with access right 39 stored in the magnetic disk device 38 (step S306). The access right confirmation unit 73 collates and confirms the requester access right and the user access right acquired as described above (step S307). Then, as a result of the confirmation, when it is determined that the requester can delete the print resource (step S308; Y), the print resource deletion unit 43A deletes the corresponding print resource (step S309).

On the other hand, if the requester is not permitted to delete the corresponding print resource (step S30).
8; N), the deletion of the print resource is rejected (step S310). In either case, the print resource deletion command response unit 41A creates response information to the request (step S
311), which is transmitted to the host computer 11A side through the line 13 (step S312).

Third Embodiment

FIG. 18 shows the basic configuration of a print processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
This print processing system includes a host computer 11B that stores print resources, a printer 12B, and a line 13 that connects them. Since this print processing system has many parts in common with that of the first embodiment, parts having the same circuit device contents are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. Omit it. Further, although the contents themselves of the circuit device are different, it is convenient to describe the circuit device in correspondence with the first embodiment, the reference numeral "B" is added to the end of the reference symbols used in those portions. I will do it.

The host computer 11B has a print resource confirmation command section 29B instead of the print resource use command section 29 of the first embodiment. The user access right setting unit 21 also controls the control unit 15 via the print resource transfer / update unit 81.
It is connected to B. The printing device 12B includes a print resource confirmation command response unit 41B instead of the print resource use command response unit 41 of the first embodiment.

Here, the print resource transfer / update unit 81 is adapted to issue a transfer instruction and an update instruction for the print resource.
The print resource confirmation command unit 29B acquires the requester access right under the control of the access right management unit 23 when the update of the print resource is requested, and issues the print resource confirmation command to which the requester access right is added. Is. This print resource confirmation command is sent to the printer 12B through the line 13.

On the other hand, the print resource confirmation command sent from the host computer 11B through the line 13 is received by the print resource confirmation command response unit 41B and sent to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 compares the requester access right with the user access right attached to the print resource 39 with access right. When the requester has user access to the print resource to be updated, the update of the print resource is permitted. In other cases, updating of the print resource is not permitted.

FIG. 19 shows the flow of processing when printing resources are transferred / updated to the printing apparatus side in this printing processing system. Regarding the print resources 51 without access right, which are required to be granted user access,
The user access right setting unit 21 changes to the print resource with access right 25. At this time, the access right management unit 23 performs the management.

FIG. 20 shows a specific configuration of the user access right setting section. The user access right setting unit 21 requests the access right management unit 23 to acquire the user access right, and the user access right acquisition request unit 53.
And a print resource access right setting unit 54 that sets a user access right to the print resource 51 without access right, and a user access right setting control unit 55 that controls these. The control unit 15B controls the user access right setting control unit 55 via the print resource transfer / update unit 81.

FIG. 21 shows a specific configuration of the access right management unit. The access right management unit 23 receives an access right acquisition request from the user access right setting unit 21 and an access right management table 28B when an access right acquisition request is made.
Access right acquisition unit 58 for acquiring an access right using
The access right transmitting unit 59 sends the acquired access right to the user access right acquisition requesting unit 53 of FIG. The access right management controller 61 controls each of these units under the control of the controller 15B.

That is, the access right management unit 23, when the access right is requested to be added to the print resource 51 without access right, the access right management table showing what kind of access is given to what kind of print resource. 28B to read the corresponding access right,
This is added to the print resource to create the print resource with access right 25. The print resource 25 with the access right is transmitted from the print resource transmitting unit 26, and the printing device 1
It is received by the print resource receiving unit 36 of 2B. Then, at the time of transferring the print resources, the print resource storage unit 37 stores the print resources 39 with access right as the magnetic disk device 38 (see FIG.
8) is stored in. On the other hand, when the print resource is updated, it is updated by the print resource update unit 83, and the content thereof is used as the access-privileged print resource 39 in the magnetic disk device 3.
8 will be stored.

FIG. 22 shows a processing flow of the print processing system when the print resource is updated. In order to update the print resources, the host computer 11
When a print resource update request is generated at B, the requester access right acquisition unit 22B acquires the requester access right under the control of the access right management unit 23. The requester access right is sent to the print resource confirmation command unit 29B, and the print resource confirmation command issuing unit 63B issues the print resource confirmation command. This print resource confirmation command is transmitted from the print resource confirmation command transmission unit 64 to the printing device 12B.

FIG. 23 shows a specific configuration of the requester access right acquisition unit. The requester access right acquisition unit 22B requests the access right management unit 23 to acquire the requester access right.
And a confirmation command access right setting unit 67 for adding the acquired requester access right to the printing resource confirmation command and sending it to the printing resource confirmation command unit 29B. The requester access right acquisition control unit 68 controls the requester access right acquisition request unit 66 and the confirmation command access right setting unit 67B under the control of the control unit 15B.

Returning to FIG. 22, the description will be continued. The print resource confirmation command transmitted from the print resource confirmation command transmission unit 64B of the host computer 11B is the print resource confirmation command reception unit 7 in the print resource confirmation command response unit 41B of the printer 12B.
It is received by 1B and sent to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42 confirms the access right using the print resource 39 with the access right, and when the access right is absent, the print resource update response unit 72B in the print resource confirmation command response unit 41B. It is reported to the host computer 11B via. If the print resource access right confirmation unit 42 determines that there is an access right to the print resource, it requests transfer of the print resource to be updated to the host computer 11B via the print resource update response unit 72B.

FIG. 24 shows a specific configuration of the print resource access right confirmation unit. The print resource access right confirmation unit 42, a requester access right acquisition unit 71B that acquires the access right of the print resource update requester via the print resource confirmation command response unit 41B, and the print resource with access right 39
There are two acquisition units, a user access right acquisition unit 72B that acquires a user access right by using the. The access right confirmation unit 73 compares these two types of access rights and confirms whether or not there is an access right for the print resource. The access right confirmation result transmission unit 74 transmits this result to the host computer 11B via the print resource confirmation command response unit 41B. The print resource access right confirmation control unit 75 in the print resource access right confirmation unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 31B on the side of the printing apparatus 12B and each unit 7 is controlled.
1B to 74 are controlled.

In the first embodiment described above, the flow of processing at the time of transferring print resources in the print processing system is shown in FIG. 8, but since there is no substantial change in this point in the third embodiment as well, A description of this will be omitted.

FIG. 25 shows the flow of processing when updating the transferred printing resources. When a print resource update request occurs (step S401; Y), the requester access right acquisition unit 22B requests the access right management unit 23 to acquire the requester access right by the requester access right acquisition request unit 66. To do. In the access right management unit 23, the access right acquisition request receiving unit 57 receives this request, and the access right acquisition unit 58 receives the access right management table 2.
The requester access right to the update requester is acquired using 8B (step S402). Then, the access right transmission unit 59 returns this to the requester access right acquisition unit 22B, and returns control to the requester access right acquisition unit 22B.

In the requester access right acquisition unit 22B, the requester access right received from the access right management unit 23 is added to the print resource confirmation command by the confirmation command access right setting unit 67B. Then, the print resource confirmation command issuing unit 63B of the print resource confirmation instruction unit 29B is requested to issue the print resource confirmation command to the printing apparatus 12B. Print resource confirmation command issuing unit 63
Based on this, B issues a print resource confirmation command (step S403).

The issued print resource confirmation command with requester access right is received by the print resource confirmation command response unit 41B (step S404) and passed to the print resource access right confirmation unit 42. In the print resource access right confirmation unit 42,
The requester access right acquisition unit 71B acquires the requester access right from the print resource confirmation command (step S405). The user access right acquisition unit 72B uses the printing device 12B.
The user access right is acquired from the print resource 39 with access right stored in the magnetic disk device 38 (step S406). The access right confirmation unit 73 collates and confirms the requester access right and the user access right acquired as described above (step S407). Then, as a result of the confirmation, when it is determined that the requester can update the print resource (step S408; Y), the update of the print resource is permitted (step S409).

On the other hand, if the requester is not permitted to update the corresponding print resource (step S40)
8; N), the update of the print resource is rejected (step S410). When the update of the print resource is rejected, the host computer 11 creates response information for the request.
B is reported (step S411), and the process is terminated (END).

When the update of the printing resource is permitted (step S409), the response information for this request is created and the access right confirmation result transmitting unit 74 reports to the host computer 11B (step S412). The print resource transfer / update unit 81 requests the update of the corresponding print resource. As a result, the printing resources are updated (step S413).

In the first to third embodiments described above, both the requester access right and the user access right are acquired from the access right management table, but two tables are prepared and the acquisition destinations are set. You may make it different.

Further, although the embodiment has been described by exemplifying the use of the print resource at the time of printing and the deletion or update of the print resource itself, the present invention is not applied to the processing of other print resources. Of course.

[0084]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the host computer transfers the necessary printing resources to the printing device and processes the printing resources stored in the receiving side printing resource storage means. In such a print processing system, a user access right is attached to the print resource and the print resource is transferred to the printing device, and when the request for processing the print resource is made, the access right of the requester is sent to the printing device. I chose Therefore, the printing device side can judge whether or not the processing of the corresponding print resource is appropriate only by collating these access rights, and reject the inappropriate request of the third party who does not have the access right. be able to.
This prevents abuse of print resource processing by a third party and enables appropriate protection of print resources.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the host computer transfers the necessary printing resources to the printing apparatus and causes the printing resources stored in the receiving side printing resource storage means to be used for printing. In the above print processing system, the print resource is provided with the user access right to be transferred to the printing device, and when the request to use the print resource is issued, the access right of the requester is sent to the printing device. . Therefore, the printing device side can judge whether or not the use of the corresponding print resource is appropriate by simply comparing these access rights, and reject the inappropriate request of the third party who does not have the access right. be able to. As a result, it is possible to prevent abuse of the use of printing resources by a third party and appropriately protect the printing resources.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the host computer transfers the necessary printing resources to the printing apparatus and deletes the printing resources stored in the receiving side printing resource storage means as necessary. In the above print processing system, the print resource is transferred to the printing device with the user access right, and when the request to delete the print resource is given, the access right of the requester is sent to the printing device. . Therefore, the printing device side can judge whether or not the deletion of the corresponding print resource is appropriate by only comparing these access rights, and reject the inappropriate request of the third party who does not have the access right. be able to. As a result, it is possible to prevent abuse of the use of printing resources by a third party and appropriately protect the printing resources.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the host computer transfers the necessary printing resources to the printing device and updates the printing resources stored in the receiving side printing resource storage means as needed. In the above print processing system, the print resource is given the user access right to be transferred to the printing device, and when the update request of the print resource is made, the access right of the requester is sent to the printing device. . Therefore, the printing device side can judge whether or not the update of the corresponding print resource is appropriate only by collating these access rights, and reject the inappropriate request of the third party who does not have the access right. be able to. As a result, it is possible to prevent abuse of the use of printing resources by a third party and appropriately protect the printing resources.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a print processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of processing when print resources are transferred to a printing apparatus side in this print processing system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a user access right setting unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an access right management unit of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of processing of the print processing system when using print resources.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a requester access right acquisition unit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a print resource access right confirmation unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of transferring print resources in the print processing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when printing print information using the print resources transferred in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a print processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of processing when print resources are transferred to the printing apparatus side in the print processing system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a user access right setting unit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an access right management unit of the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing flow of the print processing system according to the second embodiment when a print resource is deleted.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a requester access right acquisition unit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a print resource access right confirmation unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when deleting a print resource transferred in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a print processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of processing when print resources are transferred / updated to the printing apparatus side in this print processing system.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a user access right setting unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an access right management unit of the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of processing of the print processing system of the third embodiment when updating print resources.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a requester access right acquisition unit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a print resource access right confirmation unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing when updating the print resources transferred in the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 11A, 11B ... Host computer, 12, 1
2A, 12B ... Printing device, 13 ... Line, 15, 15A,
15B ... Control unit (of host computer), 16 ... CP
U, 17 ... ROM, 18 ... RAM, 19 ... Terminal device, 2
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User access right setting part, 22 ... Requester access right setting part, 23 ... Access right management part, 24, 38 ... Magnetic disk device, 25 ... Print resource with access right, 26 ... Print resource transmitting part, 28, 28A, 28B ... Access right management table, 29 ... Print resource use command section, 29A ... Print resource delete command section, 29B ... Print resource confirmation command section, 31, 3
1A, 31B ... Control unit (of printing device), 36 ... Printing resource receiving unit, 37 ... Printing resource storage unit, 39 ... Printing resource with access right, 41 ... Printing resource use command response unit, 41A ... Printing resource deletion command response Part 41B ... Print resource confirmation command response part 42 ... Print resource access right confirmation part 43 ... Print processing part 43A ... Print resource deletion part 51 ... No access right print resource 71 ... Requester access right acquisition part 72 ... User access right acquisition unit, 81 ... Printing resource transfer / update unit, 83
... Print Resource Update Department

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A transmission side print resource storage means for storing print resources required for printing a character font and the like, and a user management table defining users who can process each print resource as user access rights. A requester management table that defines the access range of the print resource as a requester access right for each requester of the print resource, and prints when the transmission of the print resource stored in the transmission side print resource storage means is requested. A print resource transfer means for adding and transferring the user access right corresponding to each resource, and a print resource use command for issuing a print resource processing command incorporating the requester access right when a print resource processing request is made. A host computer provided with issuing means, and connected to the host computer by a line and storing the print resource when it is sent Receiving side printing resource storage means, printing resource processing command receiving means for receiving the printing resource processing command, user access right of the target printing resource when the printing resource processing command is received, and requester access received A print processing system, comprising: a printing device having a comparison means for comparing rights and a use refusal means for rejecting the processing of the print resource when the comparison results do not match. 2. A transmission-side print resource storage unit that stores print resources required for printing character fonts and the like, and a user who defines each user as a user access right who can use them at the time of printing. A management table, a requester management table that defines the access range of the print resource as a requester access right for each requester of the print resource, and the transmission of the print resource stored in the transmission side print resource storage means is requested. And a print resource transfer unit for adding and transferring the user access right corresponding to each print resource, and a print resource for issuing a print resource use command incorporating the requester access right when a request for using the print resource is made. A host computer provided with a use instruction issuing means; and a host computer connected by a line when the print resource is sent. Receiving side print resource storage means for storing, print resource use instruction receiving means for receiving the print resource use instruction, user access right of the target print resource when the print resource use instruction is received, and received request A print processing system, comprising: a printing device having a comparison means for comparing user access rights and a use refusal means for refusing use of the print resource when the comparison results do not match. 3. A transmission side print resource storing means for storing print resources required for printing a character font and the like, and a user management table defining a user who can delete each print resource as a user access right. And a requester management table that defines the access range of the print resource as a requester access right for each print resource deletion requester, and prints when the transmission of the print resource stored in the transmission side print resource storage means is requested. A print resource transfer means for adding and transferring the user access right corresponding to each resource, and a print resource use instruction for issuing a print resource delete command incorporating the requester access right when a print resource delete request is made. A host computer provided with issuing means, and connected to the host computer by a line and storing the print resource when it is sent Receiving side print resource storing means, print resource delete command receiving means for receiving the print resource delete command, user access right of the target print resource when the print resource delete command is received, and requester access received A print processing system, comprising: a printing device having a comparing means for comparing rights and a use refusing means for rejecting deletion of the print resource when the comparison results do not match. 4. A transmission-side print resource storage unit that stores print resources required for printing character fonts, etc., and a user management table that defines users who can update them for each print resource as user access rights. A requester management table that defines the access range of the print resource as a requester access right for each update requester of the print resource, and prints when the transmission of the print resource stored in the transmission side print resource storage means is requested. A print resource transfer means for adding and transferring the user access right corresponding to each resource, and a print resource use command for issuing a print resource update command incorporating the requester access right when a print resource update request is made. A host computer provided with issuing means, and connected to the host computer by a line and storing the print resource when it is sent Receiving side print resource storage means, print resource update command receiving means for receiving the print resource update command, user access right of the target print resource when the print resource update command is received, and requester access received A print processing system, comprising: a printing device having a comparing means for comparing the rights and a use refusing means for rejecting the update of the print resource when the comparison results do not match.