Document processing apparatus, document processing method, and program for preventing the printing of multiple unauthorized copies

In a document processing system, a client PC transmits a request to generate a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented to a document generating server. The document generating server receives this request, and determines whether this request is one for generating the document for which multiple printing is to be prevented. Depending on the result of this determination, the document generating server appends a display for unauthorized printing to the document, and appends a button for printing operation in order to carry out printing of the document.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technology that embeds a function that prevents multiple printing in a document file.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a printing system is known in which a client machine (below, referred to simply as a “client”), a device that includes a printing function, and a server are connected by a network. Specifically, a system exists in which a document file such as a business form is generated by a server according to a request from a client, the generated document file is distributed to and saved by the client, and then sent from the client to a device such as a copier and printed.

A representative example is a certification issuing system for insurance agencies. In this system, certification files are issued by a server at a company headquarters according to requests from agencies, and distributed to the agents. At each of the agents, the issued certification files are received and saved. Then the certification is printed by a printer at the agency, and handed to customers who visit the agencies.

Frequently, the OS (operating system) that provides the environment for handling documents, as well as applications and print formats and the like, differ at each agency. Thus, in a system such as the one described above, frequently standard formats are used that can obtain the same display and printing results independently of differences in the environment. PDF (Portable Document Format) is an example of a standard format. PDF can be used in any environment provided that a display application, which is free of charge, has been installed on an information processing apparatus, and thus, PDF is a widely distributed document format. In recent years, the diffusion of PDF as a format for archiving electronic documents has also been progressing.

In such a system, because a PDF file that has been generated by a server is stored at a client, the stored PDF file can be printed any number of times. Thus, in a system that issues certificates and the like, there is a situation in that multiple printing of such stored documents cannot be prevented.

In order to resolve this situation, conventionally, a printing execution count and a printing allowed count are managed in association with the document, and control in which printing can only be carried out one time is carried out (refer, for example, to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-186642). Specifically, when a certain document is printed, a printing execution count is calculated and updated, and whether the printing execution count exceeds the printing allowed count is checked. In addition, in the case in which the printing executed count exceeds the printing allowed count, control is carried out so that printing is not permitted.

However, in the conventional technology described above, because the system becomes complicated, the system tends to become complicated to maintain and manage. As a result, there is a situation in that the operating cost of the system greatly increases. Specifically, in a conventional method of resolving this situation, because the printing execution count and the printing allowed count are managed in association with a document, an arrangement such as a database is used. Thus, maintenance and management of a database is to be carried out.

In addition, processing such as updating the printing execution count and the restricting of printing cannot be realized by a PDF display application that is distributed free of charge. Thus, some sort of independent application is to be separately installed at the client. Therefore, there are situations in that the distribution, updating, version management and the like of the independent application is time consuming and the operating costs increase. In addition, in an environment in which an independent application cannot be distributed, there is a situation in that the multiple printing of certifications and the like cannot be prevented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an authorized printing unit that, in a case in which a button for authorized printing has been pressed, an image for unauthorized printing of a document is set to hide, the document is printed without including the image for unauthorized printing, the button for authorized printing of the document is deleted, the image for unauthorized printing of the document is set to display, and the document is stored; and a normal printing unit that prints the document that includes the image for unauthorized printing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1Ais a block diagram that shows an example of the configuration of hardware according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the document processing system shown in this example, a PC (personal computer)12, which is a client, a document generating server13, and a printing processing apparatus14are connected by a network11, and can communicate with each other. Note that a PC serving as a client machine is referred to as a “client PC”.

An information processing apparatus that is used by the client PC12and the document generating server13has a configuration that is shown, for example, inFIG. 13. Specifically, a CPU (central processing unit), which is a control center, and a memory device that includes a ROM (read only memory)201and RAM (random access memory)202are provided. In addition, accessing of a storage medium204is carried out by using an external memory drive203. The program used in the present embodiment is stored on nonvolatile memory, such as an HD (hard disc)205. In addition, this program is loaded to the RAM202, and interpreted and executed by the CPU200. A keyboard206is provided as an operation input device, and a display is provided as a display device207. In addition, communication processing through the network with external apparatuses is carried out via an interface209. Note that these structural elements are communicably connected via a bus208.

The printing processing apparatus14may use any arbitrary device that has a printing function such as a copier. Examples include a single function peripheral (SET) that includes only a printing function, or a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that includes, other than a printing function, scanning, copying, and facsimile functions and the like.

FIG. 1Bconceptually shows a drawing of a configuration diagram of a client PC12.

A document processing unit21is present in the client PC12, and, for example, the document processing unit21issues a request to generate a document, for which multiple printing is to be prevented, to the document generating server13. In addition, the document processing unit21receives and then processes the document file from the document generating sever13. This document processing unit21is realized by using an application that carries out the processing of documents.

FIG. 1Cconceptually shows an example of a configuration of a document generating server13.

A document generating unit31is present in the document generating server13, generates a document file that corresponds to the request from the client PC12, and returns this to the client12. This document generating unit31is realized by using an application that carries out the generation of documents.

FIG. 2is a flowchart that illustrates the flow of processing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the programs used in the present embodiment are each stored on a client PC12and the HD (hard drive)205of the document generating server13, loaded to the RAM202of each apparatus, and executed by a CPU200.

FIG. 2shows a flow from the issuing of a generation request for a document by the client PC12to the document generating server13, to the point that the document file generated by the document generating server13is stored in the client PC12. Note that the client PC12carries out the processing showed in steps401,409, and410, and the document generating server13carries out the processes that are shown in step402through408.

In step401, the client PC12transmits to the document generating server13a generation request for a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented. This request is a request for generating a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented. This step is carried out in the case in which the issuance of a certificate or the like for which multiple printing is to be prevented has been requested. One example of a specific request method is the method that includes the document name in an HTTP request URI. For example, a document name, such as: http://www.hoge.co.jp/req?form=Shoumeisyo can be transmitted to the document generation server13.

In step402, the document generating server13receives a generation request from the client server PC12for a document file for which multiple printing is to be prevented.

In step403, the document generation server13generates document data. This step is executed irrespective of whether the document is one for which multiple printing is to be prevented.

In step404, the document generating server13determines whether the request received in step402includes the generation of a document file for which multiple printing is to be prevented. A specific example is one in which the document generating server13first analyses the HTTP request URI and determines the requested document name. Next, the document generating server13refers to the content of the set file for which document attributes managed on the server side have been set. In addition, the document generating server13confirms whether multiple printing is to be prevented for the requested document. In this set file, information about whether multiple printing is to be prevented for the document name and document in a compatible form is disclosed.

In step404, in the case in which the document generating server13has determined that the received request includes the normal generation of a document, the processing proceeds to step408. In addition, in the case in which it has been determined that the received request includes the generation of a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented, the document generating serve13carries out the processing that is shown in steps405through407.

In step405, the document generating server13adds a stamp (image) for unauthorized printing prevention to the document that has been generated in step403. The unauthorized printing prevention stamp will be described below usingFIG. 3.

In step406, the document generating server13adds a stamp for authorized printing to the document that has been generated in step403. The button for authorized printing will be explained below usingFIG. 3.

In step407, the document generating server13sets a script for carrying out the processing that is described below inFIG. 4in the document that has been generated in step403. Here, the details of the script that is set will be explained usingFIG. 5.

In step408, the document generating server13returns the generated document to the client PC12.

In step409, the client PC12receives the document that has been returned from the document generating server13in step408. Then, the processing proceeds to step410, and the client PC12saves the document that has been received in step409in the client PC12. Note that the processing from402to408in this flowchart can also be executed by the client PC12.

FIG. 3conceptually shows an example of the display of the document file, and shows an example of the result of the document processing unit21displaying the document that has been saved in the client PC12by the processing inFIG. 2.

A specific example of the document processing unit21is an application that carries out PDF display. The document processing unit21can carry out processing for the display, editing, and printing and the like of the generated document. In addition, the document processing unit21provides operating functions such as a menu bar501and a tool bar502to allow the user to carry out various types of operation. The user selects the menu in the menu bar501or an icon in the tool bar502, and is able thereby to carry out display and editing and the like. For example, the displayed document can be printed by the user selecting the print icon503in the tool bar502. In addition, the document processing unit21includes a function that handles a preview area504for displaying the content of a document. The content of the document505is displayed in this preview area504.

In the document505, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is appended. In the present example, the stamp507is a predetermined character string, and in step405inFIG. 2, the stamp507is added to the document by the document generating server13. This stamp507is printed as-is in the case in which the printing icon503has been selected and the printing of the document is executed. Thus, unauthorized document printing can be prevented by printing a character string showing that, similar to the present example, this is an unauthorized printing. In addition, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is displayed during a preview. The reason for this is that when the content of a document is previewed on the screen of the client PC12by the document generating unit21, unauthorized printing is prevented by using the captured image of the screen.

Furthermore, in the document505, a button506for authorized printing is appended as an object. This button object is one that the document generating server13appends to the document file in step406inFIG. 2, and provides a printing operation function for carrying out the printing of the document. This button506for authorized printing is a button that allows an authorized printing of the document only once. Although the printing of a document is also possible by using the printing icon503of the document processing unit21, a button506for authorized printing is provided to prevent multiple printing. The reason for providing a separate button is that the printing button is to be inactivated after printing in order to prevent unauthorized document printing. The operation during the selecting of the printing icon503can be customized to enable carrying out control that makes two or more prints impossible. However, in this method, the addition of functions to the document processing unit21is used, and this conventional situation may not be resolved. This means that independent applications are to be installed. Thus, unauthorized document printing is prevented by providing the printing button in the document file itself and deactivating the function of the button after printing. According to this method, the inactivation of the button that executes the printing can be realized without modifying the document processing unit21.

FIG. 4is a flowchart that illustrates an example of an operation in which the user has pressed (indicating normal printing) the button506for authorized printing and the printing icon503for the document505that is displayed by the document processing unit21. The program involved in the flowchart inFIG. 4is stored in a memory such as the hard disk in the client PC12and executed by the CPU. The operation that is shown inFIG. 4is realized by the document processing unit21interpreting the script that has been set in the document in step407inFIG. 2.FIG. 5shows a specific example of the script, and the descriptive content of this will be explained in detail below.

First, in step601, the client PC12determines whether the button506for authorized printing has been pressed. Specifically, it determines whether a printing operation function that is provided when the user presses the button506has been called. When it is determined as a result that the button506for authorized printing has been pressed in step601, the processing moves to step602. Note that in the case in which the client PC12has determined that the button506for authorized printing has not been pressed in step601, the processing proceeds to the determination processing in step607. In step607, it is determined whether the print icon503has been pressed. In the case in which it has been determined that the print icon503has been pressed, the processing proceeds to step608, and in the case it has been determined that the print icon503has not been pressed, the processing proceeds to step601. In step608, printing processing is carried out. In the present embodiment, printing data is generated in order to print a document that includes the stamp for unauthorized printing prevention inFIG. 6B, the generated printing data is transmitted to the printing processing apparatus14, and the document inFIG. 6Bis printed by the printing processing apparatus14.

In step602, the client PC12sets the stamp507for the unauthorized printing prevention in the document505to hide. In the document505, in addition to contents such as character strings and the like that carry out the display of “Certificate” and “Jan. 1, 2008”, information for the buttons for a dialog with the user and stamps that indicate the state of approval for the document and the like can be maintained separately. Because these buttons and stamps can be treated as individual objects in a document, even after document generation, the document processing unit21can control these separately from the contents. Specifically, the document processing unit21can freely carry out display, hiding, and deletion and the like by indicating each object name. In step602, the client PC12, in which the document processing unit21is in operation, indicates the object name of the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention and sets the stamp507to hide.

In step603, the client PC12prints the document505. The stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is set to hide, and thus, the stamp507is not printed. In the present embodiment, printing data is generated for printing a document that does not include the stamp for unauthorized printing prevention inFIG. 6A, the generated printing data is transmitted to the print processing apparatus14, and the document inFIG. 6Ais printed by the print processing apparatus14.

In step604, the client PC12sets the button506for authorized printing to delete or hide. Thereby, after authorized printing, the user cannot press the button506for authorized printing again. The specific methods for deletion or hiding are identical to the case of the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention.

In step605, the client PC12is set so as to display the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention again. After authorized printing, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is displayed again, and thus, unauthorized document printing can be prevented. The specific method for displaying the stamp is the same as the previously described method.

In step606, the client PC12stores the document file. Changes to the display state of the button and stamp are not incorporated unless the document file has been stored. This means that the changed state is finalized by saving the document file.

FIG. 14Ais a conceptual diagram that shows the configuration of a document file in which a script has been embedded. The script is generated by step407inFIG. 2, and the order for executing the processing that is shown inFIG. 4is included.

It is possible to consider the illustrated document to have a structure that is divided into three layers, one for each type of content. The three layers are the character rendering layer1701, the stamp layer1702, and the user interface layer1703. The character rendering layer1701is the layer in which the text content in the document is disposed. An example of this is a certificate, and in this case, character information such as a customer's name and an issue date and the like are all disposed in this layer. The stamp layer1702is a layer in which an electric acknowledgement stamp in the document and information added to a document such as notes are disposed. The stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is also disposed in this layer. The user interface layer1703is a layer for disposing buttons and input boxes and the like, which are methods for interacting with the user, in the document. The button506for authorized printing is also disposed in this layer. The acknowledgement stamps, notes, and buttons that are disposed in each of these layers are all treated as objects. Each object can be displayed, hidden, and deleted separately in the respective layers by using the scripts.

FIG. 5shows an example of the script for executing the processing inFIG. 4. This script includes a command that indicates execution of the processing according to unauthorized printer prevention when the printing operation function that is appended to the document file is called. The script is set in the document file of document505in step407inFIG. 2. Specifically, this is realized by using Java (registered trademark) Script. The content of the description parts of the script that is shown by reference numerals701to705will be explained.

In the description part that is shown by reference numeral701, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is hidden. In the description part that is shown by reference numeral702, printing is executed. In the description part that is shown by reference numeral703, the button506for authorized printing is hidden. In the description part that is shown by the reference numeral704, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is set to display. In the description part that is shown by reference numeral705, the document file is stored.

FIG. 6Ais a conceptual drawing that shows an example of printed matter that has been printed by the processing in step603inFIG. 4. In the case in which the user has pressed the button506for authorized printing, the printed matter is as shown inFIG. 6A. That is, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is not printed, and the user can confirm that this is an authorized printing.

In contrast,FIG. 6Bis a conceptual drawing that shows an example of printed matter that has been printed when the user has pressed the printing icon503described above. As shown by reference numeral901, because the document is directly printed with the stamp for unauthorized printing prevention being displayed, the user can confirm that this is unauthorized printed matter.

FIG. 7is a drawing that illustrates a display state by the document processing unit21after a user has pressed the button506for authorized display inFIG. 4and authorized printing has been completed. Before the authorized printing, the button506for authorized printing is displayed at the location shown by reference numeral1001, but after the authorized printing has been completed, the button506for authorized printing is not displayed at the location shown by reference numeral1001. Therefore, the user cannot press the button506for authorized printing again. In addition, the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention continues to be displayed, as shown by reference numeral1002. In this manner, only the printing icon503, which is provided by the document processing unit21, remains as an operational device for printing. Furthermore, because the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention is printed during printing by the operation of the printing icon503, unauthorized document printing can be effectively prevented.

In the first embodiment described above, an example was explained in which multiple document printing is prevented by controlling the button506for authorized printing using a script. However, in the case in which the editing of a script that has been set in a document file, such as a PDF file, is possible, unauthorized document printing thereby becomes possible because the operation of the button506for authorized printing can be changed. Thus, in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which a setting for preventing the editing of the document is implemented, and this situation is resolved.

FIG. 8andFIG. 9are flowcharts that show the flow of processing in the second embodiment. The program involved in the flowchart inFIG. 9is stored in a memory such as the hard disc of the client PC12and is executed by the CPU.

Most of the processing inFIG. 8andFIG. 9is identical to the processing that is shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 4. Thus, in order to avoid redundant explanation, only portions that differ from the first embodiment that is shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 4will be explained. Parts that are identical to those inFIG. 2andFIG. 4are indicated by identical reference numerals, and explanations thereof are omitted.

InFIG. 8, in the present embodiment, step1101is added after step407in this embodiment. This step forms a portion of the processing for the case in which it has been determined that a request from the client PC12requests the generation of a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented.

In step1101, the document generating server13implements security settings for disabling editing of the document. The document file to which this security setting has been applied is finally saved in the client PC12in step410. Due to the security setting of the document file, the user cannot edit the document by using the document processing unit21of the client PC12. Note that after the setting in step1101, the processing proceeds to step408.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, inFIG. 9, steps1201to1204are added after step605. These form a portion of the processing for the case in which it has been determined that the button506for authorized printing has been pressed.

In step1201, the client PC12determines whether editing of the document is not permitted or whether editing of the document is not possible. As a result, in the case in which it has been determined that editing of the document is possible, the processing moves to step606and the client PC12saves the document file. In addition, in the case in which it has been determined that editing of the document is not permitted or not possible, the processing proceeds to step1202. Here, the client computer PC12disables the security restriction, which is set in the document file, that makes editing impossible. Specifically, by temporarily releasing and disabling the restriction and prohibition on editing that has been applied the document file, the document file can be saved.

In step1203, the client PC12saves the document file and the process proceeds to step1204. Here, the client PC12again enables the security restriction that makes editing impossible so that the document file cannot be edited.

In the manner described above, according to the second embodiment, by temporarily disabling the editing restriction, a document file can be saved even for a document that cannot be edited, and unauthorized document printing can be prevented.

When the printed matter is copied, after the document has been printed, the preventing effect of the unauthorized printing is weakens. Thus, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a document having a copy restricting function (for example, a copy restricting pattern or the like) for preventing the copying of printed matter is generated by the document generating server13.

Here, a “copy restricting pattern” is a technology in which a hidden character string, such as “copy forbidden”, sign, or a design or the like, is embedded in the background of the original and printed to stop unauthorized copying. Here, for example, when printed matter is copied on a copying machine, “copy forbidden” and the like is embossed and visible. In this technology, for example, a hidden character string that remains after the printed matter has been copied is rendered in large dots, and a pattern that disappears after copying is rendered in small dots. The principle used is that when printed matter is copied, the patterns rendered in small dots disappear, and only a hidden character string that contains an expression to the effect that this is an unauthorized copy remains.

FIG. 14Bis a conceptual drawing that shows a structure of a document file that is generated in the present embodiment. The portion outside of the image rendering layer1801, that is, the character rendering layer1701, the stamp layer1702, and the user interface layer1703, are identical to those inFIG. 14A. Thus, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The image rendering layer1801is the layer in which the image data for a copy prohibition mark and image and the like are disposed. The copy prohibition image data1802, which is formed by the large dots and the small dots that that realize the embossing function, is disposed in this layer.

The copy restricting embossing depends on the type of printing device, and determines whether the realization of this function is possible. For example, an embossing that has been generated for a device A may not function in device B. Thus, in device B, the characters for “copy prohibited” and the like do not appear while copying, and the copying cannot be limited. Therefore, the copy restricting embossing is to be generated in a format unique to the outputting device. However, in contrast, when the document is generated, it is not known which device will be used for printing a document file, such as a PDF file, which is stored in the client PC12after being transmitted from the document generating server13to the client PC12. Thus, an embossing having a format that is unique to an output destination device cannot be generated. In consideration of this situation, in the present embodiment, a document file having appended thereto an embossing with a format for a device that is fixed in advance by the document generating server13is generated, and at the client PC12, control is carried out such that only this designated device can print. In addition, because the copy limiting function is applied to a document, during printing, a method that appends a copy limiting function is implemented in a device or a printer device.

FIG. 10andFIG. 11are flowcharts that illustrate the flow of processing in the third embodiment. A program that is involved in the flowchart inFIG. 11is stored in a memory such as a hard disc of the client PC12, and is executed by a CPU.

Most of the processing inFIG. 10andFIG. 11is identical to the processing that is shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 4. Thus, in order to avoid redundant explanation, only portions that differ from the first embodiment that is shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 4will be explained. Parts that are identical to those inFIG. 2andFIG. 4are indicated by identical reference numerals, and explanations thereof are omitted.

InFIG. 10, steps1301and1302have been added. Steps1301and1302are processes for the case in which it has been determined that a request from the client PC12is requesting the generation of a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented. Note that in step1301, processing content is added.

In step1301, which is a continuation of step406, the document generating server13sets a script for carrying out control such that a document can only be printed by a device (below, referred to as a “printing permitted device”) that is permitted to print. At the client PC12, printing cannot be carried out by a device other than a printing permitted device, which is permitted to print by this script. Information that specifies which device type is a printing permitted device is uniquely held in a settings file and the like in the system.

In step1302, the document generating server13appends a copy limiting function such as embossing to the document. At this time, the embossing is generated in a format that is compatible with the printing permitted device. Then, the processing proceeds to step408.

In the third embodiment, after step601inFIG. 11, a further step1401is added. Specifically, this step follows the processing for the case in which it has been determined that the button506for authorized printing has been pushed.

In step1401, the client PC12determines whether the device that is the output destination for printing is a device that is permitted to output (below, referred to as a “output permitted device”). The processing that obtains the type of the output destination device is also executed by a script that has been embedded in the document file.

In step1401, in the case in which it has been determined that the device designated as the output destination is not an output permitted device, printing is cancelled and the sequence of processes ends.

In addition, in step1401, in the case in which it has been determined that the device designated as the output destination is an output permitted device, the processing proceeds to step602, and processing (steps602through606), which is identical to the case of the first embodiment, is carried out. Thereby, when a document is printed by the client PC12, a copy limiting image such as an embossing is printed on the document. Therefore, a display of characters, signs, and patterns and the like that are printed show that the document was an unauthorized copy when copied, and unauthorized printing can thereby be prevented. In addition, because the document can only be printed by a printing permitted device assigned in advance, the embossing does not function, and abuse due to being able to make unauthorized copies can be prevented.

There are cases in which the saving of a document file is impossible due to the type or version of the document processing unit21of the client PC12. In this case, because the document file cannot be saved after an authorized printing of the document, the user can operate the button506for authorized printing any number of times. Thus, printing a document many times cannot be prevented. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a function is added that checks in advance whether a document file can be saved. In addition, an example is shown in which the situation described above is resolved by directly printing a document file showing the stamp507for unauthorized printing prevention in the case in which the saving of a document file is impossible.

FIG. 12is a flowchart that illustrates an example of the flow of the processing in the fourth embodiment. Note that most of the processing inFIG. 12is identical to the processing that is shown inFIG. 4. Thus, in order to avoid redundant explanations, only the portions that differ from the first embodiment shown inFIG. 4are explained. Parts corresponding to those inFIG. 4are indicated by identical reference numerals, and the explanations thereof are omitted.

First, in step601, the client PC12determines the operational state of the button506for authorized printing, and as a result, in the case in which the client PC12has determined that the button506for authorized printing has been pressed, the processing proceeds to step1501. Here, the client PC12determines whether the document file can be saved. As a result, in the case in which it has been determined that the document file can be saved, the processing in steps602to606, which is identical to that of the first embodiment, is carried out.

In contrast, in the case in which it has been determined in step1501that the document file cannot be saved, the processing proceeds to step1502. Here, the client PC12carries out printing processing for the document. Because a document is directly printed showing a stamp507for unauthorized printing, the printed document cannot be used as official printed matter. In this manner, in an environment in which the display of the button506for authorized printing cannot be controlled, measures can be taken so that authorized document printing is not carried out. Thereby, it is possible to prevent official printed matter from being printed any number of times.

According to the embodiment explained above, multiple document printing can be prevented by a mechanism that is simpler than the conventional mechanism. Specifically, in order to prevent multiple printing, because introducing databases or dedicated applications and the like to the client is not necessary, the protection and management of applications is simplified, and the operating costs can be reduced. In addition, in the case in which a document that has been generated in a server is printed by the client, in an environment in which an application for PDF display, which is distributed free of charge, is introduced, multiple printing prevention can be prevented anywhere.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-029108 filed Feb. 10, 2009 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.