JP2000112692A - Image forming device, image formation system and method for controlling image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform departmentalized management such as management of the number of sheets of printing output by every ID number by performing unitary management of management data on the side of an image forming device based on the ID number inputted on the side of an external device. SOLUTION: The printing output is judged whether it is permitted by a CPU 101 or not by collating the ID number transmitted from a copy machine to be connected via a LAN 212 with management information to be stored in a nonvolatile memory l14. The judgment result is transmitted to the external device, printed and outputted to a recording medium by a printer unit 12 based on image data transmitted from the copy machine from which the printing output is permitted. Integrated information about the printing output corresponding to transmitted discrimination information is updated based on the number of sheets of the printing output by the CPU 101.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of external devices via a predetermined communication medium, an image forming system, and a method of controlling the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional copying machine, for example, in order to manage the number of copies, etc. for each department of a company, the number of copies is managed by an ID number input from a user through an operation panel or a card reader provided in the copying machine. And the like, and if the input ID number is not registered in the copying machine, execution of the copying process is prohibited.

On the other hand, there has been proposed an apparatus which realizes a remote copy function by combining a scanner and a printer or a digital copying machine connected to a network. Note that the remote copy function is to output image data input from a scanner (digital copying machine) connected to a network by a printer (digital copying machine) connected to the network.

[0004]

However, in a conventional image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, department management in the case where one printer executes a remote copy function in which a single printer must accept a copy request from a plurality of scanners. The mechanism was not considered.

That is, the department management is performed for the print output such as the number of copies, so that it is managed on the printer side. However, the ID number is inputted only when the user instructs the remote copy. Since the ID number is not input to the printer, the printer cannot determine whether or not to permit execution of the copy process when the remote copy is instructed from the scanner. There is a problem that management data such as the number of output sheets cannot be managed for each ID number.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to manage identification information transmitted from an external device connected via a predetermined communication medium. The information is collated with the information to determine whether to permit print output, and the determination result is transmitted to the external device, and the print output is printed out to a recording medium based on image data transmitted from the external device authorized for print output. By updating the printout integration information corresponding to the transmitted identification information based on the number of printouts, even if remote copy is to be executed, printing is permitted / rejected based on the ID number input on the external device side. An image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of determining non-permission and further performing centralized management of management data on the image forming apparatus side to perform department management such as management of the number of printouts for each ID number. The method of the stem and an image forming apparatus is to provide.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of external devices (a copy machine 207 shown in FIG. 1 and a LAN (not shown)) are connected via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 212 shown in FIG. 1). An image forming apparatus (copy machine 208 shown in FIG. 1) capable of communicating with a connected copy machine), comprising: identification information (ID number) for identifying a user; and print output integration information corresponding to the identification information. The first storage unit (the nonvolatile memory 1 shown in FIG.
14) and first receiving means (an external interface 1 shown in FIG. 2) for receiving identification information transmitted from the external device.
12) and determining means for comparing the identification information received by the first receiving means with the management information stored in the first storage means to determine whether to permit print output (see FIG. 2). CPU 101 that determines based on a control program stored in memory 103 shown in FIG. 2), transmitting means (an external interface 112 shown in FIG. 2) that transmits the determination result of the determining means to the external device, A second receiving unit (an external interface 112 shown in FIG. 2) for receiving image data, and an image data transmitted from an external device permitted to be printed out by the determining unit and received by the second receiving unit. An output unit (printer I / F 119 shown in FIG. 2) for outputting to an image forming unit (printer unit 120 shown in FIG. 2);
Updating means for updating the print output integrated information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving means on the basis of the number of print outputs in the image forming means (in the memory 103 shown in FIG. 2) CPU 101) that updates based on the stored control program.

In a second aspect according to the present invention, the determining means checks the identification information received by the first receiving means with the identification information stored in the first storage means, and outputs a printout. It is to determine whether to permit.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention, the determining means compares the identification information received by the first receiving means with the identification information stored in the first storage means, and stores the identification information. The print output upper limit number is compared with the print output integration information stored in the first storage means to determine whether to permit print output.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication medium is a local area network (L shown in FIG. 1).
AN212).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first storage means is a rewritable nonvolatile memory (the nonvolatile memory 114 shown in FIG. 2).

A sixth invention according to the present invention is directed to a second storage means for storing image data transmitted from an external device permitted to print out by the determination means and received by the second reception means (FIG. HD102 shown in FIG. 2) and the second
And a conversion unit (RIP 105 shown in FIG. 2) for converting the image data stored in the storage unit into data printable by the image forming unit. The data that can be output is output to the image forming means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the conversion means has a function of converting image data described in a page description language into raster image data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the conversion means has a function of combining coded image data with raster image data.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is directed to a ninth invention in which one or a plurality of external devices (copy machine 207, LAN shown in FIG. 1) are connected via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 212 shown in FIG. 1).
212 and one or more image forming apparatuses (copy machine 2 shown in FIG. 1).
08, a copy machine (not shown) connected to the LAN 212), the image forming apparatus includes identification information for identifying a user and printout integration information corresponding to the identification information. First storage means for storing management information (the nonvolatile memory 11 shown in FIG. 2)
4) and first receiving means for receiving the identification information transmitted from the external device (the external interface 11 shown in FIG. 2).
2) comparing the identification information received by the first receiving means with the management information stored in the first storage means, and determining whether to permit print output (see FIG. 2). CPU 101 that determines based on a control program stored in memory 103 shown in FIG. 1), first transmitting means (an external interface 112 shown in FIG. 2) that transmits the determination result of the determining means to the external device, The second receiving means (the external interface 112 shown in FIG. 2) for receiving the image data transmitted from the printer and the external device permitted to print out by the determining means and received by the second receiving means. Output means (printer I / F 119 shown in FIG. 2) for outputting image data to image forming means (printer unit 120 shown in FIG. 2)
Updating means for updating the print output integrated information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the identification information received by the first receiving means based on the number of printouts in the image forming means (FIG. 2) CPU 101 for updating based on a control program stored in a memory 103 shown in FIG. 3, and the plurality of external devices include a selection unit (FIG. 3) for selecting one of the single or the plurality of image forming apparatuses. And an input means for inputting identification information (the ID selection screen 32 shown in FIG. 3).
0) and a second step of transmitting the identification information input by the input unit to the image forming apparatus selected by the selection unit.
Transmission means (external interface 112 shown in FIG. 2)
An image forming apparatus which reads image data obtained by reading a document image when the determination result of the determination means transmitted from the image forming apparatus selected by the selection means indicates that printing is permitted; And a third transmitting means (the external interface 112 shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting the data to the third party.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of external devices (copy machine 207 shown in FIG. 1, copy machine not shown connected to LAN 212) via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 212 shown in FIG. 1). Can communicate with
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage unit (non-volatile memory 114 shown in FIG. 2) for storing management information including identification information for identifying a user and printout integration information corresponding to the identification information, A first receiving step of receiving identification information transmitted from the external device (step (13) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4), and the identification information received in the first receiving step being stored in the storage unit. A determination step (step (1) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4) for determining whether to permit printing
4)), a transmitting step of transmitting the determination result of the determining step to the external device (steps (15) and (16) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4), and receiving image data transmitted from the external device. A second receiving step (step (17) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4), and a recording medium based on image data transmitted from an external device permitted to be printed out in the determining step and received in the second receiving step An image forming step (step (18) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4) for causing a printout to be performed, and printout integrated information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the identification information received in the first receiving step (Step (18) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4) in which the image is updated based on the number of printouts in the image forming step.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes a network system, which is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 201,
202, scanner unit 203, printer unit 2
04, copy machines 207 and 208, LAN (Local
l Area Network) 212. The network system 1000 is an example, and the number of connected personal computers and copy machines may be singular or plural.
Further, one or a plurality of network scanners and network printers may be directly connected to the LAN 212.

The PC 201 is a computer normally used by a user, and can execute various data processing including document creation processing and image data processing, and exchanges e-mail with other computers connected via the LAN 212.
Alternatively, it is a device that transmits, receives, exchanges, and the like various data with a PC, a copy machine, a network printer, a network scanner, and the like connected to the LAN 212.

The PC 202 is the same as the PC 201, and is connected to the LAN 212.
The scanner unit 203 and the printer unit 204 are connected by a general-purpose interface (not shown) of a computer provided in the computer.

The scanner unit 203 is a device for reading a document image, and reads an image to be pasted on a document created on the PC 202, for example. The printer unit 204 prints out documents and image data created and processed on the PC 202 on paper.

The system including the PC 202, the scanner unit 203, and the printer unit 204 has a simple copy function of printing out an image read by the scanner unit 203 on paper by the printer unit 204. The copy function is executed by operating from the PC 202.

Reference numerals 207 and 208 denote copying machines each having a large liquid crystal touch panel on which a user operates and instructs.
The image forming apparatus is connected to the LAN 212 and has both a scanner function and a printer function. The copy machines 207 and 208 have not only a copy function when used as a single unit but also a printout function for image data and PDL data transmitted from a computer. The command data is converted into command data for image formation, and transmitted to the copy machine via the LAN 212. The copy machine develops the command data for image formation into bitmap image data and performs printing.

FIG. 2 shows the copy machine 20 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram explaining the control structure of 7,208.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU, which is a microprocessor that controls the entire image forming apparatus, and is operated by a real-time OS. Reference numeral 102 denotes an HD (hard disk), which is a large-capacity hard disk that stores a plurality of applications for the CPU 101 to operate, and is under the control of the CPU 101.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a memory, which includes a RAM and a ROM (not shown) and the like, functions as a work memory and the like for the CPU 101 to operate, and can be accessed from the CPU 101 at high speed.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a high-speed CPU bus.
1, the HD 102, the memory 103, and each of the functional units 105 to 108, 115 described later. The CPU 101 transfers data processed by the CPU 101 to each functional unit, and transfers data between the functional units at high speed. (DMA transfer). Generally P
CI bus.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a RIP (raster image processor), which is a functional unit that converts a bitmap image based on the contents of an image forming command input from the external interface 112 connected to the PCs 201 and 202 via the LAN 212. .

The image forming command is sent to the high-speed CPU bus 104
To the RIP 105, and the RIP 105 outputs an image image (bitmap image) to a high-speed image bus 116 described later. The RIP 105 can convert PDL data (page description language data) described in a page description language such as PostScript, PCL, LIPS, or CaPSL into bitmap data.
Further, the coded image data input from the external interface 112 can be decoded into raster image data.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an image processing unit, which is a functional unit that performs a filtering process on the image image such as a smoothing process and an edge process in accordance with a processing command instructed by the CPU 101, from the high-speed image bus 116. Other functions of the image processing unit 106 include a character recognition (OCR) function for an image image input from the high-speed image bus 116 and an image for separating the image image input from the high-speed image bus 116 into a character portion and an image portion. It also has a separate function.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a compression / decompression unit which converts the image image input from the high-speed image bus 116 into an MH (Mod
(Huffman), MR (Modified)
Read), MMR (Modified Modif)
i.e. Read, JPEG, and the like, and sends the compressed data to the high-speed CPU bus 104 or the high-speed image bus 116 again, or vice versa.
The compressed / decompressed unit 107 decompresses the compressed data input from the compression / decompression unit 107 according to the compression method of the compressed data.
16 is a functional unit to be sent out.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a bus bridge (bus bridge controller), which is connected to the high-speed CPU bus 104 and a low-speed C
It connects to the PU bus 109 and has a high-speed CPU bus 1
04, a functional unit for absorbing a difference in processing speed between the low-speed CPU buses 109. Low-speed CPU bus 10
9 is a high-speed CPU bus 10 via a bus bridge 108.
CPU 10 that operates at high speed by being connected to
1 can access a low-speed operating functional unit connected to the low-speed CPU bus 109.

A low-speed CPU bus 109 has a bus configuration having a lower transfer speed than the high-speed CPU bus 104, and is a bus for connecting functional units having a relatively low processing speed. Generally, an ISA bus or the like is used.

A functional unit 110 connects the public line 111 and the low-speed CPU bus 109 to each other.
A function of modulating digital data sent from the PU bus 109 into data that can be sent to the public line 111 and a function of converting modulated data sent from the public line 111 into digital data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus Etc.

Reference numeral 112 denotes an external interface (LANI /
F) is a functional unit for connecting the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment to the local network (LAN 212), and is for transmitting and receiving data between the image forming apparatus and the local network. The LAN 212 is generally an Ethernet or the like.

A non-volatile memory 114 is a registered department ID number (ID) for managing the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.
No.), output total count value by division (output total data)
Rewritable nonvolatile memory for storing management data such as In addition, the nonvolatile memory 114 has
The divisional output integrated count value and the divisional maximum number of prints are stored in association with the D number. Note that a flash ROM or the like is generally given as an example of the nonvolatile memory 114.

Reference numeral 115 denotes a panel interface which is a functional unit for exchanging various control signals with the operation unit 121 in the image forming apparatus. The function unit 115 transmits signals of input switches such as keys disposed on the operation unit 121 to the CPU 101,
RIP 105, image processing unit 106, compression / decompression unit 107
The resolution conversion for displaying the image data created in step 1 on the liquid crystal display unit in the operation unit 121 is performed.

Reference numeral 116 denotes a high-speed image bus, which is an image generating unit RIP 105, an image processing unit 106, a compression /
An image input / output bus in the decompression unit 107 and a scanner interface 117 and a printer interface 11 described later.
9 with each other. The high-speed image bus 116
Is not under the control of the CPU 101 described above,
Data transfer is performed between the units under the control of a bus controller 122 described later.

Reference numeral 118 denotes a scanner unit for reading an image such as a visible image provided with an automatic document feeder (not shown). The scanner unit has a RGB three-line CCD color sensor or a one-line monochrome CCD line sensor. is there. The image data read by the scanner unit 118 is transmitted to a scanner interface (scanner I / F) 1
17 to the high-speed image bus 116.

In the scanner interface 117, the image data read by the scanner unit 118 is binarized optimally in accordance with the contents of processing in the subsequent process, and is further adjusted in accordance with the data width of the high-speed image bus 116. It has a function of performing serial-parallel conversion and converting color data of three primary colors of RGB read by the scanner unit 118 into CMYBk data.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a printer unit which prints image data received from a printer interface 119 described later on a recording sheet as image data such as visible image data. The printer unit 120 forms an image on a photosensitive body such as a photosensitive drum using a bubble jet printer that prints on recording paper using a bubble jet method or a laser beam, and forms an image on recording paper. There is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology. The laser beam printer includes a printer that forms an image in a single color, a printer that forms an image in a plurality of colors, and a color laser beam printer that forms an image in four colors of CMYBk.

Reference numeral 119 denotes a printer interface (printer I / F) for transferring image data transmitted from the high-speed image bus 116 to the printer unit 120. It has a bus width conversion function for converting to a bus width corresponding to the gradation of an image to be output, and a function for absorbing a speed difference between a printing speed of the printer unit 120 and a transfer speed of image data of the high-speed image bus 116. .

An operation unit 121 is a liquid crystal display unit 121a.
And a touch panel input device (touch panel) 121b attached on the liquid crystal display unit 121a, and a plurality of hard keys such as a start key for instructing start of copying and a stop key for instructing stopping of copying. The signal input by the touch panel 121b or the hard key is transmitted to the CP via the panel interface 115 described above.
The information is transmitted to U101, and the liquid crystal display unit 121a displays the image data transmitted from the panel interface 115. The liquid crystal display unit 121a displays a function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 122 denotes a bus controller, which includes a RAM functioning as a work area (not shown), a ROM for storing a control program, and the like, and a high-speed image bus 116 based on the control program stored in the ROM (not shown).
Control.

FIG. 3 shows the liquid crystal display unit 121a shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on the screen.

In FIG. 3A, reference numeral 310 denotes an output destination printer selection screen, which is a screen for selecting a printer to output an image, and is displayed, for example, in step (1) of a flowchart shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 311 denotes a printer display column for displaying the name of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment such as a network printer and a copy machine constituting the network system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, and displays the printer name. When the user presses the pressed portion, the printer name displayed in the pressed portion is highlighted and is in a selected state.

A scroll button 312 is depressed when scrolling the printer name displayed in the printer display field 311. Reference numeral 313 denotes an OK key.
The button is pressed when the printer selected in step 11 is determined as an output destination. A cancel key 314 is depressed when canceling the printer selection.

In FIG. 3B, reference numeral 320 denotes an ID input screen, which is a screen for inputting an ID number, and is displayed, for example, in step (3) of the flowchart shown in FIG. An ID number input field 321 displays an ID number input from a numeric keypad, a keyboard, or the like (not shown) of the operation unit 121 shown in FIG. 322 is an OK key,
Press to confirm the input of ID number. A cancel key 323 is depressed when canceling the input of the ID number. When the cancel key 323 is depressed, the liquid crystal display unit 1 is depressed.
21a displays the output destination printer selection screen 310 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, a description will be given of a print permission / inhibition determination process (authentication process) and a print process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment based on an ID number transmitted from an external device.

In the present embodiment, the procedure of a remote copy operation in which a user ID is input and a document is read in the copy machine 207 shown in FIG. 1, and data is transferred to the copy machine 208 and printed out. Will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a first data processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which is executed by the CPU 101 based on a control program stored in the memory 103 shown in FIG. Corresponding processing. In addition, (1) to (18) indicate each step.

The dotted arrows indicate the flow of data. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4A shows processing in the copy machine 207 on the reading side, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 4B shows processing in the copy machine 208 on the output side.

First, processing on the image reading side in the copy machine 207 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4A, first, the liquid crystal display unit 12 of the operation unit 121 of the copy machine 207 shown in FIG.
A message prompting the user to select an output destination printer is displayed in 1a. The output destination printer selection screen 310 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed (1). When the machine 208 is selected and the OK key 313 is pressed (2), an ID number input screen 320 for displaying a message prompting the user to input an ID number shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 121a.
The system enters a number input waiting state (3). When the user presses and selects the cancel key 323 on the ID number input screen 320, the screen returns to the output destination printer selection screen 310 in step (1).

Next, when the user inputs a four-digit number on the ID number input screen 320 (4), the copy machine 20
7 transmits the input ID number to the copy machine 208 selected in step (1) via the LAN 212 (5). The transmitted ID number is received by the copy machine 208 in step (13) of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Then, the copy machine 207 receives the response code returned from the copy machine 208 in step (15) or (16) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4B (6), and step (6). It is determined whether the received response code indicates that copying is permitted (7), and if it is determined that the returned response code indicates that copying is not permitted, the process returns to step (1). If it is determined that copying is not permitted, the process may return to the ID number input waiting state in step (3).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the returned response code indicates copy permission, the liquid crystal display unit 121 of the operation unit 121 shown in FIG.
A message indicating that copying is possible is displayed on a, and a copy operation is accepted (8), and when a copy start is instructed by the user from the operation unit 121, a document reading process is started in the copy machine 207 (9). .

That is, in step (9), FIG.
The original image data is read from the scanner unit 118 shown in (1) and sent to the compression / decompression unit 107 via the scanner I / F 117 and the high-speed image bus 116. compression/
The data compressed by the decompression unit 107 is transmitted to a high-speed CPU.
The data is stored in the memory 103 via the bus 104. The data stored in the memory 103 is stored in the HD 102 according to an instruction from the CPU 101. The above operation is repeated for the number of originals, and an original image is read.

Next, the copy machine 207 transfers the data stored in the HD 102 in step (9) to the high-speed CPU bus 104, bus bridge 108, LAN I / F 112, L
The data is transmitted to the copy machine 208 via the AN 212 (10). Note that the data transmitted in step (10) corresponds to step (1) in the flowchart shown in FIG.
At 7), it is received by the copy machine 208.

When the transmission of all data is completed, the processing on the copy machine 207 side relating to the printing processing is completed.
In step (11), when the user presses an ID key (not shown) of the operation unit 121 to instruct the end of the copy operation, the copy machine 207 returns to step (1). In step (11), the screen may return to the ID number input screen of step (3).

Next, the processing on the print output side in the copy machine 208 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4B, first, when the copy machine 208 receives an ID number transmitted from the copy machine 207 from the ID number reception waiting state (12) (13), the non-volatile memory shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not there is a number matching the ID number received in step (13) among the ID numbers registered in the sex memory 114 (1).
4) If it is determined that there is no matching ID number, LA
A response code indicating that copying is not permitted is returned via N212 (16), and the process returns to step (12).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (14) that there is a matching number, a response code indicating copy permission is sent via the LAN 212 to the copy machine 20.
7 (15).

Next, in the copy machine 208, L
The data transmitted from the copy machine 207 via the AN 12 is received and stored in the HD 102 of the copy machine 208 (17). Copy machine 208 is copy machine 2
When the reception of all data transmitted from 07 ends, in step (18), a printing operation is started.

In step (18), the CPU 101 sets H
Read the data stored in D102 one page at a time,
It is stored in the memory 103. The stored data is high-speed C
Sent to the compression / decompression unit 107 via the PU bus 104,
The image data decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 107 is sent to the printer unit 120 via the high-speed image bus 116 and the printer I / F 119 and printed out.

Each time a single sheet is printed out by the printer unit 120, the CPU 101
Out of the management data stored in step (13)
To update the output integrated data corresponding to the ID number that has received the print process received in step (1). The above operation is repeated for the number of pages.

When the printout of all data transmitted from copy machine 207 is completed, copy machine 208
Returns to step (12) and returns to the ID number reception waiting state. As described above, the copy sequence based on the input of the ID number is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a system that implements a remote copy function of reading and printing a document on different devices connected via a network, the ID number is set to the device on the document reading side. The authentication of the ID number and the management of the integrated data can be performed by the device on the output side.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus shown in this embodiment is connected to a plurality of external devices (such as a copy machine 207 or the like for reading an original image, a computer capable of storing image data, etc.) via the LAN 212 to transfer management information. An external interface 112 capable of transmitting and receiving, and an ID
A non-volatile memory 114 for storing numbers and print output integration information corresponding thereto, and an external interface 112
CPU 101 for determining whether or not to permit print output based on the ID number received in step 1 and an external interface 1 capable of receiving image data from a plurality of external devices
And an HD 102 for storing image data of a first format received from one selected external device among the plurality of external devices via an external interface 112.
And the image data of the first format saved in the HD 102,
RI for converting to printable image data of the second format
P105 and a printer unit 120 that prints out the image data of the second format on paper. When an ID number is received from an external device via an external interface 112, the CPU 101 stores the ID number in a nonvolatile memory 114. Compare with the stored information, determine whether to permit or prohibit print output, send the determination result to the external device via the external interface 112,
The printer unit 120 receives image data from an external device via the external interface 112, converts the image data into a data format that can be printed out by the RIP 105, and then prints out the data on paper by the printer unit 120.

Also, by having the above configuration,
An image forming apparatus that is connected to a plurality of external devices, receives data transmitted from the external device, and prints out the received data. In an image forming apparatus, a print output request from the external device is stored in the image forming apparatus. Print permission / non-permission based on the management data stored in the non-volatile memory,
By having a configuration in which the determination result is returned to the external device, even when the user operates on the external device side, the department management can be performed based on the centralized database on the printer (output device, image forming device) side. It is possible to do.

If it is determined in step (14) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 that there is a matching number,
By comparing the department-specific upper printing limit number corresponding to the ID number received in step (13) stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 with the output integrated data corresponding to the ID number received in step (13), the department-specific printing upper limit is obtained. When the number of sheets is larger than the output integrated data, the process may proceed to step (15), and when the upper limit number of prints per section is smaller than the output integrated data, the process may proceed to step (16).

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the image read by the copy machine 207 shown in FIG. 1 is printed out by the copy machine 208, but the image is read by the copy machine 208 based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The copied image can be printed out by the copy machine 207. Further, a plurality of copy machines may be connected to the LAN 212. In this case, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4A is executed in the copy machine that reads the image, and the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4B is executed in the copy machine that outputs the image.

Further, when image data read by a network scanner (not shown) connected to the LAN 212 is output by the copy machines 207 and 208 or a network printer (not shown), the network scanner is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4B may be executed on the copy machine 207, 208 or the network printer side.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0082]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of external devices via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the management includes identification information for identifying a user and printout integration information corresponding to the identification information. First storage means for storing information; first reception means for receiving identification information transmitted from the external device; and identification information received by the reception means stored in the first storage means. Determining means for checking with the management information to determine whether to permit print output, and transmitting means for transmitting a determination result of the determining means to the external device;
A second receiving image data transmitted from the external device;
Receiving means, output means for outputting image data transmitted from the external device permitted to be printed by the determining means and received by the second receiving means to the image forming means, and the first receiving means Updating means for updating the integrated print output information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the received identification information based on the number of printouts output by the image forming means; When executing remote copy on the device,
It is possible to appropriately judge whether printing is permitted or not based on the stored management data, to centrally manage the management data in the device to which the image is output, and to perform department management in consideration of performing remote copying. be able to.

[0083] According to the second invention, the judging means converts the identification information received by the first receiving means into the first information.
Is compared with the identification information stored in the storage means, and it is determined whether or not the print output is permitted. Therefore, the ID number received from the external device is compared with the registered ID number to determine whether printing is permitted or not. it can.

According to the third invention, the judging means converts the identification information received by the first receiving means into the first information.
Is compared with the identification information stored in the storage means, and the print output upper limit number stored is compared with the print output integration information stored in the first storage means to determine whether to permit print output. Therefore, if the number of print output is larger than the set upper limit of print output, printing can be prohibited.

According to the fourth aspect, since the predetermined communication medium is a local area network, department management can be performed without trouble even in an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN constructed in an office or the like. .

According to the fifth aspect, the first storage means is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, so that the management data can be held continuously even when the power is turned off.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the information is transmitted from an external device permitted to print out by the determination means,
A storage means for storing the image data received by the receiving means, and a conversion means for converting the image data stored in the second storage means into data printable by the image forming means. The output unit outputs the printable data converted by the conversion unit to the image forming unit, so that the output unit temporarily holds image data transmitted from an external device and converts the image data into data suitable for printing. Can be.

According to the seventh aspect, the conversion means has a function of converting image data described in a page description language into raster image data, so that the page description language data transmitted from an external device is printed out. It can be converted into data that can be printed.

According to the eighth aspect, since the conversion means has a function of decoding coded image data into raster image data, coded image data transmitted from an external device can be printed out. It can be converted to data and printed.

According to the ninth aspect, in an image forming system in which one or more external devices and one or more image forming devices can communicate via a predetermined communication medium, First storage means for storing management information including identification information for identifying a person and printout integration information corresponding to the identification information; first reception means for receiving identification information transmitted from the external device; Determining means for comparing the identification information received by the first receiving means with management information stored in the first storage means to determine whether to permit print output, and determining by the determining means A first transmitting unit that transmits the result to the external device, a second receiving unit that receives image data transmitted from the external device, and a transmitting unit that receives a print output from the external device. Output means for outputting the image data received by the second receiving means to the image forming means; and printing stored in the first storage means corresponding to the identification information received by the first receiving means. Updating means for updating the output integrated information based on the number of printouts output by the image forming means, wherein the plurality of external devices include any one of the singular or plural image forming devices.
Selecting means for selecting one of the two, input means for inputting identification information, second transmitting means for transmitting the identification information input by the input means to the image forming apparatus selected by the selecting means, and the selecting means Transmitting the image data obtained by reading the document image to the image forming apparatus selected by the selecting means, when the determination result of the determining means transmitted from the image forming apparatus selected by the selecting means indicates printing permission; When the remote copy is executed by the image forming apparatus connected to the network, the print permission / non-permission can be appropriately determined based on the stored management data. The device on the output side can perform centralized management, and can perform department management in consideration of performing remote copying.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to communicate with a plurality of external devices via a predetermined communication medium, and to include management information including identification information for identifying a user and printout integration information corresponding to the identification information. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus having a storage unit for storing information, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving identification information transmitted from the external device; and a method of controlling the identification information received by the first receiving step. A determining step of determining whether to permit print output by collating with the management information stored in the storage unit; a transmitting step of transmitting a determination result of the determining step to the external device; A second receiving step of receiving the image data to be transmitted, and printing on a recording medium based on the image data transmitted from the external device permitted to print out in the determining step and received in the second receiving step. Updating the print output integrated information stored in the first storage unit corresponding to the identification information received in the first receiving step based on the number of print outputs in the image forming step. Since the image forming apparatus includes an update step, when remote copying is performed by the image forming apparatus connected to the network, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to permit or prohibit printing based on the stored management data, and output the management data to an image. The centralized management can be performed by the device on the side where the copying is performed, and the department management can be performed in consideration of performing the remote copy.

Therefore, even when remote copy is executed, print permission / non-permission can be determined based on the ID number input on the external device side, and the management data can be centrally managed on the image forming apparatus side. There is an effect that it is possible to manage and perform department management such as management of the number of printouts for each ID number.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the copy machine illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 CPU 102 HD 103 Memory 112 External Interface 118 Scanner Unit 120 Printer Unit 121 Operation Unit 212 LAN

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of external devices via a predetermined communication medium, comprising management information including identification information for identifying a user and printout integration information corresponding to the identification information. First storage means for storing identification information transmitted from the external device; and identification information received by the first reception means stored in the first storage means. A determination unit that determines whether to permit print output by comparing with management information to be output, a transmission unit that transmits a determination result of the determination unit to the external device, and an image data that is transmitted from the external device. Second to receive
Receiving means for outputting image data transmitted from an external device permitted to be printed by the determining means and received by the second receiving means to the image forming means; and the first receiving means Updating means for updating the print output integrated information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the received identification information based on the number of printouts output by the image forming means. . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit collates the identification information received by the first receiving unit with identification information stored in the first storage unit, and determines whether to permit print output. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The determination unit checks the identification information received by the first reception unit with identification information stored in the first storage unit, and determines the stored print output upper limit number and the first 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether the print output is permitted is determined by comparing the print output integration information stored in the storage unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication medium is a local area network. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. 6. A second storage unit for storing image data transmitted from an external device permitted to print out by the determination unit and received by the second reception unit, and stored in the second storage unit. Converting means for converting the image data to be output into data printable by the image forming means, wherein the output means outputs the printable data converted by the converting means to the image forming means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said conversion means has a function of converting image data described in a page description language into raster image data. 8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said conversion means has a function of decoding coded image data into raster image data. 9. An image forming system in which one or a plurality of external devices and one or a plurality of image forming devices can communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the image forming devices include identification information for identifying a user. First storage means for storing management information including printout integration information corresponding to the identification information, first reception means for receiving identification information transmitted from the external device, and first reception Means for comparing the identification information received by the means with the management information stored in the first storage means to determine whether or not to permit print output; and transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the external device. First to send
Transmitting means for receiving image data transmitted from the external device
Receiving means for outputting image data transmitted from an external device permitted to be printed by the determining means and received by the second receiving means to the image forming means; and the first receiving means Updating means for updating the print output integrated information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the received identification information based on the number of printouts output by the image forming means. Selecting means for selecting any one of the single or plural image forming apparatuses; input means for inputting identification information; and image forming apparatus selecting the identification information input by the input means by the selecting means. A second transmitting unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus; and a case where the determination result of the determining unit transmitted from the image forming apparatus selected by the selecting unit indicates that printing is permitted. An image forming system comprising: a third transmission unit configured to transmit image data obtained by reading a document image to the image forming apparatus selected by the selection unit. 10. A storage unit capable of communicating with a plurality of external devices via a predetermined communication medium and storing management information including identification information for identifying a user and printout integrated information corresponding to the identification information. A first receiving step of receiving identification information transmitted from the external device, and the identification information received in the first receiving step being stored in the storage unit. A determination step of determining whether to permit print output by comparing with management information to be transmitted, a transmission step of transmitting a determination result of the determination step to the external device, and receiving image data transmitted from the external device. Second
Receiving from the external device permitted to print out in the determining step, and performing image printing on a recording medium based on the image data received in the second receiving step; An update step of updating print output integration information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the identification information received in the step based on the number of print output sheets in the image forming step. A method for controlling a forming apparatus.