JP2005144764A - Image forming apparatus, job processing method, job controlling program and storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a job controlling method capable of controlling jobs in an image processing apparatus taking limit of usage by users into consideration without using a server for counting up job information. <P>SOLUTION: In the job controlling method, after a limiting value list is received, the job information is acquired from a data base in which the job information is stored, and a value obtained by subtracting an actual record value at the time when the preceding limiting value list is circulated from the actual record value is subtracted from the limiting value in the limiting value list to renew accurately the limiting value. Then, the limiting value list is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a job processing method, a job management program, and a storage medium having functions of a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and the like, and their multifunction peripherals.

  Conventionally, when a user uses a peripheral device such as a printer (printing apparatus), a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction device (MFP) that integrates them via a network, job management is performed. The device is known.

  Among such job management apparatuses (information processing apparatuses), there are those that place restrictions on the use of peripheral devices by a certain user over a certain limit. This job management apparatus aggregates job information output to a plurality of multi-function devices (MFPs) into one, compares the total value with a limit value set for each user, and restricts usage. It is common to do. In order to perform this totaling process, it is common to prepare an information processing apparatus (computer) that performs job management processing. Some limit values are set remotely (see Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus having a combined function of a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, a copying machine, etc., an execution environment for another embedded system such as Java (registered trademark) is executed on the OS for system integration. Attempts are being made to build environments and download and install application modules.
JP 2002-82860 A

  However, when the job management method for restricting the above-described users is realized in the execution environment constructed on the image forming apparatus having the composite function according to the above-described conventional technique, the image is output to each image forming apparatus. It is necessary to count job information in one place. Usually, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer is operated as a server computer, the output jobs of each image forming apparatus are aggregated, and the use restriction for the user is realized by comparing with the limit value for each user. .

  Here, the provision of a server for job management has a problem that it takes operation costs. In other words, even in an image forming apparatus that can download and execute the job management module in an execution environment different from the control of the image processing apparatus, the job information of each image forming apparatus is held by each image forming apparatus. Therefore, in order to perform job management of the entire plurality of image forming apparatuses and set usage restrictions, it is necessary to prepare a server that aggregates job information of all image forming apparatuses in the user's usage environment. For this reason, there is a problem that the job management of the entire plurality of image forming apparatuses cannot be performed only by the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that considers user usage restrictions without using a server that counts job information. To provide a job management method capable of job management.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 has a management function for managing output restriction based on job information, and is an image forming apparatus connectable to a network. A limit value list receiving means for receiving a limit value list for limiting the number of sheets of paper output from the image forming apparatus based on the job information, and a previous received from the limit number of the received limit value list Limit value list updating means for updating the limit value list using a value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets output later as a new limit number, and a limit value for transmitting the updated limit value list to the next image forming apparatus. And a list transmission means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the attribute value of the user, the limit number of sheets, and the order of transmitting the list between the image forming apparatuses are recorded in the limit value list. It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, an ID for uniquely determining the list is stored in the limit value list.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first execution environment is capable of executing a first type of instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus; A second execution environment that is implemented on the first execution environment and is capable of executing instructions in a second format defined in a format independent of the model of the image forming apparatus, and receiving the limit value list The means, the limit value list update means, and the limit value list transmission means are realized on the second execution environment.

  In order to achieve the above object, a job management method according to claim 5 is a job management method for an image forming apparatus connectable to a network having a management function for managing output restrictions based on job information. A limit value list receiving step for receiving a limit value list that is repeatedly circulated between the image forming apparatuses and that limits the number of sheets to be used that are output from the image forming apparatus based on the job information; and a limit number of the received limit value list A limit value list update step for updating the limit value list using a value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets output after the previous reception as a new limit number, and the updated limit value list for the next image forming apparatus. And a limit value list transmission step for transmission.

  In order to achieve the above object, a job management program according to claim 6 is a job management program for an image forming apparatus connectable to a network, which has a management function for managing output restriction based on job information. A limit value list receiving module that repeatedly circulates between the above image forming apparatuses and receives a limit value list that limits the number of sheets to be used that are output from the image forming apparatus based on the job information; and the received limit value list A limit value list update module that updates the limit value list using a value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets output after the previous reception from the limit number as a new limit number, and image formation that circulates the updated limit value list next time A limit value list transmission module to be transmitted to the apparatus is executed by a computer.

  The job management program according to claim 7, in the job management program according to claim 6, the attribute list of the user, the limit number of sheets, and the order of transmitting the list between the image forming apparatuses are recorded in the limit value list. It is characterized by.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the job management program according to the sixth or seventh aspect, an ID for uniquely determining the list is stored in the limit value list.

  A job management program according to a ninth aspect is the job management program according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the first execution environment is capable of executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus. And is realized on a second execution environment capable of executing a second format instruction defined in a format independent of the model of the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer-readable storage medium according to a tenth aspect stores the job management program according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects.

  According to the image forming apparatus of claim 1, the job management method of claim 5, the job management program of claim 6, and the storage medium of claim 10, without using a server for counting job information, a user's Job management of the image processing apparatus in consideration of usage restrictions becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a system having a job management apparatus, other copying machines, image forming apparatuses, computers, and the like according to the present embodiment.

  This system includes image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 connected to a network 5, computers 11 and 12, a computer 20 connected to the network 5 through the Internet network 21, the Internet network 21, and the public line network without going through the network 5. And a fax machine connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via the.

  Since the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 have the same configuration, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 is not shown. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a reader unit 1, a printer unit 2, a controller unit 3, and an operation unit 500. The controller unit 3 includes a modem communication unit 4, a network processing unit 7, a PDL expansion unit 8, and a core unit 10.

  The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document set on the image forming apparatus 100 and outputs the read image data to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. The printer unit 2 records (prints) an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 1 on a recording sheet. The modem communication unit 4 has a function of converting data when data is transmitted / received via the public line network, and the network processing unit 7 has a function of data transmission / reception via the network 5. 8 expands the PDL data into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. As will be described later, the core unit 10 plays a central role in processing that combines functions such as document image reading, image printing, image transmission / reception, image storage, and data input / output from a computer.

  The computers 11 and 12 are examples of information processing apparatuses, and are personal computers or workstations (PC / WS). Further, the PDL print data is sent from the computers 11 and 12 to the core unit 10 through the network 5 and the network processing unit 7, and the PDL development unit 8 develops the PDL data into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. Printing is performed by the printer unit 2 through the unit 10. The computers 11 and 12 have built-in hard disks 30 and 36, respectively. Further, display devices 35 and 37 are connected to the computers 11 and 12, respectively. This display device is, for example, an LCD display. Further, keyboards 31 and 38 as input devices are connected to the computers 11 and 12, respectively. In addition, said structure is an example and is not limited to the structure of illustration.

  The fax machine 14 transmits, for example, a document image read by a reader unit similar to that of the image forming apparatus 100 via the public line network 15 via the core unit and the modem communication unit. Alternatively, image data from another fax machine is received through the public network 15, the modem communication unit, and the core unit, and the received image is printed by the printer unit (printer engine unit).

  2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 is illustrated by taking a copying machine main body as an example. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a printer, a scanner, and a fax in addition to a copying machine. As an example of controlling the image forming apparatus, a predetermined storage area in the HDD of the copying machine may be provided as a box, and image data in the box may be operated.

  A deck 150 is disposed beside the copying apparatus main body 100, and a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF) 180 is disposed on the copying machine 100.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a platen glass 101, a scanner 102, scanning mirrors 105 and 106, a lens 108, a CCD sensor (image sensor unit) 109, a photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a pre-exposure lamp 114, and a cleaning device. 116, a transfer charger 118, an exposure control unit 120, a developing device 121, a transfer belt 130, an upper cassette 131, a lower cassette 132, pickup rollers 133 and 134, paper feed rollers 135 and 136, a registration roller 137, an adsorption charger 138, Transfer belt roller 170, pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, fixing device 141, paper discharge roller 142, paper discharge flapper 154, reverse path 155, refeed tray 156, multiple flapper 157, transport path 158, paper feed roller 159, Path 160, discharge roller 161, first feed Roller 162, a second feed roller 162a, and a reversing roller 163.

  In detail, the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the platen glass 101 to the CCD sensor 109 in FIG. 2, and the printer unit 2 in FIG. 1 includes the photosensitive drum 110 in FIG. It corresponds to 163.

  First, the reader unit 1 will be described in detail. The platen glass 101 is a document placement table. The scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), whereby the reflected light 107 of the original is imaged on the CCD sensor 109 through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106. In the CCD sensor 109, it is converted into an electric signal, A / D conversion and shading correction are performed by a scanner image processing unit (not shown) near the CCD sensor 109, and a digital image is stored in a memory 704 in the core unit 10 (FIG. 7) described later. Accumulated as data.

  Next, the printer unit 2 will be described in detail. The exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 reads out the digital output image data stored in the memory 704 of the core unit 10 from the memory, and the digital image is output from the core unit 10 (FIG. 7) described later. Data is converted into a video signal and sent to the printer unit 2 through the I / F 708. The photosensitive drum 110 is irradiated with laser light 129 modulated based on the video signal.

  Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126 centering on the photosensitive drum 110, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, The laser beam 129 from the exposure control unit 120 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image.

  On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pick-up rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136 and fed to the transfer belt 130 by the registration rollers 137 to be visualized. The transferred toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114. The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, and fixed by pressurization and heating, and the main body 100 by the paper discharge roller 142. Is discharged outside.

  The adsorption charger 138 adsorbs the transfer sheet sent from the registration roller 137 to the transfer belt 130. The transfer belt roller 170 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and at the same time, is paired with the adsorption charger 138 to charge the transfer paper to the transfer belt 130 by adsorption.

  The copying machine main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, the image forming apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate, for example, 100 transfer sheets.

  The paper discharge flapper 154 switches the path between the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by this paper discharge flapper 154. The multiple flapper 157 switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the multiple flapper 157 to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155. The paper feed roller 159 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 side through the path 160.

  The discharge roller 161 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. During double-sided recording (duplex copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the reverse path 155 and then the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left. Then, the paper is stored in the paper refeed tray 156 in a state of being turned upside down through the transport path 158. Further, at the time of multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the transport path 158, and then the refeed tray 156. To store. The transfer sheets stored in the refeed tray 156 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feed roller 159.

  When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is transported to the transport path 155 side. After the rear end passes through the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus. Further, the transfer paper discharged out of the apparatus is conveyed to the finisher 190.

  The finisher 190 stacks transfer sheets printed by the copying machine 100. A path 193 is a path for receiving transfer paper printed by the copying machine 100. The roller 197 sends the transfer paper conveyed from the path 193 to the path 195 or 196. In order to send the transfer paper to the path 195, the paper discharge flapper 194 is moved downward. To send the transfer paper to the path 196, the paper discharge flapper 194 is moved upward. Then, the transfer paper passing through the path 196 is discharged to the bin 192 by the roller 198. When passing the path 195, the paper is discharged to the bin 191 as it is. For example, when copying is performed, the transfer sheet is discharged to the bin 191, and when PDL printing is performed, the sheet is discharged to the bin 192, thereby improving user convenience.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the core unit 10 in FIG.

  The core unit 10 includes interface units 701, 706, 707, and 708, data processing units 702 and 705, a CPU 703 (each control unit), and a memory 704 (storage unit).

  More specifically, the image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 702 via the I / F 706. The data processing unit 702 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred to the data processing unit 702 is stored as digital image data in the memory 704 through the CPU 703. The digital image data is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the CPU 703, the data processing unit 705, and the I / F 708 in accordance with a control command from the operation unit 500. Alternatively, the data is transferred to the modem communication unit 4 and the network processing unit 7 via the I / F 701. The operation unit 500 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel has a function of a touch pad, and a key can be selected in association with a predetermined command or setting when a finger touches the liquid crystal panel.

  In addition, code data representing an image input via the network processing unit 7 is transferred to the CPU 703 via the I / F 701. When the CPU 703 determines that the code data is a PDL code, the PDL code Is transferred to the PDL developing unit 8 through the I / F 701 and developed into image bitmap data. This image bitmap data is stored in the memory 704 through the I / F 701 and the CPU 703. Thereafter, the image bitmap data is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the CPU 703, the data processing unit 705, and the I / F 708 and printed.

  The fax image data from the modem communication unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 705 via the I / F 701 and CPU 703 and then transferred to the printer unit 2 via the I / F 708.

  The CPU 703 performs the above-described control according to the control program stored in the memory 704 and the control command received from the operation unit 500 via the I / F 707. The memory 704 is also used as a work area for the CPU 703. As described above, in the copying machine 100, the document image reading, image printing, image transmission / reception, image storage, and the computers 11, 12, 20 are centered on the core unit 10 of the controller unit 3 that performs image input / output control and the like. It is possible to perform a process that combines functions such as data input / output from. The I / F 701 can download various applications and control programs from a server or other image forming apparatus on an external network and store them in the memory 704. Further, as an example of input means other than the I / F 701, a detachable memory slot (not shown) can be considered. The program can be downloaded not only from the network but also from a portable storage medium such as a flexible disk, IC card, DVD, or CD-ROM connected to the memory slot and stored in the memory 704.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a software structure stored in the core unit 10 of the copying machine 100 in FIG.

  Reference numeral 301 shown in the software structure 300 is an OS (first execution environment) that controls the entire copying machine 100. Generally, each module of a real-time OS that can control various functions of the copying machine 100 in real time. Alternatively, it is a library group capable of instructing the CPU 703 to control each function including an optional device and an expansion card of the copying machine 100 critically. And it is implement | achieved by the module group which provides an interface command with respect to the application which operate | moves in the upper rank.

  Reference numeral 302 denotes a controller control unit that operates on the first execution environment 301, and is configured by modules that control the reader unit 1, the printer unit 2, the modem communication unit 4, the PDL expansion unit 8, and the like.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes an application programming interface (hereinafter referred to as API), which responds to an instruction sequence of an instruction input from the application, and accesses the controller control unit 302 through this interface, the network processing unit 7 and the network 5. And a function of sending a control command to the image forming apparatus 200 or the like via the. An application 304 runs on the first execution environment 301, and requests various processing from the controller control unit 302 using the API 303. It is also possible to communicate with computers (information processing devices) 11, 12, and 20 on the network 5 via the network processing unit 7.

  Reference numeral 305 denotes a second execution environment that is optimal for executing a specific application, and is realized by, for example, a Java (registered trademark) virtual machine. Reference numeral 306 denotes an API for an application on the second execution environment 305 to access the controller control unit 302 operating on the real-time OS that is the first execution environment 301. In this embodiment, the API 303 is called. And a function of sending a control command to the image forming apparatus 200 or the like via the network processing unit 7 and the network 5.

  Reference numeral 307 denotes a framework module having a function for comprehensively controlling applications on the second execution environment 305. Reference numeral 308 denotes an application management application for managing other applications on the second execution environment 305. The application management application 308 cooperates with the framework 307 to download, upload, delete, and invalidate applications 309 and 310 to be described later. It is.

  Reference numerals 309 and 310 denote applications that operate on the second execution environment 305, and request various processes to the controller control unit 302 using the API 306. It is also possible to communicate with the computers 11, 12, and 20 on the network 5 via the network processing unit 7.

  A resource management unit 311 manages resources used by the second execution environment 305 and operates on the real-time OS that implements the first execution environment 301. When the resource management unit 311 uses a resource resource such as a memory, all the applications on the virtual machine itself that implements the second execution environment 305, the API 306, the framework 307, or the second execution environment 305 (OS) This restricts the use of more resources than predetermined.

  Next, the API 303 will be described.

  The API 303 is a set of interfaces on the real-time OS 301 (first execution environment) respectively corresponding to a plurality of control commands for accessing the controller control unit 302 controlled by the real-time OS that is the first execution environment 301. . Each interface corresponding to the control command has a parameter for designating a target device to execute the control command, and the controller control unit 302 in the same device as the designation target, and image formation connected via the network 5 The controller control unit 302 of the device 200 can be specified.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of calling an interface of the API 303 in FIG. As the API 303, for example, when a real-time OS is mounted alone on the image forming apparatus, an interface group according to a print protocol capable of finely controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus on the real-time OS can be considered. Here, the API 303 is a library group for realizing a network printing protocol.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the interface A corresponding to the control command A is called. Here, commands and interfaces can be called in a one-to-one correspondence. However, a plurality of simple commands may be combined and regarded as one new command, and this may be associated with the interface A. The control application 304 calls the interface A of the API 303 (401). An identifier representing an image forming apparatus to be processed can be added to the interface A. The API 303 interprets the identifier added to the interface A, and if it is determined that the device indicated by the identifier is the image forming apparatus itself provided with the API 303, executes the command A to the controller control unit 302 in 402. And perform the corresponding processing. If the API 303 determines that the control target of the command is determined using identification information similar to that outside the device (image forming apparatus 200), the data in the packet format corresponding to the command of the network 5 is transmitted via the network processing unit 7 in 403. Send it out.

  The network processing unit 7 (acquiring unit) of the image forming apparatus 200 acquires a command from the packet format data, and passes the data of the command A to the communication application 304 in 404. The communication application 304 recognizes the interface A corresponding to the command A, and calls the interface A of the API 303 targeting the controller control unit 302 in the device in 405.

  At this time, the interface A called in 401 and the interface A called in 405 can be the same. The API 303 performs processing corresponding to the command A to the controller control unit 302 in step 406 because the target of the command is in the device. At this time, the processing corresponding to the command 402 and the processing corresponding to the command 406 are the same.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the operation of the API.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the interface A is called as an interface corresponding to the command A that finally instructs the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 501 denotes that the control application 2 (309) calls the interface A of the API 306. Hereinafter, parts different from those shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

  Each interface included in the API 306 is a suitable example of the second type of instruction. Each interface included in the API 303 is a suitable example of the first format instruction.

  First, the API 306 will be described in detail. The API 306 is a set of interfaces on the second execution environment 305 and includes an interface that can call an interface provided by the API 303. Each interface corresponding to each command of the API 306 has a parameter for specifying a target for executing a control command as in the API 303, and is connected by the controller control unit 302 in the same device and the network 5 as the specified target. The controller control unit 302 of the image forming apparatus 200 that has been selected can be designated.

  Here, a case is considered in which interface A that needs to be converted into the first execution environment 301 and executed is called. First, if the process to be activated by the called interface A is within the device, the API 306 interface is called. In response to the API 306 interface being called, the API 303 interface that can be interpreted by the real-time OS 301 is activated and called. The interface of the called API 303 starts processing corresponding to the command A (502). The API 303 performs processing corresponding to the command to the controller control unit 302 (503). If the target of the command is outside the device (for example, the image forming apparatus 200), a packet corresponding to the command of the network 5 is transmitted via the network processing unit 7 (504). The network processing unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 200 receives the transmitted packet and passes the packet data corresponding to the command A to the communication application 304 in 505. In 506, the communication application 304 calls the interface A of the API 303 targeting the controller control unit 302 in the device. At this time, the interface A called in 502 and the interface A called in 506 are the same.

  In this way, the function to be operated depends on the difference in whether the function is in the copying machine 100 or in another image forming apparatus 200, the difference in the architecture of the apparatus, and the difference in the OS. It is possible to provide an API 306 that is an interface group that does not exist. By using the API 306, various applications can be developed simply by learning the system of the API 306 of the second execution environment 305. Furthermore, the API 303 can be called and used without overhead. When the various functions of the forming apparatus are controlled, if there is already an API 303 that is a development asset, this can be utilized.

  The API 306 performs processing corresponding to the command A to the controller control unit 302 in step 507 because the target of the command is in the device. Needless to say, the processing corresponding to the command 503 and the processing corresponding to the command 507 are the same. Also, the processing from 404 to 406 shown in FIG. 4 and the processing from 505 to 507 described above are the same, and needless to say, the operation when using the API 303 and the operation when using the API 306 are the same. .

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing interface call processing in the virtual machine 305 in FIG.

  The processing in FIG. 10 starts when an application is started and a certain interface is called on the virtual machine which is the second execution environment 305 by an input from the outside of the apparatus or an instruction from the operation unit 500. .

  First, in step S1001, the interface called by the second execution environment 305 is read and recognized. In step S <b> 1002, the second execution environment 305 determines whether the recognized interface is a native method that is a predetermined instruction in the second format that can be interpreted by the second execution environment 305. The native method is a method that calls an instruction in the first format and can be interpreted and executed by a real-time OS that is an example of the first execution environment 301. If the interface called by the second execution environment 305 is not a native method, the process advances to step S1003 to determine that the normal method has been read, and the normal method is activated and called. Next, the normal method executes predetermined application processing (step S1004), performs normal method end processing (step S1005), and ends this processing.

  As a result of the determination in step S1002, if the interface called by the second execution environment 305 is a native method, the process proceeds to step S1006, and the second execution environment 305 performs the first method startup process. An engine control program which is an example of a format instruction is called (started up and executed). Here, it is described that an engine control program capable of controlling the engine unit is called. This means that a printer control command is called through an interface included in the API 303 in FIG. Applicable.

  Next, in step S1008, printer control processing is performed, and in step S1009, native method end processing is performed, thereby ending this processing.

  Here, it is described that the engine unit is controlled. However, the control program executed in the first execution environment 301 includes various controllers that control the engine unit, a video controller unit, a DC controller unit, and a network board. If there is, the control instruction for controlling the stored contents of the memory in the network board unit and the HDD in the image forming apparatus is included.

  As an application for calling a normal method process, for example, a program that does not require a critical response, for example, an application module for realizing a graphical user interface of an operation panel of a copying machine or a printer by software can be considered. When calling a native method, a process that requires a critical response to control an engine control unit (engine unit) such as a copier or a printer from an application, for example, is performed via a native method interface of Java (registered trademark). An engine control program can be called.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG.

  The screen shown on the display unit 630 is for selecting and executing an application executed on the first execution environment 301 (real-time OS). The screen of the display unit 630 is a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function.

  The copy mode key 623 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. When the copy mode key 623 is pressed, a copy mode screen is displayed on the display unit 630. The extended function key 601 enters a mode in which selection of double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erase setting, and the like can be made by pressing this key.

  An image mode key 602 is a key that is pressed when entering a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copy image.

  A user mode key 603 is a key to be pressed when registering a mode memory and setting a standard mode screen.

  An applied zoom key 604 is a key that is pressed when entering a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. An M1 key 605, an M2 key 606, and an M3 key 607 are keys that are pressed when calling a mode memory registered in each of them. An option key 609 is a key to be pressed when setting an optional function such as a film projector when copying directly from a film.

  A sorter key 610 is a key that is pressed when setting the sort, non-sort, and group. A document mixed key 611 is a key to be pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder. An equal magnification key 612 is a key to be pressed when setting the copy magnification to 100%, that is, equal magnification. A paper selection key 613 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The reduction key 614 and the enlargement key 615 are keys that are pressed when performing standard reduction and enlargement.

  The density keys 618 and 620 are darkly copied every time the key 618 is pressed, and lightly copied every time the key 620 is pressed. The density display 617 changes to the left and right when the density keys 618 and 620 are pressed. An AE key 619 is a key that is pressed when automatic density adjustment copying is performed for a document having a dark background such as a newspaper.

  The HiFi key 621 is a key to be pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a photographic document. The character emphasis key 622 is a key to be pressed when it is desired to highlight characters in copying a character document. A transmission mode key 624 is a key to be pressed when performing fax transmission or the like. A box mode key 625 is a key pressed when operating data stored in a box. The operations of the copy mode key 623, the transmission mode key 624, and the box mode key 625 correspond to operations for selecting the application 304 executed on the OS 301 (first execution environment 301).

  The extended mode mode key 626 is a key that is pressed when selecting an application to be executed on the second execution environment 305 and shifting to an execution screen (FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the display is equivalent to the selection of other mode keys, but the display may be made easier to visually recognize by changing the size and design of the keys.

  Reference numeral 640 denotes a status line, which displays a message indicating the operation state of the device and print information. The illustrated example indicates that copying is in progress. Reference numeral 650 denotes a history key. Pressing this key displays history information of a printed job. For example, information such as a print job end time, a user name, a file name, and the number of prints is displayed.

  When the copy mode screen is displayed on the display unit 630 and an instruction to execute a copying operation is given by a start key (not shown), an interface for starting processing and setting various parameters to the API 303 sequentially. It is called (401 in FIG. 4). Usually, since the copying operation is instructed to the inside of the apparatus, the API 303 transmits a command to the controller control unit 302 (402 in FIG. 4), and as a result, the copying operation is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation screen of the application management application 308 in FIG.

  In this embodiment, since the copying machine 100 cannot be directly connected to a removable storage medium, the download processing is performed from the storage devices 30 and 36 of the computers 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 500 on the copier 100 is configured to be operated. However, the present application may be configured to be operated from the computers 11 and 12 on the network 5. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the application management module is implemented on the OS 2 will be described. Needless to say, the application management module can also be applied on the OS 1.

  An application display field 801 displays a list of applications that have already been downloaded. Reference numeral 802 denotes an application name column indicating the name of the application. Reference numeral 803 denotes a status column indicating the current status of the application. Therefore, it is indicated that an application having “startup” in the status column 803 is being executed.

  An item 804 indicates an application version. Reference numeral 805 denotes an item indicating the date and time when the application is downloaded. A download button 806 is selected when a new application is downloaded. After selection, the screen transitions to a download screen (FIG. 9) described later. Reference numeral 807 denotes an upload button. By selecting a desired application from the application display field 801 and selecting the upload button 807, the downloaded application can be uploaded to a predetermined information processing apparatus.

  Reference numeral 808 denotes a delete button, which is a button selected when deleting an application. An application can be deleted from the image forming apparatus 100 by selecting a desired application from the application display field 801 and selecting the delete button 808. Reference numeral 809 denotes an application activation button which is pressed when an application in a stopped state is activated by instructing the framework 307 to activate a predetermined application.

  Reference numeral 810 denotes an application stop button that is pressed when an application in an active state is set to a stop state by instructing the framework 307 to stop a predetermined application.

  A mode key 820 is pressed when selecting the application management application 308.

  821 is a simple copy mode key. Reference numeral 822 denotes an App3 mode key. A status line 830 displays a message indicating the device status and print information. In the case of the figure, this means that copying is in progress. Note that the content displayed in the application display field 801 is not particularly limited to the present embodiment. Further, the display order and display method are not particularly specified.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application download screen of the application management application 308 in FIG.

  In this embodiment, since the image forming apparatus 100 cannot be directly connected to a removable storage medium, the upload processing is performed on the storage devices 30 and 36 of the computers 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the operation unit 500 on the copying machine 100 is operated. However, the present application may be operated from the computers 11 and 12 on the network 5.

  Reference numeral 901 denotes an input field for designating an application to be downloaded. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a predetermined application is downloaded from the computer 11 connected via the network 5. Reference numeral 902 denotes a button for interrupting the processing of this screen and transitioning to the operation screen of FIG. Reference numeral 903 denotes a button to be pressed when instructing to start downloading.

  Note that the method of specifying the application to be downloaded is not particularly limited to the method of the present embodiment. The computers 11, 12, 20 and the like on the network 5 may be visually arranged, and the contents of the storage devices 30, 36, etc. in each computer may be visually displayed to select a download target.

  Next, a job management method realized in the second execution environment 305 of the copying machine 100 (image forming apparatus) by the above method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing job collection processing of the job management application realized in the second execution environment 305.

  When the application stop button 810 in FIG. 8 is operated, the second execution environment 305 is notified, and it is determined in step S1101 whether or not the job management application has ended. When the job management application is terminated, this process is terminated.

  If the job management application has not ended, the process advances to step S1102 to determine whether output has been performed in the image forming apparatus (copier 100). If output has not been performed in the image forming apparatus, the process advances to step S1101. When output is performed in the image forming apparatus, an event is notified to the job management application operating in the second execution environment 305 (step S1103). In step S1104, the job management application stores job information in a job collection database that manages jobs. As described above, the job management application monitors the output processing performed in the image forming apparatus, and stores the job information notified when the output is performed in the database.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the contents of job information stored in the job management apparatus.

  Job information of output processing performed in the target image forming apparatus is aggregated for each department ID. This department ID is designated by the operation panel when the user uses the image forming apparatus. The user can also specify a user ID. The job information generated by the output process is composed of information such as these IDs, functions used (copy, PDL printing, box printing, fax, etc.), number of used sheets, output format (Nup, duplex). These pieces of job information can be displayed on the information processing apparatus (computer) 20 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing in consideration of usage restrictions of a user who uses the image forming apparatus.

  In step S1301, the user logs in from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. At this time, the user logs in with either the department ID or the user ID.

  Next, in step S1302, the user selects a processing menu. Here, processing such as copying, PDL printing, box printing, and fax transmission is selected. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an end operation has been performed (step S1303). If an end operation has been performed, log out and end the process. If the end operation has not been performed, the process advances to step S1304 to perform output processing in the selected operation.

  In step S1305, the number of output sheets is acquired from job information of output processing (copy, PDL printing, box printing, fax transmission, etc.) performed by the user. In the subsequent step S1306, the sum of the actual value (number of output sheets) at the time of the user who performed the output and the number of output sheets acquired in step S1305 is compared with the limit value. These numerical values are managed for each department ID and user ID.

  Next, in step S1307, it is determined whether or not the limit value is exceeded. If the limit value is exceeded, output processing is suppressed (step S1309), and then the process returns to step S1302. If the limit value is not exceeded in step S1307, output processing is performed (step S1308), and the process returns to step S1302.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a limit value management method for a job management method executed on the second execution environment 305 on the image forming apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating circulation of a limit value list performed between image forming apparatuses (multifunction peripherals) that are targets of job management.

  As shown in the drawing, a list in which limit values are described is sequentially circulated among MFP 1, MFP 2, MFP 3, and MFP 4, which are a plurality of multifunction peripherals (image forming apparatuses) that are targets of job management. At this time, each MFP receives the limit value list and updates the held limit value list to the received limit value list. This makes it possible to manage limit values in the job management method.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of the limit value list, where (a) shows the limit value for each current department ID, (b) shows the limit value for each current user ID, and (c) shows the job. The order in which the limit value list is circulated (transmitted) between MFPs (MFPs) to be managed is shown. (D) shows the ID of the circulated limit value list and the number of circulations of the limit value list. Show.

  The host name and IP address shown in (c) are the host name and IP address of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) that handles the job management.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing limit value management processing for each user using the limit value list.

  First, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not the service (limit value list management) has ended. This service can be ended by a user operation on the operation panel of the MFP, for example. If the service has ended, this process ends. If the service has not ended, the process advances to step S1602. The processing from step S1602 to S1606 is performed in order to acquire a correct limit value list. As shown in FIG. 14, the limit value list is circulated between the MFPs (MFPs) that are the targets of job management, but the time until the next circulation is set, and the limit value list is within that time. If it does not arrive, the system notifies the administrator of the error. That is, in step S1602, a timer for measuring the elapsed time until the next circulation is initialized.

  In step S1603, it is determined whether the circulation time has exceeded. If the circulation time has exceeded, the next limit value list has not arrived within the set circulation time, so it is determined that some error has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S1611 to the administrator. This process is terminated after an error is notified.

  If it is determined in step S1603 that the circulation time has not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1604 to determine whether a limit value list has been received. If no limit value list has been received, the process returns to step S1603. If the limit value list has been received, the process advances to step S1605 to check the limit value list ID and the number of circulations. This check is performed by each MFP (MFP) storing the ID of the limit value list being circulated as shown in FIG. 15D and checking the ID. In step S1606, it is determined whether or not the limit value list is incorrect (error). If it is an error, the process proceeds to step S1611 to notify the administrator of the error, and then this process is terminated. This eliminates an illegal limit value list. As shown in FIG. 15D, the number of circulations is described in the limit value list, but this number of circulations is counted up by a specific multifunction peripheral (MFP). Each MFP (MFP) stores the number of circulations by itself and checks the number of circulations in the limit value list. This prevents a plurality of limit value lists from being circulated even though the limit value list is not illegal.

  In step S1607, job information is acquired from a database in which job information is stored. That is, the actual value for each current department ID and user ID is acquired from the database. Each MFP (MFP) holds the actual value output to itself. Each multifunction peripheral (MFP) also holds a track record value for each department ID and user ID when the limit value list was circulated last time. Get these values from the database.

  In the subsequent step S1608, the limit value list that has been circulated is updated. Here, a value obtained by subtracting the actual value when the previous limit value list has been circulated from the current actual value for each department ID and user ID acquired in step S1607 is subtracted from the limit value in the limit value list. That is, while the limit value list is being circulated, the actual value for each department ID and user ID output to the MFP (MFP) is subtracted from the limit value in the limit value list. By performing this process for all the MFPs that are subject to job management, the limit value for each department ID and user ID can be accurately updated in the limit value list.

  In step S1609, the actual value at the time of update is stored. That is, the actual value for each department ID and user ID after updating the limit value list is stored. These values are used to obtain the actual values output by the multifunction peripheral (MFP) until the next limit value list is circulated.

  In subsequent step S1610, the limit value list is transmitted to the next device (image processing apparatus). In this transmission, the limit value list is transmitted to the MFP (MFP) as the next transmission destination with reference to FIG.

  Through the above-described processing, the limit value list is circulated between MFPs (MFPs) subject to job management, so that jobs based on the limit values can be performed without using an information processing apparatus (server computer) that performs job management. Management can be realized.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral) having an environment in which an application can be executed in a second execution environment different from the execution environment in which apparatus control is performed is used. Use an information processing device (server computer) that performs job management by implementing a job management method that takes account of limit values by circulating a limit value list describing user usage restrictions between image forming apparatuses In addition, job management of the image forming apparatus can be performed at a low operation cost.

1 is a system block diagram of a system having a job management apparatus, other copying machines, image forming apparatuses, computers, and the like according to the present embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of copying machine main bodies 100 and 200 suitable for an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software structure stored in a core unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 100 in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the call of the interface of API303 in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows operation | movement of API. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a display unit of an operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the core part in FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the application management application 308 in FIG. It is a figure which shows the application download screen of the application management application 308 in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing interface call processing in the virtual machine 305 in FIG. 3. 10 is a flowchart showing job collection processing of a job management application realized in a second execution environment 305. It is a figure which shows the content of the job information which the job management apparatus preserve | saved. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in consideration of usage restrictions of a user who uses an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating circulation of a limit value list performed between image forming apparatuses (multifunction peripherals) that are targets of job management. It is a figure which shows the content of the limit value list, (a) shows the limit value for every present department ID, (b) shows the limit value for every current user ID, (c) is the object of job management. The limit value list is circulated (transmitted) among the multifunction peripherals (MFPs), and (d) indicates the ID of the limit value list being circulated and the circulation count of the limit value list. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of each user's limit value by a limit value list.

Explanation of symbols

5 Network 10 Core unit 100, 200 Image forming apparatus 301 First execution environment (OS)
302 Controller control unit 303, 306 API
304, 309, 310 Application 305 Second execution environment (virtual machine)
307 Framework module 308 Application management application

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus connectable to a network having a management function for managing output restrictions based on job information,
Limit value list receiving means for receiving a limit value list that is repeatedly circulated between image forming apparatuses on the network and that limits the number of sheets to be output from the image forming apparatus based on the job information;
Limit value list updating means for updating the limit value list with a value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets output after the previous reception from the limit number of the received limit value list as a new limit number;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a limit value list transmitting unit configured to transmit the updated limit value list to an image forming apparatus that circulates next time.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limit value list includes a user attribute, the limit number of sheets, and an order of transmitting the list between the image forming apparatuses.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ID for uniquely determining the list is stored in the limit value list. A first execution environment capable of executing a first type instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus;
A second execution environment that is implemented on the first execution environment and is capable of executing instructions in a second format defined in a format independent of the model of the image forming apparatus, and receiving the limit value list The means, the limit value list update unit, and the limit value list transmission unit are realized on the second execution environment. 4. Image forming apparatus. In a job management method for an image forming apparatus connectable to a network having a management function for managing output restrictions based on job information,
A limit value list receiving step for receiving a limit value list that is repeatedly circulated between image forming apparatuses on the network, and that limits the number of sheets to be used that are output from the image forming apparatus based on the job information;
A limit value list update step for updating the limit value list with a value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets output after the previous reception from the limit number of the received limit value list as a new limit number;
A job management method comprising: a limit value list transmission step of transmitting the updated limit value list to an image forming apparatus that circulates next.   A job management program for an image forming apparatus connectable to a network having a management function for managing output restrictions based on job information, wherein the image is repeatedly circulated between image forming apparatuses on a network, and an image based on the job information A limit value list receiving module that receives a limit value list that limits the number of sheets of paper output from the forming apparatus, and a new value obtained by subtracting the number of sheets output after the previous reception from the limit number of the received limit value list And a limit value list update module for updating the limit value list as a limited limit number, and a limit value list transmission module for transmitting the updated limit value list to an image forming apparatus to be circulated next. Job management program.   7. The job management program according to claim 6, wherein the limit value list includes a user attribute, the limit number of sheets, and an order of transmitting the list between the image forming apparatuses.   8. The job management program according to claim 6, wherein an ID for uniquely determining the list is stored in the limit value list.   Implemented on a first execution environment capable of executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and capable of executing a second format instruction defined in a format independent of the model of the image forming apparatus 9. The job management program according to claim 6, wherein the job management program is realized on a second execution environment.   A computer-readable storage medium in which the job management program according to claim 6 is stored.

Images