JP2003076532A - Image print charging system, information processor, printer, image print charging method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print charging system capable of preventing the occurrence of such a trouble that a print of incomplete image data is charged. SOLUTION: The image print charging system is constituted of an image forming apparatus 100 and an information processor 200. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a replaceable cartridge 11 with a built-in nonvolatile memory 15 that stores a cryptographic key to be used for decryption of specified encrypted image data. The information processor 200 receives the specified encrypted image data from a CD-ROM, controls the image forming apparatus 100 so as to acquire the cryptographic key to be used for the decryption of the specified encrypted image data from the image forming apparatus 100, decrypts the inputted specified encrypted image into printable image data by using acquired cryptographic key data and outputs the decrypted image data to the image forming apparatus 100.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image print charging system, an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, an image print charging method and a program for charging a print of a specific encrypted image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various information and image data can be easily obtained due to the development of the Internet. In addition, it is possible to create high-quality printed matter on an individual basis by increasing the color of the printer, increasing the resolution, and increasing the speed. However, while high-quality printed matter is easily available, consideration for copyright and portrait right is strongly required. As a solution to this, there is a method of protecting information or images having a copyright or portrait right by charging a fee when printing with a printer and returning it to the copyright holder.

When a user acquires image data to be charged from the Internet or personal computer communication and prints it, information for payment of a charge such as a credit card is transmitted to the other party's net server via a network such as the Internet. Then, a method of paying a fee for printing the image data to be charged is generally used. In addition, as another payment method, when the operator sets a prepaid card in a device such as a card reader and requests printing of image data to be charged, the paid amount data stored in the prepaid card , There is a method of deducting the charge for the image data print to be charged.

According to the above method, when the user pays the charge for the number of prints, the other party's server permits printing, and the user can output the number of prints permitted by the printer.

In this way, the user can easily print such image data on the printer while protecting the right of the image data having the copyright or portrait right.

Further, in an image forming apparatus using an ordinary electrophotographic system, for example, a laser printer, when information storage means is mounted in a photosensitive drum or a developing cartridge, and this cartridge is mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus. By adding the number of prints and toner consumption as data to the user and notifying the user when a certain threshold is reached, it is possible to change the replacement time of the parts in the housing whose life is shorter than that of the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is being detected and notified.

Here, the information storage means built in the photosensitive drum or the developing cartridge transmits the currently held data when the central processing unit in the engine of the printer requests the data, The central processing unit therein notifies the replacement time of the photosensitive drum or the developing cartridge by the data such as the consumption amount transmitted from the information storage means.

[0008]

However, in the conventional image print billing system, when image data is downloaded via the Internet, a fee is charged for incomplete print of the image data due to a communication failure or the like. May cause trouble.

Further, the image print billing system using a prepaid card or the like requires a special device such as a card reader for reading data from the prepaid card or the like, which increases the system cost.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image print charging system, an image print charging method and a program capable of preventing troubles such as charging for printing of incomplete image data. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and printing for constructing an image print charging system capable of preventing troubles such as charging for printing of incomplete image data. To provide a device.

Still another object of the present invention is to add an encryption key without bringing a unit having a built-in storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting specific encrypted image data into a store or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image print charging system that can easily perform the above.

[0013]

The invention according to claim 1 is
An image print billing system having a printing device and an information processing device connecting the printing device, wherein the printing device is incorporated in a replaceable unit and is used for decrypting encrypted specific image data. The information processing apparatus includes storage means for storing an encryption key, and the information processing apparatus inputs image data input means for inputting specific image data encrypted from the outside, and encryption used for decrypting the specific image data encrypted. An encryption key acquisition unit that controls the printing apparatus to acquire a key from the storage unit of the printing apparatus, and the encryption key data acquired by the encryption key acquisition unit and input by the image data input unit Decoding means for decoding the encrypted specific image into printable image data, and outputting the image data decoded by the decoding means to the printing device. Characterized in that it comprises an image data output unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing system according to the first aspect, the printing device can use the encryption key for renewably storing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage means. The information processing device comprises a frequency storage means, and after decrypting the specific image data encrypted using the encryption key, the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage means is It is characterized by further comprising update means for controlling the printing device so as to update to the usable frequency reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing system according to the first aspect, the information processing device decrypts the encrypted specific image data by using the encryption key, and then stores the stored image data. An encryption key erasing unit for controlling the printing apparatus to erase the encryption key stored in the unit is provided.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In the image print billing system according to any one of the above items, a plurality of pieces of encryption key data are stored in the storage unit.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the image print billing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, the information processing device can decrypt the encrypted specific image input by the image data input unit using the acquired encryption key. Decoding possibility determining means for determining whether or not it is possible, and control means for controlling execution of decoding by the decoding means according to the determination result of the decoding possibility determining means are provided.

The present invention as defined in claim 6 is any one of claims 1 to 5.
In the image print billing system described in any one of the above items, the storage means stores a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1 to 6.
In the image print billing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, the information processing device inputs an encryption key from the outside,
It is characterized by further comprising encryption key addition means for controlling the input encryption key to be added to the encryption key stored in the storage means and stored.

The invention as defined in claim 8 is defined by claim 1 through claim 7.
In the image print billing system according to any one of the items 1 to 3, the unit in which the storage unit is incorporated is a cartridge that incorporates at least a recording material.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable degree storage means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting specific encrypted image data is connected, and the printing apparatus is connected. An information processing apparatus for constructing an image print billing system in cooperation with an image data input unit for inputting encrypted specific image data from outside, and the encrypted specific image data. An encryption key acquisition unit that requests an encryption key to be used for decryption from the printing apparatus and acquires the encryption key output from the printing apparatus in response to the request, and the encryption key data acquired by the encryption key acquisition unit Decoding means for decoding the encrypted specific image input by the image data inputting means into printable image data using, and the image decoded by the decoding means Characterized in that it comprises an image data output means for outputting over data to the printing apparatus.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the printing device stores the usable degree of the encrypted key stored in the storage means in an updatable manner. After storing the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key, the storage unit stores the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage unit to the encrypted image. It is characterized in that the apparatus further comprises update means for controlling the printing device so as to update the usable frequency reduced by the frequency used for decoding the data.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the encryption key stored in the storage means after the encrypted specific image data is decrypted using the encryption key And a cryptographic key erasing unit for controlling the printing apparatus to erase the data.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects,
Decryption possibility determination means for determining whether or not the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means can be decrypted using the acquired encryption key,
And a control unit that controls execution of decoding by the decoding unit according to the judgment result of the decoding possibility judgment unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects,
An encryption key adding unit is provided for controlling the printing apparatus so as to input an encryption key from the outside and add the input encryption key to the encryption key stored in the storage unit to store the encryption key.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a replaceable unit having a storage means in which an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted specific image data into printable image data is stored, and an externally replaceable unit. Image data input means for inputting the encrypted specific image data, encryption key reading means for reading the encryption key stored in the storage means, and the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means. Decoding means for decoding an image into printable image data using the read encryption key.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the encryption key usable degree storage means for updatingly storing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage means; After decrypting the specific image data that has been encrypted using a key, the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage means is defined as the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. And an updating unit for updating the usable frequency reduced by the amount.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, after the specific image data encrypted by using the encryption key is decrypted, the encryption key stored in the storage means is deleted. It is characterized by comprising encryption key erasing means for erasing.

The eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of pieces of encryption key data.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to eighteenth aspects, the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means is obtained by the acquired encryption. Decryptability determining means for determining whether or not decryption is possible using a key, and control means for controlling execution of decryption by the decrypting means according to the determination result of the decryption possibility determining means Is characterized by.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects, the storage means stores a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data. It is characterized by

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to twentieth aspects, the information processing apparatus inputs an encryption key from the outside and the input encryption key is used as the input. It is characterized by further comprising encryption key addition means for controlling to additionally store the encryption key stored in the storage means.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-first aspects, the unit in which the storage means is incorporated is a cartridge containing at least a recording material. Characterize.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, the unit in which the storage means is built is a cartridge which contains at least a recording material and the encryption key usable degree storage means. It is characterized by

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key for decrypting encrypted specific image data, and a printing apparatus connected to the printing apparatus. A first information processing device that decrypts the encrypted specific image data into data that can be processed by the printing device by using an encryption key stored in the storage unit of the printing device; An image print charging system having a second information processing device connected to one information processing device, for charging a fee for printing the encrypted specific image data by the printing device, The first information processing apparatus receives the encryption key additional purchase request by the user, and the user receives the encryption key additional purchase request by the reception unit. The second encryption key additional purchase request by
Transmitting means for transmitting to the information processing device, receiving means for receiving the encryption key transmitted from the second information processing device in response to the encryption key additional purchase request, and the encryption key received by the receiving means. An additional writing unit that controls the printing device to perform additional writing to the storage unit,
The second information processing apparatus receives a cryptographic key additional purchase request by the user transmitted from the first information processing apparatus and a cryptographic key additional purchase request by the user received by the receiving means. The transmitting means for transmitting the corresponding encryption key to the first information processing apparatus, the managing means for managing the encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request by the user and the user in association with each other, and the managing means. And a clearing means for clearing the charge of the encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request of the user who is charged to the managed user.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing system according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the clearing means performs a process for clearing the fee of the encryption key by debiting a bank account. Characterize.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing system according to the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus are connected via a communication network including the Internet. The transmission and reception of the encryption key between the first information processing device and the second information processing device are performed via a communication network including the Internet.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus is connected to a printing apparatus provided with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting specific encrypted image data. An image print charging method using an information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus inputs externally encrypted specific image data,
Controlling the printing apparatus to obtain an encryption key used for decrypting the encrypted specific image data from a storage unit of the printing apparatus; and inputting using the obtained encryption key data. And a step of decrypting the encrypted specific image into printable image data, and a step of outputting the decrypted image data to the printing device.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing system according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the printing device can use the encryption key for updatingly storing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage means. The information processing device comprises a frequency storage means, and after decrypting the specific image data encrypted using the encryption key, the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage means is The method may further include controlling the printing apparatus to update the usable frequency reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, in the image print billing method according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the information processing apparatus decrypts the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key, and then stores the stored image data. Characterized in that it comprises the step of controlling the printing device to erase the encryption key stored in the means.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the twenty-seventh to ninth aspects, a plurality of encryption key data are stored in the storage means.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-third aspects, the information processing apparatus inputs the encrypted identification input by the image data input means. It is characterized by including a step of determining whether or not the image of can be decrypted using the acquired encryption key, and a step of controlling execution of the decryption according to the determination result.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-first aspects, the storage means has a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data. It is characterized by being stored.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-second aspects, the information processing apparatus inputs an encryption key from the outside, and the input encryption key is input. Is added to the encryption key stored in the storage means, and is controlled to be stored.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-third aspects, the unit in which the storage means is incorporated is a cartridge containing at least a recording material. It is characterized by

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image print charging method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the unit in which the storage means is built-in is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable frequency storage means. Is characterized in that.

A thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus having a replaceable unit containing a storage means for storing an encryption key for decoding the encrypted specific image data into printable image data. An image print charging method using the method, wherein the printing apparatus inputs externally encrypted specific image data, reading an encryption key stored in the storage unit, and the input And a step of decrypting the encrypted specific image into printable image data using the read encryption key.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to the thirty-sixth aspect, the printing device decrypts the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key, and then the storage means. The usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storing means for renewably storing the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in is reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. It is characterized by having a step of updating the usable frequency.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to the thirty-sixth aspect, the printing device decrypts the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key, and then the storage means. The method further comprises the step of deleting the encryption key stored in.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the invention, in the image print charging method according to any one of the thirty-sixth to thirty-eighth aspects, a plurality of encryption key data are stored in the storage means.

According to a 40th aspect of the present invention, in the image print charging method according to any one of the 36th to 39th aspects, the printing device specifies the encrypted specific data input by the image data input means. It is characterized by including a step of determining whether or not the image can be decrypted using the obtained encryption key, and a step of controlling execution of the decryption according to the determination result.

The invention described in Item 41 is the image print billing method according to any one of Items 36 to 40, wherein the storage means is provided with a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data. It is characterized by being stored.

According to a forty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the thirty-sixth to forty-first aspects, the printing device inputs an encryption key from the outside, and the input encryption key is input. And a step of controlling to store the encryption key in addition to the encryption key stored in the storage means.

According to a forty-third aspect of the invention, in the image print billing method according to any one of the thirty-sixth to forty-second aspects, the unit in which the storage means is incorporated is a cartridge containing at least a recording material. It is characterized by

According to a 44th aspect of the present invention, in the image print charging method according to the 37th aspect, the unit in which the storage means is built-in is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable frequency storage means. Is characterized in that.

According to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted specific image data, and a printing apparatus connected to the printing apparatus. A first information processing device that decrypts the encrypted specific image data into data that can be processed by the printing device by using an encryption key stored in the storage unit of the printing device; An image print charging method comprising: a second information processing device connected to one information processing device, and charging a fee for printing the encrypted specific image data by the printing device, The first information processing apparatus receives the encryption key additional purchase request from the user, and when the encryption key additional purchase request from the user is received, the first encryption information additional purchase request from the user is received. And transmitting to the information processing apparatus,
Receiving the encryption key transmitted from the second information processing device in response to the encryption key additional purchase request, and controlling the printing device to additionally write the received encryption key to the storage means. The second information processing apparatus receives the encryption key additional purchase request by the user transmitted from the first information processing apparatus; and the received additional encryption key purchase by the user. Transmitting an encryption key corresponding to the request to the first information processing device; managing an encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request by the user and the user in association with each other; Adjusting the charge of the encryption key corresponding to the additional purchase request of the encryption key of the user charged to the existing user.

According to a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image print charging method according to the forty-fifth aspect, the charge of the encryption key is settled by deducting the price from a bank account.

According to a forty-seventh aspect of the invention, in the image print charging method according to the forty-fifth or forty-sixth aspect,
Information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus are connected via a communication network including the Internet, and transmission / reception of the encryption key between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus is performed by the above It is characterized by being performed via a communication network including the Internet.

According to a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting specific encrypted image data is connected, and the printing apparatus is connected. A program executed by an information processing apparatus for constructing an image print billing system in cooperation with an image data input module for inputting specific image data encrypted from outside, and the encrypted image data input module. An encryption key acquisition module for requesting an encryption key to be used for decrypting specific image data from the printing apparatus, and acquiring the encryption key output from the printing apparatus in response to the request;
A decryption module that decrypts the encrypted specific image input by the image data input module into printable image data using the encryption key data acquired by the encryption key acquisition module, and the decryption module And an image data output module for outputting the decoded image data to the printing apparatus.

According to a forty-ninth aspect of the invention, a printing apparatus having a replaceable unit containing a storage means for storing an encryption key for decoding the encrypted specific image data into printable image data. An image data input module for inputting specific image data encrypted externally, an encryption key reading module for reading an encryption key stored in the storage means, and the image data input module And a decryption module for decrypting the encrypted specific image input by the above into the printable image data using the read encryption key.

[0062]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image print charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image print billing system comprises an image forming apparatus 100 and an information processing apparatus 200 connecting the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 is a printer, but may be, for example, a multi-function peripheral including a reader (scanner) or a facsimile.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 comprises a recording unit 10 and a controller 30, and the recording unit 1
Reference numeral 0 has a removable cartridge (for example, a toner cartridge, an ink cartridge) 11 that is normally housed in the image forming apparatus 100, and an engine controller 12.

The cartridge 11 is a non-volatile memory that stores a recording material (for example, toner and ink) 14 and information about the cartridge 11 (for example, identification number, specifications, consumption of recording material, consumption history, management information, etc.). A memory 15 (eg EEPROM). By providing the non-volatile memory 15 in the cartridge 11, the information regarding the cartridge 11 can be managed by the cartridge 11 itself. Further, in the present embodiment, the non-volatile memory 15 stores an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted specific image data and the usable frequency thereof.

The cartridge 11 may include a developing unit, an electrostatic drum or the like (when toner is used as a recording material), or a recording head (when ink is used as a recording material). ) May be included.

The engine controller 12 controls the recording operation and also controls the reading and writing of data from the non-volatile memory 15 in the cartridge 11.

Further, the recording section 10 is provided with a mechanism for conveying a recording medium (for example, recording paper).

The controller 30 is an interface (I / F) 3 for communicating with the engine controller 12.
1, RAM 32, operation unit 33, program memory (for example, ROM, hard disk) 3 storing programs
4. CPU 35 operating based on the program stored in the program memory 34, information processing device 2 connected
Host computer interface 36 for communicating with 00, and a display section 3 for displaying various setting information and the like.
Have 7.

The information processing apparatus 200 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, etc., and can install an appropriate program. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a network interface (NW-I / F) 201 for communicating with other apparatuses (for example, other information processing apparatuses, image forming apparatuses, etc.) via a network, CPU202, RAM
203, hard disk (HD) 204, display controller 20 for controlling display 209
5, a keyboard controller 206 for connecting a keyboard 210, a mouse controller 207 for connecting a mouse 211, a modem 208, and a CD-ROM drive 212.

In the present embodiment, the user uses the display screen and the keyboard on the information processing apparatus 200 to
A case will be described in which the image data to be purchased is selected from the image data to be charged, which is encrypted and stored in the CD-ROM, and the print execution is instructed to the image forming apparatus 100.

Upon receiving the above instruction from the user, the information processing apparatus 200 instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to read the encryption key for decrypting the encryption of the image data to be charged, and the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in the cartridge 11. The encryption key data stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is read and output to the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 decrypts the encrypted image data using the encryption key read from the non-volatile memory 15 and outputs the decrypted image data to the image forming device 100. The image forming apparatus 100 updates the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 15 when printing the decrypted image data by reducing the usable frequency by the frequency used for decrypting the image data. As described above, in this embodiment, each time the image data to be charged is decrypted, the usable frequency of the encryption key used for the decryption is reduced,
A system for collecting a print fee for image data to be charged is constructed.

Next, the processing from the input of the image data to be charged in the information processing apparatus 200 to the printing out by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing in the image print charging system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image sample menu screen, and FIG.
Shows an example of a print image designation menu screen, FIG.
Shows an example of a print image confirmation menu screen, FIG.
FIG. 0 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which a print disable message is displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen of FIG. Figure 4
And a series of processing procedures in FIG. 5 is executed by the information processing apparatus 200.

When the user activates the program on the information processing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG.
At, the main menu screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 209. Then, in step S2, the user clicks "End" on the main menu screen.
It is determined whether or not the button has been clicked, and when the “end” button is clicked, this processing ends. When the "end" button has not been clicked, it is determined in step S3 whether "image sample display" or "purchase image designation" has been selected as the menu selected by the user on the main menu screen.

When "display image sample" is selected, the image sample menu screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in step S7. On this image sample menu screen, one or a plurality of sample images, an ID number that specifies the sample image at the time of purchase, and a “print” button are displayed. The sample image displayed on this screen is
For example, it is a reduced image size and you can not get a high quality printed matter even if you print it out as it is,
In addition, it is possible to determine what kind of content the target billing image is. Then, in step S8, it is determined whether or not the "return" button is clicked by the user on the image sample menu screen, and when the "return" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1.

When the "return" button is not clicked, it is determined in step S9 whether "next page" or "previous page" has been selected by the user on the image sample menu screen, and " When "next page" or "previous page" is selected, the process returns to step S7, and another sample image in "next page" or "previous page" is displayed on the image sample menu screen. When "next page" or "previous page" is not selected, it is determined in step S10 whether or not the "print" button is clicked by the user. Here, when the user clicks the "print" button, the process proceeds to step S5, and a print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. In this print image confirmation menu screen,
The image corresponding to the clicked "Print" button is displayed.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "Yes" button on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the "Yes" button has not been clicked, that is, the "Return" button has been clicked. If so, the process returns to step S1. In contrast,
When the "Yes" button is clicked, it is determined that the user has instructed to print the image displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the CD-ROM drive 21
The corresponding encrypted image data to be charged is read from the CD-ROM set to 2, and the image forming apparatus 1
00 is instructed to read the encryption key from the non-volatile memory 15 built in the cartridge 11 mounted therein. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 that has received this instruction
Reads the encryption key from the non-volatile memory 15 and sends the encryption key data to the information processing apparatus 200.

Next, in step S12, the system waits for the encryption key to be received from the image forming apparatus 100. When this encryption key is received, the user uses the received encryption key to request printing in step S13 of FIG. It is determined whether the image to be decoded can be decoded. Here, when the user cannot decrypt the image he / she wants to print using the received encryption key, the process proceeds to step S22 and, for example, as shown in FIG. It could not be printed "is displayed. Then, in step S23, waiting for the "OK" button in the message field to be clicked,
When the "K" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1.

If it is determined in step S13 that the user can decrypt the image desired to be printed using the encryption key received in step S13, step S1
In step 4, the image forming apparatus 100 is instructed to read the usable degree of the encryption key from the nonvolatile memory 15 built in the cartridge 11. Upon receiving this instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the usable degree of the encryption key from the non-volatile memory 15 and transmits it to the information processing apparatus 200.

Then, in step S15, it waits for the availability of the encryption key from the image forming apparatus 100, and when the availability is received, step S16.
Then, it is determined whether or not the received usable frequency is greater than the frequency required for printing the selected image to be charged. If the received usable frequency is not greater than the frequency required for printing the selected billing target image, the image cannot be printed.
In step 22, a message indicating that printing is impossible is displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen. And step S
At 23, the system waits until the "OK" button in the message field is clicked, and when the "OK" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1.

When the usable frequency received in step S16 is larger than the frequency required for printing the selected billing target image, step S17
Then, the image forming apparatus 100 is instructed to write the frequency obtained by subtracting the current frequency from the usable frequency into the nonvolatile memory 15 as the usable frequency data of the encryption key. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives an instruction from the information processing apparatus 200 to write the usable degree of the encryption key to the nonvolatile memory 15, it writes the usable degree of the encryption key to the nonvolatile memory 15.

Then, the process proceeds to step S18, and waits until the writing of the usable degree of the encryption key is completed in the image forming apparatus 100. When this writing is completed, the encrypted data read from the CD-ROM is read in step S19. The image data to be charged is read, and in the subsequent step S20, the read image data is decrypted using the encryption key received from the image forming apparatus 100. Then, in step S21, a print execution command for the decoded image data is issued to the image forming apparatus 100 upon completion of the decoding, and the process returns to step S1. Upon receiving the print execution instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 prints the decoded print image data.

When it is determined in step S3 that the user has selected "purchase image designation" on the main menu screen, the print image designation menu screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in step S4. Then, on the print image designation menu screen, when the user inputs the ID number designating the sample image from the keyboard or the like and clicks "Print", the print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in step S5. . Although not shown, when the user clicks “Return” on the print image designation menu screen, the screen returns to the main menu.

Next, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "Yes" button on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the "Yes" button has not been clicked, that is, the "Return" button has been clicked. If so, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the "Yes" button is clicked, it is determined that the user has instructed to print the image displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen, and step S1 in FIG.
Go to 1. Then, the image instructed by the user is printed in the procedure described above.

In this way, the user can easily obtain the printed matter of the image to be charged.

Next, a procedure for supplementing the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 15 of the cartridge 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of supplementing the usable number of encryption keys in the image print charging system of FIG.

When replenishing the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in the nonvolatile memory 15 of the cartridge 11, as shown in FIG.
The cartridge 11 is taken out from and brought to the store (P1001). At the store, a predetermined fee is charged from the user, and the availability of the encryption key stored in the cartridge 11 is increased by an amount corresponding to the deposited fee using a device that can read and write the availability of the encryption key. The cartridge is returned (P1002). At the store, the charge for the usable frequency of the encryption key received from the user is given to the print image sales company (P1003).

It is also possible to transfer the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 15 of the cartridge 11 in which the image forming is impossible due to the consumption of the expendable supplies in the cartridge 11 to another cartridge. Is. In this case, the user may move the image forming apparatus 100 to the cartridge
Take out and bring it to the store (P1001). The store receives the exhausted cartridge 11 from the user, reads the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the cartridge 11 using a device capable of reading and writing the usable degree of the encryption key, and clears the usable degree of the encryption key. . Next, the store increases the encryption key availability stored in another cartridge by the availability of the encryption key stored in the cartridge 11 that has been consumed, and passes this another cartridge to the user ( P1002).

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent troubles such as charging for printing of incomplete image data due to communication conditions when image data is downloaded via the network. You can

Further, in the present embodiment, an example of inputting the encrypted image data from the CD-ROM as a method of inputting the encrypted image data from the outside has been described. The method of inputting data is not limited to this, and other methods may be used. For example, encrypted image data may be input via a network including the Internet. In this case, even if the download of the encrypted image data fails due to communication conditions, etc., when it is determined whether the decryption is possible, it is determined that the decryption cannot be performed normally and printing is not performed. You will not be charged. And only when the encrypted image data is downloaded normally,
The printing is executed, and the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 15 incorporated in the cartridge 11 is reduced for the first time as the printing is executed.

Further, since the usable frequency of the encryption key is stored in the non-volatile memory 15 built in the cartridge 11 of the image forming apparatus 100, no special device such as a card reader is required and the cost is low. It is possible to provide an image print billing system that is structurally functionally complete.

Further, in order to recycle the used cartridge 11, since the cartridge is exchanged at the store in order to transfer the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 15 of the used cartridge 11 to another cartridge. It can be expected to improve the recovery rate. For example, to a user who brings the used cartridge 11 to a store, in return for cooperation in collecting the used cartridge, the usable frequency of the encryption key, which is higher than usual, is written and handed to the cartridge used by the user next time. Things can be considered.

Further, since it is not necessary to send and receive personal information via a network such as the Internet in order to collect money, it is possible to reduce the possibility of troubles such as invasion of user's privacy. it can.

In this embodiment, the number of times of use of the encryption key is managed by the usable number of times. Instead of this, for example, each time an encrypted image to be charged is printed, it is used for decryption. It is conceivable that the number of times the encryption key is used is limited by controlling the deletion of the encryption key data.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image print billing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in the image print billing system of FIG. 12, and FIGS. 14 and 15. Figure 1
6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the image print charging system of No. 2.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, an image print charging system constructed from two groups connected via a wide area communication network 1500 will be described. One group includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 11
00, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1300 installed for network operators, and an information processing apparatus 1700b. Each image forming apparatus 1100 is an information processing apparatus for an administrator through a network (for example, LAN) 1400b or a telephone line. 1300 is connected. The other group includes the image forming apparatus 1100 and the seller information processing apparatus 1
600 and an information processing apparatus 1700a, which are connected to each other through a network (eg LAN) 1400a. Here, the information processing devices 1700a and 1700
Each b has a gate function for the wide area communication network 1500.

Each image forming apparatus 1100 is a printer, but may be, for example, a multifunction machine including a reader (scanner) or a facsimile. Each image forming apparatus 1100 includes a recording unit 1210 and a controller 12 as shown in FIG.
And 30. The recording unit 1210 includes a cartridge 121 including a recording material 1214 and a nonvolatile memory 1215.
1 and an engine controller 1212 for controlling recording operation, etc., and the nonvolatile memory 1215 has information regarding the cartridge 11, an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted specific image data, and its usable frequency. Is remembered.

The controller 1230 is an interface (I) for communicating with the engine controller 1212.
/ F) 1231, RAM 1232, operation unit 1233, program memory 1234, CPU 1235, display unit 12
37, a network interface (network I / F) 1238 for connecting to the network 1400a (or 1400b), and a modem 1239 for connecting to a telephone line.

Information processing devices 1300, 1600, 17
00a and 1700b basically have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and description thereof will be omitted here.

In the present embodiment, the user instructs the information processing apparatus 1600 of the seller to select a charging image and execute printing from the operation unit 1233 of the image forming apparatus 1100, and the encrypted image data to be charged is charged. When the image is decoded and printed, the cartridge 12 of the image forming apparatus 1100
A case will be described in which the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 1215 built in 11 is updated by reducing the usable count and updating the encryption key to charge the print charge of the charge image.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a description will be given of a process in which the image forming apparatus 1100 downloads encrypted image data to be charged from the Internet and prints out the image data. The series of processes shown in each drawing is executed by the CPU 1235 of the image forming apparatus 1100.

When the user activates the charge image print program on the image forming apparatus 1100, as shown in FIG. 14, first, in step S1301, the information processing apparatus 1600 is accessed to complete the connection with the information processing apparatus 1600. After that, the main menu screen (for example, the screen shown in FIG. 6) is displayed on the display unit 1137. Then, in step S1302, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the “end” button on the main menu screen, and when the “end” button is clicked, the connection with the information processing device 1600 is disconnected, and This process ends. When the "end" button has not been clicked, in step S1303, it is determined whether "image sample display" or "purchase image designation" has been selected as the menu selected by the user on the main menu screen.

When "display image sample" is selected, the image sample menu screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in step S1307. On this image sample menu screen, one or a plurality of sample images, an ID number that specifies the sample image at the time of purchase, and a “print” button are displayed. These pieces of information are provided by the information processing device 16
This is the information acquired from 00. Then, step S13
At 08, it is determined whether or not the "return" button is clicked by the user on the image sample menu screen. When the "return" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1301.

When the "return" button is not clicked, it is determined in step S1309 whether "next page" or "previous page" has been selected by the user on the image sample menu screen, and " When "Next Page" or "Previous Page" is selected,
Returning to step S1307, another sample image in the "next page" or the "previous page" is displayed on the image sample menu screen. When "next page" or "previous page" is not selected, it is determined in step S1310 whether the "print" button has been clicked by the user. Here, when the user clicks the "print" button, the process advances to step S1305 to display a print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. On this print image confirmation menu screen, an image corresponding to the clicked "print" button is displayed. The image corresponding to the clicked “print” button is acquired from the information processing device 1600.

Then, in step S1306, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "Yes" button on the print image confirmation menu screen, and "Yes".
When the button is not clicked, that is, when the "return" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1301. On the other hand, when the "Yes" button is clicked, it is determined that the user has instructed to print the image displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the process proceeds to step S1311.

In step S1311, the information processing device 1
The corresponding encrypted image data to be charged is downloaded from 600. Then, step S13 of FIG.
At 12, the encryption key is read from the nonvolatile memory 1215 built in the cartridge 1211. Then, in step S1313, the completion of reading the encryption key is waited for, and when the reading of the encryption key is completed, step S1
At 314, it is determined whether the read encryption key can be used by the user to decrypt the image desired to be printed. If the user cannot decrypt the image he / she wants to print using the read encryption key, the process advances to step S1322, and as shown in FIG. 10, for example, as shown in FIG. It could not be printed "is displayed. And step S1
At 323, the user waits for the "OK" button in the message field to be clicked. When this "OK" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1301.

When it is determined in step S1314 that the user can decrypt the image desired to be printed by using the read encryption key, the nonvolatile memory 1215 built in the cartridge 1211 is read from the nonvolatile memory 1215 in step S1315. Reading the usable degree of the encryption key, and in the subsequent step S1316, the process waits until the reading of the usable degree of the encryption key is completed. Then, when the reading of the usable frequency is completed, in step S1317, it is determined whether or not the read usable frequency is larger than the frequency required for printing the selected image to be charged. If the received usable frequency is not greater than the required frequency for printing the selected image to be charged, the read encryption key cannot be used, that is, printing cannot be performed, and the process advances to step S1322 to print. A message indicating that printing is not possible is displayed on the image confirmation menu screen. Then, step S132
In step 3, waiting for the "OK" button in the message field to be clicked, and when the "OK" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1301.

When the usable frequency read out in step S1317 is larger than the frequency required for printing the selected image to be charged, step S13
In 1318, the frequency obtained by subtracting the current frequency from the usable frequency is written in the nonvolatile memory 1215 as the usable frequency of the encryption key.

Then, the process proceeds to step S1319, and waits until the writing of the usable degree of the encryption key is completed. When this writing is completed, the image data downloaded from the information processing device 1600 using the encryption key in step S1320. To decrypt. Then, in step S1321, the decoded image data is printed, and the process returns to step S1301.

If it is determined in step S1303 that the user has selected "purchase image designation" on the main menu screen, in step S1304.
A print image designation menu screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The content of the print image designation menu screen is acquired from the information processing device 1600. Then, on the print image designation menu screen, when the user inputs the ID number designating the sample image from the keyboard or the like and clicks "Print", step S13
At 05, a print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. The content of the print image designation menu screen is acquired from the information processing device 1600. Although not shown, when the user clicks “Return” on the print image designation menu screen, the screen returns to the main menu.

Next, in step S1306, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "Yes" button on the print image confirmation menu screen, and "Yes"
When the button is not clicked, that is, when the "return" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1301. On the other hand, when the “Yes” button is clicked, it is determined that the user has instructed to print the image displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the process shown in FIG.
To step S11. Then, the image instructed by the user is printed in the procedure described above.

In this way, the user can use the image forming apparatus 1
It is possible to easily obtain the printed matter of the charge image from 100.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example of inputting the encrypted image data from the information processing apparatus connected via the network has been described as a method of inputting the encrypted image data from the outside. The method of inputting the encrypted image data from is not limited to this, and other methods may be used.

The procedure for replenishing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 1215 of the cartridge 1211 and the usable degree of the encrypted key stored in the non-volatile memory 1215 of the used cartridge 1211 are The procedure for transferring to another cartridge is the first in the above-described implementation.
It is similar to the form.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the usable frequency of the encryption key is stored in the nonvolatile memory 1215 built in the cartridge 1211 of the image forming apparatus 1100, a special device such as a card reader is used. Further, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1100 alone can acquire the image data to be charged, so that the information processing apparatus is not required and the configuration is low in cost and functions. An image print billing system that does not have any deficiencies is provided.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing of the image print charging system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The image print billing system according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, in the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment described above are used.

In the first and second embodiments described above, if the image to be charged, which has been encrypted by using the encryption key, is decrypted and printed, the charge is made. Even if the user fails to print due to trouble such as the above, and the user cannot obtain the printed matter, the print fee is charged.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the encryption key used for decryption is different for each encrypted image data to be charged, and the non-volatile memory 15 stores the usable frequency of the encryption key. However, a plurality of different encryption keys are stored. Due to the child configuration, it is possible to print the image to be charged any number of times as long as the life of the recording material such as toner or ink contained in the cartridge 11 continues, and the printing fails due to a trouble of the image forming means or the like. Even in this case, the print fee is not charged for it.

Next, the process of inputting the encrypted image data to be charged and decrypting it by the information processing device 200 and printing the decrypted image data by the image forming device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. Will be described with reference to.

When the user starts the program on the information processing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG.
At 1401, the main menu screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 209. And step S1
In 402, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "end" button on this main menu screen,
When the "end" button is clicked, this process ends. When the "End" button is not clicked,
In step S1403, it is determined whether "image sample display" or "purchase image designation" is selected as the menu selected by the user on the main menu screen.

When "display image sample" is selected, the image sample menu screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in step S1407. On this image sample menu screen, one or a plurality of sample images, an ID number that specifies the sample image at the time of purchase, and a “print” button are displayed. Then, in step S1408, it is determined whether the "return" button is clicked by the user on the image sample menu screen, and "return" is performed.
When the button is clicked, the process returns to step S1401.

When the "return" button is not clicked, it is determined in step S1409 whether the "next page" or "previous page" has been selected by the user on the image sample menu screen, and " When "Next Page" or "Previous Page" is selected,
Returning to step S1407, another sample image in the "next page" or the "previous page" is displayed on the image sample menu screen. When "next page" or "previous page" is not selected, it is determined in step S1410 whether the user has clicked the "print" button. Here, when the user clicks the "print" button, the process advances to step S1405 to display a print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. On this print image confirmation menu screen, an image corresponding to the clicked "print" button is displayed.

Then, in step S1406, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "Yes" button on the print image confirmation menu screen, and "Yes"
When the button is not clicked, that is, when the "return" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1401. On the other hand, when the "Yes" button is clicked, it is determined that the user has instructed to print the image displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the process proceeds to step S1411.

In step S1411, the corresponding encrypted image data to be charged is read from the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 212. Subsequently, in step S1412 of FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 100 is instructed to read the encryption key from the nonvolatile memory 15 incorporated in the cartridge 11 mounted therein. Upon receiving this instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the encryption key from the non-volatile memory 15, and the information processing apparatus 20
The encryption key data is transmitted to 0.

Next, in step S1413, the process waits until the encryption key transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 is received, and when this encryption key is received, step S1414.
Then, it is determined whether or not the image that the user desires to print can be decrypted using the received encryption key. If the user cannot decrypt the image he / she wants to print using the received encryption key, the process advances to step S1417, and the non-volatile memory 15 determines whether or not there is an encryption key that enables decryption of the read image data. It is determined whether or not all of the encryption keys stored in are checked. If all the encryption keys have not been checked and the processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S1412, and the image forming apparatus 100 is instructed to read the next encryption key. On the other hand, when it cannot be used for all the encryption keys stored in the non-volatile memory 15, step S141
In 8, the message "printing failed because there is no key" is displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. Then, in step S1419, the process waits until the "OK" button in the message field is clicked, and when this "OK" button is clicked, the above step S14 is performed.
Return to 1401.

If it is determined in step S1414 that the user can decrypt the image desired to be printed using the encryption key received, the encryption key received from the image forming apparatus 100 is used in step S1415. Then, the read image data is decoded. Then, in step S1416, a print execution command for the decoded image data is issued to the image forming apparatus 100 upon completion of the decoding, and the process returns to step S1401. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print execution instruction,
Printing of the decoded print image data is executed.

When it is determined in step S1403 that the user has selected "purchase image designation" on the main menu screen, in step S1404.
A print image designation menu screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Then, on the print image designation menu screen, when the user inputs the ID number designating the sample image from the keyboard or the like and clicks "Print", the print image confirmation menu screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in step S1405. . Although not shown, when the user clicks “Return” on the print image designation menu screen, the screen returns to the main menu.

Next, in step S1406, it is determined whether or not the user has clicked the "Yes" button on the print image confirmation menu screen, and "Yes".
When the button is not clicked, that is, when the "return" button is clicked, the process returns to step S1401. On the other hand, when the "Yes" button is clicked, it is determined that the user has instructed to print the image displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen, and the process proceeds to step S1411. Then, the image instructed by the user is printed in the procedure described above.

In this way, the user can easily obtain the printed matter of the image to be charged.

When adding the encryption key data stored in the non-volatile memory 15 of the cartridge 11, the user takes out the cartridge 11 from the image forming apparatus 100 and brings it to the store. At the store, a predetermined fee is stored by the user, the encryption key is added to and stored in the non-volatile memory 15 of the cartridge 11 using a device in which the additional writing of the encryption key is possible, and the cartridge 11 is returned to the user.
The store passes the charge of the encryption key received from the user to the print image sales company.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the number of times the encryption key is used is not limited, even if a trouble occurs in the image forming means and the printing fails, the user is charged unnecessarily. Never.

Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles such as being charged for the printing of incomplete image data due to communication conditions when image data is downloaded via the network.

Further, there is provided an image print billing system which does not require a special device such as a card reader and which has a low cost structure and is functionally deficient.

Further, since it is not necessary to send and receive personal information via a network such as the Internet in order to collect money, it is possible to reduce the possibility of troubles such as invasion of user's privacy. it can.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 are a flowchart showing a procedure for adding an encryption key in the image print charging system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a login menu screen, and FIG. 21 is a purchase encryption key data designation. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase encryption key data addition confirmation menu screen, and FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an encryption key price confirmation menu screen.

The present embodiment has the same structure as the above-described third embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used in the following description.

In the third embodiment described above, in order for the user to add the encryption key data stored in the non-volatile memory built in the cartridge, it is necessary to bring the cartridge to the store. In the embodiment, the user instructs the seller's information processing device to replenish the encryption key from the screen and keyboard of the information processing device, thereby adding the encryption key to the non-volatile memory built in the cartridge.
It is configured so that it can be stored.

A procedure for adding the encryption key data stored in the non-volatile memory of the cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 23.

Here, the information processing apparatus 200 can be connected to the information processing apparatus A (not shown) of the seller via a communication network (for example, the Internet), and the information processing apparatus A of the seller needs the information processing apparatus A. Software for supplying menu information and image data to the information processing apparatus 200 of the user according to the above, and software for authenticating the user from the user code and password are installed.

When the encryption key addition is started by the information processing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 18, first, in step S1.
At 501, a log-in menu screen for accessing the information processing apparatus A of the seller via a communication network (for example, the Internet) and logging in to the information processing apparatus A is displayed on the display 209. As shown in FIG. 20, this login menu screen is a screen for requesting the input of the “customer number (user code)” and the “password”. Then, in step S1502, it is determined whether or not the “end” button has been clicked on the login screen, and when the “end” button has been clicked, this processing ends.

When the "end" button is not clicked, in step S1503, the "customer number (user code)" and "password" are input on the login menu screen and the "user registration" button is pressed. Then, it is determined whether or not the user is a registered user. Here, when the "user registration" button is clicked, it is determined that the user is an unregistered user, the process proceeds to step S1504, and user registration is performed. In this user registration, necessary items such as name, zip code, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, and equipment used are transmitted to the information processing apparatus A, and these information is registered in the information processing apparatus A. As a result, user registration will be performed. In addition, there is also a method of registering a user by mailing the information on the necessary items.

On the other hand, when the "customer number (user code)" and the "password" are entered, the information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus A of the seller, and the information processing apparatus A receives the information. The user code and password are compared with the user data to authenticate whether or not the user is a registered user. When the user is authenticated as a registered user by this authentication, the information processing apparatus A transmits information of screen contents as shown in FIG. 20 to the information processing apparatus 200. Although not shown in the figure, if the user authentication fails, the customer number (user code) and the password are prompted again, and if the authentication is not successful even after the predetermined number of times of input, The connection with the information processing device A is forcibly disconnected.

When the user is authenticated as a registered user, in step S1505, an additional encryption key data designation menu screen as shown in FIG. 21 is created based on the information received from the information processing apparatus A along with the authentication. Is displayed on the display 209. In this additional encryption key data specification menu screen, there is an entry field for the encryption key number to specify the type of encryption key to add, "Purchase", "Logout".
And each button of are displayed. Here, the encryption key number indicating the encryption key to be added can be searched from the type of image data to be decrypted on another menu screen (not shown). Then, in step S1506, it is determined whether or not the "logout" button has been clicked on the additional encryption key data specification menu screen. When the "logout" button has been clicked, the process returns to step S1501.

If the "logout" button has not been clicked, in step S1507 the "purchase" button is clicked with the encryption key number indicating the encryption key to be added entered on the additional encryption key data specification menu screen. It is determined whether or not. Here, when the "Purchase" button is not clicked, the above step S15 is performed.
Returning to 06, when the "Purchase" button is clicked, the flow proceeds to step S1508. At this time, the input encryption key number is transmitted to the information processing apparatus A. The information processing apparatus A that has received this encryption key number reads out the price for the received encryption key number from the database and sends the information of the confirmation menu screen content of the addition of the encryption key data including this price to the information processing apparatus 200.

In step S1508, the information processing device A
A confirmation menu screen for adding encryption key data as shown in FIG. 18 is created based on the information from the display 209.
To display. The added encryption key number and the price thereof are displayed on the confirmation menu screen for adding the encryption key data. Subsequently, in step S1509, it is determined whether or not the "Yes" button has been clicked on the confirmation menu screen for adding encryption key data. If the "Yes" button has not been clicked, it is determined that "Return" has been clicked. Judge,
Returning to step S1505 again, the additional encryption key data designation menu screen is displayed. On the other hand, when the "Yes" button is clicked, it is determined that the added encryption key number and the price thereof are confirmed by the user, and the process proceeds to step S1510 in FIG.

In step S1510, the information processing device A
Request to send the encryption key to be added to. Upon receiving this request, the information processing apparatus A transmits the encryption key designated by the information processing apparatus 200 to the information processing apparatus 200. Then, in step S1511, the encryption key transmitted from the information processing apparatus A is received and the reception end is waited for. When the reception of the encryption key is completed, in step S1512, the image forming apparatus 1100 is instructed to additionally write the received encryption key into the nonvolatile memory 15 built in the cartridge 11 of the image forming apparatus 100. Upon receiving this instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 receives the encryption key transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 and starts additional writing to the nonvolatile memory 15. Then, in step S1513, the end of additional writing of the encryption key in the image forming apparatus 100 is waited for.

When the additional writing of the encryption key in the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the information processing apparatus A is notified that the encryption key has been added, and the user code and the added encryption key number are transmitted. . When the information processing apparatus A receives the user code and the encryption key number, the information processing apparatus A updates the database of the user and transmits information on the contents of the encryption key price confirmation menu screen to the information processing apparatus 200.

Next, in step S1514, based on the information from the information processing apparatus A, an encryption key price confirmation menu screen for withdrawing from the bank account as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display 209. Then, in step S1515, waiting for the "Yes" button to be clicked on the encryption key price confirmation menu screen, and when the "Yes" button is clicked, it is assumed that the information on the encryption key price confirmation menu screen has been accepted. The procedure returns to step S1505.

In this way, the addition of the encryption key stored in the non-volatile memory 15 built in the cartridge 11 of the image forming apparatus 100 can be performed only by the operation from the information processing apparatus 200. Since it is not necessary to bring the cartridge 11 to the store to add the encryption key stored in the nonvolatile memory 15 of the cartridge 11, the encryption key can be easily added.

According to the present invention, a storage medium recording a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the apparatus is stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, C
A D-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD-ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0156]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The printing device includes a storage unit that is built in the replaceable unit and stores an encryption key used for decrypting the encrypted specific image data, and the information processing device externally encrypts the specific image data. Image data to be input, the printing device is controlled to obtain the encryption key used to decrypt the encrypted specific image data from the storage unit of the printing device, and the obtained encryption key data is input. Since the encrypted specific image is decrypted into printable image data and the decrypted image data is output to the printing device, problems such as charging for printing incomplete image data may occur. Can be prevented. Further, it is not necessary to provide a device for user authentication, for example, a card reader, and the cost can be suppressed.

Further, according to the present invention, in cooperation with a printing apparatus equipped with a replaceable unit containing a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting specific image data that has been encrypted, it is It is possible to prevent troubles such as charging for printing of complete image data before it occurs, and it is not necessary to provide a device for user authentication, for example, a card reader, and cost can be suppressed. An information processing device for constructing a charging system is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent troubles such as charging for printing of incomplete image data by itself, and at the same time, a device for user authentication, for example, a card reader. There is provided a printing apparatus for constructing an image print charging system that does not need to be provided and that can reduce costs.

Further, according to the present invention, the first information processing apparatus receives the encryption key additional purchase request by the user, transmits the encryption key additional purchase request by the user to the second information processing apparatus, and adds the encryption key. The printing device is controlled so as to receive the encryption key transmitted from the second information processing device in response to the purchase request, and additionally write the encryption key received by the receiving device into the storage device. By the first
When the encryption key additional purchase request by the user transmitted from the information processing device is received, the encryption key corresponding to the received encryption key additional purchase request by the user is transmitted to the first information processing device, and the encryption key additional purchase by the user is received. The encryption key corresponding to the request and the user are managed in association with each other, and the charge of the encryption key corresponding to the request for additional purchase of the encryption key of the user charged to the managed user is settled. It is possible to easily add an encryption key without bringing a unit having a storage unit that stores an encryption key used for decrypting specific image data into a store or the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image print charging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device 200 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the image print charging system of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the image print charging system of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image sample menu screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print image designation menu screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation menu screen.

10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which a print disable message is displayed on the print image confirmation menu screen of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of supplementing the usable degree of the encryption key in the image print charging system of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image print charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus in the image print charging system of FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the image print charging system of FIG.

15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the image print charging system of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image print charging system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image print charging system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding an encryption key in the image print billing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding an encryption key in the image print billing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a login menu screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase encryption key data designation menu screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation menu screen for adding purchase encryption key data.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an encryption key price confirmation menu screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

11,1211 cartridge 14,1214 Recording material 15,1215 Non-volatile memory 30 controller 35,202,1235 CPU 212 CD-ROM drive 100,1100 image forming apparatus 200,1300,1600 Information processing device 1400a, 1400b network 1500 ... Wide area communication network

Claims (49)

[Claims] 1. An image print charging system comprising a printing device and an information processing device for connecting the printing device, wherein the printing device is incorporated in a replaceable unit and has specific encrypted image data. The information processing apparatus includes an image data input unit for inputting specific image data encrypted from the outside, and a storage unit for storing an encryption key used for decrypting the specific image data. An encryption key acquisition unit that controls the printing apparatus to acquire an encryption key used for decryption from the storage unit of the printing apparatus, and the image data input using the encryption key data acquired by the encryption key acquisition unit Decoding means for decoding the encrypted specific image input by the means into printable image data, and the image data decoded by the decoding means with the mark. Image print billing system, characterized in that it comprises an image data outputting means for outputting to the device. 2. The printing device comprises an encryption key usable degree storage means for updatingly storing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage means, and the information processing apparatus uses the encryption key. And then decrypting the encrypted specific image data, the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage means is reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. 2. The image print charging system according to claim 1, further comprising an updating unit that controls the printing apparatus to update the usable frequency. 3. The information processing device, after decrypting the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key,
2. The image print charging system according to claim 1, further comprising encryption key deleting means for controlling the printing device so as to delete the encryption key stored in the storage means. 4. The image print charging system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of pieces of encryption key data. 5. The information processing device can determine whether or not the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means can be decrypted by using the acquired encryption key. 5. A sex determination unit and a control unit that controls execution of decoding by the decoding unit according to a determination result of the decryption possibility determination unit. Image print billing system. 6. The image print billing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data. . 7. The encryption key addition means for controlling the information processing device to input an encryption key from the outside and to additionally store the input encryption key to the encryption key stored in the storage means. The image print charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: 8. The image print charging system according to claim 1, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material. 9. The image print charging system according to claim 2, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable degree storage means. 10. A printing device equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting encrypted specific image data is connected, and an image is displayed in cooperation with the printing device. An information processing apparatus for constructing a print billing system, comprising image data input means for inputting externally encrypted specific image data, and an encryption key used for decrypting the encrypted specific image data. The image data using the encryption key obtaining unit that obtains the encryption key output from the printing device in response to the request, and the encryption key data obtained by the encryption key obtaining unit. Decoding means for decoding the encrypted specific image input by the input means into printable image data, and image data decoded by the decoding means for the printing device. The information processing apparatus characterized by comprising an image data output means for outputting to. 11. The printing device includes an encryption key usable degree storage unit that stores the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage unit in an updatable manner, and the printer is encrypted using the encryption key. After decrypting the specified image data, the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage means is reduced to the usable frequency reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an updating unit that controls the printing apparatus to update the printing apparatus. 12. An encryption key erasing unit for controlling the printing device to erase the encryption key stored in the storage unit after decrypting the specific image data encrypted by using the encryption key. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: 13. Decryptability determination means for determining whether or not the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means can be decrypted using the acquired encryption key, and 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a control unit that controls execution of the decryption by the decryption unit according to a determination result of the decryption possibility determination unit. 14. A cryptographic key addition means for controlling the printing apparatus so as to input an encryption key from the outside and to store the input encryption key in addition to the encryption key stored in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that. 15. A replaceable unit having a built-in storage means for storing an encryption key for decrypting encrypted specific image data into printable image data, and a specific externally encrypted unit. Image data input means for inputting image data, encryption key reading means for reading the encryption key stored in the storage means, and the specific image encrypted by the image data input means for reading And a decryption unit that decrypts the image data into printable image data using the encrypted key. 16. An encryption key usable degree storage means for updatingly storing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage means, and decrypting the specific image data encrypted by using the encryption key. And updating means for updating the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storing means to the usable frequency reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The encryption key erasing means for erasing the encryption key stored in the storage means after decrypting the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key. 15. The printing device according to item 15. 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of encryption key data. 19. Decryptability determining means for determining whether or not the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means can be decrypted using the acquired encryption key, and 19. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a control unit that controls execution of decryption by the decryption unit according to a determination result of the decryption possibility determination unit. 20. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of encryption keys that differ for each type of specific image data. 21. The information processing apparatus further comprises an encryption key adding means for inputting an encryption key from the outside and controlling the input encryption key to be additionally stored in the encryption key stored in the storage means. 21. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:
The printing device according to any one of 1. 22. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the unit in which the storage unit is incorporated is a cartridge that incorporates at least a recording material. 23. The printing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable degree storage means. 24. A printing device equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key for decrypting encrypted specific image data, and a printing device connected to the printing device. A first information processing device that decrypts the encrypted specific image data into data that can be processed by the printing device by using an encryption key stored in the storage unit, and the first information processing device. An image print charging system, comprising: a second information processing device connected to the printing device, for charging a fee for printing the encrypted specific image data by the printing device, the first information processing device The apparatus receives an encryption key additional purchase request from a user, and accepts an encryption key additional purchase request from the user by the acceptance unit,
Transmitting means for transmitting an encryption key additional purchase request by the user to the second information processing apparatus, and receiving means for receiving the encryption key transmitted from the second information processing apparatus in response to the encryption key additional purchase request. And an additional writing unit that controls the printing apparatus to additionally write the encryption key received by the receiving unit to the storage unit, wherein the second information processing apparatus is the first information processing apparatus. Receiving means for receiving the encryption key additional purchase request by the user transmitted from the user, and transmission for transmitting the encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request by the user received by the receiving means to the first information processing apparatus Means, management means for managing the encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request by the user and the user in association with each other, and the user managed by the management means. An image print charging system, comprising: a clearing unit that clears a charge of an encryption key corresponding to a request for additional purchase of the encryption key of the user charged to the user. 25. The image print billing system according to claim 24, wherein the clearing means performs a process for clearing the charge of the encryption key by debiting a bank account. 26. The first information processing device and the second information processing device are connected via a communication network including the Internet, and between the first information processing device and the second information processing device. The transmission / reception of the encryption key is performed via a communication network including the Internet.
The image print billing system described in 4 or 25. 27. A printing apparatus having a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting encrypted specific image data, and an information processing apparatus for connecting the printing apparatus are used. An image print charging method, wherein the information processing apparatus inputs an externally encrypted specific image data, and an encryption key used for decrypting the encrypted specific image data. Controlling the printing device to obtain it from the storage means, and decrypting the input specific encrypted image into printable image data using the obtained encryption key data. And a step of outputting the decoded image data to the printing apparatus, the image print charging method. 28. The printing device comprises an encryption key usable degree storage means for updatingly storing the usable degree of the encryption key stored in the storage means, and the information processing apparatus uses the encryption key. And then decrypting the encrypted specific image data, the usable frequency stored in the encryption key usable frequency storage means is reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. 28. The image print charging system according to claim 27, further comprising the step of controlling the printing device so as to update the usable frequency. 29. The information processing apparatus controls the printing apparatus so as to erase the encryption key stored in the storage unit after decrypting the specific image data encrypted using the encryption key. 28. The image print charging method according to claim 27, further comprising: 30. The image print charging method according to claim 27, wherein a plurality of pieces of encryption key data are stored in the storage means. 31. A step of determining whether or not the information processing apparatus can decrypt the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means by using the acquired encryption key. 31. The image print charging method according to claim 27, further comprising: controlling the execution of the decryption according to the determination result. 32. The image print billing method according to claim 27, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data. . 33. The information processing apparatus further comprises a step of inputting an encryption key from the outside and controlling the input encryption key to be additionally stored in the encryption key stored in the storage means. 33. The image print charging method according to claim 27. 34. The image print charging method according to claim 27, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material. 35. The image print charging method according to claim 28, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable degree storage means. 36. An image print billing method using a printing apparatus having a replaceable unit having a storage means in which an encryption key for decrypting encrypted specific image data into printable image data is stored. Wherein the printing apparatus inputs externally encrypted specific image data, reads out an encryption key stored in the storage unit, and outputs the input specific encrypted data. And a step of decrypting an image into printable image data using the read encryption key. 37. A cipher which stores the usable frequency of the encryption key stored in the storage unit in an updatable manner after the printing apparatus decrypts the specific image data encrypted by using the encryption key. 7. A step of updating the usable frequency stored in the key usable frequency storage means to the usable frequency reduced by the frequency used for decrypting the encrypted image data. 36. An image print billing method described in 36. 38. The printing apparatus includes a step of erasing the encryption key stored in the storage unit after decrypting the encrypted specific image data using the encryption key. The image print charging method according to claim 36. 39. The image print billing method according to claim 36, wherein a plurality of pieces of encryption key data are stored in the storage means. 40. The printing device displays the encrypted specific image input by the image data input means,
4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising a step of determining whether or not decryption is possible using the acquired encryption key, and a step of controlling execution of the decryption according to the determination result.
The image print billing method according to any one of 6 to 39. 41. The image print billing method according to claim 36, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of encryption keys different for each type of specific image data. . 42. The printing apparatus further comprises a step of inputting an encryption key from the outside and controlling the input encryption key to be additionally stored in the encryption key stored in the storage means. 42. Any one of claims 36 to 41 characterized in that
Image print billing method described in Section 3. 43. The image print charging method according to claim 36, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material. 44. The image print charging method according to claim 37, wherein the unit containing the storage means is a cartridge containing at least a recording material and the encryption key usable degree storage means. 45. A printing device equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key for decrypting encrypted specific image data, and a printing device connected to the printing device. A first information processing device that decrypts the encrypted specific image data into data that can be processed by the printing device by using an encryption key stored in the storage unit, and the first information processing device. An image print charging method, comprising: a second information processing device connected to the printing device, for charging a fee for printing the encrypted specific image data by the printing device. The apparatus receives the encryption key additional purchase request from the user, and, upon receiving the encryption key additional purchase request from the user, sends the encryption key additional purchase request from the user to the second information processing apparatus. And a step of receiving the encryption key transmitted from the second information processing device in response to the encryption key additional purchase request, and the printing so as to additionally write the received encryption key to the storage means. And a step of controlling the apparatus, wherein the second information processing apparatus receives the encryption key additional purchase request from the user transmitted from the first information processing apparatus, and the second information processing apparatus according to the received user. Transmitting an encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request to the first information processing apparatus; managing an encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request by the user and the user in association with each other; An image print billing method, comprising the step of settling a fee of an encryption key corresponding to the encryption key additional purchase request of the user who is charged to the managed user. 46. The image print charging method according to claim 45, wherein the fee for the encryption key is settled by debiting a bank account. 47. The first information processing device and the second information processing device are connected via a communication network including the Internet, and between the first information processing device and the second information processing device. The transmission / reception of the encryption key is performed via a communication network including the Internet.
The image print billing method described in 5 or 46. 48. A printing device equipped with a replaceable unit having a storage means for storing an encryption key used for decrypting encrypted specific image data is connected, and an image is displayed in cooperation with the printing device. A program executed by an information processing apparatus for constructing a print billing system, the image data input module inputting externally encrypted specific image data, and decryption of the encrypted specific image data. An encryption key acquisition module for requesting an encryption key to be used for the printing device and acquiring the encryption key output from the printing device in response to the request; and the encryption key data acquired by the encryption key acquisition module. And a decryption module for decrypting the encrypted specific image input by the image data input module into printable image data. An image data output module that outputs the image data decoded by the decoding module to the printing apparatus. 49. A program executed by a printing device having a replaceable unit containing a storage means storing an encryption key for decrypting encrypted specific image data into printable image data. And an image data input module for inputting specific image data encrypted from the outside, an encryption key reading module for reading an encryption key stored in the storage means, and the encryption input by the image data input module. And a decryption module for decrypting the converted specific image into printable image data using the read encryption key.