JP2005017677A - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, image forming apparatus control program, and image forming apparatus management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To grasp the number of sheets of paper which has lost due to jam of a sheet of paper in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A supply part 4 stores sheets of printing paper, supplies a sheet of paper to a processing part 6 upon request, and notifies a supply counter 11 of paper supply for each kind of a sheet of paper. The supply counter 11 that has received the notification conducts increment in count value. The processing part 6 performs image formation processing, such as copying and printing, onto the paper supplied from the supply part 4, delivers it and, at the same time, notifies a delivery counter 13 of the paper delivery for each kind of the sheet of paper. The delivery counter 13 that has received the notification conducts increment in count value. The count values of the supply counter 11 and delivery counter are displayed on the count value output part 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, an image forming apparatus control program, and an image forming apparatus management system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There has been proposed an image forming apparatus or an image forming system that counts the number of sheets copied or printed for each user. As an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on both sides of a sheet, an image forming apparatus or system that counts the number of image-formed surfaces has been proposed. In the prior art, only the number of sheets discharged after forming an image is counted (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5 below). Alternatively, in an image forming apparatus or an image forming system capable of forming an image on both sides, only the number of surfaces on which an image has been formed is counted.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 61-032862 A
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-205498
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-169030
[Patent Document 4]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-098818
[Patent Document 5]
JP-A-11-143317
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a paper counter provided in an image forming apparatus that performs copying or printing counts the number of sheets used to form an image. The number of sheets lost due to a paper jam (jam) in the apparatus is counted. Difficult to grasp. For this reason, the number of sheets actually consumed is not known, and management for the purpose of saving resources required for obtaining ISO certification, for example, cannot be sufficiently performed.
[0005]
Also, depending on the image forming apparatus, when printing on an OHP sheet, plain paper is sandwiched between the OHP sheets as a slip sheet, or when a plurality of copies or chapters are printed, a partition sheet is inserted between them. be able to. In this case, since image formation is not performed on the slip sheet or the partition sheet, for example, a counter that counts the number of printed sheets cannot grasp the amount of the slip sheet. On the other hand, if it is counted that the slip sheet is also printed, the actual number of printed sheets cannot be grasped. For this reason, for example, in the case of charging on a pay-as-you-go basis for the use of the image forming apparatus, there has been a disadvantage that fine charging considering the amount of slip sheets and the like cannot be made.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus management that can grasp the amount of paper used in detail and use it for managing the operation status of the apparatus and for charging. Provide a system.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a supply counter that counts the number of media supplied from a supply unit, a send counter that counts the number of media sent from a processing unit, and the supply counter and the send counter. And a count value output unit for outputting a count value based on.
[0008]
In another image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the processing unit includes a unit that transmits the medium supplied from the supply unit without forming an image, and the medium that is formed and sent out. And a processing unit counter that counts either the number or the number of the media sent without forming the image.
[0009]
Another image forming apparatus according to the present invention counts the number of media on which image forming processing has been performed by the processing unit, and the number of media on which image processing has not been performed by the processing unit. A non-processing counter; and a count value output unit that outputs a count value based on each of the image forming processing counter and the non-processing counter.
[0010]
A preferred aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which the supply unit supplies a plurality of types of the media, and the counters are provided for the respective types of the media.
[0011]
Still another image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a user-specific count value holding unit that holds each count value for each user who uses the image forming apparatus, and a predetermined user input when using the image forming apparatus. A user identification unit that identifies the user based on identification information, and each of the counters updates the count value corresponding to the identified user.
[0012]
The image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention is connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit, acquires the count value of each counter from the image forming apparatus, and performs predetermined management based on the count value. It has a management device that generates data.
[0013]
According to an image forming apparatus control method of the present invention, a medium supply step of taking out a medium from a supply unit and supplying the medium to a processing unit, and each time the medium is supplied by the medium supply step, the supply count value is increased by one. A medium supply amount counting step; a medium sending step for sending the medium from the processing unit; a medium sending amount counting step for incrementing a sending count value by one each time the medium is sent by the sending step; A count value output step of outputting a count value based on each of the supply count value and the send count value to a predetermined output unit.
[0014]
An image forming apparatus control program according to the present invention includes a medium supply procedure for causing a supply unit to perform a supply operation of taking out a medium and supplying the medium to a processing unit, and a supply count value every time the medium is supplied by the supply operation. A medium supply amount counting procedure that increases by one, a medium sending procedure that causes the processing section to perform a sending operation for sending the medium from the processing section, and a sending count value each time the medium is sent by the sending operation. Includes a procedure for causing the computer to execute a medium delivery amount counting procedure for incrementing by 1 and a count value output procedure for outputting a count value based on each of the supply count value and the delivery count value to a predetermined output unit.
[0015]
Another image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a supply counter that counts the number of media supplied from a supply unit, an image forming surface number counter that counts the number of surfaces on which image forming processing has been performed by the processing unit, A count value output unit that outputs a count value based on each of the supply counter and the image forming surface number counter.
[0016]
In another image forming apparatus control program according to the present invention, a medium supply procedure for causing a supply unit to perform a supply operation of taking out a medium and supplying the medium to the processing unit, and supplying the medium every time the medium is supplied by the supply operation. A medium supply amount counting procedure for increasing the count value by 1; an image forming surface number counting procedure for increasing the image forming surface value by 1 each time an image forming process is performed by the processing unit; The procedure for causing the computer to execute a count value output procedure for outputting a count value based on each of the image forming surface values to a predetermined output unit is included.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Embodiment 1]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction device 2 has both a copy function, a print function, and a FAX function, and supplies a print sheet as an image recording medium, and a process capable of copying / printing an image on the sheet supplied from the supply unit 4 Part 6 is provided. The supply unit 4 includes a plurality of paper trays 8 (8a, 8b,...), And accumulates different types of paper for each paper tray. Further, the supply unit 4 has a paper feed mechanism for taking out the paper from each paper tray 8, and takes out the paper of a type according to the request of the processing unit 6 one by one from the tray and sends it out to the processing unit 6. Here, for example, A4-size OHP sheets are stored in the paper tray 8a, and A3-sized plain paper is stored in the paper tray 8b.
[0018]
Further, the multifunction machine 2 includes a supply counter group 10 that counts the number of sheets supplied from the supply unit 4, a sending counter group 12 that counts the number of sheets that are sent after finishing processing by the processing unit 6, and these counter groups. And a count value output unit 14 for displaying 10 and 12 count values. Each of the supply counter group 10 and the delivery counter group 12 includes a plurality of counters corresponding to the types of sheets supplied from the supply unit 4. In other words, the supply counter group 10 is provided with supply counters 11a, 11b,... Corresponding to each sheet supplied from the paper trays 8a, 8b,. 13b ... are provided.
[0019]
Each supply counter 11 counts up by one every time one sheet is taken out from the corresponding paper tray 8. Each supply counter 11 can be configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. For example, the paper feed mechanism generates an electrical signal in conjunction with the operation of taking out the paper from the paper tray 8, and the electrical signal is notified to the CPU via the input interface. This notification is performed so that the CPU can identify the paper tray 8 corresponding to the transmission source of the electric signal. The CPU sets a memory area corresponding to each paper tray 8 and increments the data held at the memory address corresponding to that paper tray 8 by one each time there is a notification corresponding to each paper tray 8.
[0020]
Each sending counter 13 is incremented by one each time the processing unit 6 performs image forming processing on the corresponding sheet and the sheet is sent out from the processing unit 6. Each sending counter 13 can also be configured using a CPU and a memory, for example, similarly to the supply counter 11. The CPU receives a paper delivery notification when the paper is sent from the processing unit 6. This paper transmission notification is performed so that the paper type can be identified, and upon receiving the notification, the CPU increments the data held at the memory address set for each paper type by one. For example, the processing unit 6 includes a sensor for detecting paper delivery and a sensor for discriminating the paper type in the paper delivery path, and generates a paper delivery notification to the CPU using these sensors. The processing unit 6 can also be configured to obtain information on the type of the supplied paper from the supply unit 4 and generate a paper delivery notification based on the information, thereby a sensor for discriminating the paper type, etc. The configuration can be simplified by eliminating the need to provide the processing unit 6.
[0021]
The supply counter group 10 and the sending counter group 12 may be integrally configured with one CPU and memory. Further, the CPU can also supply paper from the supply unit 4 of the multifunction machine 2, perform image formation processing in the processing unit 6, control paper feed, and the like.
[0022]
These counter groups may be housed in a separate housing from the main body that performs image forming processing, and may be added to the main body as an external device.
[0023]
The count value output unit 14 displays the values of the supply counters 11 and the output counters 13 to the user. In the configuration in which the values of the counters are held in the memory as described above, for example, the CPU Is output to the count value output unit 14. The count value output unit 14 displays a list of count values for all paper types, for example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. In the display of FIG. 2, “OHP paper A4” indicating A4-size OHP paper set in the paper tray 8a as “paper type” in the left column, and A3-size plain paper set in the paper tray 8b. “Plain paper A3” is displayed. In the center column, the count value of the supply counter 11 of the paper type is displayed as “number of used sheets” in the column corresponding to each paper type, and in the right column, the value corresponding to each paper type is displayed in the column corresponding to each paper type. The count value of the sheet type transmission counter 13 is displayed as “number of prints”.
[0024]
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, for the A4 size OHP sheet, the number of sheets supplied to the processing unit 6 and the number of sheets sent from the processing unit 6 are both 20. Normally, the value of the supply counter 11 and the value of the transmission counter 13 are in this way. On the other hand, for A3 size plain paper, the number of sheets supplied to the processing unit 6 is 102, but the number of sheets sent from the processing unit 6 is 100. The value of the supply counter 11 and the transmission counter 13 The value of does not match. Such inconsistency is, for example, when a paper jam or the like occurs in the processing unit 6 and a part of the paper supplied from the supply unit 4 is removed from the processing unit 6 without being sent out from the regular path. This can happen if a divider is sandwiched between them.
[0025]
That is, in this apparatus, it is possible to grasp not only the amount of paper used but also the likelihood of a failure of the processing unit 6 such as a paper jam from the value of the supply counter 11 and the value of the transmission counter 13, and this can be maintained. It can be used as data. For example, by grasping the number of sheets on which images have been formed and the number of sheets discarded due to paper jams, management accuracy for resource saving such as ISO14001 management is improved, and management is performed to suppress paper jams. It becomes easy.
[0026]
The count value output unit 14 may select and display count values corresponding to some paper types, instead of displaying a list of all counter values. In that case, the count value output unit 14 can be provided with a button switch, a touch panel, or the like for performing the selection, and the count value output unit 14 can, for example, set a selected sheet type and a corresponding count value. Is displayed.
[0027]
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0028]
The paper trays 8a, 8b, and 8c of the supply unit 4 of the multifunction machine 20 store, for example, A4-size OHP sheets, A4-size slip sheets, and A3-size plain papers, respectively. Here, the slip sheets stored in the paper tray 8b are used at the time of printing the OHP sheets, and are attached one by one between the OHP sheets in the paper stack formed at the paper discharge port. The processing unit 6 includes an image forming unit 22 that can form an image on a sheet, and a sheet passing mechanism 24 that sends out the sheet from the processing unit 6 without forming an image.
[0029]
Here, the sheet passing mechanism 24 may be configured to include a sheet path that bypasses the image forming unit 22. The sheet passing mechanism 24 may be a means for controlling the image forming unit 22 so as not to form an image on a sheet passing through the image forming unit 22. In that case, the paper passing mechanism 24 controls the image forming unit 22 so as not to operate the copying mechanism, and the paper simply passes through the paper path in the image forming unit 22. The sheet passing mechanism 24 bypasses or passes through the image forming unit 22 sheets that do not need to be subjected to image forming processing, such as slip sheets attached to an OHP sheet or partition sheets inserted between chapters. Used for.
[0030]
The multifunction machine 20 further includes a supply counter group 10 that counts the number of sheets supplied from the supply unit 4 and an image that counts the number of sheets formed by the image forming unit 22 and sent from the processing unit 6. A forming processing counter group 30, a non-processing counter group 32 that counts the number of sheets sent from the processing unit 6 without forming an image by the sheet passing mechanism 24, and a count value output unit 14 are included. The supply counter group 10, the image forming process counter group 30, and the non-process counter group 32 are each composed of a plurality of counters corresponding to the types of paper supplied from the supply unit 4. In other words, the supply counter group 10 is provided with supply counters 11a, 11b, 11c... Corresponding to the respective sheets supplied from the paper trays 8a, 8b, 8c. .. Are provided, and the non-process counter group 32 is provided with non-process counters 33a, 33b, 33c. Each of these counters can be configured using a CPU and a memory as in the first embodiment.
[0031]
Each image forming processing counter 31 receives a notification from the image forming unit 22 every time the image forming unit 22 performs image forming processing on the corresponding paper and the paper is sent to the paper discharge port of the processing unit 6. Counts up one by one. On the other hand, each time the corresponding paper is sent to the paper discharge port of the processing unit 6 without forming an image, each non-processing counter 33 is incremented by one in response to the notification from the paper passing mechanism 24.
[0032]
The count value output unit 14 displays the values of the supply counters 11, the image forming processing counters 31 and the non-processing counters 33 to the user, and the values of the counters are held in the memory as described above. In the configuration, for example, the CPU reads them and outputs them to the count value output unit 14. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a list display of count values for all paper types by the count value output unit 14. In the display of FIG. 4, “paper type” is displayed in the leftmost column as in FIG. In the second column from the left, the count value of the supply counter 11 of the paper type is displayed as “number of used sheets” in the column corresponding to each paper type. In the third column from the left, the count value of the image forming processing counter 31 for the paper type is displayed as “number of prints” in the column corresponding to each paper type, and the rightmost column indicates the paper type. In the corresponding column, the count value of the unprocessed counter 33 for the sheet type is displayed as “number of sheets not to be printed”.
[0033]
In this apparatus, when a problem such as a paper jam in the processing unit 6 occurs, the total value of the image forming processing counter 31 and the non-processing counter 33 for the paper type and the value of the supply counter 11 do not match. obtain. Therefore, maintenance data can be acquired from the counter value and used for management, as in the first embodiment. In addition, when the apparatus is charged by a pay-as-you-go system for use by the user, the number of printed sheets and the number of unprinted sheets can be obtained separately, so that the charge per sheet depends on the presence or absence of print processing. It is possible to make them different, and fine accounting processing is possible. For example, in the past, even if no slip sheet or color paper for partitioning was printed, the same charge as when printing (for example, 10 yen per sheet) was charged, but this apparatus does not perform printing. In that case, it is possible to reduce the price (for example, 5 yen per sheet) accordingly. If a counter for the number of pages on which image formation has been performed is also included, a charge for performing image formation (for example, 5 yen per page) and a charge per sheet (for example, plain paper 5) Yen, black and white OHP paper 10 yen, color OHP paper 30 yen, etc.) can be charged.
[0034]
[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus and a forming apparatus management system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first and second embodiments.
[0035]
The multi-function device 40 basically has the same configuration as that of the multi-function device 2 or the multi-function device 20 except that the multi-function device 40 includes a card reader 42 and a communication interface unit 44 that communicates with the outside. The multi-function device 40 is connected to a central device 48 via a communication interface unit 44 and a communication line 46 such as a LAN or a telephone line.
[0036]
In the multi-function device 40, the CPU that also functions as each counter group 10, 12, 30, 32 is connected to the card reader 42 and the communication interface unit 44 via the bus. For example, when an identification card (ID card) given to each user is inserted, the card reader 42 reads the user identification information recorded on the ID card and inputs it to the CPU. On the other hand, the CPU allocates a memory area for holding the values of the counter groups 10, 12, 30, and 32 for each user identification information, and stores the count value for each user in the memory area. The CPU functions as a user identification unit that identifies the user based on the user identification information obtained from the card reader 42. Then, the CPU operates each counter using a memory area corresponding to the user. That is, after the user inserts the ID card into the card reader 42 and starts using the multifunction device 40, the CPU removes the ID card and finishes using the multifunction device 40. 6. In response to the notification from the image forming unit 22 and the sheet passing mechanism 24, the various count values held in the memory area corresponding to the user are counted up. Meanwhile, the previous count value is held in the memory area corresponding to another user without being changed. In this way, various count values are accumulated for each user, and for example, the number of prints and the number of slip sheets / partition sheets are also grasped for each user. As a result, finer fee setting and billing processing can be performed for each user.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a list display of count values by the count value output unit 14. In the display of FIG. 6, information identifying the user such as the name of “user” is displayed in the leftmost column, “paper type” in the second column from the left, and in the third column from the left. The count value of the supply counter 11 for each user and for each paper type is displayed as “number of used sheets”. In the fourth column from the left, the count value of the image forming processing counter 31 for each user and for each paper type is displayed as “number of prints”, and in the rightmost column, the non-processing counter for each user and for each paper type. A count value of 33 is displayed as “number of sheets not to be printed”. The count value output unit 14 may display only a list of count values related to the user who is currently using the multifunction device 40.
[0038]
In the above configuration, the user identification information is read from the ID card. Instead, the MFP 40 includes input means such as a keyboard and a touch panel, and the user operates the input means to input the user identification information. It may be. Alternatively, the print request data input from the communication line 46 to the multifunction device 40 may include user identification information, and the multifunction device 40 may extract the user identification information from the print request data and use it.
[0039]
The central device 48 connected to the multi-function device 40 via the communication line 46 collects data in the multi-function device 40 via the communication interface unit 44, and performs various tabulations / analysis based on the collected data. . For example, the central device 48 reads various count values from the memory of the multi-function device 40 connected to the communication line 46, and forms an image from the value obtained by subtracting the value of the transmission counter 13 from the value of the supply counter 11 or the value of the supply counter 11. A value obtained by subtracting the processing counter 31 and the non-processing counter 33 is obtained as the number of processing errors. Then, the central device 48 analyzes how the number of processing errors increases with the passage of time or the number of used sheets, and detects whether a malfunction such as a paper jam in the processing unit 6 is likely to occur. For example, the central device 48 can detect that the accumulated number of processing errors has reached a predetermined threshold and perform processing such as notifying a maintenance worker. Further, the central device 48 obtains an increase amount (period difference value) of the number of processing errors per predetermined period (for example, one week, one month, one year, etc.), and the period difference value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Or a trend of statistically estimating a future period difference value or the like from a period difference value obtained in time series, and further a process of notifying the occurrence of a failure based on the estimated tendency can be performed. When the count value for each user is stored in the memory of the multi-function device 40, the central device 48 can perform the above processing after adding the count values for each user.
[0040]
Further, the number of processing errors may be counted for each sheet on which image formation has been performed and on each sheet on which image formation has not been performed. Based on this, it is possible to obtain the difference in the occurrence frequency of jam between the sheet on which image formation has been performed and the sheet on which image formation has not been performed.
[0041]
In the above-described configuration, the user-specific count value holding unit that holds the count value for each user is configured by the memory of the multi-function device 40 itself. On the other hand, for example, an ID card can be used to rewrite recorded information such as an IC card, and the ID card can be used as a count value holding unit for each user. That is, in this case, when the user inserts the ID card into the card reader 42, the card reader 42 reads the user identification information from the ID card, and the various count values written at the end of the previous use of the multifunction device 40 are also the ID card. Is read out and passed to the CPU. The CPU identifies the user and stores the passed count value in the work area for the counter operation set in the memory. Thereafter, from the supply unit 4, the processing unit 6, the image forming unit 22, and the sheet passing mechanism 24. In response to the notification, various count values held in the work area are counted up. On the other hand, when the user finishes using the multifunction device 40 and performs an operation for taking out the ID card, the CPU writes various count values held in the work area to the ID card. As a result, the count value stored in the ID card is updated. Here, the CPU may be configured not to count up the count value on the memory of the multi-function device 40 but to directly update the count value of the ID card every time the count up occurs.
[0042]
As described above, in the configuration in which the count value is held in the ID card, the memory capacity required for the multi-function device 40 does not basically increase even when the number of users increases. For this reason, the multifunction device 40 does not require a large-capacity memory, and an increase in size and cost of the multifunction device 40 is suppressed. In addition, when a user uses a plurality of multifunction devices 40, by configuring the multifunction devices 40 so that they can be used with a common ID card, the sheet count value of each user is added to the ID card. Therefore, it is not necessary to add up the count values for each MFP 40, and the accounting process is facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a list display of count values by a count value output unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a list display of count values by a count value output unit in the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a forming apparatus management system.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a list display of count values by a count value output unit in the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
2, 20, 40 MFP, 4 supply unit, 6 processing unit, 8 paper tray, 10 supply counter group, 11 supply counter, 12 output counter group, 13 output counter, 14 count value output unit, 22 image forming unit, 24 Paper passing mechanism, 30 image forming processing counter group, 31 image forming processing counter, 32 no processing counter group, 33 no processing counter, 42 card reader, 44 communication interface unit, 46 communication line, 48 central device.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies a medium; and a processing unit that performs an image forming process on the medium supplied from the supply unit.
A supply counter for counting the number of media supplied from the supply unit;
A sending counter for counting the number of the media sent from the processing unit;
A count value output unit for outputting a count value based on each of the supply counter and the delivery counter;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The processor is
Means for sending without forming an image on the medium supplied from the supply unit;
A processing unit counter that counts either the number of the media formed and sent out after forming the image or the number of the media sent out without forming the image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies a medium; and a processing unit that performs an image forming process on the medium supplied from the supply unit.
An image forming processing counter for counting the number of the media subjected to the image forming processing in the processing unit;
A non-processing counter that counts the number of media that are not subjected to the image forming process in the processing unit;
A count value output unit that outputs a count value based on each of the image forming processing counter and the non-processing counter;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The supply unit supplies a plurality of types of the medium,
Each counter is provided for each type of medium;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
A user-specific count value holding unit that holds the count values for each user who uses the image forming apparatus;
A user identification unit for identifying the user based on predetermined user identification information input when using the image forming apparatus;
Have
Each of the counters updates the count value corresponding to the identified user;
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus management system using the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
And a management device that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit, acquires the count value of each counter from the image forming apparatus, and generates predetermined management data based on the count value. Image forming apparatus management system. In a method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a supply unit that supplies a medium; and a processing unit that performs an image forming process on the medium supplied from the supply unit.
A medium supply step of taking out the medium from the supply unit and supplying the medium to the processing unit;
A medium supply amount counting step of increasing the supply count value by 1 each time the medium is supplied by the medium supply step;
A medium sending step for sending the medium from the processing unit;
A medium delivery amount counting step of increasing the delivery count value by 1 each time the medium is delivered by the delivery step;
A count value output step of outputting a count value based on each of the supply count value and the delivery count value to a predetermined output unit;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising: A computer that controls an image forming apparatus including a supply unit that supplies a medium and a processing unit that performs an image forming process on the medium supplied from the supply unit.
A medium supply procedure for causing the supply unit to perform a supply operation of taking out the medium and supplying the medium to the processing unit;
A medium supply amount counting procedure for increasing the supply count value by 1 each time the medium is supplied by the supply operation;
A medium sending procedure for causing the processing unit to perform a sending operation for sending the medium from the processing unit;
A medium delivery amount counting procedure for increasing the delivery count value by 1 each time the medium is delivered by the delivery operation;
A count value output procedure for outputting a count value based on each of the supply count value and the delivery count value to a predetermined output unit;
An image forming apparatus control program for executing An image forming apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies a medium; and a processing unit that performs an image forming process on the medium supplied from the supply unit.
A supply counter for counting the number of media supplied from the supply unit;
An image forming surface counter for counting the number of surfaces on which image forming processing has been performed by the processing unit;
A count value output unit that outputs a count value based on each of the supply counter and the image forming surface number counter;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A computer that controls an image forming apparatus including a supply unit that supplies a medium and a processing unit that performs an image forming process on the medium supplied from the supply unit.
A medium supply procedure for causing the supply unit to perform a supply operation of taking out the medium and supplying the medium to the processing unit;
A medium supply amount counting procedure for increasing the supply count value by 1 each time the medium is supplied by the supply operation;
Each time the image forming process is performed by the processing unit, the image forming surface number counting procedure for increasing the image forming surface value by 1;
A count value output procedure for outputting a count value based on each of the supply count value and the image forming surface value to a predetermined output unit;
An image forming apparatus control program for executing

Images