Abstract:
A printing apparatus capable of preventing degradation of printer performance etc. caused by print jobs which are secured by a job security function and which are forgotten to output and accumulated in a storage device. The printing apparatus allows to cancel or output the accumulated print jobs when a prescribed password different from passwords for the job security function is entered via an operation unit thereof or from an external device connected thereto.

Description:
This application is based on Application No. 11-342087 filed in Japan, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method and a printing program product and, more specifically, a printing apparatus, a printing method and a printing program product with job security function. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Network printers that can be connected to a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter simply referred to as “printers”) often have a so-called job security function. The job security function realizes the following operation. When a print job data is transmitted from a personal computer to a printer with a password, the printer does not immediately prints the job data but prints the data out only after the password is entered from, for example, an operating unit. 
   Because of this job security function, the print data is output only after the password is entered. Therefore, the trouble that information of high confidentiality, for example, is printed-out immediately and possibly exposed to others, can be prevented even when the printer is shared by a plurality of users. 
   The job security function in accordance with the prior art, however, has the following problem. In the conventional job security function, the target print job is output only after the entrance of the password. Therefore, if a job is forgotten and left unprinted, the print job data is left in a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the memory such as the RAM in the printer, and such forgotten print job data would be accumulated successively. 
   When the accumulated print job data should occupy the memory, the printer performance degrades and, in a worst case, some functions would become unavailable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method and a printing program product that can prevent degradation of printer performance and the problem that some functions are unavailable, caused by the accumulated print job data. 
   The above described object of the present invention is attained by a printer apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, which includes: a receiving unit receiving a print job data and a password corresponding to the print job data; a storage device storing the print job data and the password received by the receiving unit in correspondence with each other; a password taking unit taking a password; and a controller permitting print-output of the print job data stored in the storage device in correspondence with the password, when the password taken by the password taking unit matches the password stored in the storage device in correspondence with the print job data. When the password taken by the password taking unit is a prescribed password different from the password stored in the storage device in correspondence with the print job data, the controller permits a prescribed operation on the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   According to the present invention, when a prescribed password different from the password stored in correspondence with the print job data in the storage device is taken by the password taking unit, a prescribed operation is performed on the stored print job data. 
   Therefore, unnecessary accumulation of the print job data in the storage device can be avoided by the prescribed operation. Accordingly, a printing apparatus can be provided which can prevent degradation of the printer performance and the problem that some functions become unavailable because of the accumulated print job data. 
   Preferably, the prescribed operation includes cancellation of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   Preferably, the prescribed operation includes print-output of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the unnecessary print job data stored in the storage device is forced to be cancelled or output print job is executed). Therefore, occupation of the storage device by the print job data can be prevented. 
   Preferably, the controller permits the prescribed operation for each print job data stored in the storage device. 
   Therefore, the prescribed operation is performed for job by job, and hence, prescribed operation, that is, cancellation, output or the like, can be performed only on the data that is truly unnecessary. 
   Preferably, the password taking unit takes a password by receiving the password transmitted from an external device. 
   Accordingly, the password is transmitted from an external device. Therefore, it is possible for the user to operate without the necessity to go over to the printer apparatus, and it is more convenient for the user. 
   Preferably, the printing apparatus further includes an information taking unit taking information related to the prescribed operation, and the controller determines the contents of the prescribed operation, in accordance with the information taken by the information taking unit. 
   Accordingly, it becomes possible for the printing apparatus to take information related to the prescribed operation including data cancellation or output, and the contents of the prescribed operation are determined appropriately based on the information. 
   More preferably, the password taking unit takes a password by receiving the password transmitted from an external device, and the information taking unit takes information by receiving the information related to the prescribed operation transmitted from the external device. 
   According to the present invention, the password and the information related to the prescribed operation are transmitted from an external device. Therefore, it is possible for the user to operate without the necessity to go over to the printing apparatus, and hence it is more convenient for the user. 
   According to another aspect, the present invention provides a printing method including the steps of: receiving a print job data and a password corresponding to the print job data; storing the print job data and the password received in the step of receiving, in a storage device in correspondence with each other; taking a password; permitting, when the password taken in the step of taking matches the password stored in the storage device in correspondence with the print job data, print-output of the print job data stored in the storage device in correspondence with the password; and permitting, when the password taken in the step of taking is a prescribed password different from the password stored in the storage device in correspondence with the print job data, a prescribed operation on the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   According to the present invention, when a prescribed password different from the password stored in correspondence with the stored print job data is taken, a prescribed operation is performed on the stored print job data. 
   Therefore, unnecessary accumulation of the print job data can be avoided by the prescribed operation. Therefore, a printing method is provided that can prevent degradation in printer performance and the problem that some functions become unavailable caused by the stored print job data. 
   Preferably, the prescribed operation includes cancellation of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   Preferably, the prescribed operation includes print-output of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the unnecessary print job data stored in the storage device is forced to be cancelled or output (print job is executed). Therefore, occupation of the storage device by the print job data can be avoided. 
   Preferably, in the step of permitting, the prescribed operation is permitted for each of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   Accordingly, the prescribed operation is performed job by job. Therefore, it is possible to perform the prescribed operation of cancellation, output or the like only on the data that is truly unnecessary. 
   Preferably, a password is taken by receiving the password transmitted from an external device, in the step of taking. 
   Therefore, the password is transmitted from an external device. Thus, it is possible for the user to operate without the necessity to go over to the printing apparatus, and hence it is convenient for the user. 
   More preferably, the printing method includes the step of taking information related to the prescribed operation and determining contents of the prescribed operation in accordance with the taken information. 
   Therefore, it becomes possible to take information related to the prescribed operation including cancellation or output of the data, and the contents of the prescribed operation are appropriately determined based on the information. 
   More preferably, in the step of taking, a password is taken by receiving the password transmitted from an external device, and in the step of determining, information is taken by receiving the information related to the prescribed operation transmitted from an external device. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the password and the information related to the prescribed operation are transmitted from the external device. Therefore, it is possible for the user to operate without the necessity to go over to the printing apparatus, and hence it is more convenient for the user. 
   According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product executable by a computer for printing an image, including: a receiving portion receiving a print job data and a password corresponding to the print job data; a storing portion storing the print job data and the password received by the receiving portion, in a storage device, in correspondence with each other; a password taking portion taking a password; a first controlling portion permitting, when the password taken by the password taking portion matches the password stored in the storage device in correspondence with the print job data, print-output of the print job data stored in correspondence with the password, in the storage device; and a second controlling portion permitting, when the password taken by the password taking portion is a prescribed password different from the password stored in the storage device in correspondence with the print job data, a prescribed operation on the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   According to the present invention, when a prescribed password different from the password stored in correspondence with the stored print job data is taken, a prescribed operation is performed on the stored print job data. 
   Therefore, unnecessary accumulation of the print job data can be avoided by the prescribed operation. Thus, a computer program product executable by a computer for printing an image is provided that can prevent degradation of printer performance and the problem that some functions become unavailable caused by the accumulated print job data. 
   Preferably, the prescribed operation includes cancellation of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   Preferably, the prescribed operation includes print-output of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   According to the present invention, the unnecessary print job data stored in the storage device is forced to be cancelled or output (print job is executed). Therefore, occupation of the storage device by the print job data can be avoided. 
   Preferably, the second controlling portion permits the prescribed operation for each of the print job data stored in the storage device. 
   Accordingly, the prescribed operation is performed job by job. Therefore, the prescribed operation such as cancellation or output can be performed only on the data that is truly unnecessary. 
   Preferably, the password taking portion takes a password by receiving the password transmitted from an external device. 
   Accordingly, the password is transmitted from an external device. Therefore, it is possible for the user to operate without the necessity to go over to the printing apparatus, and therefore it is convenient for the user. 
   Preferably, a computer program product executable by a computer for printing an image further includes an information taking portion taking information related to the prescribed operation, and the second controlling portion determines the contents of the prescribed operation in accordance with the information taken by the information taking portion. 
   Accordingly, it becomes possible to take information related to the prescribed operation such as data cancellation or output, and the prescribed operation is performed appropriately based on the information. 
   Preferably, the password taking portion takes a password by receiving the password transmitted from an external device, and the information taking portion takes information by receiving the information related to the prescribed operation transmitted from the external device. 
   According to the present invention, the password and the information of the prescribed operation are transmitted from the external device. Therefore, it is possible for the user to operate without the necessity to go over to the printing apparatus, and hence it is more convenient for the user. 
   The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram representing an overall configuration of a printing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram related to control performed by the controller unit of the printer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart representing the process flow of the printer in a super user mode. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart representing an input process flow on the side of a personal computer, to enter the super user mode. 
       FIGS. 5A to 5C  represent contents of the display related to a printer driver, appearing on a screen of a personal computer. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart representing a process flow on the side of the printer to enter the super user mode. 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of an output of a job security status sheet. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart representing a process flow of a printer capable of job output or job cancellation on an arbitrary job. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. 
   (1) First Embodiment 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “printer”)  100  mainly includes a controller unit for data processing, and an engine unit  30  for performing image formation and the like. In order to facilitate description of the job security function, a personal computer (PC)  200  connected to the printer is also depicted. 
   Controller unit  10  includes: an operating unit  11  by which a user operates the printer  100 ; a host interface (host I/F)  17  that is an interface with personal computer  200 ; an image data forming unit  13  converting data transmitted from personal computer  200  to bit map data (print data); and an engine interface (engine I/F)  15  that is an interface with the engine unit  30 . 
   The engine unit  30  includes: an image forming unit  31  forming an image on a sheet of paper based on the print data transmitted through engine interface  15 ; a paper feed unit  33  supplying sheet of paper for printing; a paper discharging unit  34  discharging printed sheet of paper; a driving system  35  including a conveyor roller and the like. 
   As to the method of image formation by the image forming unit  31 , a common electrophotography using laser or LED (Light Emitting Diode), ink jet method or the like may be adopted. 
   From personal computer  200 , print job data and a password in correspondence therewith for executing the print job, which are transmitted to printer  100 . 
     FIG. 2  is a block diagram representing control by the controller unit  10  in printer  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , controls performed when the common print job in accordance with the job security function is executed will be described. 
   CPU (Central Processing Unit)  20  temporarily stores the print job data and the password for executing the job transmitted from personal computer  200  for job security in a HDD  21 , in accordance with a control program stored in an ROM  24 , and waits for an entrance of a password by the user through the operating unit  11 . 
   When a password matching the password transmitted from personal computer  200  is entered, the stored print job corresponding to the password is executed and the data is printout. More specifically, the print job data stored in HDD  21  is read, the print job data is converted to bit map data at the image data forming unit  13 , and the bit map data is transmitted to image forming unit  31  of engine unit  30  through engine I/F  15 . Printing is done (image is formed) on a sheet of paper based on the bit map data, and the printed sheet is discharged. 
   When the matching password is not entered, the print job data is kept stored in the HDD  21 . When the print job data for which password is not entered increases because of such failure of output, the print job data are accumulated successively in the HDD  21 , occupying HDD  21 . 
   Control in the super user mode, in which the print job data secured by the job security is operated forcefully, will be described. 
   CPU  20  enters the super user mode, when a prescribed password allowing entrance to the super user mode (different from the password designated by PC  200  to execute the print job) is entered. 
   In the super user mode, it is possible to cancel or output the print job data that is kept stored in the HDD  21 . More specifically, when cancellation or output of the print job is selected at the operating unit  11 , CPU  20  reads the print job data from HDD  21  in accordance with the selected contents of operation, and cancels or outputs the read data. 
   Therefore, it becomes possible to clear the print job data, which has been stored, away from the HDD  21 . 
   The process flow in the printer  100  in accordance with the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a flow chart representing the process flow of the printer  100  in the super user mode. CPU  20  performs the following process in accordance with a program stored in ROM (Read Only Memory)  24 . The contents of respective process steps correspond to displays appearing on LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen or the like, of the operating unit  11 . 
   When the super user mode is to be entered (“Yes” in step S 301 ), entrance of a password is requested (step S 302 ), and a prescribed password is entered through ten keys and the like (step S 303 ). If the password fails, a message to that effect appears (step S 307 ), and a dialogue requesting the password again appears (step S 302 ). 
   When a correct password is entered (“OK” in step S 303 ), a dialogue requesting selection as to whether the print job is to be canceled appears (step S 304 ). If job cancellation is selected (“Yes” in step S 304 ), the print job data that has been stored in HDD  21  is cancelled (step S 308 ). 
   When job cancellation is not selected (“NO” in step S 304 ), a dialogue asking whether the print job is to be output or not appears (step S 305 ). 
   When job output is selected (“Yes” in step S 305 ), printing is performed in accordance with the print job data that has been stored in HDD  21  (step S 309 ). 
   When the job output is not selected (“No” in step S 305 ), a dialogue asking whether the super user mode is to be terminated appears (step S 306 ). When termination is selected (“Yes” in step S 306 ), the program exits the super user mode, and the process terminates. 
   If termination is not selected (“No” in step S 306 ), the flow returns to the process of step S 304 , and the series of operations are repeated. 
   In this manner, when the prescribed password is entered through the operating unit  11 , the program enters the super user mode, in which it is possible to collectively cancel or output the print job data stored in the HDD  21 . Thus, troubles caused by memory occupation by the accumulated unnecessary print jobs can be avoided. 
   (2) Second Embodiment 
   The print system in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The print system in accordance with the second embodiment includes the printer  100  and personal computer  200  shown in  FIG. 1 . The print system in accordance with the second embodiment, however, is different from the first embodiment in that the password entrance and the like to enter the super user mode are performed not through the operating unit  11  of the printer  100  but from the personal computer  200 . 
   The process flow in the print system in accordance with the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 6 .  FIG. 4  is a flow chart representing the flow of input process on the side of the personal computer  200  performed to enter the super user mode. Personal computer  200  executes the following input process, in accordance with a program (printer driver) stored in a recording medium such as an ROM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) or the like, not shown.  FIGS. 5A to 5C  represent contents of display related to the printer driver, appearing on the screen of personal computer  200 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 5A to 5C , in personal computer  200 , first, the printer driver is activated in step S 401 . Here, a window such as shown in  FIG. 5A  appears on the screen. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5A , here, in addition to the indication “printer”, “page range” and the like for setting the normal print job, there appears the indication of “super user mode” for the job security function. A password input box for entering password and buttons to select either the job cancellation or job output are included. 
   In step S 403 , a password is entered. More specifically, referring to  FIG. 5B , a prescribed password is entered in the password input box. In step S 405 , an operation for the print job is selected. More specifically, referring to  FIG. 5C , either the job cancellation or job output is selected by the selection buttons. Here, job cancellation is selected, as an example. 
   In step S 407 , the input password and the selected job operation are confirmed. More specifically, the input contents are confirmed by selecting the button “OK” or “Cancel” on the lower right corner of  FIG. 5C . 
   When “Cancel” is selected, the input password and the contents of the selected forced operation, that is, “job cancellation” or “job output” are invalidated, and the process terminates. By contrast, when “OK” is selected, the flow proceeds to step S 409 , in which the input password and the information of cancellation or output of the print job are transmitted to printer  100 . The input operation from the side of personal computer  200  thus terminates. 
     FIG. 6  is a flow chart representing the process flow on the side of printer  100  to enter the super user mode. CPU  20  executes the following process in accordance with the program stored in ROM  24 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , first, in step S 601 , whether the password transmitted from personal computer  200  is valid or not is determined. 
   When it is determined that the password is invalid, the process proceeds to step S 609 , and information that the password in invalid is transmitted to personal computer  200 . Therefore, the information of cancellation or output of the print job input from personal computer  200  is also invalidated, and the operation of job cancellation or the like is not performed. 
   Returning to step S 403  of  FIG. 4 , the password input process starts again. Unless canceled, the processes following the step S 403  of  FIG. 4  are repeated until a correct password is entered. 
   When it is determined that the password is valid in step S 601 , the process enters the super user mode. In step S 603 , the transmitted operation information is read, and whether the information of forced operation for the job is job cancellation or job output is determined. 
   If it is determined to be job cancellation, in step S 605 , the print job data is canceled. If it is determined to be job output, the print output in accordance with the print job data is made in step S 607 . 
   In accordance with the process described above, it is possible to enter the super user mode by an input operation of a password and the like through personal computer  200 . Therefore, it is possible to collectively cancel or output the unnecessary print jobs kept in HDD  21 , without the necessity to go over to the printer  100 . Thus, occupation of the memory by the print jobs can be avoided, and it becomes possible to prevent degradation of printer performance and the problem that some functions become unavailable. 
   (3) Third Embodiment 
   Finally, a printer in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The printer in accordance with the third embodiment is, in the schematic configuration, similar to printer  100  in accordance with the first embodiment. The difference is that a print job that can be operated in a forced manner can be selected in the super user mode. 
   In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of print job data stored in HDD  21 , the print job data are canceled or output collectively in the super user mode. By contrast, in the present embodiment, it is possible for the user to arbitrarily select and cancel or output any of the plurality of print job data. 
   Assume that there are a plurality of print job data stored in HDD  21 , and that some of the print jobs are to be canceled and some of others are to be output. In such a case, first, in order to obtain information as to what print jobs are stored in what number, it is possible for the user to obtain an output a job security status sheet, as one of a printer status sheets. 
     FIG. 7  shows an example of the output job security status sheet. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the job security status sheet includes descriptions of job numbers, user names, date of reception, file capacity and so on. 
   The job number is a number allocated to a job in the order of reception, and the user name refers to, for example, a host machine (here, personal computer) from which the job is transmitted, and it is described when the user name is appended to each print job. The file capacity represents the capacity occupied by the print job of HDD  21  or the like. 
   The user refers to the job security status sheet, so as to identify the job number to be canceled and the job number to be output. At the time of setting the job number, which will be described later, the user may enter the desired job number obtained from this sheet. 
     FIG. 8  is a flow chart representing a process flow of the printer that is capable of job output or job cancellation of an arbitrary job, in accordance with the third embodiment. The CPU  20  executes the following processing in accordance with the program stored in ROM  24 . The contents of respective process steps correspond to the displays appearing on the LCD screen or the like of operating unit  11 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , the process step to enter the super user mode (steps S 301  to S 304  and S 307 ) are the same as the steps S 301  to S 304  and S 307  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   More specifically, when a correct password is entered through operating unit  11  (“OK” in step S 303 ), the process enters the super user mode, and a dialogue asking whether the print job is to be canceled or not appears (step S 304 ). The process following this step differs from that of  FIG. 3 . 
   More specifically, when job cancellation is selected (“Yes” in step S 304 ), input of the print job number that should be canceled is requested (step S 808 ), and the user inputs the number of the print job that is to be canceled, with reference to the job security status sheet shown in  FIG. 7  (step S 809 ). When the input of job number ends, a dialogue appears, asking whether cancellation process is to be terminated or not (step S 810 ). 
   When the cancellation process is not to be terminated (“No” in step S 810 ), the user again enters the number of the print job that is to be canceled (step S 809 ). In this manner, when there are a plurality of job numbers to be canceled, the user continuously enters the print job numbers to be canceled. 
   When there remains no other print job to be canceled, termination of the cancellation process is selected (“Yes” in step S 810 ), and thereafter, a dialogue asking whether the print job is to be output or not appears (step S 305 ). 
   When the print job output is selected (“Yes” in step S 305 ), input of the print job number to be output is requested (step S 812 ), and the user enters the print job number to be output, with reference to the job security status sheet shown in  FIG. 7  (step S 813 ). When entrance of the job number ends, a dialogue again appears asking whether the output process should be terminated or not (step S 814 ). 
   When the output process is to be continued (“No” in step S 814 ), the print job number to be output is again entered (step S 813 ). In this manner, when there are a plurality of job numbers to be output, the user continuously enters the print job numbers to be output. 
   When there remains no other print job to be output, termination of the output process is selected (“Yes” in step S 814 ). Then, a dialogue appears asking whether the super user mode is to be terminated or not (step S 306 ). If termination is selected (“Yes” in step S 306 ), the process exits from the super user mode, and the process terminates. 
   If termination is not selected (“No” in step S 306 ), the process returns to step S 304 , and the above described series of process operations are repeated. 
   In this manner, when a prescribed password is entered, the process enters the super user mode, in which it is possible to perform an arbitrary selected desired operation on the print job data stored in HDD  21 . More specifically, it is possible to pick up and cancel or output desired jobs among a plurality of print jobs. Therefore, when there are a plurality of print jobs that are to be canceled and to be output existing mixedly, or when there are a plurality of print jobs that are to be canceled or output and that are not to be canceled or output but to be stored existing mixedly, appropriate processing is possible. 
   Though a process flow to enter the super user mode through the operating unit  11  of printer  100  has been described here, it is possible to enter the super user mode from personal computer  200 . In that case, entrance of the password, selection of job cancellation or job output, and the entrance of the object print job number are performed through the printer driver, and the information is transmitted to printer  100 . Upon reception of the information, printer  100  cancels or outputs the corresponding print job, in accordance with the received contents, if the password is correct. 
   As described above, in the printing apparatus in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to output or cancel in a forced manner, a print job that is left by failure or just forgotten and accumulated in the HDD  21 . Therefore, degradation of printer performance or the problem that some functions become unavailable because of memory occupation can be avoided. 
   Further, the super user mode can be entered only when a special password is entered, different from the normal password. Therefore, the user who can perform the forced operation on the print job is limited. That is, the forced operation is not freely possible for an unspecified number of users. Therefore, high security is ensured. 
   Further, the operation of entering the super user mode and applying the information related to the forced operation can be done not only through the operating unit  11  of printer  100  but also from a driver on personal computer  200 , and hence, good user interface is provided. 
   Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.