JP2005107802A - Print management system, print management server, information processor, print management method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system allowing document browsing from a terminal, preventing user's unauthorized acquisition of image information by a copy (a print screen) or the like of a display screen when browsing the document from the terminal and unauthorized printing of the image information, and allowing a authorized user to easily use the system and allowing securing of high security because an image is restored only when performing printing in a portable terminal installed with a specific driver. <P>SOLUTION: A print management server 100 generates print information wherein a specific image information portion (personal information, a company seal image or the like) of a document is mosaicked on the basis of requirement from the portable terminal 140, and transmits it to the portable terminal 140. The portable terminal 140 displays (displays in a mosaicked state) the print information received from the print management server 100. The portable terminal 140 restores it to the unmosaicked state by the specific printer driver 141 when performing the printing (it is possible only by the specific printer driver 141), and executes the printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to print management control of a print management system in which an information processing apparatus and a print management server are connected via a predetermined communication medium.

  For example, insurance policy data in the form of document files (electronic documents such as Adobe PDF) is stored on the hard disk of a mobile terminal carried by an insurance agent, and the customer makes an insurance contract by connecting the mobile terminal and a mobile printer. It is also possible to print insurance policy.

  Alternatively, a sales agent of a travel agent can conclude a travel contract at a customer and print a travel coupon.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-117744 (Patent Document 1) discloses a printing system that protects input data until it is printed.
JP 2001-117744 A

  However, there is a risk of loss of the mobile terminal, and if the mobile terminal is lost and a third party removes the hard disk of the mobile terminal, insurance policy data or travel coupon data in the hard disk may be abused .

  In order to prevent such misuse, it is possible to set a password for each document file, but the operation becomes complicated.

  It is also possible to encrypt the document file storage folder at the OS level, but it is difficult for a diplomat who does not have specialized knowledge to make such a setting. There may be an inconvenience that the user (for example, a boss of a diplomat) cannot confirm the contents.

  Also, if the password is known, information will be leaked outside.

  According to the technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1, it is possible to protect data other than public data without decryption until printing. However, it is possible to protect only the part to be concealed of the document file and display the other part. This is not possible, and is inconvenient when browsing a document file, and cannot be viewed and checked, and there is a problem that an erroneous document may be printed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable a print management server to specify a specific image information part (personal information, company seal image, etc.) of a document based on a request from a terminal. ) Is processed (hereinafter referred to as mosaic), print information (for example, PDF file) is generated and transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal displays the print information received from the print management server and is displayed in a mosaic state. ) In addition, when printing, the terminal can view the document from the terminal by restoring the print information to the pre-mosaic state with a specific printer driver (only possible with a specific printer driver) and executing printing ( In other words, while maintaining security, it is possible to check a document to be viewed and printed before printing, and to prevent an erroneous document from being printed) In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from illegally obtaining image information by copying the display screen (print screen) when browsing the document from the terminal and printing it illegally. Print management system, print management server, information processing apparatus, print management method, and program capable of constructing a system that can be easily used by a legitimate user whose image is restored only during printing and that can ensure high security And providing a recording medium.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus (the portable terminal 140 shown in FIG. 1) and the print management server (the print management server 100 shown in FIG. 1) are connected to a predetermined communication medium (the communication line 150 shown in FIG. 1). The print management server includes a first storage unit (document file storage unit 102 and image data storage unit 104 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of document files, and the information. Processing means (processing by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2) that performs predetermined processing on at least a part of the image included in any one of the document files read from the first storage means based on a request from the processing device. Steps S421 and S422 in FIG. 5 and Steps S521 and S522 in FIG. 8 and the document processed by the processing means. Transmission processing means (transmission processing by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2, step S424 in FIG. 5, step S523 in FIG. 8) for transmitting the file to the information processing device, and the information processing device stores a predetermined document file Request means for requesting transmission to the print management server (request processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S401 in FIG. 5, step S501 in FIG. 8), and a second file for storing the document file received from the print management server Storage means (storage processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S403 in FIG. 5, step S503 in FIG. 8) and display means for displaying the document file stored in the second storage means (by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3) Display processing, step S404 in FIG. 5, step S504 in FIG. 8) and the second storage Generating means for restoring the image included in the document file stored in the stage to the image before the processing and generating print information of the document file (printer driver 141 executed by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 1)); 5, a step S406 in FIG. 5 and a step S506 in FIG. 8).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the processing means performs a predetermined processing on at least a part of an image included in the document file, and a restoration key for restoring the processed image is used for the processing. The generating means detects a processed image in the document file, extracts a restoration key embedded in the detected processed image, and extracts the restored key The image processed according to the method is restored to generate print information of the document file.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the processing means encrypts a restoration key for restoring the processed image and embeds it in the processed image, and the generation means detects the detected image. An encrypted restoration key embedded in the processed image is extracted, and the extracted restoration key is decrypted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined processing includes predetermined image processing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined image processing includes predetermined mosaic processing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the print management server includes history information storage means for storing history information transmitted from the document file to the information processing apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus is communicably connected to a printing apparatus (printing apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 1), and transmits print information of the document file generated by the generation unit to the printing apparatus. It is characterized by comprising transmitting means for performing.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus notifies the print management server of a print result based on the print information transmitted from the transmission unit transmitted from the printing apparatus (see FIG. 3). 8 and steps S510 and S511 of FIG. 8, and the print management server stores the print result notified from the information processing apparatus in the history information storage means (print history data 101 shown in FIG. 1). Control means for storing (storage processing by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2, steps S524 and S525 in FIG. 8) is provided.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the generation means includes a printer driver (printer driver 141 shown in FIG. 1) installed in the information processing apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the document file includes a PDF format document file.

  The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a print management server (print shown in FIG. 1) connected to an information processing device (mobile terminal 140 shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (communication line 150 shown in FIG. 1). In the management server 100), a first storage unit (document file storage unit 102 and image data storage unit 104 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of document files, and the first information based on a request from the information processing apparatus Processing means for applying a predetermined processing to at least a part of the image included in any one of the document files read from the storage means (processing by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2, steps S421, S422 in FIG. 5, FIG. 8) Steps S521 and S522) and the document file processed by the processing means is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. Transmission processing means (transmission processing by the CPU21 shown in FIG. 2, step S424 of FIG. 5, step S523 of FIG. 8), characterized in that it comprises a.

  The twelfth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus (shown in FIG. 1) connected to a print management server (print management server 100 shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (communication line 150 shown in FIG. 1). In the portable terminal 140), request means for requesting the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file (request processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S401 in FIG. 5, step S501 in FIG. 8), and the print management server Storage means for storing the document file that has been subjected to the predetermined processing received from (storage processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S403 in FIG. 5, step S503 in FIG. 8), and document stored in the storage means Display means for displaying files (display processing by CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S404 in FIG. 5, step S in FIG. 8) 04) and generating means (printer executed by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3) for generating the print information of the document file by restoring the image included in the document file stored in the storage means to the image before the processing. A generation process by the driver 141 (FIG. 1), step S406 in FIG. 5, and step S506 in FIG. 8) are provided.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a print management method in a print management system in which an information processing apparatus and a print management server are connected via a predetermined communication medium, and requests the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file. Based on the requesting process by the information processing apparatus (step S401 in FIG. 5 and step S501 in FIG. 8) and the request from the information processing apparatus, the information is read from the first storage means for storing a plurality of document files. Processing steps (steps S421, S422 in FIG. 5 and steps S521, S522 in FIG. 5) by the print management server for performing predetermined processing on at least a part of the image included in any document file, and the processing The print management server that transmits the document file to the information processing apparatus. The transmission processing step (step S424 in FIG. 5 and step S523 in FIG. 8) and the storage step by the information processing apparatus that stores the document file received from the print management server in the second storage means (step S403 in FIG. 5). , Step S503 in FIG. 8, a display step (step S404 in FIG. 5, step S504 in FIG. 8) by the information processing apparatus for displaying the document file stored in the second storage means, and the second A generation step (step S406 in FIG. 5 and step in FIG. 8) by the information processing apparatus that restores the image included in the document file stored in the storage means to the image before the processing and generates print information of the document file. S506).

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a print management server (print shown in FIG. 1) connected to an information processing apparatus (mobile terminal 140 shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (communication line 150 shown in FIG. 1). Management server 100), the print management server includes a first storage unit (document file storage unit 102 and image data 104 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of document files, and the information processing apparatus. The processing means for applying a predetermined processing to at least a part of the image included in any one of the document files read from the first storage means based on the request (processing by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5) Steps S421, S422, Steps S521, S522 in FIG. 8 and the document file processed by the processing means (Transmission processing by CPU21 shown in FIG. 2, step S424 of FIG. 5, step S523 of FIG. 8) transmission processing means for transmitting processed serial information processing apparatus is characterized in that to operate as a.

  The fifteenth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus (shown in FIG. 1) connected to a print management server (print management server 100 shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (communication line 150 shown in FIG. 1). 3 is a program of the portable terminal 140, which requests the information processing apparatus to request the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file (request processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S401 in FIG. 5, FIG. 8). Step S501) and storage means for storing the document file that has been subjected to the predetermined processing received from the print management server (storage processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3, step S403 in FIG. 5, step S503 in FIG. 8) Display means for displaying the document file stored in the storage means (display processing by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. S404, step S504 in FIG. 8) and generation means (FIG. 3) for restoring the image included in the document file stored in the storage means to the image before the processing and generating print information of the document file. And a generation process by the printer driver 141 (FIG. 1) executed by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 5, step S406 in FIG. 5, and step S506 in FIG. 8).

  The sixteenth invention of the present invention is characterized in that the program described in the fourteenth or thirteenth invention is stored in a recording medium so as to be readable by a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the information processing apparatus with image information that is concealed during browsing and can be confirmed only when printing via a specific printer driver, and prevents the important part from being tampered with, making it unique. And it is possible to prevent the outflow of important information.

  Also, even if a diplomat or sales representative tries to print an extra amount of insurance policy or travel coupons secretly by an information processing device with other printer drivers installed, the image of the important part remains processed by mosaicing etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illegal printing, and when printing is performed with a predetermined printer and printer, the number of prints can be easily managed.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a print management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a print management server, which stores print history data 101, a document file storage unit 102, and an image data storage unit 104 in the hard disk 28 shown in FIG.

  The print history data 101 is data indicating a print history of printing requested from the mobile terminal 140 or the like. Details of the print history data 101 are shown in FIG.

  The document file storage unit 102 stores a plurality of document files such as character information (contract information including a customer name and contract number) for printing travel coupons, insurance policies, securities, and the like, and fixed portions (ruled lines, background patterns, etc.). Store.

  The image data storage unit 104 stores a plurality of image data obtained by imaging a company seal image, a signature image of a representative director, a part of customer personal information, and the like.

  Reference numeral 120 denotes a printing apparatus, such as a network-connectable printing apparatus or MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), and also an electrophotographic system (for example, a laser beam system, an LED system), a liquid crystal shutter system, an inkjet system, and a thermal transfer system. Any other printing method may be used. Further, even if the printing apparatus 120 is connected to the portable terminal 140 and the business PC 130 via a network (communication line 150), it is directly connected to the portable terminal 140 and the business PC 130 by a cable such as Centronics and USB. It may be a thing.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes a business PC, which is a rich (high function) personal computer (PC) equipped with a hard disk.

  Reference numeral 140 denotes a mobile terminal, which is a mobile PC such as a small notebook, a PDA, a mobile phone, or the like, and it is assumed that a printer driver 141 described later is installed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the print management server 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a network adapter (LAN adapter) 24, a video adapter 25, a keyboard 26, a pointing device such as a mouse 27, a hard disk 28, and a CD-ROM drive 29. , A DVD-ROM drive and other recording medium drives (storage medium drives), which are connected to each other via a system bus 20.

  The CPU 21 reads a program stored in the CD-ROM drive 29 in the ROM 23 or the hard disk 28 and executes various control processes described later. The hard disk 28 includes the document file storage unit 102, the image data storage unit 104, and the like shown in FIG. 1, and stores various programs executed by the CPU 21, the print history data 101, the document file, the image data, etc. shown in FIG. Remember. The RAM 22 is a memory for temporarily storing data and the like when the CPU 21 executes a predetermined process. The network adapter 24 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication line 150. The business PC 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 has the same configuration as the print management server 100, but the business PC 130 further includes a monitor.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 140 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, a network adapter (LAN adapter) 34, a liquid crystal display unit 35, a keyboard 36, a pointing device such as a mouse 37, a hard disk 38, and a CD (not shown). A recording medium drive (storage medium drive) such as a ROM drive and a DVD-ROM drive, and these are connected to each other via a system bus 30.

  Note that the mobile terminal 140 may be configured to include a non-volatile memory instead of the hard disk 38. Moreover, the structure provided with a touch panel instead of pointing devices, such as the keyboard 36 and the mouse | mouth 37, may be sufficient.

  The CPU 31 reads a program (including the printer driver 141 shown in FIG. 1) stored and saved in the ROM 33 or the hard disk 38 and executes various control processes. The RAM 32 is a memory for temporarily storing data and the like when the CPU 31 executes a predetermined process. The network adapter 34 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication line 150.

  The hard disk 38 stores various programs executed by the CPU 31 (including the printer driver 141 shown in FIG. 1), data, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the print history data shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the print history data 101 includes a management number. 601, IP address 602, file no. 603, data including page 604, printing date and time 605, user ID 606, and the like.

  Management No. Reference numeral 601 denotes a unique number that is newly assigned every time the print management server 100 receives a print request.

  An IP address 602 indicates an IP address of a device that has made a print request. File No. Reference numeral 603 denotes a file number in the document file storage unit 102 requested to be printed. Page 604 shows file No. Reference numeral 603 denotes the number of pages of the document.

  A printing date and time 605 indicates the date and time when printing is requested. A user ID 606 indicates the user ID that made the print request.

  Hereinafter, the print management processing procedure in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the print management system of the present invention, and corresponds to the print management processing.

  Note that S401 to S408 indicate steps executed under the control of the CPU 31 based on a program stored in the hard disk 38 or other recording medium in the portable terminal 140 shown in FIG. S421 to S424 indicate steps executed under the control of the CPU 21 based on a program stored in the hard disk 28 or other recording medium of the print management server 100 shown in FIG. Further, S441 to S442 indicate steps executed under the control of the CPU based on a program stored in a hard disk or other recording medium (not shown) of the printing apparatus 120 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S401, when the portable terminal 140 detects a print designation request based on an instruction from the mouse 37 or the like, the portable terminal 140 displays a print designation screen (not shown) for setting printing conditions on the liquid crystal display unit 35 of the portable terminal 140. . In the print designation screen, when the user sets print conditions using the keyboard 36, mouse 37, etc., and issues a print condition transmission instruction, the mobile terminal 140 detects the print condition transmission designation and proceeds to step S402.

  In step S <b> 402, the mobile terminal 140 transmits the condition information input from the print designation screen to the print management server 100. The transmitted condition information includes, for example, a travel coupon type, a contract number, a contractor, etc. in the travel business, and an insurance type, a contract number, a contractor, etc. in the insurance policy business.

  In step S <b> 421, the print management server 100 receives the condition information transmitted from the portable terminal 140 and stores the received condition information in the hard disk 28.

  Next, in step S422, the print management server 100 inquires the document file storage unit 102 and the image data storage unit 104 based on the received printing conditions, and displays, for example, the document 801, the images 804, 805, and the like shown in FIG. get. The document 801 includes information 802 and 803 for associating the images 804 and 805 and information (not shown) indicating that the image information associated with the image 801 needs to be mosaicked. And In the work area of the RAM 22, the print management server 100 (1) reversible mosaic processing of the embedded image, (2) encryption processing of the reversible mosaic restoration key information, and (3) the encrypted reversible mosaic restoration key information. An embedding process is performed on the image data, (4) a print information generation process is performed, and the generated print information (for example, data in PDF format) is stored in the hard disk 28 from the RAM 22.

  Note that the “reversible mosaic processing of embedded image” in (1) is a reversible mosaic processing of images (images 804 and 805) that need to be mosaiced among images acquired from the image data storage unit 104. Processing for image processing such as images 806 and 807 is shown.

  Also, (2) “Encryption processing of reversible mosaic restoration key information” means that a restoration key used when restoring mosaic-processed images 806 and 807 like images 804 and 805 is a predetermined encryption key. The process of encrypting by a predetermined encryption method using the above will be shown. The predetermined encryption key may be changeable by the administrator or may be fixed.

  Further, (3) “embedding process of encrypted reversible mosaic restoration key information into image data” means that the encrypted restoration key is converted into an encrypted image 806, as shown in 808 and 809. Reference numeral 807 denotes processing for embedding by a known method such as electronic watermarking.

  In addition, the “print information generation process” in (4) includes a mosaic-processed image 806 (embedded encrypted restoration key 808) and a mosaic-processed image 807 (embedded encrypted restoration key 809). FIG. 6 shows a process of pasting a document 801 on a document 801 and generating print information 810 (for example, data in PDF format). However, the print information is not limited to data in PDF format.

  Next, in step S423, the print management server 100 additionally updates the data (data in the file layout shown in FIG. 4) to the print history data 101 shown in FIG. Note that the printer ID 606 and the print date 605 are blank at the time of step S423.

  Next, in step S424, the print management server 100 transmits the print information 810 to the portable terminal 140.

  In step S403, the mobile terminal 140 receives the print information 810 transmitted from the print management server 100. In step S404, the mobile terminal 140 displays a print preview screen on the liquid crystal display unit 35. At this time, the image subjected to the mosaic processing in step S422 is displayed with the mosaic applied as it is, as shown in FIG. 6B.

  Next, in step S405, the mobile terminal 140 determines whether a print button on a preview screen (not shown) has been pressed with the mouse 37 or the like, and waits until the button is pressed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that the print button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, the portable terminal 140 calls the printer driver 141 by the graphic device interface (GDI), delivers the print data 810, and then performs the following (11) to (15) by the printer driver 141 read to the RAM 32. ) Is executed. (11) Mosaic images 806 and 807 are detected from the print data 810, (12) Mosaic restoration keys 808 and 809 are extracted from the mosaic images 806 and 807, and (13) The extracted mosaic restoration keys 808 and 809 are predetermined decrypted. (14) The mosaic image is restored by the decoded mosaic restoration keys 808 and 809, and (15) the final print information (for example, 811 shown in FIG. 6C) is synthesized with the restored image. Is generated. The predetermined decryption key may be changeable by the administrator, or may be fixed.

  In step S <b> 407, the mobile terminal 140 transmits the print information 811 to the printing apparatus 120.

  In step S408, it is determined whether the print information 811 is normally transmitted to the printing apparatus 120. If it is determined that the print information 811 is normally transmitted to the printing apparatus 120, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data has not been transmitted to the printing apparatus 120, the process returns to step S407 to retry. It should be noted that if the process returns to step S407 without being transmitted normally, a predetermined number of retries are performed, and if the transmission is not performed normally even after the predetermined number of times is exceeded, an error message is displayed and the process is terminated. Good.

  In step S <b> 441, the printing apparatus 120 receives the print information 811 transmitted from the mobile terminal 140, and when it has been received normally, returns it to the mobile terminal 140.

  In step S442, the printing apparatus 120 executes print processing of the print information 811.

  Note that print information in the print management system is subjected to predetermined image processing (mosaicing or the like) by the processes (1) to (4) in step S422. Only a printing result in a state (for example, FIG. 6B) that has been subjected to processing (mosaicing or the like) can be obtained.

  However, by using the printer driver 141, the image subjected to the predetermined image processing (mosaicing or the like) is restored to the original image by the processing (11) to (15) by the printer driver 141 in step S406. A printing result in a state (for example, FIG. 6C) can be obtained.

  According to the above processing, it is possible to increase the uniqueness of the printed matter by suppressing the falsification of the important part by the image that is valid only in the printing via the specific driver (printer driver 141), and to leak the important information to the outside. Can be prevented.

  Also, even if a diplomat or salesperson installs another printer driver and tries to secretly print extra insurance policies or travel coupons, the important part of the image will be unusable ( Since the image remains mosaiced, there is an effect that unauthorized printing can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the print completion result is notified from the portable terminal 140 to the print management server 100 and the print history is managed in a form including the number of actually printed copies.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the print history data 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in the figure, the print history data 101 includes a management number. 601, IP address 602, file no. 603, page 604, printing date and time 605, user ID 606, data including printer ID 701, printing result (result) 702, number of copies 703, and the like.

  A printer ID 701 indicates the printer ID of the printer that has performed the printing process. A print result (result) 702 indicates a print result (print normal end (ok) / print abnormal end (ng)). The number of copies 703 indicates the number of copies that have been printed. Even when the print result 702 is abnormally terminated (ng), for example, “1” is stored when one copy is normally completed.

  Hereinafter, a print management processing procedure in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the print management system of the present invention, and corresponds to the print management processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that S501 to S512 indicate steps executed under the control of the CPU 31 based on a program stored in the hard disk 38 or other recording medium in the mobile terminal 140 shown in FIG. S521 to S527 indicate steps executed under the control of the CPU 21 based on a program stored in the hard disk 28 or other recording medium of the print management server 100 shown in FIG. Further, S541 to S543 indicate steps executed under the control of the CPU based on a program stored in a hard disk or other recording medium (not shown) of the printing apparatus 120 shown in FIG.

  In the description of the flowchart, only portions different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 will be described, and description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, steps S501 to S507 in this flowchart are the same as steps S401 to S407 in FIG. Further, steps S521 to S523 in this flowchart are the same as steps S421 to S423 in FIG. Furthermore, steps S541 to S542 in this flowchart are the same as steps S441 to S442 in FIG.

  When the printing process in step S542 is completed, in step S543, the printing apparatus 120 transmits a message indicating that the printing is completed to the mobile terminal 140.

  In step S <b> 508, the mobile terminal 140 receives a message indicating that the printing transmitted from the printing apparatus 120 has been completed.

  In step S509, the mobile terminal 140 determines whether printing has ended normally based on the received message. If it is determined that printing has ended normally, the portable terminal 140 proceeds to step S510. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not ended normally, the process proceeds to step S511.

  In step S510, the mobile terminal 140 transmits the print history information (601 to 604, 701 to 703 (where “ok” is stored in the print result 702)) of the layout illustrated in FIG. 7 to the print management server 100. .

  On the other hand, in step S511, the mobile terminal 140 displays error information indicating that printing has not been completed normally (the layout is the same as the print history information (601 to 604, 701 to 703 shown in FIG. 7). (“Ng” stored in the result) is transmitted to the print management server 100.

  When the print history information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 140, the print management server 100 receives the print history information transmitted from the mobile terminal 140 in step S524, updates the print history data 101 in the RAM 22, The process proceeds to step S526.

  On the other hand, if error information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 140, the print management server 100 receives the error information transmitted from the mobile terminal 140 in step S525, updates the print history data 101 in the RAM 22, The process proceeds to step S526.

  In step S526, the print management server 100 adds the print history information or error information stored in the RAM 22 to the print history data 101.

  In step S527, the print management server 100 transmits a message (reception completion) to the mobile terminal 140 indicating that the registration (addition) of the print history has been completed.

  In step S512, the portable terminal 140 receives the message (reception completion) transmitted from the print management server 100, displays the message on the liquid crystal display unit 35, and ends the process.

  Note that immediately after step S523 by the print management server 100, information indicating that the print information has been transmitted to the portable terminal 140 is stored in the print history information (601 to 604, 701 to 703) of the layout shown in FIG. However, the printer ID 701, the print result 702, and the number of copies to be left blank may be added.

  In the present embodiment, the processes in steps S507 to S511 are executed by the printer driver 141 read from the hard disk 38 to the RAM 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and an instruction code is added to the document file in step S522. (For example, Java (registered trademark) Script) is embedded, and in step S506, the printer driver 141 reads the document file from the document file to the RAM 32, and steps S507 to S511 are performed according to the read instruction code (for example, Java (registered trademark) Script). It may be configured to execute.

  According to the above processing, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to report until the normal end of printing and to perform more strict management of the number of copies to be printed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the configuration has been described in which the print management server 100 performs mosaicing on an important image in response to receiving the condition information transmitted from the mobile terminal 140. In order to transmit the print information based on the previously generated mosaic image to the mobile terminal 140 in response to receiving the condition information transmitted from the mobile terminal 140. It may be configured.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the print management server 100 has described the case where the mosaic print information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 140 in response to the reception of the condition information transmitted from the mobile terminal 140. The request from the terminal 140 may be a request for browsing information held by the print management server 100. That is, the print management server 100 transmits information including a mosaic image to the mobile terminal 140 in response to receiving the browsing request transmitted from the mobile terminal 140, and stores the information including the mosaic image. The received mobile terminal 140 may be configured to display the image in a mosaic state and restore and print the image mosaiced by the printer driver only at the time of printing. In this case, it is assumed that printing (including the number of copies) is transmitted from the portable terminal 140 to the print management server 100.

  Thereby, when browsing a predetermined document, personal information etc. are protected by a mosaic etc., and a general user cannot browse and print. Also, only users who can use the printer driver 141 can print, and personal information can be easily protected.

  Various processes performed by the mobile terminal 140 may be performed by the business PC 130 illustrated in FIG.

  As described above, in each of the above-described embodiments, in response to a browsing request from the mobile terminal 140, the print management server 100 side performs reversible mosaic processing of an embedded image in a document file for a held document file. Encrypting the mosaic restoration key, embedding the encrypted mosaic restoration key in a mosaic image, generating a document file (for example, a document file in PDF format), sending it to the mobile terminal 140, and a browser on the mobile terminal 140 side The document file is browsed (a specific image portion cannot be browsed as a mosaic), and in response to a print instruction, the GDI calls a specific printer driver 141 to deliver print data. The printer driver 141 stores the print data in the document file. Mosaic image detection, mosaic restoration Since extraction and decoding of ey and restoration of a mosaic image are performed and transmitted to the printing apparatus 120 for printing, if a specific printer driver 141 is installed in the mobile terminal 140 in advance, as described above, browsing It is possible to construct a print management system that provides image information that is concealed and can be confirmed only at the time of printing, and allows browsing and printing of document files in the mobile terminal 140 on other terminals with simple settings. It is possible to restrict and prevent unauthorized printing of these document files.

  Therefore, in each of the above embodiments, a specific image information part (personal information, company seal image, etc.) is mosaicked at the time of browsing, and when displayed on a mobile terminal, it is displayed in a mosaic state and a copy of the display screen ( It is possible to prevent a user from acquiring image information by using a print screen or the like and printing it illegally, and to provide a mechanism for restoring an image only when printing on a mobile terminal in which a specific driver is installed. That is, it is possible to check a document to be printed by browsing before printing while maintaining security, and it is possible to prevent an erroneous document from being printed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the mosaic process is performed has been described. However, it is needless to say that the present invention also includes a configuration in which image processing other than the mosaic process is performed.

  For example, a message image such as a mask image (for example, a black solid), a predetermined logo, “cannot be used”, “sample”, “sample”, etc. or the original image is overwritten with the message image. Image processing or the like that synthesizes an image or the like, or image processing that reduces the bit rate and roughens the image. In other words, all image processing for processing the image itself so that it cannot be illegally used is included.

  Further, not only image processing but also processing of the document file is performed such that character data in at least one place (for example, confidential information portion such as personal information) in the document file is encrypted and replaced with predetermined characters. Needless to say, the present invention includes a configuration for transmitting the document file to the portable terminal. The processing may include not only the encryption of character data but also the image processing described above and the image processing and the encryption processing of character data.

  In the above embodiment, the document file and the image data are divided into the document file storage unit 102 and the image data storage unit 104 and stored in the print management server 100. However, the image data is embedded in the document file in advance. The print management server 100 stores the processed location data (data indicating the processed location (not only the image portion but also the text portion) in the document file in coordinates) corresponding to the document file. Also, the print management server 100 may be configured to hold the same.

  The print management server 100 generates print data by processing a location corresponding to the processing location data of the document file based on a request from the portable terminal 140.

  The print management server 100 may be configured to charge according to the number of copies to be printed.

  As a result, in a system that sells various data, at the time of browsing before printing, data that has been subjected to a predetermined processing process is browsed, and the printer driver 141 distributed only to members at the time of printing is charged with a charge before the processing. By printing in the state, unauthorized use of data at the time of browsing can be prevented, and the member who performs printing can be charged with certainty.

  In addition, all the structures which combined any one or all of said each embodiment and modification are also contained in this invention.

  The configuration and contents of the print history data 101 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 are not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the print history data 101 is configured with various configurations and contents according to the use and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the print management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs readable by the print management system according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the recording medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  The configuration in which the print management server 100 transmits the mosaic print information to the mobile terminal 140 in response to receiving the condition information transmitted from the mobile terminal 140. The print management system shown in the present embodiment is also used for the print management of the various information browsing system by replacing the configuration in which mosaicized information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 140 in response to receiving the browsing request. Applicable.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a system configuration of a print management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a print management server illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the portable terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print history data illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the print management system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print information generated by the print management server illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the printing history data 101 in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure in the print management system of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the printing management system concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Print management server 101 Print history data 102 Document data storage part 103 Image data storage part 120 Printing apparatus 130 Business PC
140 mobile terminal 150 communication line

Claims (16)

In a print management system in which an information processing apparatus and a print management server are connected via a predetermined communication medium,
The print management server
First storage means for storing a plurality of document files;
Processing means for performing predetermined processing on at least a part of an image included in any one of the document files read from the first storage means based on a request from the information processing apparatus;
Transmission processing means for transmitting the document file processed by the processing means to the information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Request means for requesting the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file;
Second storage means for storing a document file received from the print management server;
Display means for displaying a document file stored in the second storage means;
Generating means for restoring the image contained in the document file stored in the second storage means to the image before the processing and generating print information of the document file;
A print management system comprising: The processing means performs a predetermined processing on at least a part of an image included in the document file, and embeds a restoration key for restoring the processed image in the processed image,
The generating means detects a processed image in the document file, extracts a restoration key embedded in the detected processed image, and performs the processing based on the extracted restoration key The print management system according to claim 1, wherein the print information of the document file is generated by restoring an image. The processing means encrypts a restoration key for restoring the processed image and embeds it in the processed image,
3. The print management system according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit extracts an encrypted restoration key embedded in the detected processed image, and decrypts the extracted restoration key. .   The print management system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing includes predetermined image processing.   The print management system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined image processing includes predetermined mosaic processing.   The print management system according to claim 1, wherein the print management server includes a history information storage unit that stores history information transmitted from the document file to the information processing apparatus.   7. The print management according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a transmission unit that is communicably connected to the printing apparatus and transmits print information of the document file generated by the generation unit to the printing apparatus. system.   The information processing apparatus includes notification means for notifying the print management server of a print result based on print information transmitted from the transmission apparatus transmitted from the printing apparatus, and the print management server includes the information processing apparatus. The print management system according to claim 7, further comprising a control unit that stores the printing result notified from the history information storage unit.   The print management system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit includes a printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus.   The print management system according to claim 1, wherein the document file includes a PDF format document file. In a print management server connected to an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium,
First storage means for storing a plurality of document files;
Processing means for performing predetermined processing on at least a part of an image included in any one of the document files read from the first storage means based on a request from the information processing apparatus;
Transmission processing means for transmitting the document file processed by the processing means to the information processing apparatus;
A print management server comprising: In an information processing apparatus connected to a print management server via a predetermined communication medium,
Request means for requesting the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file;
Storage means for storing a document file subjected to predetermined processing received from the print management server;
Display means for displaying a document file stored in the storage means;
Generating means for restoring the image included in the document file stored in the storage means to the image before the processing and generating print information of the document file;
An information processing apparatus comprising: In a print management method in a print management system in which an information processing apparatus and a print management server are connected via a predetermined communication medium,
A requesting step by the information processing apparatus that requests the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file;
The print management for performing predetermined processing on at least a part of an image included in any one of the document files read from a first storage unit that stores a plurality of document files based on a request from the information processing apparatus Processing process by server,
A transmission processing step by the print management server for transmitting the processed document file to the information processing apparatus;
A storage step by the information processing apparatus for storing the document file received from the print management server in a second storage unit;
A display step by the information processing apparatus for displaying a document file stored in the second storage means;
A generation step by the information processing apparatus for restoring the image contained in the document file stored in the second storage means to the image before the processing and generating print information of the document file;
A print management method comprising: A print management server program connected to an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium,
The print management server;
First storage means for storing a plurality of document files;
Processing means for performing predetermined processing on at least a part of an image included in any one of the document files read from the first storage means based on a request from the information processing apparatus;
A program for causing the document file processed by the processing means to operate as transmission processing means for transmitting processing to the information processing apparatus. A program for an information processing apparatus connected to a print management server via a predetermined communication medium,
The information processing apparatus;
Request means for requesting the print management server to transmit a predetermined document file;
Storage means for storing a document file subjected to predetermined processing received from the print management server;
Display means for displaying a document file stored in the storage means;
A program for operating as a generation unit that restores an image included in a document file stored in the storage unit to an image before the processing and generates print information of the document file.   A recording medium storing the program according to claim 14 in a computer-readable manner.

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