Print file management system, print file management method, and print file management program

Abstract

To efficiently manage print files.SOLUTION: A print file management system comprises: a storage unit which causes a recording medium to store a print file; and a processing unit which sets, based on a combination of a security level associated with the print file stored in the recording medium and a repeat print setting, a saving period of the print file, and automatically deletes the print file if the saving period has passed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print file management system, a print file management method, and a print file management program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers that save print job files for reprinting are known. Patent Document 1 describes a method of deleting print jobs that match attributes to be deleted from among print jobs saved for reprinting. For example, if the print job is a secure print job, the method describes deleting the secure print job when the printing process is completed, or deleting the secure print job when a predetermined storage period has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-16204 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When print files are stored and managed on a server, it is desirable from the viewpoint of convenience to retain the print files, but simply continuing to store the print files leads to an increase in the storage usage costs of the cloud server. Therefore, it is desirable to manage print files efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A print file management system for achieving the above object includes a storage unit that stores print files on a recording medium, and a processing unit that sets a storage period for the print files based on a combination of a security level and repeat print settings associated with the print files stored on the recording medium, and automatically deletes the print files when the storage period has expired.

[0006] A print file management method for achieving the above object includes storing a print file in a recording medium, setting a storage period for the print file based on a combination of a security level and repeat print settings associated with the print file stored in the recording medium, and automatically deleting the print file when the storage period has expired.

[0007] To achieve the above object, a print file management program causes a computer to function as a storage unit that stores print files on a recording medium, and a processing unit that sets a storage period for the print files based on a combination of a security level and repeat print settings associated with the print files stored on the recording medium, and automatically deletes the print files when the storage period has expired. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a print file management system. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration of a server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an administrator terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print file registration screen. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of security levels and repeat print settings associated with a print file. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of print files. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of print files. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing combinations of security levels and repeat print settings and control details regarding automatic deletion. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of an automatic deletion process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Here, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Server configuration: (1-2) Administrator terminal configuration: (1-3) Printer configuration: (2) Registering print files: (3) Automatic deletion of print files: (4) Other embodiments:

[0010] (1) System configuration: FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a system including a print file management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The print file management system 1 includes a server 10 and an administrator terminal 20. The server 10 is connected to multiple printers 30. In this embodiment, the number of devices shown is merely an example and is not limited to this number. For example, the number of printers 30 shown as multiple is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1, and the administrator terminal 20 shown as one may be multiple. These devices can communicate with each other via a network. The network may take various forms, such as a local network, or devices located in physically separated locations may communicate with each other via the Internet, etc.

[0011] In this embodiment, an administrator of server 10 receives a printing request from a client and uses multiple printers 30 to print the requested printed materials to deliver them to the client. In this embodiment, server 10 can collect information such as the print status of printers 30. A user (administrator) of administrator terminal 20 can send print files to be printed, obtained from the client, from administrator terminal 20 to server 10 and store them in the server's recording medium. By operating administrator terminal 20, the user of administrator terminal 20 can display a list of print files stored in the server's recording medium on the administrator terminal's display and create a print job for the stored print file. In this embodiment, the print file management system has a function to set a retention period for print files based on the administrator's settings for the print file, the operation details and date and time for the print file, the status of the print job for the print file, and the like, and automatically deletes the print file after the retention period has expired.

[0012] The configuration of each device in the print file management system 1 that can perform such automatic deletion will be described below. (1-1) Server configuration: FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 10. The server 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication interface 10b, and a non-volatile memory 10c. The processor 10a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other components (not shown) and executes various programs, including a print file registration program and an automatic deletion program, stored in the non-volatile memory 10c to control each component of the server 10 and each device connected to the network. The processor 10a may be configured on a single chip, multiple chips, or may be configured as an SoC together with various functional blocks that operate the printer. For example, an ASIC may be used instead of the CPU, or a CPU and an ASIC may work together. In this embodiment, the administrator terminal 20 and the printer 30 each include a processor, but the processor can be implemented in various ways, just like the processor 10a.

[0013] The communication interface 10b is a device for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication interface 10b. The communication interface 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the server 10.

[0014] In addition to programs, various types of information are stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c (recording medium) of the server 10. In this embodiment, a print file 10c1, print job data 10c2, security level data 10c3, and repeat print setting data 10c4 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c.

[0015] Print file 10c1 is a file that contains data indicating content to be printed on a print medium, and can be, for example, a PDF file. In this embodiment, information such as the date and time when print file 10c1 was stored in nonvolatile memory 10c (registration date and time), the date and time when it was edited (updated date and time), and the date and time when it was accessed (date and time) is stored in nonvolatile memory 10c by processor 10a of server 10 executing the file system program of the OS.

[0016] The print job data 10c2 is data containing various information related to the printing of the print file, and in this embodiment, includes information indicating the print target, print status, print date and time, print conditions, number of copies to be printed, etc. The print target is a file name indicating the file to be printed. The print status is information indicating the execution status of the print job. In this embodiment, the print status includes not printed, printing, and printed. Not printed means that the print job has not yet been executed. Printing means that the print job is being executed. Printed means that the execution of the print job has been completed. When the execution of the print job is completed, the completion date and time is stored as the print date and time.

[0017] The printing conditions are the conditions necessary to achieve printing, and include, for example, the type of media, resolution, and colors to be used (color / black and white). The number of copies to be printed is the number of copies requested to be printed, and is defined for each print target. Multiple print job data 10c2 can be created for one print file 10c1.

[0018] The security level data 10c3 indicates the security level set for each print file stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c. The security level indicates the degree of confidentiality of the information contained in the print file, and in this embodiment, is set by the administrator when the administrator stores the print file in the nonvolatile memory 10c. For example, the administrator may ask the client who requested printing of the print file about the type of information contained in the print file and set the security level according to the type. In this embodiment, the security level is expressed as one of three levels: high, medium, or low.

[0019] The repeat print setting data 10c4 indicates whether or not there is a possibility of repeatedly printing a print file stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c, and is defined for each file. In this embodiment, this is expressed as either on or off. When it is on, it indicates that there is a possibility of repeatedly printing the corresponding print file 10c1. In this embodiment, this is set by the administrator when the administrator stores a print file in the nonvolatile memory 10c.

[0020] (1-2) Administrator terminal configuration: 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of administrator terminal 20. Administrator terminal 20 includes processor 20a, communication interface 20b, nonvolatile memory 20c, display 20d, and input unit 20e. Processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs, including a print file registration program, stored in nonvolatile memory 20c to control each unit of administrator terminal 20.

[0021] The communication interface 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The administrator terminal 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication interface 20b. The communication interface 20b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the administrator terminal 20.

[0022] The non-volatile memory 20c of the administrator terminal 20 stores a print file 10c1 requested to be printed by a client. The print file 10c1 may be stored in the non-volatile memory 20c in any manner. For example, the print file 10c1 prepared by the client may be stored in a removable memory and then transferred from the removable memory to the non-volatile memory 20c via the communication interface 20b. The print file 10c1 may also be acquired from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the administrator may use the administrator terminal 20 to create the print file 10c1 using an application program or the like and store it in the non-volatile memory 20c. Of course, the administrator may also edit a manuscript created by the client and store it in the non-volatile memory 20c as the print file 10c1. When registering the print file 10c1 in the server 10, the administrator specifies the file name of the print file 10c1 stored in the non-volatile memory 20c. The designated print file 10c1 is transferred to the server 10 and stored in the non-volatile memory 10c of the server 10.

[0023] The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device through which the administrator performs input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. In either case, the administrator can operate the input unit 20e to input the administrator's intentions while visually checking the images and characters displayed on the display 20d. In this embodiment, the administrator uses the display 20d and input unit 20e of the administrator terminal 20 as a user interface to set whether or not to allow repeat printing of the print file 10c1 and to set the security level when transferring the print file 10c1 to the server 10 and registering the print file 10c1 on the server 10. Details will be described later.

[0024] (1-3) Printer configuration: 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 30. The printer 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication interface 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a printing unit 30d, and a UI unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs stored in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each unit of the printer 30.

[0025] The communication interface 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication interface 30b. The communication interface 30b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the printer 30.

[0026] The printing unit 30d is the part that performs printing, and various printing methods such as inkjet printing and electrophotography may be used. The printing unit 30d is equipped with actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc. for printing on various types of media. The sensors include sensors that detect various detection targets that may change in the printer 30. The detection targets are not limited, and examples include sensors that detect the remaining amount of media and sensors that detect the remaining amount of ink for each color used for printing.

[0027] The UI unit 30e includes a touch panel display and various keys and switches. The touch panel display includes a display panel that displays various information, such as the printer 30's status and remaining ink level, and a touch detection panel overlaid on the display panel, which detects touch operations by a person's finger or the like. The processor 30a can acquire the details of operations performed by the administrator via the UI unit 30e. The processor 30a can also display various information on the display of the UI unit 30e to notify the user.

[0028] When the administrator issues a command via the administrator terminal 20 to print the print file 10c1 stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c, the server 10 instructs the printer 30 to start printing. At this time, the server 10 performs various image processing operations based on the print file 10c1 to be printed, and outputs print data indicating the content to be printed to the printer 30 via the communication interface 10b. The processor 30a of the printer 30 acquires the print data via the communication interface 30b, controls the printing unit 30d based on the print data, and performs printing. When printing is complete, the processor 30a outputs information indicating that printing is complete to the server 10 via the communication interface 30b. When the server 10 acquires the information via the communication interface 10b, the processor 10a stores the date and time when the information was acquired as the print date and time in the print job data.

[0029] (2) Registering print files: Next, the registration of the print file 10c1 to be printed, acquired from the requester, on the server 10 will be described in detail. The processor 20a of the administrator terminal 20 executes a print file registration program to display a print file registration screen on the display 20d. Figure 5 shows an example of the print file registration screen. Through the print registration screen, the administrator can specify the print file to be registered, specify the repeat print setting and security level for the print file, and register the print file on the server 10. Specifically, the print file selection unit 21a allows the administrator to select the print file 10c1 to be registered on the server 10 from among the files stored in the administrator terminal 20. The repeat job setting unit 21b allows the administrator to set whether or not repeat printing is enabled (on / off) for the print file 10c1 selected in the print file selection unit 21a. The security level setting unit 21c allows the administrator to specify high, medium, or low as the security level for the print file. When registration unit 21d is operated after making the specifications using print file selection unit 21a, repeat job setting unit 21b, and security level setting unit 21c, processor 20a transfers print file 10c1, repeat print setting data 10c4, and security level data 10c3 to server 10. In this case, processor 20a of administrator terminal 20 functions as a storage unit.

[0030] By executing the print file registration program, the processor 10a of the server 10 receives the print file 10c1, repeat print setting data 10c4, and security level data 10c3 from the administrator terminal 20, and stores them in the non-volatile memory 10c in association with each other. In this case, the processor 10a of the server 10 functions as a storage unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the security level data 10c3 and the repeat print setting data 10c4 are stored in association with each other for each print file. The registration date and time of each print file is the date and time when the print file was newly saved, and the update date and time is the date and time when the print file was edited and overwritten. These dates and times are managed by the file system program executed by the server 10.

[0031] 7 is an example of a list screen of print files 10c1 registered in nonvolatile memory 10c of server 10. When the administrator operates administrator terminal 20 to select display of the list screen, processor 20a can display the list screen shown in FIG.

[0032] 7, each print file 10c1 in the list is associated with a file operation section 22a. By operating the file operation section 22a of any print file 10c1, the administrator can instruct printing (creating a print job), editing, copying, or deleting that print file 10c1.

[0033] By issuing a command to print print file 10c1, the administrator can select the destination printer, set other printing conditions, the number of copies to print, and issue a command to print. Processor 20a of administrator terminal 20 sends the set information to server 10. Based on the sent information, processor 10a of server 10 generates print data in a format suitable for destination printer 30 and sends it to printer 30. Printer 30 executes printing based on the received print data. When printer 30 completes printing, it sends information indicating completion to server 10. Upon receiving this information, processor 10a of server 10 stores the date and time when this information was received as the print date and time in the print job data.

[0034] Fig. 8 is an example of a print job list screen that is displayed when one of the print files 10c1 is selected from the list of print files 10c1 shown in Fig. 7. The processor 20a of the administrator terminal 20 queries the server 10 to obtain the status and print date and time of the print job data 10c2 associated with the target print file 10c1, and displays them for each print job.

[0035] Other operations that the administrator can perform on the print file 10c1 include edit, copy, and delete, as shown in FIG. 7. Editing involves opening the target print file 10c1 and editing the contents of the print file 10c1. For example, editing can be performed for final checks of designs or text or for adjusting colors. When editing is performed and the print file 10c1 is overwritten and saved, the update date and time of the print file 10c1 becomes the most recent overwrite save date and time. If the print file 10c1 has never been edited since it was registered, the registration date and time and the update date and time are the same.

[0036] Copying means duplicating the target print file 10c1 in the non-volatile memory 10c of the server 10. For the print file newly stored by copying, the newly stored date and time becomes the registration date and time. Deleting means deleting the target print file 10c1 from the non-volatile memory 10c of the server 10. Note that this deletion is equivalent to manual deletion by an administrator.

[0037] (3) Automatic deletion of print files: Next, we will explain in detail how the server 10 automatically deletes the print file 10c1. By executing an automatic deletion program, the server 10's processor 10a sets a retention period for the print file based on a combination of the security level and repeat print settings associated with the print file stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c, and automatically deletes the print file when the retention period expires. In this case, the processor 10a functions as a processing unit.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing combinations of security levels and repeat print settings, and the control details related to automatic deletion. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when the security level of a print file is "high (corresponding to a predetermined value)," the retention period is set starting from the date of registration of the print file. Furthermore, when the repeat print setting of print file 10c1 is on, a longer retention period is set for print file 10c1 than when it is off. Specifically, when the security level is "high" and the repeat print setting is on, processor 10a automatically deletes the print file 30 days after the date and time of registration; when the security level is "high" and the repeat print setting is off, processor 10a automatically deletes the print file 30 days after the date and time of registration.

[0039] In this embodiment, if the security level of a print file is "medium," the print file is controlled to continue being saved as long as there are unfinished print jobs related to the print file. Furthermore, if the security level of a print file is "medium," the print file is controlled to be deleted when both of the following two conditions have passed. The first condition is that X days have passed since the date and time when unfinished print jobs disappeared (i.e., all print jobs have been completed). Each time all print jobs created for the print file are completed, the processor 10a extends the storage period, using the most recent execution completion date as a new starting point. The second condition is that X days have passed since the last update date of the print file. The processor 10a extends the storage period of the print file, using the last update date of the print file as a new starting point. When the repeat print setting for print file 10c1 is on, a longer storage period is set for print file 10c1 than when it is off. Specifically, when the security level is "medium" and the repeat print setting is on, the processor 10a automatically deletes the print job if 30 days or more have passed since there are no uncompleted print jobs and 30 days or more have passed since the last update date; when the security level is "medium" and the repeat print setting is off, the processor 10a automatically deletes the print job if 7 days or more have passed since there are no uncompleted print jobs and 7 days or more have passed since the last update date.

[0040] In this embodiment, if a print file's security level is "low," it is not automatically deleted. Thus, in this embodiment, print files with a "high" security level are automatically deleted after a predetermined period of time has passed since their registration date and time, regardless of the most recent print completion date and time or the most recent edit date and time. An administrator may deem it undesirable for high-security print files to remain in the nonvolatile memory 10c of the server 10. In this embodiment, in accordance with such administrator needs, print files with a "high" security level are prevented from remaining in the nonvolatile memory 10c of the server 10 without being deleted, thereby preventing unnecessary increases in storage usage costs. In addition, in this embodiment, print files with a "medium" security level have their retention period extended from the most recent print date and time or the last update date and time. Therefore, the print file is not automatically deleted until a predetermined period of time has passed since the last operation on the print file. Therefore, there is no need to re-register the print file from the administrator terminal 20 when printing or editing the same print file again. In addition, because print files are automatically deleted after a predetermined period of time has passed since no operations have been performed on them, it is possible to prevent print files that are unlikely to be operated on again by the administrator from remaining in the non-volatile memory 10c. Furthermore, whether the security level is "high" or "medium," print files that are unlikely to be reprinted can be automatically deleted earlier when the repeat print setting is off than when it is on, so that print files that are unlikely to be reprinted can be automatically deleted earlier than print files that are likely to be reprinted.

[0041] Next, the flow of the automatic deletion process will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The automatic deletion process is executed periodically (for example, every 24 hours) for all print files 10c1 stored in the non-volatile memory 10c of the server 10, one file at a time. In other words, one automatic deletion process is executed for one target print file, and the automatic deletion process is executed repeatedly for all print files. When the automatic deletion process starts, the processor 10a acquires information about the target print file (step S100). In other words, the processor 10a acquires the print job data 10c2, security level data 10c3, repeat print setting data 10c4, registration date and time, and update date and time for the target print file 10c1.

[0042] Next, processor 10a determines whether the security level of the target print file is high, medium, or low (step S105). That is, processor 10a refers to security level data 10c3 of target print file 10c1 and determines the security level.

[0043] If the security level is determined to be "high" in step S105, processor 10a determines the repeat print setting of the target print file (step S110). That is, processor 10a references repeat print setting data 10c4 of target print file 10c1 and determines whether the repeat print setting is on or off. If it is determined in step S110 that repeat printing is on, processor 10a sets the retention period of the target print file to 30 days starting from the registration date and time of the print file (step S115). If it is determined in step S110 that repeat printing is off, processor 10a sets the retention period of the target print file to 7 days starting from the registration date and time of the print file (step S120).

[0044] If it is determined in step S105 that the security level of the target print file is "medium," the processor 10a determines the repeat print setting of the target print file (step S125). If it is determined in step S125 that repeat printing is on, the processor 10a determines whether or not there is an incomplete print job for the target print file (step S130). That is, the processor 10a references the status of all print job data 10c2 for the target print file 10c1 and determines whether or not there is an unprinted print job. If it is determined in step S130 that there is an incomplete print job, the processor 10a ends the automatic deletion process for the target print file.

[0045] If it is determined in step S130 that no uncompleted print jobs exist, the processor 10a extends the retention period to 30 days from the most recent completion date and time of printing for the target print file or the last update date and time (step S140). That is, the processor 10a obtains the print dates and times of all print jobs for the target print file 10c1 and the update date and time of the target print file 10c1, and sets the retention period to 30 days from the most recent of these.

[0046] If it is determined in step S125 that repeat printing is OFF, the processor 10a determines whether or not an uncompleted print job exists for the target print file (step S145). If it is determined in step S145 that an uncompleted print job exists, the processor 10a ends the automatic deletion process for the target print file.

[0047] If it is determined in step S145 that the file does not exist, the processor 10a extends the storage period to seven days from the latest completion date and time of printing for the target print file or the last update date and time, whichever is more recent (step S150).

[0048] After executing any one of steps S115, S120, S140, and S150, the processor 10a determines whether the retention period of the target print file has expired (step S155). That is, the processor 10a determines whether the current date and time has expired.

[0049] If it is determined in step S155 that the limit has been exceeded, the processor 10a deletes the target print file (step S160) and ends the automatic deletion process. If it is not determined in step S155 that the limit has been exceeded, the processor 10a ends the automatic deletion process without deleting the target print file.

[0050] (4) Other embodiments: The above embodiment is one example of how the present invention can be implemented, and various other embodiments are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the server 10 and the administrator terminal 20 are configured as different devices, but they may be the same device or may be distributed across three or more devices. Furthermore, the order of interchangeable processes may be changed, and the aspects of the related screens, print job data 10c2, security level data 10c3, repeat print setting data 10c4, etc. are merely examples, and different aspects may be adopted.

[0051] The processing unit may be configured to set the storage period for the print file based on a combination of the security level and repeat print settings associated with the print file. A configuration may be adopted in which the higher the security level, the shorter the storage period or the more relaxed the conditions for automatic deletion. The security level may be expressed as any of three or more levels, or may be less than three. In the above embodiment, automatic deletion was not performed when the security level was "low." However, automatic deletion may also be performed when the security level is "low." In this case, a longer storage period may be set than when the security level is "medium." Furthermore, print files with a "high" security level may also be configured not to be automatically deleted while there is a print job that has not yet been printed.

[0052] Furthermore, if the repeat print setting for a print file is off and the same print file is printed multiple times within a certain period of time, a proposal to turn on the repeat print setting for the print file may be made, and if the administrator accepts the proposal, the repeat print setting for the print file may be turned on.If the storage period is longer when the repeat print setting is on than when it is off, a proposal to turn on the repeat print setting for a print file that was printed frequently within a certain period of time can be made to encourage an extension of the period until automatic deletion of the print file. Furthermore, if the security level of the print file is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the storage period may be extended from the last update date of the print file as the starting point.

[0053] The security level is not limited to being set by the user when the print file is stored on the recording medium. For example, if the print file contains specific characters or designs associated with the security level, or if the print file name contains specific characters, the security level indicated by these characters or designs may be automatically set for the print file. The security level may be set or changed at any time other than when the print file is registered. Furthermore, the security level of print files requested by each requester may be predetermined. Repeat print settings may also be changeable by the user at any time other than when the print file is registered.

[0054] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied as a program or method executed by a computer. The above-described systems, programs, and methods may be realized as a single device or may be realized using components included in multiple devices, and include various other aspects. They can also be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention can also be realized as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in the same way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...print file management system, 10...server, 10a...processor, 10b...communication interface, 10c...non-volatile memory, 10c1...print file, 10c2...print job data, 10c3...security level data, 10c4...repeat print setting data, 20...administrator terminal, 20a...processor, 20b...communication interface, 20c...non-volatile memory, 20d...display, 20e...input section, 21a...print file selection section, 21b...repeat job setting section, 21c...security level setting section, 21d...registration section, 22a...file operation section, 30...printer, 30a...processor, 30b...communication interface, 30c...non-volatile memory, 30d...printing section, 30e...UI section

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores the print file in a recording medium; a processing unit that sets a storage period for the print file based on a combination of a security level and a repeat print setting associated with the print file stored on the recording medium, and automatically deletes the print file when the storage period has expired; Equipped with The processing unit When the repeat print setting for the print file is off and the same print file is printed multiple times within a certain period of time, a proposal is made to turn on the repeat print setting corresponding to the print file, and when the user accepts the proposal, the repeat print setting for the print file is turned on. Print file management system.

2. the storage unit accepts the security level and the repeat print setting set by a user for the print file; The print file management system according to claim 1 .

3. The security level is expressed as one of three or more levels.

3. The print file management system according to claim 1.

4. the processing unit sets a longer retention period for the print file when the repeat print setting for the print file is on than when the repeat print setting is off; The print file management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the processing unit extends the storage period of the print file, using the last update date of the print file as a new starting point. The print file management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The processing unit If the security level of the print file is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the storage period is set starting from the registration date of the print file; If the security level of the print file is less than the predetermined value, the print file continues to be stored as long as there are uncompleted print jobs related to the print file, and each time execution of all print jobs related to the print file is completed, the storage period is extended from the latest execution completion date as a new starting point. The print file management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. storing the print file in a recording medium; setting a storage period for the print file based on a combination of a security level and a repeat print setting associated with the print file stored on the recording medium, and automatically deleting the print file when the storage period has expired; When the repeat print setting for the print file is off and the same print file is printed multiple times within a certain period of time, a proposal is made to turn on the repeat print setting corresponding to the print file, and when the user accepts the proposal, the repeat print setting for the print file is turned on. A print file management method comprising:

8. Computer, a storage unit for storing the print file in a recording medium; a processing unit that sets a storage period for the print file based on a combination of a security level and a repeat print setting associated with the print file stored on the recording medium, and automatically deletes the print file when the storage period has expired; It functions as The processing unit When the repeat print setting for the print file is off and the same print file is printed multiple times within a certain period of time, a proposal is made to turn on the repeat print setting corresponding to the print file, and when the user accepts the proposal, the repeat print setting for the print file is turned on. Print file management program.

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