JP2005018400A - Use quantity counter management system of image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable confirmation and modification with respect to data which could be normally read by an OCR in a use quantity counter management system of an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In the use quantity counter management system of an image forming apparatus which comprises a storing means which stores apparatus identification information and counter information and a processing means which modifies the counter information, the processing means sends information of an apparatus search screen to a confirmation/modification terminal 42, and accepts a specific apparatus identification information from the confirmation/modification terminal 42. The processing means reads out counter information in correlation with the apparatus identification information from the storing means, creates the information of a counter information confirmation screen, and then sends the information to the confirmation/modification terminal 42. Thereafter, the processing means accepts the apparatus identification information and the counter information modified from the confirmation/modification terminal 42 to store the information in the storing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a usage quantity counter management system for an image forming apparatus that manages an accounting usage quantity counter attached to the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a maintenance contract for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a method for calculating a maintenance fee according to a counter value (counted by the number of output pages or the number of output sheets) built in the image forming apparatus is generally used. . Then, for maintenance fee calculation, the sales staff and maintenance service staff of each user confirms the counter value of the image forming device used by the user by visiting, calling, faxing, etc. A counter value is manually entered into a stand-alone counter management system and sent to a host (computer) for calculating a maintenance fee.
[0003]
In some cases, OCR-readable paper on which the counter value is entered is sent to the host by FAX or mail. In that case, the host reads the paper by OCR and acquires it as electronic data.
[0004]
Patent Document 1 describes an invention for reducing correction processing of OCR read data. Specifically, the data manually input to the computer is referred to, collated with the data read from the OCR, displayed only when there is a mismatch, and can be confirmed or corrected.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-22318
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the invention of Patent Document 1 does not describe a technique for prompting correction of data that can be read accurately. For data that can be read normally by OCR, the data cannot be judged abnormally, confirmed, or corrected.
[0007]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus usage quantity counter management system that can perform abnormality determination, confirmation, and correction of data that is normally read by OCR. Objective.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, in the present invention, a determination function for determining whether or not the number of image forming devices used during the period is abnormal, device identification information individually assigned to each image forming device, and each device Storage means for storing the counter information of each device associated with the identification information, the counter information is the previous counter value at the end of the previous period of each device, the current counter value at the end of the current period, and the difference between these counter values. Quantity used in image forming apparatus including processing quantity for determining whether or not the value of the quantity used during the period is abnormal using the function for judgment, including the quantity used during the period and the judgment result by the judgment function In the counter management system, the processing means performs the following processing. First, the current counter value and the previous counter value associated with specific device identification information are read from the storage means. Then, the used quantity during the period is calculated by subtracting the previous counter value from the read current counter value, and this used quantity is stored in the storage means in association with the corresponding device identification information. Subsequently, the determination function and the used quantity of each device are read from the storage means, and the determination result as to whether or not the used quantity of each device is abnormal is obtained by inputting the used quantity into the determining function, The determination result is stored in the storage means in association with the corresponding device identification information. Further, the determination result is output.
[0009]
In another aspect of the invention, the counter information is processed in the following manner in the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus including information on the past average output quantity of each apparatus. The determination function reads the used quantity and the average output quantity for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when the difference between the used quantity and the average output quantity is greater than or equal to a certain value.
[0010]
In another invention, the storage means associates and stores the model identifier included in the device identification information and the outputable quantity that can be output during the period of the model specified by the model identifier. In the counter management system, the following processing is performed. The determination function reads the output available quantity corresponding to the used quantity and the model identifier for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when the used quantity exceeds the output available quantity.
[0011]
In another invention, the storage means stores the model identifier included in the device identification information in association with the outputable quantity that can be output during the period of the model specified by the model identifier, and the counter information is: The following processing is performed in the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming equipment including information on the past average output quantity of each equipment. First, the first function reads the used quantity and the average output quantity for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when the difference between the used quantity and the average output quantity is a certain value or more. Then, the second function reads the output available quantity corresponding to the used quantity and the model identifier for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when the used quantity exceeds the output available quantity. Further, when at least one of the first or second function outputs a determination result indicating abnormality, a determination result indicating abnormality is output.
[0012]
In another aspect of the invention, in the usage quantity counter management system for an image forming apparatus that includes a communication unit that performs data communication with the confirmation / correction terminal, and the processing unit has a function of correcting the counter information, Process. First, the processing means accepts a counter information request access including specific device identification information from the confirmation / correction terminal via the communication means. And the counter information linked | related with the said apparatus identification information is read from a memory | storage means. Subsequently, information on the counter information confirmation screen including the device identification information and the counter information is created, and the information on the counter information confirmation screen is transmitted to the confirmation / correction terminal via the communication unit. Furthermore, a counter information storage access including device identification information and corrected counter information is accepted from the confirmation / correction terminal via the communication means. Further, the counter information of the storage means associated with the device identification information is replaced with the corrected counter information.
[0013]
In another invention, the following processing is performed in the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus. When outputting the determination result, the counter information associated with the specific device identification information is read from the storage means, and if the determination result included in the counter information is abnormal, the counter information is displayed with a color scheme indicating abnormality. And output as a determination result.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entire system.
[0016]
In the present embodiment, the first network 100, the second network 200, and the third network 300 are provided as communication means. A host computer 10, a file server 32, a sales company terminal 22, a sales company FAX (facsimile) 24, and an OCR (Optical Character Reader) server 31 are connected to the first network 100 so that data communication is possible. In addition, a file server 32 and a confirmation / correction terminal 42 are connected to the second network 200 so that data communication is possible. Furthermore, the OCR server 31 and the file server 32 are connected to the third network 300, and data communication from the OCR server 31 to the file server 32 is possible.
[0017]
Here, the first network 100, the second network 200, and the third network 300 include the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a telephone line, and the like.
[0018]
The host computer 10 is a computer that manages the user management file 12, the device management file 14, the sales company management file 16, and the average output number data 18.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the device management file 14 is a database that manages user identification information, counter information, and sales company identification information in association with each device identification information.
[0020]
The device management file 14 includes “device identification information”, “user identification information”, “counter information”, and “sales company identification information” as data items. The device identification information includes information such as a user device management number, a model number (model identifier), a model number, and a model name for identifying each individual image forming device. The user device management number is a management number for uniquely identifying an individual image forming device. The model number is a number for identifying the model of the image forming apparatus. The machine number is a manufacturing number or serial number of the image forming apparatus. The model name is the name of the model of the image forming apparatus. Since the device identification information appearing below is the same as the content of the device identification information described above, a duplicate description is omitted. The user identification information includes information such as a user name and a user number for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus. The user identification information that appears below also has the same content as the above-described user identification information, and therefore a duplicate description is omitted. The counter information includes a previous counter value, a current counter value, and a used quantity. Here, the counter value will be described. The counter value represents the number of pages printed out by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the previous counter value represents the number of pages printed out during the period up to the previous closing date, and the current counter value represents the number of pages printed out during the period up to the current closing date. Therefore, by subtracting the previous counter value from the current counter value, the value of the number of output pages (used quantity) for one month (during the period) from the previous closing date to the current closing date can be acquired. The counter information also includes information on the determination result when it is determined that the usage amount of the image forming apparatus is abnormal. Since the counter information that appears below has the same contents as the above-described counter information, a duplicate description is omitted. Further, before the current counter value is acquired, the current counter value, the used quantity, and the determination result are not set. The sales company identification information includes information such as a sales company name and a sales company number for identifying the sales company of the image forming apparatus.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 3, the user management file 12 is a database that manages the user contact information and the closing date in association with each user identification information.
[0022]
The user management file 12 includes “user identification information”, “user contact information”, and “closing date” as data items. The user contact information includes information such as the address, telephone number, FAX number, and e-mail address of the user who is the contact information of the user. The user contact information that appears below has the same contents as the above-described user contact information, and therefore a duplicate description is omitted. The closing date represents the date when the sales person in charge of the sales company or the person in charge of maintenance service checks the current counter value of the image forming apparatus installed in the user. For example, if the closing date of a certain user is 10 days, the sales person in charge of the sales company or the person in charge of maintenance service checks the current counter value on the 10th day of every month.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 4, the sales company management file 16 is a database that manages the sales company contact information and the form transmission method in association with each sales company identification information. Specifically, the sales company management file 16 manages the contact information of the sales company for each sales company. Furthermore, the sales company management file 16 manages the form transmission method for each sales company when transmitting the counter value report form from the file server 32 to the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 in the sales company. Here, the counter value report form is for a sales person or a maintenance service person in charge of a sales company who has examined the current counter value of the image forming device installed in the user to enter the current counter value and report it. Is.
[0024]
The sales company management file 16 includes “sales company identification information”, “sales company contact information”, and “form transmission method” as data items. The sales company identification information includes a sales company name and a sales company number which are information for identifying the sales company. The sales company contact information includes a sales company address, a FAX number, an e-mail address, and the like representing the sales company contact information. The sales company contact information that appears below has the same contents as the above-mentioned sales company contact information, and a duplicate description is omitted. The form transmission method is information on a transmission method when the file server 32 transmits a counter value report sheet to the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24, and includes information such as electronic data, FAX, and mail. Since the form transmission method that appears below has the same contents as the above-described form transmission method, duplicate description is omitted.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 5, the average output number data 18 is a database that manages the past average output number (average output quantity) in association with each piece of device identification information. Specifically, the average output number data 18 manages the average output number for each image forming device used by a certain user. Here, the average number of output sheets will be described. The average number of output sheets is calculated using the past used quantity, but the host computer 10 preliminarily manages and stores the information on the number of months used for the past several months of used quantity. .
[0026]
The average output number data 18 includes “device identification information” and “average output number” as data items. The average number of output sheets is an average value of the number of used image forming apparatuses. This average number of output sheets is calculated and updated using the average number of output sheets up to the closing date of the previous month and the amount used this month.
[0027]
The sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 is for transmitting image data including a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) file of a counter value report sheet in which the counter value is already entered to the OCR server 31. Here, the sales company terminal 22 includes at least a printer that outputs a counter value report sheet and a scanner that reads the counter value report sheet on which the counter value has been entered as image data.
[0028]
The OCR server 31 character-converts the device identification information displayed on the screen of the counter value report form image data received from the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 and the item of the current counter value by OCR, and converts the text data into A computer to be created. Further, the OCR server 31 is a computer for transmitting the text data to the file server 32.
[0029]
The confirmation / correction terminal 42 is a computer for confirming and correcting the counter information of the form file 34 managed by the file server 32 described later. Here, the confirmation / correction terminal 42 includes at least a display device for confirming the counter information and an input device for correcting the counter information.
[0030]
The file server 32 includes at least storage means such as a hard disk, counter value evaluation means as processing means for determining whether or not the used quantity of the image forming apparatus or the current counter value is an abnormal value, The computer includes a counter value correcting means as a processing means for correcting the counter information, and a communication device for communicating with the communication means. The storage means includes a determination function, a form file 34, and outputable sheet number data 33.
[0031]
The determination function is a function for determining whether the used quantity or the current counter value is abnormal.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 6, the form file 34 is a database that manages user identification information, counter information, average output number, sales company identification information, sales company contact information, and form transmission method in association with each device identification information. . The form file 34 includes, as data items, “device identification information”, “user identification information”, “counter information”, “average number of output sheets”, “sales company identification information”, “sales company contact information”, “Form Sending Method”.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 7, the outputable sheet number data 33 is a database that manages the outputable sheet number (outputtable quantity) in association with each model number. The outputtable sheet number data 33 includes “model number” and “outputtable sheet number” as data items. The number of printable sheets refers to the maximum number of output pages that can be printed out in one month (during the period) by an image forming apparatus of a certain model number. Assume that the number of outputtable sheets appearing thereafter is set in advance.
[0034]
The overall operation in the present embodiment will be described below based on the configuration of each device described above.
[0035]
First, the host computer 10 reads, from the user management file 12, user identification information associated with a closing date corresponding to a specific closing date from the user management file 12. Further, the host computer 10 reads out device identification information, counter information, and sales company identification information associated with the user identification information from the device management file 14. Further, the host computer 10 reads the sales company contact information associated with the sales company identification information and the form transmission method from the sales company management file 16. Subsequently, the host computer 10 reads out the average output number associated with the device identification information from the average output number data 18. Thereafter, the host computer 10 corresponds to the read device identification information, user identification information, counter information, sales company identification information, sales company contact information, form transmission method, and average output number via the first network 100, respectively. Correlate and transmit to the file server 32.
[0036]
The file server 32 that has received the device identification information, the user identification information, the counter information, the sales company identification information, the sales company contact information, the form transmission method, and the average output number from the host computer 10 associates these data with the device identification information, Stored in the form file 34. Then, the file server 32 reads from the form file 34 user identification information associated with the device identification information, sales company identification information, sales company contact information, and a form transmission method. Subsequently, the contents of the device identification information and the image data of the counter value report form provided with blanks for entering the current counter value are created. Thereafter, the file server 32 sends the counter value report form via the first network 100 to the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 of the sales company indicated by the sales company identification information, the method indicated by the form transmission method and the sales company contact information. Use to send.
[0037]
Upon receiving the image data of the counter value report sheet from the file server 32, the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 outputs the image data of the counter value report sheet to the OCR-readable paper by a printer or the like. Then, after the sales company or the like enters the current counter value on the counter value report form, the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 captures the counter value report form as image data using a scanner or the like. Thereafter, the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 transmits the image data of the counter value report sheet to the OCR server 31 via the first network 100.
[0038]
The OCR server 31 that has received the image data of the counter value report form from the sales company terminal 22 or the sales company FAX 24 character-converts the device identification information displayed on the screen of the image data and the item of the current counter value by OCR. Create text data. Then, the OCR server 31 transmits the text data to the file server 32 via the third network 300.
[0039]
The file server 32 that has received the text data from the OCR server 31 corresponds to the counter value associated with the device identification information included in the text data in the form file 34 and the value of the current counter value included in the text data. Is stored.
[0040]
Thereafter, the file server 32 reads the current counter value and the previous counter value associated with the device identification information from the form file 34, and calculates the used quantity by subtracting the previous counter value from the current counter value. The used quantity is associated with the device identification information and stored in the counter information in the form file 34.
[0041]
Here, the file server 32 determines whether the used quantity or the current counter value in the form file 34 is abnormal. There are three types of determination methods.
[0042]
First, the file server 32 reads the used quantity and the average output number associated with the device identification information from the form file 34. Further, the file server 32 inputs the used quantity and the average output number of sheets to the determination function. Then, when the value of the used quantity exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the value of the average output number by a predetermined value by the determination function, the file server 32 determines that the used quantity is abnormal, and uses the used quantity. Is associated with the device identification information and stored in the counter information in the form file 34. Here, the case where “the value of the used quantity exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the value of the average number of output sheets by a predetermined value” will be described. For example, when the used quantity is 1000 sheets, the average output sheet number is 300 sheets, and the predetermined value is 3, the average output sheet number is multiplied by a predetermined value to be 900 sheets. However, since it exceeds the multiplied value, it is determined that the value of the used quantity is an abnormal value.
[0043]
On the other hand, the file server 32 determines the used quantity by another method. First, the file server 32 reads the used quantity associated with the device identification information from the form file 34, and reads the outputtable number associated with the model number included in the device identification information from the outputable number data 33. Furthermore, the file server 32 inputs the used quantity and the outputtable number of sheets to the determination function. Then, the file server 32 compares the value of the used quantity with the value of the outputtable number of sheets using the determination function. If the value of the used quantity exceeds the value of the outputable number of sheets, the file server 32 It is determined that there is an abnormality, and the determination result indicating that the usage amount is abnormal is associated with the device identification information and stored in the counter information in the form file 34.
[0044]
Further, the file server 32 performs the determination by another method. First, the file server 32 reads the current counter value associated with the device identification information from the form file 34 and inputs the current counter value to the determination function. Then, the file server 32 determines that the current counter value is abnormal when the value of the current counter value is not input by the determination function, and the determination result that the current counter value is abnormal is identified as the device identification. The information is associated with the information and stored in the counter information in the form file 34.
[0045]
The file server 32 determines the used quantity or the current counter value by the above three methods, but in this embodiment, the used quantity or the current counter value is determined by at least one of the three determination methods. When a determination result indicating abnormality is obtained, the used quantity or the current counter value is handled as abnormal.
[0046]
Thereafter, when requested, the file server 32 transmits information on the device search screen to the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the second network 200. Here, the device search screen is the device of the image forming device that the user desires to confirm when the user of the confirmation / correction terminal 42 tries to confirm the counter information in the form file of the file server 32. It is a screen for inputting identification information.
[0047]
The confirmation and correction terminal 42 that has received the information on the device search screen from the file server 32 displays the information on the device search screen on the display device. Then, the confirmation / correction terminal 42 receives input of device identification information from the user of the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the input device. Thereafter, the confirmation / correction terminal 42 transmits a counter information request access including the device identification information (access for requesting the counter information) to the file server 32 via the second network 200.
[0048]
The file server 32 that has received the counter information request access including the device identification information from the confirmation / correction terminal 42 reads the counter information including the determination result associated with the device identification information from the form file 34. Then, the file server 32 creates information on the counter information confirmation screen using the device identification information and the counter information. Here, the counter information confirmation screen is a screen for the user of the confirmation / correction terminal 42 to confirm or correct the counter information in the form file 34. Further, the file server 32 reads out the determination result associated with the device identification information from the form file 34, and when the determination result is abnormal, the file server 32 applies a color scheme indicating abnormality to the counter information. Here, the reason why the color information indicating abnormality is applied to the counter information will be described. This is because the abnormal value is colored to give attention to the user who confirms the counter information and urge correction. Thereafter, the file server 32 transmits information on the counter information confirmation screen to the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the second network 200.
[0049]
Upon receiving the information on the counter information confirmation screen from the file server 32, the confirmation / correction terminal 42 displays the information on the counter information confirmation screen on the display device.
[0050]
Next, the operation when accepting correction of counter information on the counter information confirmation screen is as follows. The confirmation / correction terminal 42 receives the correction of the counter information from the user who uses the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the input device. Thereafter, a counter information storage access including the device identification information included in the information on the counter information confirmation screen and the corrected counter information is transmitted to the file server 32 via the second network 200.
[0051]
The file server 32 that has received the counter information storage access including the device identification information and the counter information from the confirmation / correction terminal 42 reads the counter information associated with the device identification information from the form file 34, and the corrected counter information And store.
[0052]
Thereafter, the file server 32 reads out device identification information and counter information associated with the device identification information from the form file 34. Then, the file server 32 transmits the device identification information and counter information to the host computer 10 via the first network 100.
[0053]
The host computer 10 that has received the device identification information and the counter information from the file server 32 reads the counter information associated with the device identification information in the device management file 14 and stores it in place of the counter information received from the file server 32. . Here, the host computer 10 reads the used quantity included in the counter information associated with the specific device identification information from the device management file 14, and the average output associated with the device identification information from the average output number data 18. Read the number. Further, it reads out the number of months as to whether the average output sheet number managed and stored in advance by the host computer 10 is the average value of the used quantity for months. The host computer 10 adds the used quantity to the value obtained by multiplying the average number of output sheets by the number of months, and then divides the value by the number of months obtained by adding one month to the number of months. Calculate the number of sheets. Thereafter, the host computer 10 reads out the average output number associated with the device identification information from the average output number data 18, and replaces and stores it with the newly calculated average output number. Further, the host computer 10 reads the counter information associated with the device identification information from the device management file 14, stores the current counter value in place of the previous counter value, stores the current counter value, the used quantity, and the determination. Clear the result value (not entered).
[0054]
With the above processing, the entire operation in the present embodiment is completed.
[0055]
Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 8, the details of the operation when the processing unit of the file server 32 determines the used quantity or the value of the current counter value as the counter value evaluation unit 36 from the overall operations described above. Will be explained.
[0056]
First, the processing means reads the used quantity and the average output number associated with specific device identification information from the form file 34 (S101).
[0057]
Then, it is determined whether the value of the used quantity exceeds a value obtained by multiplying the value of the average output number by a predetermined value (S102).
[0058]
As a result of the process of step S102, when the value of the used quantity exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the value of the average output number by a predetermined value, the determination result indicating that it is abnormal is associated with the device identification information, It is stored in the counter information in the form file 34 (S103).
[0059]
Next, the used quantity associated with the device identification information is read from the form file 34, and the outputtable number associated with the model number included in the device identification information is read from the outputable number data 33 (S104).
[0060]
Then, the value of the used quantity is compared with the value of the outputtable number of sheets, and it is determined whether the value of the used quantity exceeds the value of the outputable number of sheets (S105).
[0061]
As a result of the processing in step S105, if the value of the used quantity exceeds the value of the number of outputtable sheets, the determination result indicating that there is an abnormality is associated with the device identification information and stored in the counter information in the form file 34. (S106).
[0062]
Further, the current counter value associated with the device identification information is read from the form file 34 (S107).
[0063]
Then, the current counter value is input to the determination function, and it is determined by the current counter value determination function whether or not the current counter value has not been input (S108).
[0064]
If the value of the current counter value is not input as a result of the processing in step S108, the determination result indicating that there is an abnormality is associated with the device identification information and stored in the counter information in the form file 34 (S109).
[0065]
Thus, the operation for determining the used quantity or the current counter value is completed.
[0066]
Next, details of the operation when the processing unit of the file server 32 corrects the counter information as the counter value correction unit 37 among the above-described overall operations will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
[0067]
First, the processing means transmits device search screen information to the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the second network 200, and accepts a counter information request access including specific device identification information from the confirmation / correction terminal 42. (S201).
[0068]
Then, the counter information associated with the device identification information is read from the form file 34 (S202).
[0069]
Next, using the device identification information and counter information, information on a counter information confirmation screen is created, and the counter information confirmation screen is transmitted to the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the second network 200 (S203).
[0070]
Thereafter, a counter information storage access including the device identification information, the device identification information, and the corrected counter information is received from the confirmation / correction terminal 42 via the second network 200 (S204).
[0071]
Then, the counter information associated with the device identification information is read from the form file 34, and replaced with the corrected counter information and stored (S205).
[0072]
The operation for correcting the counter information is thus completed.
[0073]
In this embodiment, when the difference between the used quantity and the average output quantity is greater than a certain value, when the used quantity exceeds the outputable quantity, or when the current counter value is not entered, the used quantity or the current counter Since the counter value evaluation unit 36 that determines that the value is abnormal and outputs the determination result is provided, the abnormal value can be automatically determined. Also, a device search screen is provided to the confirmation / correction terminal 42, specific device identification information is received, a counter information confirmation screen is created based on the counter information associated with the device identification information, and the confirmation correction is performed. By providing the counter value correction means 37 provided to the service terminal 42, the following effects are produced. The user of the confirmation / correction terminal 42 can confirm and correct the counter information of the image forming apparatus having the specific apparatus identification information requested by the user. For example, even for data that can be normally read by OCR, it is possible to perform data abnormality determination, confirmation, and correction. Further, the counter value correcting means refers to the determination result, and when the used quantity or the current counter value is abnormal, the counter value correcting means provides a counter information confirmation screen in which the abnormal value is colored, thereby providing a confirmation correction terminal 42. Attention can be given to users and corrections can be encouraged.
[0074]
Here, in the scene where it is determined whether or not the usage quantity is abnormal by using the value of the usage quantity and the average output number, the value of the usage quantity is a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the value of the average output quantity. Even if it exceeds, the used quantity may be determined as an abnormal value. For example, if the used quantity is 800 sheets, the average output sheet number is 500 sheets, and the predetermined value is 200 sheets, adding the predetermined value to the average output sheet number becomes 700 sheets. The value exceeds the value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the average number of output sheets. Therefore, it is determined that this used quantity is an abnormal value.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured and functions as described above, according to this, the processing means for determining whether or not the usage quantity is abnormal is the value of the usage quantity associated with the specific device identification information in the determination function. Since the determination result is acquired by inputting, an abnormal value of the used quantity can be automatically determined. Furthermore, the device search screen accepts input of specific device identification information, creates a counter information confirmation screen based on the counter information associated with the device identification information, and outputs it, so that it can be read normally by OCR. It is possible to check and correct the data that has been completed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entire system.
FIG. 2 is a data structure diagram of a device management file.
FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram of a user management file.
[Figure 4] Data structure diagram of sales company management file
FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of average output sheet number data.
FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram of a form file.
FIG. 7 is a data structure diagram of outputable sheet number data.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of counter value evaluation means.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of counter value correction means.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Host computer
12 User management
14 Device management file
16 Sales company management file
18 Average output number data
22 Sales company terminal
24 Sales FAX
31 OCR server
32 File server
33 Number of printable data
34 Form file
36 Counter value evaluation means
37 Counter value correction means
42 Terminal for confirmation and correction
100 First network
200 Second network
300 Third network

Claims (6)

A function for determining whether or not the usage amount of the image forming device during the period is abnormal, device identification information individually assigned to each image forming device, and counter information of each device associated with each device identification information, Storage means for storing
The counter information includes the previous counter value at the end of the previous period of each device, the current counter value at the end of the current period, the amount used during the period that is the difference between these counter values, and the determination result by the determination function,
Processing means for determining whether or not the value of the quantity used during the period is abnormal using the determination function;
This processing means
Reading the current counter value and the previous counter value associated with specific device identification information from the storage means;
Calculating the amount used during the period by subtracting the previous counter value from the read current counter value, and storing the used amount in association with the corresponding device identification information in the storage means;
The determination function and the usage quantity of each device are read from the storage means, and the determination result as to whether or not the usage quantity of each device is abnormal is obtained by inputting the usage quantity into the determination function. Storing the results in the storage means in association with the corresponding device identification information,
Outputting the determination result;
A usage quantity counter management system for image forming equipment. In the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The counter information includes information on the past average output quantity of each device,
The determination function is a function that reads the used quantity and the average output quantity for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when a difference between the used quantity and the average output quantity is a certain value or more. Use quantity counter management system for image forming equipment. In the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The storage means associates and stores a model identifier included in the device identification information and an outputable quantity that can be output during the term of the model specified by the model identifier,
The determination function is a function that reads the output available quantity corresponding to the used quantity and the model identifier for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when the used quantity exceeds the output available quantity. Use quantity counter management system for image forming equipment. In the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The storage means stores the model identifier included in the device identification information in association with the outputable quantity that can be output during the period of the model specified by the model identifier, and the counter information stores the past of each device. Information on the average output quantity of
The determination function is:
A first function that reads the used quantity and the average output quantity for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when a difference between the used quantity and the average output quantity is a certain value;
A second function that reads out the output available quantity corresponding to the use quantity and the model identifier for each device, and outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality when the use quantity exceeds the output available quantity;
A usage quantity counter management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein when at least one of the first or second functions outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality, the function outputs a determination result indicating an abnormality. In the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A communication unit that performs data communication with the terminal for confirmation and correction, and the processing unit has a function of correcting the counter information,
The processing means is
Receiving a counter information request access including specific device identification information from a terminal for confirmation and correction via a communication means;
Reading out counter information associated with the device identification information from the storage means;
Creating information on the counter information confirmation screen including the device identification information and counter information, and transmitting the information on the counter information confirmation screen to the terminal for confirmation and correction via the communication means;
Receiving a counter information storage access including device identification information and corrected counter information from the terminal for confirmation and correction via the communication means;
Replacing the counter information of the storage means associated with the device identification information with the corrected counter information;
A usage quantity counter management system for image forming equipment. In the usage quantity counter management system of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
In the step of outputting the determination result,
The counter information associated with the specific device identification information is read from the storage means, and when the determination result included in the counter information is abnormal, the counter information is colored to indicate the abnormality and output as the determination result A usage quantity counter management system for image forming equipment.

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