Printing control program

Abstract

To solve the problem that a defect may occur if a printer does not support print job data in which a digest output value is incorporated.SOLUTION: A printing control program allows a computer to execute a data part for acquiring printing data, a password part for receiving a password, an encryption part for generating an encryption from the password received by the password part, and a job part for generating a printing job including the printing data and the encryption, and transmitting the printing job to a printer, wherein the job part generates the printing job including a dummy password, which cannot be input by a past model and is treated as the password in the past model, in a password command used in the past model.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a print control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printers with a password printing function are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system that includes a host computer and a printer. The host computer accepts a password entered by a user. The host computer converts the password into a digest output value based on a hash function algorithm. The host computer sends print job data incorporating the digest output value to the printer. The printer receives the print job data from the host computer. The printer accepts a password entered by a user into the printer. The printer converts the accepted password into a data string using a hash function. If the converted data string is identical to the digest output value incorporated into the print job data, the printer prints based on the print job data. The conversion into a digest output value in the host computer is performed by the printer driver. The conversion into a data string in the printer is performed by firmware. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-243064 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the printer that receives the print job data that contains the digest output value does not support the digest output value, problems may occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The print control program disclosed herein is a print control program that causes a computer to execute a data section that acquires print data, a password section that accepts a password, an encryption section that generates an encryption from the password accepted by the password section, and a job section that generates a print job that includes the print data and the encryption and sends the print job to a printing device, wherein the job section generates the print job by including a dummy password in a password command used in an older model that cannot be entered in the older model and is treated as the password in the older model. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a property setting screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a password setting screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a print job. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a print job. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] First embodiment FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printing system 100. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a first printing system 100a, which is an example of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes a printing control device 10 and a printer 50. The first printing system 100a shown in FIG. 1 includes a first printing control device 10a, a first printer 50a, and a second printer 50b. The first printing system 100a shown in FIG. 1 is configured with one printing control device 10 and two printers 50, but is not limited to this. The first printing system 100a is configured with one or more printing control devices 10 and one or more printers 50.

[0008] The printing system 100, including the first printing system 100a, supports password printing. Password printing is also referred to as confidential printing or authenticated printing. The print control device 10 sends a print job PJ with a password PW to the printer 50. The printer 50 receives the print job PJ. The user performs a predetermined input operation on the printer 50 to specify the print job PJ. When the user inputs the password PW into the printer 50, the printer 50 compares the password PW included in the print job PJ with the input password PW. If the password PW included in the print job PJ matches the input password PW, the printer 50 prints based on the print job PJ and generates a printed material. Password printing is possible using the functions of the printer driver PD installed in the print control device 10 and the functions of the firmware FW running on the printer 50.

[0009] The print control device 10 generates a print job PJ. The print control device 10 generates a print job PJ corresponding to password printing. The print control device 10 transmits the print job PJ to the printer 50 via a communication network NW. The print control device 10 may be a notebook computer, or may be configured as a desktop computer or a tablet computer.

[0010] 1 generates a first print job PJ1 based on the operation of a first printer driver PD1, which will be described later. The configuration of the first print job PJ1 will be described later.

[0011] The printer 50 performs printing based on the print job PJ. The printer 50 supports password printing. As an example, the printer 50 is an inkjet printer that prints images by ejecting ink. The printer 50 may also be a laser printer or other type of printer. The printer 50 corresponds to an example of a printing device.

[0012] 1 performs printing based on the operation of first firmware FW1, which will be described later. The first printer 50a can perform password printing based on the first print job PJ1.

[0013] The second printer 50b prints based on the operation of the second firmware FW2, which will be described later. The second firmware FW2 is an older version of firmware FW than the first firmware FW1. The second printer 50b cannot perform password printing based on the first print job PJ1. The second printer 50b may have the same type of printing device structure as the first printer 50a, or it may have a different printing device structure. The second printer 50b corresponds to an example of an older model.

[0014] The communication network NW communicatively connects the print control device 10 and the printer 50. The communication network NW may be a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed within an office or floor, or a WAN (Wide Area Network). In FIG. 1, the print control device 10 and the printer 50 are communicatively connected via the communication network NW, but this is not limiting. The print control device 10 and the printer 50 may also be connected via a cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0015] Fig. 2 shows the block configuration of the printing system 100. Fig. 2 shows the block configuration of the first printing control device 10a and first printer 50a included in the first printing system 100a. The first printing control device 10a can send a first print job PJ1 to the first printer 50a.

[0016] The first print control device 10a includes a communication interface 11, an input interface 13, a display control unit 15, a storage unit 17, and a control unit 21. I / F in Fig. 2 is an abbreviation for interface.

[0017] The communication interface 11 is an interface circuit that connects to the printer 50 or the like for communication. The communication interface 11 connects to the printer 50 or the like via a wired or wireless connection according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 11 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication antenna, etc. The wired connector is a USB connector, a LAN connector, etc. The wireless communication antenna is an antenna that sends and receives radio waves for Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, etc. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are registered trademarks. The communication interface 11 sends print jobs PJ, etc. to the printer 50 via the communication network NW. The communication interface 11 receives various data from the printer 50 via the communication network NW.

[0018] The input interface 13 accepts various input data entered by the user. The input interface 13 is connected to an input device (not shown). The input device is a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The input data includes print setting data such as a password PW, various instruction data, etc. The input interface 13 receives input data such as a password PW entered by the user using the input device and transmits it to the control unit 21.

[0019] The display control unit 15 outputs display data to a display (not shown). The display control unit 15 displays various images on the display based on the display data. The display control unit 15 displays various UI (User Interface) screens on the display as the various images. The UI screens include a property setting screen 200 and a password setting screen 230. The property setting screen 200 and the password setting screen 230 will be described later.

[0020] The display displays various images. The display is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like. The display may be configured integrally with the print control device 10, or may be configured separately. The display may have a touch input function. If the display has a touch input function, the display functions as an input device.

[0021] The storage unit 17 stores various types of data. The storage unit 17 is configured with volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), non-volatile memory such as flash memory, etc. The storage unit 17 may also have a magnetic storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 17 stores the application AP, the first printer driver PD1, and the hash function HF.

[0022] The application AP is software that runs on the control unit 21. By running on the control unit 21, the application AP causes the control unit 21 to execute the application execution section 23. The storage unit 17 stores one or more application APs.

[0023] The printer driver PD is software that controls the printer 50. The first printer driver PD1 is an example of a printer driver PD. The first printer driver PD1 causes the control unit 21 to execute a first driver execution unit 25a. The first driver execution unit 25a is an example of a driver execution unit 25. The first printer driver PD1 corresponds to an example of a print control program.

[0024] A hash function HF is an algorithm that converts data of an arbitrary length into data of a fixed length. A hash function HF outputs the same value for the same input. A hash function HF is used when converting a password PW. Examples of hash functions HF include MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-3. The storage unit 17 stores one or more hash functions HF.

[0025] The control unit 21 is a controller that controls the first print control device 10a. As an example, the control unit 21 is a processor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 21 is composed of one or more processors. The control unit 21 functions as various functional units by running various programs, etc. The control unit 21 functions as an application execution unit 23 by running an application AP. The control unit 21 functions as a first driver execution unit 25a by running a first printer driver PD1. The control unit 21 may function as a functional unit other than the application execution unit 23 and the first driver execution unit 25a. The control unit 21 corresponds to an example of a computer.

[0026] The application execution unit 23 functions by causing the control unit 21 to execute the application AP. The application execution unit 23 generates content such as documents and images. The application execution unit 23 generates print data for printing the content. The application execution unit 23 transmits the print data to the driver execution unit 25.

[0027] The first driver execution unit 25a functions by causing the control unit 21 to execute the first printer driver PD1. The first driver execution unit 25a generates a first print job PJ1 and sends it to the printer 50. The first driver execution unit 25a causes the printer 50 to execute printing. The first driver execution unit 25a can cause the printer 50 to execute password printing. The first driver execution unit 25a includes a first display control unit 27a, a first password input unit 29a, a first password processing unit 31a, a first data acquisition unit 33a, and a first print job generation unit 35a.

[0028] The display control unit 27 controls the display of various screens related to print settings. The first display control unit 27a is an example of the display control unit 27. The first display control unit 27a causes the display to display screens related to the printer 50 via the display control unit 15. The first display control unit 27a causes the display to display a property setting screen 200 and a password setting screen 230.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows an example of a property setting screen 200. The property setting screen 200 is displayed when the user makes various settings related to the printer 50. The property setting screen 200 is displayed on the display when the user performs a predetermined input operation on the first print control device 10a. FIG. 3 shows an application setting screen 201 included in the property setting screen 200. When the user performs a selection operation on the application setting screen tab 201a, the application setting screen 201 is displayed on the display. A password printing selection button 211 for setting password printing is displayed on the application setting screen 201.

[0030] The password printing selection button 211 accepts an input operation by the user. When the user performs an input operation on the password printing selection button 211, password printing is selected. The driver execution unit 25 generates a print job PJ corresponding to password printing. When password printing is selected, the password printing setting icon 213 becomes capable of accepting an input operation by the user.

[0031] The password print setting icon 213 accepts an input operation by the user. When the user performs an input operation on the password print setting icon 213, a password setting screen 230 is displayed on the display.

[0032] 4 shows an example of the password setting screen 230. The password setting screen 230 is displayed when the user enters a password PW for password printing. The password setting screen 230 includes a password input field 231, a user setting field 233, and a job setting field 235.

[0033] The password input field 231 accepts input of a password PW by the user. The user inputs a desired character string into the password input field 231 using an input device. The input character string is transmitted as the password PW to the driver execution unit 25 via the input interface 13. The password input field 231 shown in FIG. 4 displays the character string that is the password PW, but it may not be displayed.

[0034] The user setting field 233 is used to set the user who will perform password printing. The user sets the user who will perform password printing by entering a user name in the user setting field 233. The user setting field 233 allows selection of automatic or manual setting. When automatic is selected, the user who is logged on to the first print control device 10a is set as the user who will perform password printing. When manual setting is selected, the user who will perform password printing is set by the user's input operation.

[0035] The job setting field 235 is used to set the print job PJ that will execute password printing. The user sets the print job PJ by inputting a job name in the job setting field 235. The job setting field 235 allows the user to select automatic or manual setting. When automatic is selected, the print job PJ is set based on pre-set specifications. When manual setting is selected, the print job PJ is set by the user's input operation.

[0036] 2 accepts a password PW transmitted to the driver execution unit 25 via the input interface 13. The first password input unit 29a is an example of the password input unit 29. The first password input unit 29a accepts a character string input in a password input field 231 on the password setting screen 230 as the password PW. The password input unit 29 including the first password input unit 29a corresponds to an example of a password unit. The first password input unit 29a transmits the password PW to the password processing unit 31.

[0037] The password processing unit 31 performs encryption processing and the like on the password PW. The first password processing unit 31a is an example of the password processing unit 31. The first password processing unit 31a acquires the password PW transmitted from the first password input unit 29a. The first password processing unit 31a performs encryption processing on the password PW. The first password processing unit 31a performs data processing using a hash function HF as an example of encryption processing. The first password processing unit 31a reads out the hash function HF stored in the storage unit 17. The first password processing unit 31a inputs the password PW as an input value to the hash function HF. The first password processing unit 31a converts the password PW with the hash function HF to generate a digest output value DV. The first password processing unit 31a generates the digest output value DV from the password PW by performing data processing. The digest output value DV corresponds to an example of encryption. The password processing unit 31 including the first password processing unit 31a corresponds to an example of an encryption unit.

[0038] It is preferable that the first password processing unit 31a converts the password PW using a hash function HF to generate a digest output value DV. The confidentiality of the password PW used for password printing is improved.

[0039] The first password processing unit 31a generates a dummy password DP. Upon acquiring the password PW, the first password processing unit 31a generates a dummy password DP having a character string different from that of the acquired password PW.

[0040] The dummy password DP is composed of a string of characters that cannot be entered on the second printer 50b running the second firmware FW2. As an example, the dummy password DP includes alphabetic characters that cannot be entered on the control panel 53 of the second printer 50b, which only allows numbers to be entered. By making the dummy password DP a string of characters that cannot be entered on the second printer 50b, it is possible to prevent the second printer 50b from printing passwords based on the dummy password DP.

[0041] The first password processing unit 31a transmits the digest output value DV and the dummy password DP to the first print job generating unit 35a. The first password processing unit 31a may transmit the password PW transmitted from the first password input unit 29a to the first print job generating unit 35a.

[0042] The data acquisition unit 33 acquires print data. The first data acquisition unit 33a is an example of the data acquisition unit 33. The first data acquisition unit 33a receives print data sent from the application execution unit 23. The first data acquisition unit 33a acquires print data of a PDL (Page Description Language) data group or a raster data group. The first data acquisition unit 33a sends the print data to the first print job generation unit 35a. The data acquisition unit 33 including the first data acquisition unit 33a corresponds to an example of a data unit.

[0043] The print job generation unit 35 generates a print job PJ. The first print job generation unit 35a is an example of the print job generation unit 35. The first print job generation unit 35a acquires the digest output value DV and dummy password DP transmitted from the first password processing unit 31a. The first print job generation unit 35a acquires the print data transmitted from the first data acquisition unit 33a. The first print job generation unit 35a generates a first print job PJ1 using the digest output value DV, the dummy password DP, and the print data. The first print job generation unit 35a generates a first print job PJ1 including the digest output value DV, the dummy password DP, and the print data.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows the general structure of a print job PJ. Fig. 5 shows the structure of a first print job PJ1, which is an example of a print job PJ. The first print job PJ1 is generated by the first print job generation unit 35a. The first print job PJ1 includes a print control command area 300 and a data group area 310.

[0045] Job control commands for controlling the print job PJ are written in the print control command area 300. Multiple job control commands are written in the print control command area 300. Job control commands including a password information command 301, a hash type information command 303, and a hash value information command 305 are written in the print control command area 300 of the first print job PJ1.

[0046] The password information command 301 is used by the second printer 50b running the second firmware FW2. The password information command 301 includes a plaintext password string PS corresponding to the password PW. The password information command 301 in FIG. 5 includes a dummy password DP generated by the password processing unit 31 as the password string PS. The dummy password DP is treated as the password PW by the second printer 50b. The first print job generation unit 35a generates a first print job PJ1 that includes the dummy password DP in the password information command 301 used by the second printer 50b. The password information command 301 corresponds to an example of a password command.

[0047] The hash type information command 303 specifies the type of hash function HF. The hash type information command 303 includes hash function type information HK. The hash function type information HK indicates the type of hash function HF used when the first password processing unit 31a generates the digest output value DV. The hash function type information HK is expressed, for example, by a numerical value. The hash function HF and the hash function type information HK are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 17. The first print job generation unit 35a reads the hash function type information HK stored in the storage unit 17 and adds it to the hash type information command 303.

[0048] The hash value information command 305 is used by the first printer 50a running the first firmware FW1. The hash value information command 305 includes the digest output value DV generated by the first password processing unit 31a. The first print job generation unit 35a generates a first print job PJ1 that includes the digest output value DV in the hash value information command 305 used by the first printer 50a. The hash value information command 305 corresponds to an example of an encryption command.

[0049] The data group area 310 contains print data. The format of the print data does not matter. In this embodiment, the data group area 310 contains rendering commands that have been converted from print data into a page description command format compatible with the printer 50. The first printer 50a and second printer 50b perform printing based on the rendering commands written in the data group area 310.

[0050] The first print job generation unit 35a of the first print control device 10a generates the first print job PJ1 shown in Figure 5. The first print control device 10a sends the first print job PJ1 to the first printer 50a via the communication network NW. The print job generation unit 35, which includes the first print job generation unit 35a, corresponds to an example of a job unit.

[0051] The first printer 50a shown in FIG. 2 includes a printer communication interface 51, a control panel 53, a printer storage unit 55, a printer control unit 57, and a printing mechanism 71.

[0052] The printer communication interface 51 is an interface circuit that connects to the print control device 10 and the like for communication. The printer communication interface 51 connects to the print control device 10 and the like via a wired or wireless connection in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The printer communication interface 51 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication port, and the like. The wired connector is a USB connector, a LAN connector, and the like. The wireless communication port is a Wi-Fi communication port, a Bluetooth communication port, and the like. The printer communication interface 51 receives print jobs PJ and the like from the print control device 10 via the communication network NW. The printer communication interface 51 sends status information and the like to the print control device 10 via the communication network NW.

[0053] The control panel 53 accepts input operations by the user. The control panel 53 has a display function and an input function. As an example, the control panel 53 is composed of a display panel with a touch input function. The display panel with a touch input function accepts input operations by the user. The control panel 53 may be composed of a display panel and input buttons. The display panel displays various setting screens. The user can input a password PW using the control panel 53.

[0054] The printer storage unit 55 stores various types of data. The printer storage unit 55 is composed of volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, and other non-volatile memory. The printer storage unit 55 stores the first firmware FW1 and hash function HF.

[0055] Firmware FW is software that controls each part of the printer 50. First firmware FW1 is an example of firmware FW. First firmware FW1 causes the printer control unit 57 to execute a first firmware execution unit 59a. First firmware execution unit 59a is an example of a firmware execution unit 59.

[0056] The hash function HF is used when converting the password PW entered into the control panel 53. The hash function HF stored in the printer storage unit 55 is the same as the hash function HF stored in the storage unit 17 of the first print control device 10a. The hash function HF stored in the printer storage unit 55 is stored when the first firmware FW1 is installed in the first printer 50a or when the first firmware FW1 is updated.

[0057] The printer storage unit 55 stores the hash function HF in association with hash function type information HK. The hash function type information HK is stored together with the hash function HF when the hash function HF is stored in the printer storage unit 55. When storing multiple hash functions HF, the printer storage unit 55 stores the hash function type information HK corresponding to each hash function HF in association with the hash function HF.

[0058] The printer control unit 57 is a printer controller that controls the printer 50. One example of the printer control unit 57 is a processor that has a CPU. The printer control unit 57 is composed of one or more processors. The printer control unit 57 functions as various functional units by running various firmware FW. The printer control unit 57 functions as a first firmware execution unit 59a by running first firmware FW1. The first firmware execution unit 59a is an example of a firmware execution unit 59. The printer control unit 57 may function as a functional unit other than the first firmware execution unit 59a.

[0059] The first firmware execution unit 59a functions when the printer control unit 57 executes the first firmware FW1. The first firmware execution unit 59a causes the print mechanism 71 to execute printing based on the print job PJ. The first firmware execution unit 59a causes password printing to be executed based on the first print job PJ1. The first firmware execution unit 59a includes a first password reference unit 61a and a first print processing unit 63a.

[0060] The first password reference unit 61a compares the data included in the first print job PJ1 with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. The first password reference unit 61a determines whether the data included in the first print job PJ1 matches the password PW entered into the control panel 53. The first password reference unit 61a is an example of the password reference unit 61.

[0061] When the printer control unit 57 receives the first print job PJ1 via the printer communication interface 51, the first password reference unit 61a acquires the first print job PJ1. The first password reference unit 61a acquires the password PW entered into the control panel 53.

[0062] The first password reference unit 61a obtains the password string PS included in the password information command 301 in the first print job PJ1. The first password reference unit 61a compares the password string PS with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. Because the password string PS is a dummy password DP that is different from the password PW, the password string PS and the password PW entered into the control panel 53 do not match. The first password reference unit 61a discards the password string PS.

[0063] The first password reference unit 61a obtains the hash function type information HK included in the first print job PJ1. The hash function type information HK is included in the hash type information command 303. The first password reference unit 61a reads the hash function HF associated with the hash function type information HK from the printer storage unit 55.

[0064] The first password reference unit 61a inputs the password PW entered on the control panel 53 to the hash function HF. The first password reference unit 61a calculates a digest output value DV based on the password PW entered on the control panel 53. The first password reference unit 61a obtains the digest output value DV included in the hash value information command 305 in the first print job PJ1. The first password reference unit 61a determines whether the digest output value DV included in the first print job PJ1 matches the digest output value DV calculated by the first password reference unit 61a.

[0065] If the first password reference unit 61a determines that the digest output value DV included in the first print job PJ1 matches the digest output value DV calculated by the first password reference unit 61a, it sends a print instruction to the first print processing unit 63a.

[0066] If the first password reference unit 61a determines that the digest output value DV included in the first print job PJ1 does not match the digest output value DV calculated by the first password reference unit 61a, the first password reference unit 61a does not send a print instruction to the first print processing unit 63a and does not print the first print job PJ1.

[0067] The first password reference unit 61a causes the digest output value DV to function as the password PW. By using the digest output value DV as the password PW, the confidentiality of password printing is improved.

[0068] The first password reference unit 61a compares the password string PS included in the password information command 301 with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. A print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the first printer driver PD1, for example, generates a print job PJ that includes the password information command 301 but does not include the hash value information command 305. The password information command 301 includes the password PW entered into the password setting screen 230. The first password reference unit 61a can execute password printing corresponding to a print job PJ generated by a print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the first printer driver PD1.

[0069] The print processing unit 63 controls the printing operation by the printing mechanism 71. The first print processing unit 63a is an example of the print processing unit 63. The first print processing unit 63a receives a print instruction from the first password reference unit 61a. The first print processing unit 63a acquires the first print job PJ1. Upon receiving the print instruction for the first print job PJ1 from the first password reference unit 61a, the first print processing unit 63a decrypts the data in the data group area 310 of the first print job PJ1 and causes the printing mechanism 71 to execute printing.

[0070] The printing mechanism 71 performs printing under the control of the print processing unit 63. The printing mechanism 71 performs password printing under the control of the first print processing unit 63a. The printing mechanism 71 performs printing by operating in accordance with drawing commands and the like included in the first print job PJ1. If the printing mechanism 71 is an inkjet type, it has an inkjet head, a medium transport mechanism, and the like. If the first print processing unit 63a does not receive a print instruction for the first print job PJ1 from the first password reference unit 61a, the printing mechanism 71 will not print based on the first print job PJ1.

[0071] Fig. 6 shows the block configuration of the printing system 100. Fig. 6 shows the block configuration of the first print control device 10a and second printer 50b included in the first printing system 100a. The configuration of the first print control device 10a shown in Fig. 6 is the same as the configuration of the first print control device 10a shown in Fig. 2. The first print control device 10a can send a first print job PJ1 to the second printer 50b.

[0072] The second printer 50b stores the second firmware FW2. The second printer 50b does not store the hash function HF. The printer control unit 57 of the second printer 50b operates the second firmware FW2, thereby functioning as a second firmware execution unit 59b. The second firmware execution unit 59b is an example of the firmware execution unit 59.

[0073] The second firmware execution unit 59b functions when the printer control unit 57 executes the second firmware FW2. The second firmware execution unit 59b causes the print mechanism 71 to print based on the print job PJ. The second firmware execution unit 59b performs various processes based on the first print job PJ1. The second firmware execution unit 59b includes a second password reference unit 61b and a second print processing unit 63b.

[0074] When the printer control unit 57 receives the first print job PJ1 via the printer communication interface 51, the second password reference unit 61b acquires the first print job PJ1. The second password reference unit 61b acquires the password PW entered into the control panel 53.

[0075] The second password reference unit 61b obtains the password string PS included in the password information command 301 in the first print job PJ1. The second password reference unit 61b compares the password string PS with the password PW entered on the control panel 53. The password string PS is a dummy password DP that is different from the password PW. The dummy password DP includes characters that cannot be entered on the control panel 53 of the second printer 50b. The user cannot enter a string that matches the dummy password DP on the control panel 53. The password string PS and the password PW entered on the control panel 53 do not match. The second password reference unit 61b discards the password string PS.

[0076] The second password reference unit 61b does not have the function of performing data processing using the hash function HF. The second password reference unit 61b cannot handle the hash type information command 303 and the hash value information command 305 included in the first print job PJ1. The second password reference unit 61b determines that the password PW included in the first print job PJ1 does not match the password PW entered into the control panel 53. The second password reference unit 61b does not send a print instruction for the first print job PJ1 to the second print processing unit 63b.

[0077] The second password reference unit 61b compares the password string PS included in the password information command 301 with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. A print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the first printer driver PD1, for example, generates a print job PJ that includes the password information command 301 but does not include the hash value information command 305. The password information command 301 includes the password PW entered into the password setting screen 230. The second password reference unit 61b can execute password printing corresponding to a print job PJ generated by a print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the first printer driver PD1.

[0078] The second print processing unit 63b is an example of the print processing unit 63. When the second print processing unit 63b receives a print instruction for the first print job PJ1 from the second password reference unit 61b, it causes the printing mechanism 71 to print based on the first print job PJ1. However, the second password reference unit 61b determines that the password PW included in the first print job PJ1 does not match the password PW entered into the control panel 53, and therefore does not send the print instruction. Therefore, the second print processing unit 63b does not cause the printing mechanism 71 to print based on the first print job PJ1. The first print job PJ1 will not be printed by the second printer 50b, which is running the second firmware FW2 that is not compatible with the first print job PJ1. Because the password information command 301 for the first print job PJ1 contains the dummy password DP, the second printer 50b is less likely to print the first print job PJ1. Furthermore, since the first print job PJ1 does not include the password PW to be entered on the password setting screen 230, the possibility that the password PW will be leaked to the outside is reduced.

[0079] The first printer driver PD1 causes the control unit 21 to execute a first data acquisition unit 33a that acquires print data, a first password input unit 29a that accepts a password PW, a first password processing unit 31a that generates a digest output value DV from the password PW accepted by the first password input unit 29a, and a first print job generation unit 35a that generates a first print job PJ1 that includes the print data and the digest output value DV and sends the first print job PJ1 to the first printer 50a. The first print job generation unit 35a generates the first print job PJ1 by including a dummy password DP that cannot be entered by the second printer 50b and is treated as the password PW by the second printer 50b in a password information command 301 used by the second printer 50b. This reduces problems that occur when the first print job PJ1 including the digest output value DV is sent to the second printer 50b that does not support the digest output value DV. If the password information command 301 were left blank without including a dummy password, or if a string that can be entered on the second printer 50b were entered, a problem would occur in which the second printer 50b would print without entering the password PW accepted by the first password input unit 29a. However, the first print job generation unit 35a can prevent this problem by generating a first print job PJ1 that includes a dummy password DP, which cannot be entered on the second printer 50b and is treated as the password PW on the second printer 50b, in the password information command 301 used by the second printer 50b.

[0080] The first print job generating unit 35a preferably generates the first print job PJ1 including the digest output value DV in a hash value information command 305 that is different from the password information command 301. This improves expandability to password printing, making it possible to further improve confidentiality.

[0081] Second embodiment FIG. 7 shows the schematic configuration of the printing system 100. FIG. 7 shows the schematic configuration of a second printing system 100b, which is an example of the printing system 100. The second printing system 100b includes a second print control device 10b, a third printer 50c, and a fourth printer 50d. The second printing system 100b supports password printing. The second printing system 100b shown in FIG. 7 is composed of one print control device 10 and two printers 50, but is not limited to this. The second printing system 100b is composed of one or more print control devices 10 and one or more printers 50.

[0082] The second print control device 10b generates a second print job PJ2 based on the operation of a second printer driver PD2 (described later). The configuration of the second print job PJ2 will be described later. The second print control device 10b is configured as a notebook computer or the like.

[0083] The third printer 50c performs printing based on the operation of the third firmware FW3, which will be described later. The third printer 50c can perform password printing based on the second print job PJ2.

[0084] The fourth printer 50d prints based on the operation of the fourth firmware FW4, which will be described later. The fourth firmware FW4 is an older version of firmware FW than the third firmware FW3. The fourth printer 50d cannot perform password printing based on the second print job PJ2. The fourth printer 50d may have the same type of printing device structure as the third printer 50c, or it may have a different printing device structure. The fourth printer 50d corresponds to an example of an older model.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows the block configuration of the printing system 100. FIG. 8 shows the block configuration of the second print control device 10b and third printer 50c included in the second printing system 100b. The second print control device 10b can send a second print job PJ2 to the third printer 50c. The block configuration of the second print control device 10b is the same as the block configuration of the first print control device 10a, except that a second printer driver PD2 operates instead of the first printer driver PD1.

[0086] The second printer driver PD2 is an example of a printer driver PD. The second printer driver PD2 causes the control unit 21 to execute the second driver execution unit 25b. The second driver execution unit 25b is an example of a driver execution unit 25. The second printer driver PD2 corresponds to an example of a print control program.

[0087] The control unit 21 functions as an application execution unit 23 by running the application AP. The application execution unit 23 shown in FIG. 8 operates in the same manner as the application execution unit 23 shown in FIG. 2. The control unit 21 functions as a second driver execution unit 25b by running the second printer driver PD2. The control unit 21 may function as a functional unit other than the application execution unit 23 and the second driver execution unit 25b.

[0088] The second driver execution unit 25b functions when the control unit 21 executes the second printer driver PD2. The second driver execution unit 25b generates a second print job PJ2 and sends it to the printer 50. The second driver execution unit 25b causes the printer 50 to execute printing. The second driver execution unit 25b can cause the printer 50 to execute password printing. The second driver execution unit 25b includes a second display control unit 27b, a second password input unit 29b, a second password processing unit 31b, a second data acquisition unit 33b, and a second print job generation unit 35b. The second display control unit 27b, the second password input unit 29b, the second password processing unit 31b, and the second data acquisition unit 33b of the second print control device 10b have the same functions as the first display control unit 27a, the first password input unit 29a, the first password processing unit 31a, and the first data acquisition unit 33a of the first print control device 10a, respectively.

[0089] The second password processing unit 31b transmits the digest output value DV and the dummy password DP to the second print job generation unit 35b. The second password processing unit 31b may transmit the acquired password PW to the second print job generation unit 35b. The second data acquisition unit 33b transmits the print data to the second print job generation unit 35b.

[0090] The second print job generation unit 35b generates a second print job PJ2. The second print job generation unit 35b is an example of the print job generation unit 35. The second print job generation unit 35b acquires the digest output value DV and the dummy password DP transmitted from the second password processing unit 31b. The second print job generation unit 35b acquires the print data transmitted from the second data acquisition unit 33b. The second print job generation unit 35b generates the second print job PJ2 using the digest output value DV, the dummy password DP, and the print data.

[0091] FIG. 9 shows the general configuration of a print job PJ. FIG. 9 shows the schematic configuration of a second print job PJ2, which is an example of a print job PJ. The second print job PJ2 is generated by the second print job generation unit 35b. The second print job PJ2 includes a print control command area 300 and a data group area 310. The data group area 310 of the second print job PJ2 has the same configuration as the data group area 310 of the first print job PJ1.

[0092] The print control command area 300 of the second print job PJ2 contains multiple job control commands, similar to the print control command area 300 of the first print job PJ1. The print control command area 300 of the second print job PJ2 contains a password information command 301.

[0093] The password information command 301 for the second print job PJ2 describes a password string PS. The password string PS is composed of a first string PS1, a delimiter SC, and a second string PS2. The password string PS is composed of, from the beginning, the first string PS1, the delimiter SC, the second string PS2, the delimiter SC, and the third string PS3. As an example, the first string PS1 is composed of a predetermined number of characters. A dummy password DP is described in the first string PS1. Hash function type information HK is described in the second string PS2. A digest output value DV is described in the third string PS3. The dummy password DP and the digest output value DV are generated by the second password processing unit 31b. The delimiter SC is a predetermined character string. As an example, the delimiter SC shown in FIG. 9 is expressed as "0xfd." The delimiter SC is placed between the dummy password DP and the digest output value DV. The delimiter SC separates the dummy password DP from the digest output value DV. The second print job generating unit 35b generates a second print job PJ2 that includes the dummy password DP and the digest output value DV in the password information command 301.

[0094] The second print job generation unit 35b sends the second print job PJ2 as a print job PJ to the printer 50 via the communication network NW. In Figure 8, the second print control device 10b sends the second print job PJ2 to the third printer 50c via the communication network NW.

[0095] The third printer 50c shown in Figure 8 has a printer communication interface 51, a control panel 53, a printer storage unit 55, a printer control unit 57, and a printing mechanism 71. The printer communication interface 51, control panel 53, printer storage unit 55, printer control unit 57, and printing mechanism 71 of the third printer 50c have the same configurations as the printer communication interface 51, control panel 53, printer storage unit 55, printer control unit 57, and printing mechanism 71 of the first printer 50a, respectively.

[0096] The printer storage unit 55 of the third printer 50c stores the third firmware FW3. The printer control unit 57 of the third printer 50c operates the third firmware FW3, thereby functioning as a third firmware execution unit 59c. The third firmware execution unit 59c is an example of the firmware execution unit 59.

[0097] The printer storage unit 55 of the third printer 50c stores the hash function HF. The hash function HF stored in the printer storage unit 55 of the third printer 50c is the same as the hash function HF stored in the storage unit 17 of the second print control device 10b.

[0098] The printer control unit 57 functions as a third firmware execution unit 59c by running the third firmware FW3. The third firmware execution unit 59c is an example of a firmware execution unit 59. The printer control unit 57 may also function as a functional unit other than the third firmware execution unit 59c.

[0099] The third firmware execution unit 59c functions when the printer control unit 57 executes the third firmware FW3. The third firmware execution unit 59c causes the print mechanism 71 to print based on the print job PJ. The third firmware execution unit 59c causes password printing to be executed based on the second print job PJ2. The third firmware execution unit 59c includes a third password reference unit 61c and a third print processing unit 63c.

[0100] The third password reference unit 61c determines whether the data included in the second print job PJ2 matches the password PW entered into the control panel 53. The third password reference unit 61c is an example of the password reference unit 61.

[0101] When the printer control unit 57 receives the second print job PJ2 via the printer communication interface 51, the third password reference unit 61c acquires the second print job PJ2. The third password reference unit 61c also acquires the password PW entered into the control panel 53.

[0102] The third password reference unit 61c obtains the password string PS included in the password information command 301 in the second print job PJ2. The third password reference unit 61c separates the password string PS into a first string PS1 and a second string PS2 using a delimiter SC. The third password reference unit 61c compares the first string PS1 with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. Because the first string PS1 is a dummy password DP that is different from the password PW, the first string PS1 and the password PW entered into the control panel 53 do not match. The third password reference unit 61c discards the first string PS1.

[0103] The third password reference unit 61c reads the hash function HF from the printer storage unit 55. The third password reference unit 61c inputs the password PW entered on the control panel 53 into the hash function HF. The third password reference unit 61c calculates a digest output value DV based on the password PW entered on the control panel 53. The third password reference unit 61c obtains a second character string PS2 in the second print job PJ2. The second character string PS2 is the digest output value DV calculated by the second print control device 10b. The third password reference unit 61c determines whether the second character string PS2 and the digest output value DV calculated by the third password reference unit 61c match.

[0104] If the third password reference unit 61c determines that the second character string PS2 matches the digest output value DV calculated by the third password reference unit 61c, it sends a print instruction to the third print processing unit 63c.

[0105] If the third password reference unit 61c determines that the second character string PS2 does not match the digest output value DV calculated by the third password reference unit 61c, the third password reference unit 61c does not send a print instruction to the third print processing unit 63c and does not print the second print job PJ2.

[0106] The third password reference unit 61c causes the second character string PS2, which is the digest output value DV, to function as the password PW. By using the digest output value DV as the password PW, the confidentiality of password printing is improved.

[0107] The third password reference unit 61c compares the first character string PS1 included in the password information command 301 with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. A print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the second printer driver PD2 generates, as an example, a print job PJ that includes the password information command 301. The password information command 301 includes the password PW entered into the password setting screen 230. The third password reference unit 61c can execute password printing corresponding to a print job PJ generated by a print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the second printer driver PD2.

[0108] Figure 10 shows the block configuration of the printing system 100. Figure 10 shows the block configuration of the second print control device 10b and fourth printer 50d included in the second printing system 100b. The block configuration of the second print control device 10b shown in Figure 10 is the same as the block configuration of the second print control device 10b shown in Figure 8. The second print control device 10b can send a second print job PJ2 to the fourth printer 50d.

[0109] The fourth printer 50d stores fourth firmware FW4. The fourth printer 50d does not store a hash function HF. The printer control unit 57 of the fourth printer 50d operates the fourth firmware FW4 to function as a fourth firmware execution unit 59d. The fourth firmware execution unit 59d is an example of the firmware execution unit 59.

[0110] The fourth firmware execution unit 59d functions when the printer control unit 57 executes the fourth firmware FW4. The fourth firmware execution unit 59d causes the printing mechanism 71 to print based on the print job PJ. The fourth firmware execution unit 59d performs various processes based on the second print job PJ2. The fourth firmware execution unit 59d includes a fourth password reference unit 61d and a fourth print processing unit 63d.

[0111] When the printer control unit 57 receives the second print job PJ2 via the printer communication interface 51, the fourth password reference unit 61d acquires the second print job PJ2. The fourth password reference unit 61d also acquires the password PW entered into the control panel 53.

[0112] The fourth password reference unit 61d obtains the password string PS included in the password information command 301 in the second print job PJ2. The fourth password reference unit 61d reads out a first string PS1 of a predetermined number of characters. The fourth password reference unit 61d cannot interpret delimiters SC and second strings PS2 that exceed the predetermined number of characters. The fourth password reference unit 61d discards the delimiters SC and second string PS2. The fourth password reference unit 61d compares the first string PS1 with the password PW entered on the control panel 53. The first string PS1 is a dummy password DP that is different from the password PW. The dummy password DP contains characters that cannot be entered on the control panel 53 of the fourth printer 50d. The user cannot enter a string that matches the dummy password DP from the control panel 53. The second string PS2 does not match the password PW entered on the control panel 53. The fourth password reference unit 61d discards the first string PS1.

[0113] The fourth password reference unit 61d does not have the function of performing data processing using the hash function HF. The fourth password reference unit 61d cannot handle the second character string PS2. The fourth password reference unit 61d determines that the password PW included in the second print job PJ2 does not match the password PW entered through the control panel 53. The fourth password reference unit 61d does not send a print instruction for the second print job PJ2 to the fourth print processing unit 63d.

[0114] The fourth password reference unit 61d compares the first character string PS1 included in the password information command 301 with the password PW entered into the control panel 53. As an example, a print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the second printer driver PD2 generates a print job PJ that includes the password information command 301 but does not include the hash value information command 305. The password information command 301 includes the password PW entered into the password setting screen 230 as the password character string PS. The fourth password reference unit 61d can execute password printing corresponding to a print job PJ generated by a print control device 10 running a printer driver PD that is an older version than the second printer driver PD2.

[0115] The fourth print processing unit 63d is an example of the print processing unit 63. When the fourth print processing unit 63d receives a print instruction for the second print job PJ2 from the fourth password reference unit 61d, it causes the printing mechanism 71 to print based on the second print job PJ2. However, the fourth password reference unit 61d determines that the password PW included in the second print job PJ2 does not match the password PW entered into the control panel 53, and therefore does not send the print instruction. Therefore, the fourth print processing unit 63d does not cause the printing mechanism 71 to print based on the second print job PJ2. The second print job PJ2 will not be printed by the fourth printer 50d, which is running fourth firmware FW4 that is not compatible with the second print job PJ2. The inclusion of the dummy password DP as the first character string PS1 in the password information command 301 for the second print job PJ2 reduces the possibility that the fourth printer 50d will print the second print job PJ2. Furthermore, the second print job PJ2 does not include the password PW to be entered on the password setting screen 230, thereby reducing the possibility that the password PW will be leaked to the outside.

[0116] The second print job generating unit 35b preferably generates a second print job PJ2 in which the password information command 301 includes the dummy password DP and the digest output value DV. The second print control device 10b can generate the second print job PJ2 using the digest output value DV as the password PW without generating a new command different from the password information command 301 in the print control command area 300.

[0117] In the first and second embodiments, the password PW entered on the password setting screen 230 is converted into a digest output value DV by the password processing unit 31 using a hash function HF, but this is not limiting. The password processing unit 31 may encrypt the password PW entered on the password setting screen 230 using other methods. As an example, the password processing unit 31 encrypts the password PW entered on the password setting screen 230 using a common key. The password processing unit 31 generates a print job PJ including the encrypted password PW and sends it to the printer 50. The printer 50 stores the common key in advance. The printer 50 receives the print job PJ. The password reference unit 61 of the printer 50 decrypts the encrypted password PW included in the print job PJ using the common key stored in advance. The password reference unit 61 determines whether the decrypted password PW matches the password PW entered on the control panel 53. If multiple encryption methods are assumed, information identifying the encryption method can be entered instead of the hash function type information HK. If only one encryption method or one hash function is assumed, the hash function type information HK may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...printing control device, 10a...first printing control device, 10b...second printing control device, 11...communication interface, 13...input interface, 15...display control unit, 17...storage unit, 21...control unit, 23...application execution unit, 25...driver execution unit, 25a...first driver execution unit, 25b...second driver execution unit, 27...display control unit, 27a...first display control unit, 27b...second display control unit, 29...password input unit, 29a...first password input unit, 29b...second password input unit, 31...password processing unit, 31a...first password processing unit, 31b...second password processing unit, 33...data acquisition unit, 33a...first data acquisition unit, 33b...second data acquisition unit, 35...print job generation unit, 35a...first print job generation unit, 35b...second print job generation unit, 50...printer, 50a...first printer, 50b...second printer, 50c...third printer, 50d...fourth printer, 51...printer communication interface, 53...control panel, 55...printer storage unit, 57...printer control unit, 59...firmware execution unit, 59a...first firmware execution unit, 59b... Second firmware execution unit, 59c...third firmware execution unit, 59d...fourth firmware execution unit, 61...password reference unit, 61a...first password reference unit, 61b...second password reference unit, 61c...third password reference unit, 61d...fourth password reference unit, 63...print processing unit, 63a...first print processing unit, 63b...second print processing unit, 63c...third print processing unit, 63d...fourth print processing unit, 71...printing mechanism, 100...printing system, 100a...first print system, 100b...second print system, 200...property setting screen, 201...application setting screen, 2 01a...Application setting screen tab, 211...Password print selection button, 213...Password print setting icon, 230...Password setting screen, 231...Password input field, 233...User setting field, 235...Job setting field, 300...Print control command area, 301...Password information command, 303...Hash type information command, 305...Hash value information command, 310...Data group area, AP...Application, DP...Dummy password, DV...Digest output value, FW...Firmware, FW1...First firmware, FW2...Second firmware,FW3...Third firmware, FW4...Fourth firmware, HF...Hash function, HK...Hash function type information, NW...Communication network, PD...Printer driver, PD1...First printer driver, PD2...Second printer driver, PJ...Print job, PJ1...First print job, PJ2...Second print job, PS...Password string, PS1...First character string, PS2...Second character string, PW...Password, SC...Separator.

Claims

1. a data section for acquiring print data; a password section for accepting a password; an encryption unit that generates a code from the password received by the password unit; a job unit that generates a print job including the print data and the encryption and transmits the print job to a printing device; A printing control program that causes a computer to execute the the job unit generates the print job by including, in a password command used in an older model, a dummy password that cannot be entered in the older model and that is treated as the password in the older model. Print control program.

2. the encryption unit converts the password using a hash function to generate the encryption; The print control program according to claim 1 .

3. the job unit generates the print job including the encryption in an encryption command different from the password command.

3. The print control program according to claim 1.

4. the job unit generates the print job including the dummy password and the encryption in the password command; 3. The print control program according to claim 1.

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