JP7424075B2 - image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that limits jobs depending on the affiliation of the user.

There are image forming devices such as multifunction devices, printers, and copiers. Image forming apparatuses sometimes handle data of important documents. In consideration of information security, image forming apparatuses may authenticate users and restrict the use of functions depending on the user. An example of a system that limits the functions of an image forming apparatus according to an identified user is described in Patent Document 1.

Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes an information processing system that includes an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus that manages a user's usage history of functions of the image forming apparatus, and the management apparatus uses an authentication medium from the image forming apparatus. When an authentication request using authentication information entered on the image forming device is received, or an authentication request using an authentication medium is received from the image forming device, functions that are used infrequently by the user are restricted. Notify the image forming apparatus of the function information to use the image forming apparatus, or notify the image forming apparatus of the function information preset for using the image forming apparatus when an authentication request using user authentication information input on the image forming apparatus is received. The image forming apparatus outputs an authentication request by reading the authentication medium or an authentication request by inputting user authentication information to the management apparatus, and based on the functional information obtained as a result of the authentication request, An information processing system that controls the functions of an image forming apparatus is described. With this configuration, functions are controlled based on functional information obtained as a result of reading an authentication medium or inputting user authentication information (see claim 1, paragraph [0009], etc. of Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6216859

From the viewpoint of preventing leakage of confidential information and reducing costs, restrictions on the use of image forming apparatuses are increasingly being imposed. There are restrictions on the functions that can be used by each user. For example, an upper limit may be set on the number of prints. Additionally, jobs that require communication charges, such as facsimile, may not be executed.

When restricting the functions that can be used with an image forming apparatus, you may not be able to use the functions when you want to use them. In this case, you will either have to ask the administrator to remove the restriction, or have someone who can use the function do it for you. Requesting or acting on behalf of someone is time-consuming and inconvenient. In particular, in recent years, the way people and work are allocated in the workplace has become more diverse in order to enable more efficient work. For example, a team system may be introduced to allow employees to work as a team, transcending departmental boundaries. When using an image forming apparatus, the number of jobs that are rarely used in the department to which the user belongs may increase. Limits should be imposed taking into consideration the actual allocation of personnel and actual usage conditions. The problem is that restrictions should be imposed to avoid inconvenience in actual use.

The technology described in Patent Document 1 uniformly disables functions that are not used by the user. Once disabled, the feature is no longer available. The period of not using it continues, and the period of being practically unavailable continues for a long time. There are times when you may not be able to use the service even if you want to, such as when your job changes.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention considers actual usage conditions and limits the functions of an image forming apparatus so as not to cause any inconvenience in actual usage.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation panel, a printer section, a storage section, and a control section. The operation panel includes a display panel that displays images. The operation panel accepts settings. The printer section performs printing. The storage unit stores history data including a job type, which is a type of job executed, an executor of the job, and a date and time when the job was executed. Based on the input identification information, the control unit identifies the person executing the job and stores the history data in the storage unit. Based on the history data, the control unit generates total data in which the number of times of use in each time period is totaled for each job type in a predetermined business unit. Based on the aggregated data, the control unit generates a restriction list that defines usage restrictions or permissions for each of the job types for each time period. The control unit generates the restriction list for each business unit. Based on the restriction list, the control unit performs usage restrictions and usage permissions.

According to the present invention, it is possible to limit the functions of an image forming apparatus in consideration of actual usage conditions. The functions of the image forming apparatus can be restricted so as not to cause any inconvenience during actual use.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of user data concerning an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the types of jobs that can be executed by the multifunction device according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of history data concerning an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of generation of a restriction list according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of total data concerning an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a restriction list according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of priority definition data concerning an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of priority definition data concerning an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of a restriction list according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of job permission and restrictions based on a restriction list according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a restriction notification screen concerning an embodiment.

An example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. In the following description, a multifunction peripheral 100 will be used as an example of an image forming apparatus. The multifunction device 100 is capable of scanning, sending, printing, saving image data, and the like. Note that the elements described in this embodiment, such as the configuration and arrangement, do not limit the scope of the invention and are merely illustrative examples.

(Multifunction device 100)
Next, an example of the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described based on FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a multifunction device 100 according to an embodiment.

For example, the multifunction device 100 is capable of color printing. The multifunction device 100 includes a control section 1, a storage section 2, a document transport section 3a, an image reading section 3b, an operation panel 4, and a printer section 5.

The control unit 1 controls the operation of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 1 includes a control circuit 10, an image processing circuit 11, and a communication circuit 12. The control circuit 10 is, for example, a CPU. Based on the program and data stored in the storage section 2, the control circuit 10 controls each section (document transport section 3a, image reading section 3b, operation panel 4, printer section 5, communication circuit 12). The image processing circuit 11 performs various image processing. For example, the image processing circuit 11 is a circuit (ASIC) dedicated to image processing.

The communication circuit 12 includes a connector, a communication control circuit (communication chip), and a communication memory. The communication memory stores communication software. The communication circuit 12 communicates with the computer 200, the facsimile machine 300, the first device 101, and the second device 102. For example, the computer 200 is a PC or a server. The first device 101 and the second device 102 are other image forming devices. The computer 200, the first device 101, and the second device 102 are connected to the same local network as the multifunction device 100. For example, the first device 101 and the second device 102 are a multifunction device 100 or a printer.

The multifunction device 100 includes a ROM, RAM, and storage as the storage unit 2. The ROM is, for example, a flash ROM. The ROM and RAM are mounted on the control unit 1 (control board). The storage is a large capacity non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage is connected to the control board with a cable. The storage unit 2 stores various data and control programs. For example, the storage unit 2 stores control data, setting data, and image data.

The document transport section 3a includes a document tray, a pair of document transport rollers, and a document transport motor. The document conveying section 3a conveys the set document toward the document reading position. The image reading section 3b includes an image sensor and a lamp. Further, the image reading section 3b includes a contact glass for conveyance reading. The conveyed document passes through one side of the conveyance reading contact glass. The lamp of the image reading section 3b irradiates the document being transported with light. The image sensor reads the transported document based on the reflected light.

Further, the image reading section 3b includes a document table (contact glass). Documents to be read can be set one by one on one side of the document table. When reading a document on the document table, the lamp irradiates the document set on the document table with light. The image sensor reads the document on the document table. An analog image signal generated by the image sensor of the image reading section 3b is input to the control section 1. The image processing circuit 11 of the control unit 1 generates read image data (image data of a document) based on an analog image signal.

The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41, a touch panel 42, and hard keys 43. The display panel 41 displays a screen and images. The control unit 1 controls the display on the display panel 41. The control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display an operation image used for setting a job. For example, the operation image is a button or a key. The touch panel 42 receives user operations on the display panel 41. Based on the output of the touch panel 42, the control unit 1 recognizes the operated operation image. Based on the operated operation image, the control unit 1 recognizes the content of the user's operation. Hard keys 43 also accept user operations.

The printer section 5 includes a paper feed section 51, a paper transport section 52, an image forming section 53, and a fixing section 54. The paper feed section 51 includes a paper cassette and a paper feed roller. A stack of paper is loaded into the paper cassette. During a print job, the control unit 1 rotates the paper feed roller to feed paper. The paper conveyance unit 52 includes a pair of conveyance rollers and a conveyance motor. The conveyance motor rotates a pair of conveyance rollers. The control unit 1 rotates a transport motor and a pair of transport rollers to transport the paper to the paper transport unit 52.

The control section 1 causes the image forming section 53 to form a toner image based on the image data. The image forming section 53 includes image forming units for four colors (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow), an exposure device, and an intermediate transfer unit. Each image forming unit includes a photoreceptor drum, a charging device, and a developing device. During printing, the control unit 1 rotates a main motor (not shown) to rotate the photosensitive drum. Further, the control unit 1 causes the charging device to charge the photoreceptor drum. Further, the control section 1 causes the exposure device to expose the photoconductor drum based on the output image data.The control section 1 causes the development device to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum with toner. The intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of stretching rollers, and a secondary transfer roller. The toner images on each photoreceptor drum are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt. A secondary transfer roller is used to perform secondary transfer of a toner image onto a sheet of paper conveyed from an intermediate transfer belt.

The control unit 1 causes the fixing unit 54 to fix the toner image transferred to the paper. Specifically, the fixing unit 54 includes, for example, a heater and a plurality of fixing rotating bodies. The heater heats the fixing rotating body. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred enters the nip of the fixing rotor, where it is heated and pressurized. This heating and pressure fixes the toner image on the paper. The control unit 1 causes the paper transport unit 52 to discharge the fixed paper to the outside of the machine.

(User identification)
Next, an example of user identification in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user data D1 according to the embodiment.

To use the multifunction device 100, it is necessary to log in. When the user is not logged in (logged out), the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display a message informing that the user should log in. When the user is identified, the control unit 1 puts the operation panel 4 into a login state. In the logged-in state, the operation panel 4 accepts selection of job type, selection of setting items used in the selected job type, setting of setting values for the selected setting items, and instructions to start job execution.

For user identification, each user retains an identification card. The identification card stores identification information. For example, the identification card is an ID card. The identification card includes an antenna and a memory. The memory stores identification information in a non-volatile manner.

The multifunction device 100 includes a reader/writer 6 (see FIG. 1). The reader/writer 6 includes an antenna and a communication control circuit. The reader/writer 6 reads information from the identification card held over it by wireless communication. Note that the reader/writer 6 can also write the identification information edited by the multifunction device 100 onto the identification card held up.

The identification information includes information for recognizing the user (card holder). For example, the identification information includes the name, ID, and password of a person who can use the multifunction device 100. The identification information may further include other information.

For user recognition, the storage unit 2 stores user data D1 in a non-volatile manner. For example, the storage of the storage unit 2 stores user data D1. The user data D1 is data that defines information for identifying each person who has the authority to use the multifunction device 100. The user data D1 includes, for example, a name, ID, password, and business unit. A business unit is a unit (group of people) for performing work. The work units are, for example, teams, departments, and floors (floors where work is done). It is not mandatory to define teams, departments, and floors (they do not need to be defined). On the other hand, in the user data D1, the work unit defined for each individual may be one or more of the team, department, and floor.

The control unit 1 searches the user data D1 for a person (information) that matches the input (read) identification information. The control unit 1 identifies (recognizes) that the matching person is the user of the multifunction peripheral 100 . In this case, the control unit 1 puts the operation panel 4 into a login state and displays a setting screen on the display panel 41. When a job is executed, the control unit 1 recognizes the identified user as the job executor. Note that if there is no user matching the input (read) identification information, the control unit 1 determines that the identification has failed. The control unit 1 maintains the operation panel 4 in a logged out state.

The operation panel 4 may accept input of identification information without using a card. In this case, when in the logout state, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display a software keyboard screen. The user uses this screen to input identification information. For example, the user enters a name and password. Based on the input information, the control unit 1 identifies the user.

(Types of jobs that can be executed)
Next, an example of the types of jobs that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the types of jobs that can be executed by the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment.

The multifunction device 100 has a scanning function, a sending/receiving function, a printing function, and a box function. When using the scan function, the control section 1 causes the image reading section 3b to read the document and generates image data of the document. When using the transmission/reception function, the control unit 1 causes the communication circuit 12 to communicate with the computer 200 or the facsimile machine 300. When using the print function, the control section 1 causes the printer section 5 to perform printing based on image data. When using the box function, the control unit 1 causes the storage unit 2 to read and write image data. A storage area for the box function is set in advance in the storage. Box means a storage area for box functions.

The multifunction peripheral 100 can execute various jobs by combining two or more of the scan function, transmission/reception function, print function, and box function. When executing a job, the image processing circuit 11 of the control unit 1 performs image processing on image data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job that can be executed by the multifunction device 100. The multifunction device 100 may be able to perform types of jobs other than those shown in FIG.

“Host to Print” is a job in which the image processing circuit 11 processes print job data received from the computer 200 to generate print image data, and the printer unit 5 prints based on the generated print image data. . In "Scan to Print", the image processing circuit 11 processes the image data of the document obtained by reading the image reading section 3b to generate printing image data, and the printer section 5 performs printing based on the printing image data. (so-called copy job). "Scan to Fax" processes the image data of the document obtained by reading by the image reading unit 3b, the image processing circuit 11 generates transmission data, and the communication circuit 12 transmits the generated transmission data by facsimile. It's a job.

In "Scan to Email", the image processing circuit 11 processes the image data of the document obtained by reading the image reading unit 3b, generates a file for transmission, and the communication circuit 12 sends the generated file for transmission by e-mail. This is a job that is attached to and sent. "Scan to Box" processes the image data of the document obtained by reading by the image reading unit 3b, the image processing circuit 11 generates a storage file, and the storage unit 2 (storage) stores the storage file. It's a job. "Scan to SMB" processes the image data of the document obtained by reading by the image reading unit 3b, the image processing circuit 11 generates a file for storage, and the communication circuit 12 saves it to the specified shared folder of the computer 200. This is a job to send a save file to.

In "Box to Print", the image processing circuit 11 processes the storage file stored in the storage section 2 (storage) to generate printing image data, and based on the generated printing image data, the printer section 5 This is the job to be printed. "Box to Fax" is a job in which the image processing circuit 11 processes a save file stored in the storage unit 2 (storage) to generate transmission data, and the communication circuit 12 transmits the generated transmission data by facsimile. It is. "Box to Email" is a job in which the control unit 1 reads a storage file from the storage unit 2 (storage), and the communication circuit 12 attaches the read storage file to an email and sends it. “Box to SMB” is a job in which the control unit 1 reads a save file from the storage unit 2 (storage), and the communication circuit 12 sends the save file to a designated shared folder of the computer 200.

(Save history data D2)
Next, an example of saving the history data D2 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of history data D2 according to the embodiment.

The storage unit 2 stores history data D2 in a non-volatile manner (see FIG. 1). The history data D2 is data indicating the history of each executed job (contents of the job executed by the multifunction device 100). Each time a job is executed, the control unit 1 adds history data D2 of the executed job to the storage unit 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the history data D2. The history data D2 includes the job executor, the executor's affiliation, the type of job executed (job type), the content of the executed job, the date and time the job was executed, and the usage time (the time required from the start to the end of the job). , time required to execute the job).

Based on the input identification information, the control unit 1 identifies the person executing the job. Note that the communication circuit 12 receives print job data from the computer 200. In order to identify the sender of the print job data (the person who executes the print job), the storage unit 2 stores sender identification data in a non-volatile manner. The sender identification data is data that defines, for each user, the name of the computer 200 used by the user and the address of the computer 200. In the case of Host to Print, the control unit 1 identifies (recognizes) the user based on the name and address of the computer 200 that transmitted the print job data.

When the job starts, the control unit 1 starts measuring the time required for the job (usage time). When the job is completed, the control unit 1 generates history data D2. The history data D2 includes the measured usage time, job content, job type, and job start date and time (usage date and time). The control unit 1 causes the storage unit 2 to store the generated history data D2 in a non-volatile manner.

(Generation of restriction list D5)
Next, an example of generation of the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 5 to 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of generation of the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the total data D3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of priority definition data D4 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of adjustment of the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment.

The control unit 1 periodically generates the restriction list D5. The restriction list D5 is a list that defines job types whose use is restricted and job types whose use is permitted for each time period. When generating the restriction list D5, the history data D2 is totaled. Based on the tally results, the control unit 1 generates a restriction list D5.

The generation cycle of the restriction list D5 is determined in advance. For example, the control unit 1 generates the restriction list D5 once a week. The generation cycle is not limited to one week, and the generation cycle may be one day, several days, several weeks, one month, several months, or one year. The operation panel 4 may accept settings for the generation cycle. In this case, the control unit 1 generates a generation list every time the set generation cycle elapses. Further, the operation panel 4 may accept settings for the date and time for generating the restriction list D5. In this case, the control unit 1 generates the generation list at the set date and time.

The length of each time slot in the restriction list D5 is determined in advance. In this description, an example will be described in which a day is divided into three time periods: a first time period, a second time period, and a third time period. The first time period is the first half (morning) time period during working hours. For example, the first time period is from 9:00 to 13:00. The second time period is the latter (afternoon) time period during working hours. For example, the second time zone is from 13:00 to 18:00. The third time period is a night time period (late night). For example, the third time zone is from 18:00 to 24:00 and from 0:00 to 9:00.

One day may be divided into one time period, one day may be divided into two time periods, or one day may be divided into four or more time periods (for example, three hours each). The operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the length of the time slot. The control unit 1 divides the day into time zones set on the operation panel 4.

First, the start in FIG. 5 is the point in time when the generation of the restriction list D5 is started. First, the control unit 1 generates total data D3 (step #1). The control unit 1 aggregates history data D2 of jobs executed during the aggregation period to generate aggregate data D3. The aggregated data D3 is data that aggregates the number of uses in each time period for each job type.

The aggregation period is determined in advance. For example, the aggregation period is the period from when the restriction list D5 was generated last time to when the generation list is generated this time. In this case, the length of the aggregation period matches the generation cycle of the restriction list D5. The aggregation period may be longer than the generation period. For example, the length may be several cycles of the generation cycle. The operation panel 4 accepts settings for the aggregation period. The control unit 1 generates a total based on the history data D2 of the set total period.

The control unit 1 generates total data D3 for each individual user. If the number of people registered in the user data D1 is 50, total data D3 for 50 people is generated. The control unit 1 also generates aggregated data D3 for each business unit. For example, the control unit 1 totals the aggregated data D3 of each user belonging to a business unit to generate aggregated data D3 for each business unit. For example, the control unit 1 generates total data D3 for each team, each department, and each floor.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the total data D3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of the aggregated data D3 for team A's work units. In FIG. 6, the column below the number "1" below the day of the week indicates the first time zone. The column below the number "2" below the day of the week indicates the second time zone. The column below the number "3" below the day of the week indicates the third time zone. The number of times indicates the total number of jobs executed by members of team A within the time period. The time indicates the total execution time of the jobs of the members of team A within the time period. Looking at the aggregated data D3 in FIG. 6, it can be seen that team A often prints using the multifunction device 100, and data transmission is a small task unit.

The control unit 1 stores the generated total data D3 in the storage unit 2 (storage) (step #2). The storage unit 2 stores the nonvolatilely generated total data D3 so that it can be referenced at any time. Note that when storing the new total data D3, the control unit 1 may cause the storage unit 2 to erase the previously generated total data D3 (the total data D3 generated when the restriction list D5 was generated before the previous time). .

Here, the generated total data D3 can be viewed. Further, the operation panel 4 receives an instruction to print the total data D3. At this time, the control section 1 causes the printer section 5 to perform printing based on the total data D3. A printed matter of the total data D3 is obtained. Materials showing the usage status of the multifunction device 100 for each time period can be obtained. Further, the operation panel 4 receives an instruction to display the total data D3. At this time, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display the contents of the total data D3. It is possible to check the usage status of the multifunction peripheral 100 for each time period.

Note that the operation panel 4 may accept a designation of a user or a business unit for printing or displaying the tally data D3. When the operation panel 4 receives the designation of an individual user and the display instruction, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display the total data D3 of the designated user. When the operation panel 4 receives an individual user's designation and a print instruction, the control section 1 causes the printer section 5 to print the total data D3 of the designated user. When the operation panel 4 receives the designation of a business unit and a display instruction, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display the aggregated data D3 of the designated business unit. When the operation panel 4 receives the designation of a business unit and a print instruction, the control unit 1 causes the printer unit 5 to print the total data D3 for the designated business unit.

Next, the control unit 1 generates a restriction list D5 for each user and for each business unit based on the aggregated data D3 (step #3). The restriction list D5 is data that defines usage restrictions or permissions for each job type.

For a time period in which there is a job type in which the number of times of usage is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value and the length of usage time is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference time, the control unit 1 controls the number of times of use to be equal to or greater than the reference value and the length of the reference time. A restriction list D5 is generated that restricts the use of the job types. It is possible to generate a restriction list D5 that prevents overuse. Here, the control unit 1 may impose restrictions that prohibit all use. Further, the control unit 1 may allow the job type to be executed (permit use) up to a predetermined number of times, and may restrict the job type from being executed more than a predetermined number of times (prohibits use beyond a predetermined number of times). The operation panel 4 may accept settings for a predetermined number of times. Further, the operation panel 4 may accept a selection for each user and each business unit as to whether to impose a restriction that prohibits use at all or to impose a restriction that allows execution of the job type up to a predetermined number of times. . In this case, the control unit 1 performs the restriction based on the selected restriction content.

If usage is restricted for a job type that has been used too much, when creating the next restriction list D5, a restriction list D5 in which usage is not restricted is generated. The user executes the job while paying attention to the number of uses. The running cost of the multifunction device 100 can be reduced.

The control unit 1 allows the use of job types whose number of uses is less than the reference value or whose length of use is less than the reference time for a time period where the number of uses is less than the reference value or the length of the use time is less than the reference time. A restriction list D5 is generated. Do not restrict the use of job types that are rarely used.

The reference value and reference time are determined in advance. The storage unit 2 (storage) stores the reference value and reference time in a non-volatile manner. The operation panel 4 may accept settings for a reference value and reference time. In this case, the storage unit 2 stores the set reference value and reference time. The control unit 1 compares the set reference value and the number of uses. The control unit 1 compares the usage time with the set reference time.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a restriction list D5 determined based on the number of times of use and the time of use. FIG. 7 shows an example of the restriction list D5 for team A's work unit. The circle in the restriction list D5 indicates the time period during which use is permitted. * in the restriction list D5 indicates a time period in which usage is restricted. It is possible to generate a restriction list D5 that takes into account the actual usage status of the user. Furthermore, in order to eliminate the inconvenience of not being able to use the service when desired, the control unit 1 adjusts the contents of the restriction list D5 based on the priority definition data D4 (step #4).

8 and 9 show an example of priority definition data D4 according to the embodiment. “O” in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicates permission for use. “*” in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicates that usage is restricted (for example, prohibited). The "-" in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicates that the permissions and restrictions are not adjusted using the priority definition data D4 (the portion that remains as the initially generated restriction list D5).

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the use of all job types may be restricted (for example, prohibited) during all time periods, such as late at night and on Saturdays and Sundays. You can make sure that your work is completed within the specified working hours.

FIG. 8 shows an example of priority definition data D4 for team A's work units. The priority definition data D4 in FIG. 8 has content that uniformly restricts (for example, prohibits) the use of job types related to data transmission. For example, the work of a business unit (Team A) does not need to perform a job related to data transmission, and another image forming device (first device 101 or second device 102) requires less communication cost. If the price is low, as shown in FIG. 8, the multifunction device 100 may restrict the use of jobs related to transmission. In this case, when performing a job related to data transmission, it is possible to prompt the other image forming apparatus (first apparatus 101 or second apparatus 102) to be used. The priority definition data D4 shown in FIG. 8 has content that allows printing during a specific time slot on a specific day of the week.

FIG. 9 shows an example of priority definition data D4 for team B's work unit. For example, assume that the multifunction device 100 has lower communication costs than the first device 101 and the second device 102. Furthermore, team B is assumed to be a team that exchanges data more than it prints. In such a case, the type of job related to data transmission may be set as priority definition data D4 with content that can basically be used, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, considering that printing is rarely done, the priority definition data D4 may have content that basically allows printing during business hours.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the restriction list D5 after adjusting the restriction list D5 of FIG. 7 with the priority definition data D4 of FIG. 8. A restriction list D5 in FIG. 10 is an example of a list that has been adjusted to limit the use of the types of jobs that transmit image data, influenced by the transmission restrictions in FIG. 8. When making adjustments using the priority definition data D4, the control unit 1 selects the same job type and the same time period in the restriction list D5 for the time slots defined in the priority definition data D4 as permitted (marked with a circle). , set the time period during which use is permitted. The control unit 1 sets the same job type and the same time period in the restriction list D5 as the time period for which the use is restricted for the time period defined in the priority definition data D4 as restricting the use (marked with *).

Priority definition data D4 can be determined for each business unit. Furthermore, priority definition data D4 can be determined for each user. For example, the administrator of the multifunction device 100 uses the operation panel 4 to create and edit the priority definition data D4. The storage unit 2 (storage) stores the created priority definition data D4 in a non-volatile manner. Furthermore, it is also possible not to define the priority definition data D4 for each business unit. It is also possible not to define the priority definition data D4 for each user.

Further, the control unit 1 may automatically generate the priority definition data D4 for each business unit or each user. The storage unit 2 (storage) stores automatically created priority definition data D4 in a non-volatile manner. For example, when automatically creating the priority definition data D4, the creator (administrator) inputs a restriction policy. For example, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of a policy for automatic generation of the priority definition data D4. For example, the operation panel 4 accepts settings for job types and time periods for which constant use is permitted, job types and time periods for which constant use is restricted, and job types and time periods that are not adjusted using the priority definition data D4. The control unit 1 automatically generates priority definition data D4 according to the set policy. Thereby, the burden of creating the priority definition data D4 can be reduced. Note that if the administrator is dissatisfied with the automatically generated priority definition data D4, the administrator can edit the automatically generated priority definition data D4 using the operation panel 4.

For users and business units for which priority definition data D4 is not set, the control unit 1 does not adjust the restriction list D5. The control unit 1 causes the storage unit 2 to non-volatilely store the adjusted (or not adjusted as the case may be) restriction list D5 for each business unit and each user (step #5, see FIG. 1). The control unit 1 ends the process related to the generation of the restriction list D5 (END).

(Permission and restrictions based on restriction list D5)
Next, an example of job permission and restrictions based on the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of job permission and restrictions based on the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the restriction notification screen 44 according to the embodiment.

The start in FIG. 11 is when the user is identified and selects the job type on the operation panel 4, or when the control unit 1 identifies the user based on the computer 200 that has sent the print job data. .

First, the control unit 1 confirms whether the identified user is an inexperienced user (step #21). New employees, such as new employees and mid-career hires, may start working. New personnel are not accustomed to operating the multifunction device 100 (image forming apparatus). If you let inexperienced people use various functions, there is a possibility that they will fail many times. This can lead to a lot of wasted paper, electricity, and communication costs. Therefore, the multifunction device 100 imposes strong restrictions on inexperienced users.

The storage unit 2 (storage) stores the unskilled person data D6 in a non-volatile manner. The unskilled user data D6 is data defining users who are treated as unskilled users. The administrator of the multifunction device 100 sets the inexperienced user data D6. For example, the manager includes the names, IDs, passwords, etc. of people who have been employed within a certain period of time in the inexperienced person data D6.

If the identified user is an inexperienced user (Yes in step #21), the control unit 1 selects a restriction list D5 with the strictest usage restrictions from the generated restriction list D5, or a previously created inexperienced user. select the restriction list D5 for (step #22). As a result, even if an unskilled person belongs to any business unit, it is possible to automatically impose stricter usage restrictions than the business unit to which the inexperienced person belongs.

For example, the restriction list D5 with the strictest usage restriction is the restriction list with the least number of time slots in which usage is permitted for all job types among the restriction list D5 of each user and business unit stored in the storage unit 2. It is D5.

The restriction list D5 for inexperienced users is set in advance. The administrator operates the operation panel 4 and creates a restriction list D5 for inexperienced users. For example, the restriction list D5 for inexperienced users may be such that only copying (scan to print) is possible during a specific time period.

The operation panel 4 may accept a selection as to which of the restriction list D5 with the strictest usage restrictions and the restriction list D5 for inexperienced users to use. When the user is an inexperienced user, the control unit 1 adopts the selected restriction list D5.

If the identified user is not an inexperienced person (No in step #21), the control unit 1 checks whether any business unit belongs to the identified user (step #23). If the user does not belong to the business unit (No in step #23), the control unit 1 selects the identified restriction list D5 for the individual user (step #24). When a business unit is set (Yes in step #23), the control unit 1 checks whether the identified user has a plurality of business units (step #25).

If there is one business unit to which the user belongs (No in step #25), the control unit 1 selects the restriction list D5 of the business unit to which the user belongs (step #26). If there are a plurality of business units to which the user belongs (Yes in step #25), the control unit 1 selects one of the plurality of business unit restriction lists D5 (step #27).

Priorities are determined in advance for each business unit. The operation panel 4 accepts setting of priorities for each task. The control unit 1 stores the set priorities of the business units in the storage unit 2 as priority data D7. The storage unit 2 stores priority data D7 in a non-volatile manner. Referring to the priority order data D7, the control unit 1 selects one restriction list D5.

For example, if Team A has the first priority among the work units and the identified user belongs to Team A, the control unit 1 selects the restriction list D5 of Team A. If the priority of a certain department is second, and the identified user belongs to the certain department but does not belong to the first-ranked business unit, the control unit 1 selects the restriction list D5 of the department. There may be multiple teams, departments, and floors. Therefore, a priority order is determined for each business unit registered in the user data D1.

The control unit 1 refers to the selected restriction list D5 and determines whether execution of the selected (to be executed) job type is prohibited in the current time period (step #28). In the case of a restriction that prohibits use, the control unit 1 determines that execution is prohibited. If the job can be used up to a predetermined number of times, and the selected restriction list D5 and the selected job type have already been executed a predetermined number of times, the control unit 1 determines that execution is prohibited. On the other hand, when the number of executions for the selected restriction list D5 and the selected job type is less than the predetermined number of times, the control unit 1 determines that the restriction is not prohibited. If it is determined that the execution is prohibited (Yes in step #28), the control unit 1 displays the restriction notification screen 44 on the display panel 41 (step #29). Then, the processing of this flowchart ends (end).

FIG. 12 shows an example of the restriction notification screen 44. On the restriction notification screen 44, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display that the selected job type cannot be executed. In the example of FIG. 12, the control unit 1 displays the message "This function is not available."

As shown in FIG. 12, when display panel 41 displays that the selected job type cannot be executed, control unit 1 may display other image forming apparatuses that can execute the job type on display panel 41. . For example, when printing is prohibited, the control unit 1 connects another image forming device (for example, one or both of the first device 101 and the second device 102) whose printing cost is lower than the multifunction peripheral 100 to the display panel. 41. When data transmission is prohibited, the control unit 1 connects another image forming device (for example, one or both of the first device 101 and the second device 102) with lower communication cost than the multifunction device 100 to the display panel 41. to be displayed. It is possible to encourage the user to use another image forming apparatus that is cheaper.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the display panel 41 displays that the selected job type cannot be executed, the control unit 1 displays on the display panel the date and time period in which the selected job type can be executed in the restriction list D5. 41 may be displayed. You can be notified of the times when the selected job can be executed.

If it is determined not to be prohibited (No in step #28), the control unit 1 executes the job of the selected job type (step #210). At step #210, the processing of this flowchart ends (end). Note that after the job is completed, new history data D2 is saved.

(Change of restriction list D5)
Next, an example of changing the restriction list D5 according to the embodiment will be described. The control unit 1 creates a restriction list D5 in accordance with actual use. However, there may be cases where it is desired to allow some job types to be used only during a certain time period. On the other hand, there may be cases where it is desired to prevent a specific job type from being used during a specific time period. Therefore, the contents of the restriction list D5 can be changed after the fact.

The operation panel 4 accepts changes to the contents of the restriction list D5. Only the administrator may be able to change the contents of the restriction list D5. In this case, changes to the contents of the restriction list D5 are accepted only when the administrator can be identified. When the restriction list D5 is changed, the control unit 1 performs usage restrictions and permissions based on the changed restriction list D5.

In this way, the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) according to the embodiment includes the operation panel 4, the printer section 5, the storage section 2, and the control section 1. The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41 that displays images. The operation panel 4 accepts settings. The printer section 5 performs printing. The storage unit 2 stores history data D2 including the job type, which is the type of job executed, the person who executed the job, and the date and time when the job was executed. Based on the input identification information, the control unit 1 identifies the person executing the job and causes the storage unit 2 to store the history data D2. Based on the history data D2, the control unit 1 generates total data D3 in which the number of times of use in each time period is totaled for each job type in a predetermined business unit. Based on the aggregated data D3, the control unit 1 generates a restriction list D5 that defines usage restrictions or permissions for each job type for each time period. The control unit 1 generates a restriction list D5 for each business unit. Based on the restriction list D5, the control unit 1 performs usage restrictions and usage permissions.

Usage availability can be automatically set for each specific unit of users (for example, team) and for each job type. Job types that can be used by the image forming apparatus can be automatically restricted based on the user unit (work unit). It is possible to automatically set the job types that can be used by the image forming apparatus, taking into account the actual usage status of each job, so that there will be no case where the job cannot be used even if the image forming apparatus is desired.

The history data D2 includes usage time, which is the time required to execute the job, as a history of each executed job. For a time period in which there is a job type in which the number of times of usage is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value and the length of usage time is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference time, the control unit 1 controls the number of times of use to be equal to or greater than the reference value and the length of the reference time. A restriction list D5 is generated that restricts the use of the job types. Even if usage is permitted, it is not desirable to use the image forming apparatus unrestrictedly. It is possible to restrict the use of job types that are recognized to be overused. It can be used to reduce usage.

The control unit 1 allows the use of job types whose number of uses is less than the reference value or whose length of use is less than the reference time for a time period where the number of uses is less than the reference value or the length of the use time is less than the reference time. A restriction list D5 is generated. If the number of uses is small, usage restrictions can be automatically lifted. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of cases where the user cannot use the service even if he or she wants to use it.

The operation panel 4 accepts changes to the contents of the restriction list D5. Based on the changed restriction list D5, the control unit 1 performs usage restrictions and usage permissions. The contents of the automatically generated restriction list D5 can be modified. For example, by setting (operating) on the operation panel 4, it is possible to prohibit the use of a specific job type for a specific business unit.

The storage unit 2 stores priority definition data D4 that defines job types and time periods whose use is permitted or restricted. The control unit 1 adjusts the restriction list D5 so as to permit or restrict the use of the job types defined in the priority definition data D4 during the time period defined in the priority definition data D4. Based on the adjusted restriction list D5 list, the control unit 1 performs usage restrictions and usage permissions. Usage can be always permitted or restricted for specific business units, specific time periods, and specific job types. Regardless of the number of times or hours of use, it is possible to set a time period that is always permitted or restricted. The contents of the restriction list D5 can be adjusted in consideration of the circumstances. Further, by intentionally imposing restrictions, it is possible to induce the user to use another image forming apparatus. For example, it is possible to restrict printing by an image forming apparatus with a high printing cost, and to force printing to be performed by another image forming apparatus.

When the operation panel 4 receives a selection of a job type whose use is restricted, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display that the selected job type cannot be executed. It is possible to notify the user that the selected job cannot be executed.

When the display panel 41 displays that the selected job type cannot be executed, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display other image forming apparatuses that can execute the selected job type. It is possible to prompt the user to use another image forming apparatus. For example, it is possible to prompt the user to print with an image forming apparatus with a low printing cost, rather than with an image forming apparatus with a high printing cost.

The storage unit 2 stores unskilled user data D6 that defines users who are treated as unskilled users. When the identified user is a user registered in the inexperienced user data D6, the control unit 1 selects the restriction list D5 with the strictest usage restriction from the generated restriction list D5, or the inexperienced user created in advance. Usage restrictions and usage permissions are performed based on the restriction list D5. Strict usage restrictions can be placed on new employees and mid-career hires who are not accustomed to the job. Even if users belong to the same business unit, the functions available to them can vary depending on whether they are accustomed to or unfamiliar with the business.

Priorities are set for business units. If the identified user belongs to a plurality of business units, the control unit 1 selects the restriction list D5 of the business unit with the highest priority among the plurality of restriction lists D5. Based on the selected restriction list D5, the control unit 1 performs usage restrictions and permissions. It is possible to prioritize the plurality of restriction lists D5. Based on the restriction list D5 having a high priority, it is possible to restrict and permit the use of job types.

The operation panel 4 accepts an instruction to print the total data D3. When an instruction to print the tally data D3 is given, the control section 1 causes the printer section 5 to print based on the tally data D3. You can check the contents of the tally list. It is possible to grasp the usage status of the image forming apparatus. For example, you can find out which times are frequently used and which are least used.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for the image forming apparatus which identifies a user.

100 Multifunction device (image forming device) 4 Operation panel 5 Printer section 2 Storage section 1 Control section 41 Display panel D2 History data D3 Total data D4 Priority definition data D5 Restriction list D6 Inexperienced person data

Claims (9)

an operation panel that includes a display panel that displays images and accepts settings;
A printer section that performs printing,
a storage unit that stores history data including a job type that is a type of job executed, a person who executed the job, and a date and time when the job was executed;
identifying a job executor based on input identification information and storing the history data in the storage unit;
Based on the historical data, for each job type, generate aggregated data that aggregates the number of uses in each time period for each predetermined work unit;
generating a restriction list that defines usage restrictions or permissions for each of the job types for each time period based on the aggregated data;
generating the restriction list for each business unit;
a control unit that restricts usage and grants usage permission based on the restriction list ;
The storage unit stores priority definition data that defines the job type and the time period whose use is permitted or restricted;
The control unit includes:
adjusting the restriction list to permit or restrict the use of the job type defined in the priority definition data during the time period defined in the priority definition data;
An image forming apparatus characterized in that usage restrictions and usage permissions are performed based on the adjusted restriction list . When the operation panel receives a selection of the job type whose use is restricted,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays on the display panel that the selected job type cannot be executed. an operation panel that includes a display panel that displays images and accepts settings;
A printer section that performs printing,
a storage unit that stores history data including a job type that is a type of job executed, a person who executed the job, and a date and time when the job was executed;
identifying a job executor based on input identification information and storing the history data in the storage unit;
Based on the historical data, for each job type, generate aggregate data that aggregates the number of uses in each time period for each predetermined work unit;
generating a restriction list that defines usage restrictions or permissions for each of the job types for each of the time periods based on the aggregated data;
generating the restriction list for each business unit;
a control unit that restricts usage and grants usage permission based on the restriction list ;
When the operation panel receives a selection of the job type whose use is restricted,
The control unit displays on the display panel that the selected job type cannot be executed;
when displaying on the display panel that the selected job type cannot be executed;
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit causes the display panel to display other image forming apparatuses that can execute the selected job type . The history data includes usage time, which is the time required to execute the job, as a history of each executed job;
For the time period in which there is a job type in which the number of times of use is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and the length of the use time is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference time, the control unit may be configured to: The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising generating the restriction list that restricts use of the job type for a period longer than the reference time. For the time period in which there is a job type in which the number of times of use is less than the reference value or the length of the use time is less than the reference time, the control unit is configured to control the number of times of use to be less than the reference value and the length of the use time to be less than the reference time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the image forming apparatus generates the restriction list that permits use of the job type. The operation panel accepts changes to the contents of the restriction list,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit restricts usage and grants usage permission based on the modified restriction list. The storage unit stores unskilled user data defining users to be treated as unskilled users,
An employee who has been employed within a certain period of time is defined as the unskilled person,
When the identified user is a user registered in the inexperienced user data,
The control unit is characterized in that the control unit performs usage restrictions and permissions based on the restriction list with the strictest usage restrictions among the generated restriction lists, or the restriction list for inexperienced users created in advance. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The business units are prioritized;
If the identified user belongs to more than one said business unit,
The control unit includes:
selecting the restriction list of the business unit with the highest priority among the plurality of restriction lists;
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein usage is restricted and usage is permitted based on the selected restriction list. The operation panel receives an instruction to print the aggregated data,
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction to print the tally data is given, the control section causes the printer section to perform printing based on the tally data. Device.

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