US Patent 7835024 Print information processing apparatus

A print information processing apparatus for performing a printing process is disclosed. The print information processing apparatus is connected to a printer via a network and includes an interface configured to connect a removable recording medium; a data storage unit configured to store encrypted data; a decryption unit configured to read decryption information used to decrypt the encrypted data from the removable recording medium connected to the interface and to decrypt the encrypted data by using the decryption information. In the print information processing apparatus, the decryption unit permits the printing process of the encrypted data only when the removable recording medium is connected to the interface.