JP2007122520A - Print function setting device, print system, management server, control method of print function setting device, control program, and computer-readable recording medium recorded the control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress reduction in processing efficiency of a print system in the print system capable of restricting setting of a function to be executed by a printer. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal device 2a is a device which is constituted in the print system 1 including an MFP 4 and sets a function to be executed by the MFP 4 from various functions in the MFP 4. The terminal device 2a comprises a UI display/function restriction part 23 restricting functions which can be set according to function restriction information showing functions for which the setting is prohibited and/or function for which the setting is permitted, and a function restriction information retrieval part 21 changing the function restriction information according to the operation state or operation history of the print system 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print function setting device for setting a print processing function to be executed by a printing device, a printing system, a management server, a control method for the print function setting device, a control program for the print function setting device, and a computer readable recording of the control program. Related to a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in offices or the like, network-compatible printers that are connected to a network such as a LAN (local area network) and receive print instructions from a plurality of host computers are used.

  When using such a network-compatible printer, the user can set various functions in the printing process (for example, duplex / single-sided printing) by installing a printer driver in the host computer. it can. Specifically, the installed printer driver operates as a print control program on the host computer, and the user sets various functions in the printer by operating the host computer. Print processing according to the selected function.

By the way, in a printer shared by a plurality of host computers, there are cases where print processing functions that can be set in the host computer are limited in consideration of each user's preference or the like using each host computer. For example, in Patent Document 1 shown below, printing that restricts functions that can be set by installing function restriction information indicating functions that are prohibited from being set at the same time when installing a printer driver in a host computer (information processing apparatus). A system has been proposed.
JP 2004-220532 (release date: August 5, 2004)

  However, according to the host computer disclosed in Patent Document 1, only function restriction is performed by referring to the function restriction information installed at the same time when the printer driver is installed or the function restriction information installed every predetermined period. Therefore, the function is limited regardless of the real-time operation state in the printing system.

  Therefore, from the operating state of the printing system, functions that should not be prohibited from being set are not prohibited, and functions that do not need to be prohibited are prohibited, and there is a possibility that the operation of the printing system may be hindered. For example, when sending a print job to a printing device that has already accumulated a large number of print jobs, setting of a function with a high processing load such as printing a plurality of copies should be prohibited, but setting of the function is prohibited If not, there is a possibility that the processing efficiency of the printing system may be hindered.

  The present invention relates to a printing system capable of restricting setting of functions to be executed by a printing apparatus, a printing system that suppresses a decrease in processing efficiency of the printing system, a printing function setting apparatus that constitutes the printing system, and the printing system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a management device that performs printing, a control program for a print function setting device, and a recording medium that records the control program.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing function setting device of the present invention is configured in a printing system including a printing device, and prints for setting a function to be executed by the printing device from various functions in the printing device. In the function setting device, function restriction means for restricting the functions that can be set according to function restriction information indicating functions that are prohibited from setting and / or functions that are allowed to be set, and an operating state of the printing system Or a function restriction control means for changing the function restriction information according to the operation history.

  According to the above configuration, the function for which setting is permitted / prohibited for the printing device is changed according to the operating state or operation history of the printing system, so that the processing efficiency of the printing system is not hindered. There is an effect that it is possible to limit the settable functions.

  In the printing function setting apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the function restriction control unit preferably changes the function restriction information according to an operating time zone of the printing apparatus.

  This makes it possible to prohibit the setting of functions that degrade processing efficiency (such as printing multiple copies) during times when the usage status of printing devices is thought to be congested, thus reducing the processing efficiency of the printing system. Can be suppressed.

  In the printing function setting device of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the function restriction control unit preferably changes the function restriction information in accordance with the amount of print job possessed by the printing device.

  This makes it possible to prohibit the setting of functions (such as printing multiple copies) that degrade processing efficiency when the amount of print jobs stored in the printing device is excessive, reducing the processing efficiency of the printing system. Can be suppressed.

  In the printing function setting device of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the function restriction control unit preferably changes the function restriction information according to the execution frequency of the printing process in the printing device.

  This makes it possible to prohibit the setting of a function (such as printing a plurality of copies) that deteriorates the processing efficiency when the frequency of execution of the printing process is high in the printing apparatus, thereby suppressing a reduction in the processing efficiency of the printing system. .

  In addition to the above configuration, the printing function setting device of the present invention includes setting means for setting a function to be executed by the printing device, and the function restricting means includes a function set by the setting means in the function restriction information. When the setting corresponds to the prohibited function, it is preferable that the correction unit corrects the set function.

  According to the above configuration, when the function set by the setting unit corresponds to a function that is prohibited from being set in the function restriction information, the set function is corrected. Therefore, the setting is performed according to the function restriction information. It is possible to limit the possible functions.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the printing function setting device of the present invention preferably includes notifying means for notifying the user of a function that is prohibited from being set when the function that can be set is restricted by the function restricting means. .

  Thereby, the user can know the function of the printing apparatus whose setting is prohibited in the printing function setting apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of printing function setting devices, and includes a management server that is communicably connected to each printing function setting device. The management server is provided with a storage device that stores the function restriction information, and the printing function setting device acquires the function restriction information from the storage device.

  Thereby, in a printing system including a plurality of printing function setting devices, function restriction information provided in each printing function setting device can be centrally managed by a single management server.

  In the printing system described above, the printing function setting device acquires the function restriction information from the management server in response to an input of a setting command instructing the start of setting processing of a function to be executed by the printing device. Alternatively, the function restriction information may be acquired from the management server in response to an input of a print command for causing the printing apparatus to execute a printing process.

  In the printing system of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the storage device stores the identification information of the printing function setting device and the function restriction information in association with each other. It is preferable to acquire function restriction information associated with the identification information of the device.

  Accordingly, different function restriction information can be given to each of the print function setting devices included in the printing system, and the function restriction contents that can be set between the print function setting devices can be made different.

  In the printing system of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the storage device associates the identification information of the printing function setting device with the frequency of the printing process that the printing function setting device causes the printing device to execute. Preferably, the printing function setting device is recorded and set to change the function restriction information to be acquired in accordance with the frequency associated with the identification information of the own device.

  As a result, with respect to a printing function setting apparatus that frequently causes the printing apparatus to execute printing processing, function restriction information that prohibits setting of a function (for example, printing of a plurality of copies) that causes a reduction in processing efficiency is acquired. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in processing efficiency of the printing system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the management server of the present invention manages a printing system including a printing apparatus and a printing function setting apparatus that sets a function to be executed by the printing apparatus from various functions in the printing apparatus. A function restricting means for restricting the functions that can be set in the print function setting device according to function restriction information indicating the functions that are prohibited from the setting and / or the functions that are permitted to be set in the management server. Function restriction control means for changing the function restriction information in accordance with the operating state or operation history of the printing system.

  According to the above configuration, the function for which setting is permitted / prohibited for the printing device is changed according to the operating state or operation history of the printing system, so that the processing efficiency of the printing system is not hindered. Thus, it is possible to limit the functions of the printing apparatus that can be set in the printing function setting apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing function setting device control method of the present invention is a printing function setting device control method configured in a printing system including a printing device, and includes various functions in the printing device. In the control method of the printing function setting device for setting the function to be executed by the printing device from the above, the setting can be performed according to the function restriction information indicating the function for which the setting is prohibited and / or the function for which the setting is permitted. A step of restricting the function, and a step of changing the function restriction information in accordance with an operation state or an operation history of the printing system.

  According to the above configuration, the function for which setting is permitted / prohibited for the printing device is changed according to the operating state or operation history of the printing system, so that the processing efficiency of the printing system is not hindered. Thus, it is possible to limit the functions of the printing apparatus that can be set in the printing function setting apparatus.

  The printing function setting apparatus described above may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program that causes the computer to operate as each of the above means and a computer-readable recording medium that records the control program are also included in the present invention. It falls into the category.

  As described above, the printing function setting device of the present invention is configured in a printing system including a printing device, and in the printing function setting device that sets a function to be executed by the printing device from various functions in the printing device. The function restriction means for restricting the function that can be set according to the function restriction information indicating the function for which the setting is prohibited and / or the function for which the setting is permitted, and the operation state or operation history of the printing system. And function restriction control means for changing the function restriction information in response.

  The management server of the present invention is a management server that manages a printing system including a printing apparatus and a printing function setting apparatus that sets a function to be executed by the printing apparatus from among various functions of the printing apparatus. In accordance with the function restriction information indicating the functions that are prohibited and / or the functions that are permitted to be set, the function restriction means for restricting the functions that can be set in the printing function setting device, and the operating state of the printing system or Function restriction control means for changing the function restriction information in accordance with the operation history.

  Furthermore, the printing function setting apparatus control method of the present invention is a printing function setting apparatus control method configured in a printing system including a printing apparatus, and causes the printing apparatus to execute the function among various functions in the printing apparatus. In the control method of the printing function setting device for setting the function, the step of restricting the function that can be set according to the function restriction information indicating the function for which the setting is prohibited and / or the function for which the setting is permitted; And a step of changing the function restriction information in accordance with an operation state or operation history of the printing system.

  Therefore, it is possible to limit the functions of the printing apparatus that can be set in the printing function setting apparatus so as not to hinder the processing efficiency of the printing system.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, a terminal device (client PC) 2..., A management server 3, an MFP (Multi Function Printer) 4. It is a connected configuration. In the printing system 1, the terminal device 2, the management server 3, and the MFP 4 can communicate with each other via a LAN.

  The terminal device 2 is a print function setting device for setting details of a print processing function to be executed by the MFP 4, application programs such as document creation software, spreadsheet software, and image editing software, a printer driver, an OS (operating system), and the like. Is a computer on which is installed. The terminal device 2 has a function relating to print data corresponding to an image created by the document creation software, spreadsheet software, and image editing software, and print processing executed when printing an image corresponding to the print data ( For example, a processing command indicating double-sided printing is generated. Then, the terminal device 2 transmits a print job including the print data and the processing command to the MFP 4.

  The MFP 4 is a printing device that prints an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2. That is, the MFP 4 prints an image corresponding to the print data included in the print job while realizing the function related to the print processing indicated in the processing command included in the print job.

  The management server 3 is a general-purpose personal computer and is a server device that comprehensively manages the entire printing system 1.

  Next, the configuration of the terminal device 2 and the management server 3 will be described in detail. In the following, the terminal device 2a of the terminal devices 2a and 2b in FIG. 2 will be described as an example, but the terminal device 2b is assumed to have the same configuration as the terminal device 2a.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing details of the terminal device 2 a and the management server 3. As shown in the figure, the terminal device 2a includes a control device 10, a display unit 11, and an input unit 12. The display unit 11 and the input unit 12 are connected to the control device 10.

  The display unit 11 is a block configured by a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display element), a PDP (plasma display), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 11 displays and outputs various types of information such as characters and images based on display data received from the control device 10.

  The input unit 12 receives various inputs from the user of the terminal device 2a, and includes an input button, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and other input devices. The input unit 12 converts information input from the user into input data and transmits the input data to the control device 10.

  The control device 10 controls the terminal device 2a in an integrated manner. The control device 10 is configured by a PC-based computer, for example. And the said control is performed by making a computer run a program. This program may be in the form of reading and using what is recorded on a removable medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be in the form of reading and using what is installed on a hard disk or the like. Further, when the control device 10 is connected to a communication network such as the Internet, a mode in which the program is downloaded via the communication network, installed on a hard disk, and the like can be considered.

  Hereinafter, the control device 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 10 includes an application unit 13 and a printer driver unit 14. The application unit 13 and the printer driver unit 14 are realized by a calculation unit such as a CPU (central processing unit) executing a program stored in a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). Block.

  The application unit 13 is a block that performs processing according to the application such as the document creation software, the spreadsheet software, and the image editing software described above to create an image. Further, upon receiving a print setting instruction (setting command) from the input unit 12, the application unit 13 transmits a printer driver activation command to the printer driver unit 14.

  The printer driver unit 14 is a block that performs processing according to the printer driver described above. The printer driver unit 14 performs display control of a UI (user interface, see FIG. 5) for prompting the user to input a function related to print processing (hereinafter simply referred to as “function”) to be executed by the MFP 4. Then, the printer driver unit 14 sets a function to be executed by the MFP 4 according to an input from the user, and generates a control command for causing the MFP 4 to execute a process according to the set function.

  Here, the functions described above include the number of copies in the printing process, double-sided / single-sided printing, the paper size in the printing process, and the printing format at the time of the double-sided printing process (horizontal binding, vertical binding, saddle stitching).

  Further, the printer driver unit 14 acquires image data indicating an image to be printed from the application unit 13 and processes the image data into print data in a data format suitable for the MFP 4. Further, the printer driver unit 14 performs processing for generating a print job including the control command and the print data and transmitting the print job to the MFP 4.

  Next, details of the printer driver unit 14 will be described together with the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 is also configured by a PC-based computer, like the control device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer driver unit 14 includes a function restriction information search unit (function restriction control unit) 21, a UI display / function restriction unit (function restriction unit, notification unit) 23, a function setting unit 24, and job generation. A portion 25 is provided. The management server 3 is provided with a storage device 30.

  First, the storage device 30 in the management server 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, the storage device 30 includes a terminal / restriction table in which terminal IDs are associated with function restriction information, and a time / restriction in which MFP-IDs are associated with time zones and function restriction information. A storage device for storing a table. The storage device 30 is preferably a rewritable nonvolatile memory (EEPROM, flash memory, etc.) or HD (hard disk).

  Here, the function restriction information is information indicating a function of the MFP 4 whose setting is prohibited in the printer driver unit 14 or information indicating a function of the MFP 4 whose setting is permitted in the printer driver unit 14. For example, in the function restriction information in the column of number 1 in FIG. 4A, “double-sided function: gray display, selectable” is described. This prohibits the setting of the double-sided printing function and the color printing function, This indicates that other function settings are permitted.

  The terminal ID is identification information for identifying each of the terminal devices 2a and 2b, and means information uniquely set for each terminal device 2. “2a” in FIG. 4A means the terminal ID of the terminal device 2a in FIG. 2, and “2b” in FIG. 4A means the terminal ID of the terminal device 2b in FIG. That is, the terminal / restriction table shown in FIG. 4A is a table that defines the functions of the MFP 4 that are prohibited from being set in the printer driver unit 14 for each terminal device.

  Further, the MFP-ID is identification information for identifying the MFP 4, and means information uniquely set for each MFP 4. In FIG. 4A, “4a” means the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a in FIG. 2, and “4b” in FIG. 4A means the MFP-ID of the MFP 4b in FIG. That is, the time / limit table shown in FIG. 4A is a table that defines the functions of the MFP 4 that are prohibited from being set in the printer driver unit 14 for each time zone and for each MFP 4.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the terminal device 2a transmits a print job issued by itself to the MFP 4a and causes the MFP 4a to process the print job.

  When the function restriction information search unit 21 detects that a printer driver activation command is input from the application unit 13 to the printer driver unit 14, the function restriction information search unit 21 accesses the storage device 30 of the management server 3. Then, the function restriction information search unit 21 searches the terminal / restriction table stored in the storage device 30 for function restriction information associated with the terminal ID of the own device (terminal device 2a). The function restriction information is read, and the read function restriction information is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23.

  Further, the function restriction information search unit 21 associates with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a (that is, the ID of the MFP that processes the print job of the terminal device 2a) from the time / restriction table stored in the storage device 30. The function restriction information associated with the time zone including the current time is retrieved, the function restriction information is read, and the read function restriction information is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23.

  When the function restriction information to be searched does not exist in each table (that is, the function restriction information associated with the terminal ID of the own apparatus, the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a and the current time). When there is no function restriction information associated with a time zone including “”, function restriction information indicating no function restriction is generated, and the generated function restriction information is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23.

  The UI display / function restriction unit 23 is a block that displays on the display unit 11 a UI for prompting the user to input a function to be executed by the MFP 4a. Here, when the function restriction information indicating the function whose setting is prohibited is transmitted from the function restriction information search unit 21, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 cannot input the function. Such a UI is created and displayed. For example, in the UI shown in FIG. 5A, a function restriction mark (key mark) a indicating input prohibition is added next to the double-sided printing function item so that the user cannot input the double-sided printing function. ing.

  On the other hand, when the function restriction information indicating that there is no function restriction is transmitted from the function restriction information search part 21, the UI display / function restriction part 23 does not display the function restriction mark as described above, but directly displays the UI. Is displayed.

  The function setting unit 24 sets a function input by the user via the UI as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute based on an input signal from the input unit 12, and controls for causing the MFP 4a to execute the set function. A command is generated and the control command is transmitted to the job generation unit 25.

  The job generation unit 25 acquires image data indicating an image to be printed from the application unit 13 and processes the image data into print data in a data format suitable for the MFP 4. Furthermore, when the job generation unit 25 receives a print execution command from the input unit 12, the job generation unit 25 generates a print job including the control command generated by the function setting unit 24 and the print data, and transmits the print job to the MFP 4. . As a result, the MFP 4 executes print processing according to the function indicated by the control command.

  Next, the flow of processing of the printer driver unit 14 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed in the printer driver unit 14 of the terminal device 2a.

  When a print setting instruction is input from the user in the terminal device 2a (S1), the printer driver unit 14 is activated, and the function restriction information search unit 21 accesses the storage device 30 of the management server 3 (S2).

  Then, the function restriction information search unit 21 searches the function restriction information associated with the terminal ID of the own device (terminal device 2a) with reference to the terminal / restriction table of the storage device 30 (S3). If there is target function restriction information, the function restriction information is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23. Further, the function restriction information search unit 21 refers to the time / restriction table in the storage device 30 and associates it with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus, and includes the current time. The associated function restriction information is searched (S3), and if there is function restriction information to be searched, the function restriction information is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 (S3).

  When the function restriction information to be searched does not exist in each table, the function restriction information search unit 21 generates function restriction information indicating no function restriction, and displays the generated function restriction information as a UI display / function restriction unit. 23.

  The UI display / function restriction unit 23 receives the function restriction information indicating the function whose setting is prohibited from the function restriction information search unit 21 (that is, when there is a function whose setting is prohibited). , S4, YES), a function restriction mark a indicating prohibition of input is attached to the function, and a UI is displayed (S6).

  For example, when the function restriction information transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 indicates “double-sided function disabled”, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 displays a UI as shown in FIG. It will be displayed on the part 11.

  Further, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 receives function restriction information indicating no function restriction from the function restriction information search unit 21 (that is, when there is no function whose setting is prohibited, NO in S4). Without displaying the function restriction mark, the UI is displayed as it is (S5).

  When a function is input by the user via the UI, the function setting unit 24 sets the input function as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute. Here, since the input of the function for which the setting shown in the function restriction information transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 is prohibited is prohibited in the UI, the function to be executed by the MFP 4a. Cannot be set as.

  When a print execution instruction is input by the user (S7), the job generation unit 25 transmits the print job to the MFP 4a (S8).

  According to the above configuration, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 displays, for a function whose setting is prohibited, indicated in the transmitted function restriction information, a UI for which input of the function is prohibited. Thus, the functions of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 are limited.

  The function restriction information search unit 21 reads the function restriction information from the time / restriction table shown in FIG. 4A and transmits the function restriction information to the UI display / function restriction unit 23. Therefore, the function restriction information search unit 21 changes the function restriction information transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 according to the MFP to be operated and the operation time zone of the MFP.

  Therefore, the MFP functions that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 can be changed according to the MFP to be operated and the operation time zone. As a result, for example, in a time zone in which a print job is expected to rush to the MFP 4a, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing efficiency of the MFP 4a by limiting the types of functions that can be set in the printer driver unit 14. .

  In the embodiment described above, the functions that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 are changed according to the MFP to be operated and the operation time zone. However, the operating state of the printing system 1 (for example, the MFP 4a The number of jobs held in real time, the number of sheets set in the MFP 4a, the remaining toner amount of the MFP 4a, etc., or the operation history (the number of prints of print processing executed in the past by the MFP 4a, the print jobs processed in the past by the MFP 4a) The function of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 is changed by changing the function restriction information transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 according to the amount, the amount of toner consumed by the MFP 4a, etc. If there is, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the processing efficiency of the printing system 1. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the form in which the above change is performed according to the MFP to be operated and the operation time zone.

  In addition, according to the embodiment described above, the function restriction information search unit 21 of the terminal device 2a stores the function restriction information associated with the terminal ID of the terminal device 2a in the terminal / restriction table of FIG. Thus, the function restriction information transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 can be changed for each terminal device 2.

  Therefore, the function of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 can be changed for each terminal device 2, in other words, the function of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 according to the user of the printing system 1. Can be changed. For example, for users who tend to perform useless printing, it is possible to suppress wasteful use of paper by prohibiting the setting of the multiple copies printing function.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 adds a function restriction mark to a function that prohibits input in the UI displayed on the display unit 11, so that the function is a printer driver. That is, the user is notified that the setting is prohibited in the section 14. This makes it possible for the user to know which function setting is prohibited by the function restriction.

  Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the printer driver unit 14 is activated in response to an input of a print setting instruction (a setting command for instructing start of a function setting process to be executed by the MFP) from the input unit 12. 14 indicates that the function restriction information is acquired from the management server 3. As a result, the function restriction information is newly acquired every time the printer driver is activated, so that the contents of the function restriction can be made different every time the printer driver is activated.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the storage device 30 stores the terminal / restriction table and the time / restriction table shown in FIG. However, the table stored in the storage device 30 is not limited to the above tables. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, a department / restriction table in which a department ID for identifying a department (group, department) to which the user of the terminal device 2a belongs is associated with function restriction information, and a terminal A terminal / department table in which an ID and a department ID are associated with each other may be stored in the storage device 30. When each table shown in FIG. 4B is stored in the storage device 30, the function restriction information search unit 21 assigns the department ID associated with the terminal ID of the own device (terminal device 2a) to the terminal / Processing to detect from the department table and read out the function restriction information associated with the detected department ID from the department / restriction table is performed. As a result, in a printing system or the like installed in the workplace, the function of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 can be changed for each department. For example, if the setting of the multiple copies printing function is prohibited for a department that tends to perform useless printing, it is possible to suppress waste of paper.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the function restriction mark indicating prohibition of input is displayed on the UI displayed on the display unit 11, but the function restriction mark displayed according to the prohibited reason is displayed. It may be different. For example, a function that can be originally executed in the MFP 4 but cannot be set with the current authority is displayed with a key mark (reference symbol a) shown in FIG. 5A and cannot be executed in the MFP 4 (option). As for the function (not mounted), a lock mark (reference mark b) shown in FIG. 5B may be displayed. However, when such a display is performed, a function that is prohibited from being set in the function restriction information of each table stored in the storage device 30 and a flag that indicates whether or not the function is originally executable in the MFP 4 Are described in association with each other. By doing so, since the contents of the function restriction information are transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 by the function restriction information search unit 21, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 is prohibited from being set in the printer driver unit 14. It is possible to recognize whether or not the function indicated by “” can be originally executed in the MFP 4. As a result, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 displays a key mark as shown in FIG. 5A for a function that is originally executable in the MFP 4 but is prohibited from being set with the current authority. For functions that cannot be executed in the MFP 4 (option not installed), the lock mark shown in FIG. 5B can be displayed.

  Further, according to the printing system 1 described above, the storage device 30 storing the terminal / restriction table and the time / restriction table is provided in the management server 3, but as shown in FIG. The terminal device 2a may be provided with the storage device 30. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the terminal device 2a reads the function restriction information by referring to the terminal / restriction table and the time / restriction table stored in the own device, and the terminal device 2b accesses the terminal device 2a. Thus, the function restriction information is read out. According to such a configuration, each terminal apparatus 2a and 2b can read out the function restriction information by referring to the terminal / restriction table and the time / restriction table without providing the management server 3 in the printing system 1. become.

  In the embodiment described above, a UI is created according to the function restriction information search unit 21 that searches for function restriction information with reference to each restriction table, and the function restriction information transmitted from the function restriction information search unit 21. The UI display / function restriction unit 23 that performs function restriction by this is a configuration provided in the printer driver unit 14 of the terminal device 2a. However, the functions in the function restriction information search unit 21 and the UI display / function restriction unit 23 do not need to be realized by the printer driver installed in the terminal device 2 and are installed in the management server 3. It may be realized by a program. Therefore, hereinafter, a management server that realizes the above-described functions will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the management server 3 f includes a function restriction information search unit (function restriction control unit) 21 a and a UI editing / function restriction unit (function restriction unit) 28 in addition to the storage device 30 described above. ing. The printer driver unit 14f of the terminal device 2f connected to the management server 3f includes an ID transmission unit 20 and a display control unit 27 in addition to the function setting unit 24 and job generation unit 25 described above. .

  When the ID transmission unit 20 of the terminal device 2f detects that a printer driver activation command has been input from the application unit 13 to the printer driver unit 14, the ID transmission unit 20 transmits the terminal ID of the own device and the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a to the management server 3. .

  When the terminal ID and the MFP-ID are transmitted from the terminal device 2f, the function restriction information search unit 21a of the management server 3f has a function associated with the terminal ID from the terminal restriction table of the storage device 30. The restriction information is searched, the function restriction information is read, and the read function restriction information is transmitted to the UI editing / function restriction unit 28. The function restriction information search unit 21a is associated with the received MFP-ID from the time / restriction table stored in the storage device 30 and with the time zone including the current time. The function restriction information is searched, the function restriction information is read, and the read function restriction information is transmitted to the UI editing / function restriction unit 28. When the function restriction information to be searched does not exist in each table, the function restriction information search unit 21a generates function restriction information indicating no function restriction, and the generated function restriction information is used as the UI editing / function restriction unit 28. To communicate.

  The UI editing / function restriction unit 28 of the management server 3f edits a UI for prompting the user to input a function to be executed by the MFP 4a, and transmits image data indicating the edited UI to the terminal device 2f. Here, when the function restriction information indicating the function whose setting is prohibited is transmitted from the function restriction information search unit 21a, the UI editing / function restriction unit 28 adds a function restriction mark a to the function. The edited UI is edited (see FIG. 5). In addition, when the function restriction information indicating that there is no function restriction is transmitted from the function restriction information search unit 21a, the UI editing / function restriction unit 28 edits the UI without adding a function restriction mark.

  The display control unit 27 receives image data from the UI editing / function limiting unit 28 of the management server 3 and displays a UI based on the image data on the display unit 11.

  Next, the flow of processing in the management server 3f and the terminal device 2f shown in FIG. 14 will be described based on the flowchart in FIG.

  In the terminal device 2f, when a print setting instruction is input from the user (S21), the printer driver unit 14f is activated, and the ID transmission unit 20 sends the terminal ID of the own device and the own device to the management server 3. The MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes this print job is transmitted (S22).

  When the management server 3f receives the terminal ID and the MFP-ID, the function restriction information search unit 21a refers to the terminal / restriction table in the storage device 30 and searches for the function restriction information associated with the terminal ID. (S23) If there is function restriction information to be searched, the function restriction information is transmitted to the UI editing / function restriction unit 28. Further, the function restriction information search unit 21a refers to the time / restriction table of the storage device 30, and associates the function restriction with the received MFP-ID and with the time zone including the current time. Information is searched (S23), and if there is function restriction information to be searched, the function restriction information is transmitted to the UI editing / function restriction unit 28 (S23). When the function restriction information to be searched does not exist in each table, the function restriction information search unit 21a generates function restriction information indicating no function restriction, and the generated function restriction information is used as a UI editing / function restriction unit. 28.

  Then, the UI editing / function restriction unit 28 receives the function restriction information indicating the function whose setting is prohibited from the function restriction information search unit 21a (that is, when there is a function whose setting is prohibited). , S24, YES), the function is marked with a function restriction mark a indicating input prohibition, and the UI is edited (S26). Further, the UI editing / function restriction unit 28 receives the function restriction information indicating no function restriction from the function restriction information search unit 21a (that is, when there is no function whose setting is prohibited, NO in S24). Then, the UI is edited without adding a function restriction mark (S25).

  Further, the UI editing / function limiting unit 28 transmits the image data indicating the edited UI to the terminal device 2f (S27). Then, on the terminal device 2 f side that has received the image data, the display control unit 27 displays a UI corresponding to the image data on the display unit 11.

  According to the above configuration, the UI editing / function limiting unit 28 of the management server 3f sets a UI that prohibits input of the function with respect to the function whose setting is indicated in the transmitted function restriction information. By editing, the functions of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14 of the terminal device 2f are limited.

  The function restriction information search unit 21a of the management server 3f reads the function restriction information from the time / restriction table shown in FIG. 4A and transmits the function restriction information to the UI editing / function restriction unit 28. Therefore, the function restriction information search unit 21 changes the function restriction information transmitted to the UI editing / function restriction unit 28 according to the MFP operated by the terminal device 2f and the operation time zone of the MFP. Become.

  Therefore, the MFP functions that can be set in the printer driver unit 14f of the terminal device 2f can be changed according to the MFP to be operated and the operating time zone. As a result, for example, in a time zone in which the MFP 4a is thought to be flooded with print jobs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing efficiency of the MFP 4a by limiting the types of functions that can be set in the printer driver unit 14f. .

  Further, according to the configuration of FIG. 14, the function restriction information provided to each terminal device 2... Is centrally managed by the management server 3 f and the UI displayed on each terminal device 2. Since the editing is performed centrally by the management server 3f, there is an advantage that resources of each terminal device 2... Can be saved.

  Moreover, since each table memorize | stored in the memory | storage device 30 of the management server 3 is accessible from the terminal device 2, the content of each table of the management server 3 is operated when the user operates the input part 12 of the terminal device 2. It may be possible to rewrite However, in this case, if only the user who has input the administrator ID from the input unit of the terminal device 2a is allowed to rewrite the contents of each table, a person other than the administrator can freely rewrite the function restriction information. Inconvenience can be avoided.

[Embodiment 2]
In the terminal device 2a of the first embodiment, when the printer driver is activated, a UI that prompts the user to input functions to be executed by the MFP 4a is displayed, and the user inputs functions to be executed by the MFP 4a. When a print execution instruction is input from the user, a print job based on the input function is transmitted to the MFP 4.

  However, when the printer driver is activated in the terminal device 2, the UI may not be displayed and the print job may be transmitted to the MFP 4 as it is (in short, a function for causing the MFP 4 to execute a function input by the user). The function to be executed by the MFP 4 is set in advance. In the present embodiment, the configuration of such a terminal device will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 10c of the terminal device 2c includes an application unit 13c and a printer driver unit 14c. In the printer driver unit 14c, a function restriction information search unit (function restriction control unit) 21c, A job generation unit 25c, an initial function setting unit (setting unit) 16, and a function correcting unit (correcting unit, function limiting unit) 17 are included. The control device 10c includes an initial function storage unit 15.

  The initial function storage unit 15 stores initial function information indicating functions to be executed by the MFP 4a. For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that initial function information “print with paper size A4” is stored.

  Upon receiving a print execution instruction (print command) from the input unit 12, the application unit 13c transmits a printer driver activation command to the printer driver unit 14c, and transmits image data to be printed to the job generation unit 25c.

  When the printer driver activation command is transmitted from the application unit 13c to the printer driver unit 14c, the function restriction information search unit 21c searches for the function restriction information as in the configuration of FIG. However, in this embodiment, the function restriction information read from the management server 3 by the function restriction information search unit 21c or the function restriction information generated by the function restriction information search unit 21c is transmitted to the function correction unit 17. Is done.

  When the printer driver activation command is transmitted from the application unit 13c to the printer driver unit 14c, the initial function setting unit 16 reads the initial function information from the initial function storage unit 15, and sends the function indicated by the read initial function information to the MFP 4a. Set as a function to be executed.

  When the function restriction information has been transmitted by the function restriction information search unit 21c, the function correction unit 17 compares the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 with the transmitted function restriction information, and the initial function setting unit. It is determined whether or not the function set by 16 corresponds to a function whose setting is prohibited in the function restriction information.

  When the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 does not correspond to the function prohibited from being set in the function restriction information, the function correction unit 17 causes the MFP 4a to execute the function set in the initial function setting unit 16. Control command is generated and the control command is transmitted to the job generation unit 25c.

  When the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 corresponds to a function that is prohibited from being set in the function restriction information, the function correction unit 17 corrects the content of the function set by the initial function setting unit 16. Then, the corrected function is reset as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute. Then, the function correcting unit 17 generates a control command for causing the MFP 4a to execute the reset function, and transmits the control command to the job generating unit 25c.

  For example, when the function set in the initial function setting unit 16 is “print with paper size A4” and “A4 printing prohibited” is indicated in the function restriction information, the function correction unit 17 sets “with paper size A4”. “Print” is corrected to “print with paper size B5” or “print with paper size A3”. Here, various methods are conceivable as to how to correct, but the storage device storing a predetermined priority rule (for example, in the case of paper size, the priority order of A4 → B5 → A3) is stored in the control device 10c. In other words, there is a method in which the function with the highest priority among the functions whose settings are not prohibited in the function restriction information is used as the corrected function.

  The job generation unit 25c acquires image data indicating an image to be printed from the application unit 13c, and processes the image data into print data in a data format suitable for the MFP 4a. Further, the job generation unit 25c generates a print job including the control command and print data generated by the function correction unit 17, and transmits the print job to the MFP 4a. As a result, the MFP 4a executes print processing according to the function indicated by the control command.

  Next, the flow of processing of the printer driver unit 14c will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed in the printer driver unit 14c of the terminal device 2c.

  In the terminal device 2c, when a print execution instruction is input from the user (S11), the printer driver unit 14c is activated, and the function restriction information search unit 21c accesses the storage device 30 of the management server 3 (S12).

  Then, the function restriction information search unit 21c refers to the terminal / restriction table in the storage device 30 and searches for function restriction information associated with the terminal ID of the own device (terminal device 2a) (S13). When there is target function restriction information, the function restriction information is transmitted to the function correction unit 17. Further, the function restriction information search unit 21 refers to the time / restriction table in the storage device 30 and associates it with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus, and includes the current time. The associated function restriction information is searched (S13), and if there is function restriction information to be searched, the function restriction information is transmitted to the function correction unit 17.

  When the function restriction information to be searched does not exist in each table, the function restriction information search unit 21 generates function restriction information indicating that there is no function restriction, and sends the generated function restriction non-information to the function correction unit 17. introduce.

  Further, after a print execution instruction is input from the user (S11), in parallel with S12 to S13, the initial function setting unit 16 reads the initial function information from the initial function storage unit 15, and uses the read initial function information as the read initial function information. The indicated function is set as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute (S14).

  Then, after S13 and S14, the function correction unit 17 determines whether or not the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 corresponds to a function whose setting is prohibited (S15). Specifically, the function correction unit 17 compares the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 with the transmitted function restriction information, and the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 is set in the function restriction information. Is determined to correspond to the prohibited function.

  Here, when the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 corresponds to a function whose setting is prohibited (YES in S15), the function correction unit 17 displays the content of the function set by the initial function setting unit 16. Correction is performed and the corrected function is reset as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute (S16). Thereby, the job generation unit 25c generates a print job including a control command for causing the MFP 4a to execute the corrected function (S17).

  If the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 does not correspond to a function whose setting is prohibited (NO in S16), the job generation unit 25c executes the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 in the MFP 4a. A print job including a control command for generating the print command is generated (S17).

  According to the above configuration, when the function set by the initial function setting unit 16 corresponds to a function that is prohibited from setting indicated in the function restriction information, the function correcting unit 17 The contents are corrected. As a result, even if the terminal device transmits the print job as it is to the MFP 4 without displaying the UI when the printer driver is activated, it is possible to restrict the functions that the MFP 4a executes based on the function restriction information. Become.

  Further, according to the above configuration, in the terminal device 2c, the printer driver unit 14c is activated in response to an input of a print execution instruction (print command) that is a command for causing the MFP 4 to execute print processing, and the printer driver unit 14c The function restriction information is acquired from the management server 3. As a result, the function restriction information is newly acquired every time the printing process is executed, so that the contents of the function restriction can be made different for each printing process.

  According to the embodiment described above, the initial function setting unit 16 sets the function indicated by the initial function information stored in the initial function storage unit 15 as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute, but the input unit The function input from the user via 12 may be set as a function for causing the MFP 4a to execute the function. In this way, when the function once input by the user corresponds to the function indicated as setting prohibition in the function restriction information, it is possible to prohibit the MFP 4a from executing the function.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, an embodiment using a restriction table different from each restriction table shown in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 2d and the management server 3d in the present embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the terminal device 2d is set to transmit a print job to be generated to the MFP 4a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the management server 3 d includes a storage device 31 and a job number monitoring unit 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the storage device 31 stores a job number recording table in which the MFP-ID and the number of input jobs are associated with each other. Here, the number of input jobs in the job number recording table indicates the number of jobs currently input to the MFP 4a or 4b. That is, the job number recording table is a table in which the number of jobs currently input for each MFP 4 is recorded in real time.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the storage device 31 stores a job / restriction table in which MFP-IDs, job threshold values, and function restriction information are associated with each other.

  The job number monitoring unit 32 monitors the number of input jobs in the MFPs 4a and 4b by accessing the MFPs 4a and 4b, and records the number of jobs currently input for each of the MFPs 4a and 4b in the job number recording table of the storage device 31. The process of writing to is performed. That is, the job number monitoring unit 32 writes the number of jobs currently input to the MFP 4a in association with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a in the job number recording table of the storage device 31, and the MFP 4b in association with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4b. The number of jobs currently submitted is written in

  Next, the terminal device 2d side will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal device 2d includes a function restriction information search unit (function restriction control means) 21d, a UI display / function restriction unit 23, a function setting unit 24, and a job generation unit 25. The UI display / function restriction unit 23, the function setting unit 24, and the job generation unit 25 are the same members as the UI display / function restriction unit 23, the function setting unit 24, and the job generation unit 25 in the first embodiment, respectively. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted below.

  When detecting that a printer driver activation command has been input from the application unit 13 to the printer driver unit 14, the function restriction information search unit 21 d accesses the storage device 31 of the management server 3 d.

  Then, the function restriction information search unit 21d refers to the job number recording table, and reads the job number associated with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus from the job number recording table. Further, the function restriction information search unit 21d reads the job threshold value associated with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus from the job / restriction table with reference to the job / restriction table.

  Then, the function restriction information search unit 21d compares the job number read from the job number recording table with the job threshold value read from the job / restriction table, and when the job number exceeds the job threshold value, The function restriction information associated with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job is read from the job / restriction table.

  The function restriction information search unit 21d generates function restriction information indicating no function restriction when the number of jobs read from the job number recording table does not exceed the job threshold value read from the job / restriction table.

  The function restriction information read by the function restriction information search unit 21d and the function restriction information generated by the function restriction information search unit 21d are transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23.

  According to the above configuration, the function restriction information search unit 21d of the terminal device 2d changes the function restriction information transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 according to the print job amount possessed by the MFP 4a. Specifically, the function restriction information search unit 21d determines that the real-time job number (number of jobs in the job number recording table) of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own device (terminal device 2d) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The function restriction information is read and transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23. On the other hand, when the function restriction information search unit 21d does not exceed the predetermined job threshold value in real time (the number of jobs in the job number recording table) of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of its own device (terminal device 2d). The function restriction information indicating no function restriction is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23.

  Therefore, when the number of jobs stored in the MFP 4a exceeds a predetermined threshold, the functions of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14d are limited, and the number of jobs stored in the MFP 4a exceeds the predetermined threshold. If not, it is possible to perform control such that the functions of the MFP 4a that can be set in the printer driver unit 14d are not restricted.

  For example, in the job / restriction table shown in FIG. 10, when function restriction information indicating “restrict copy partly” is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23, as shown in FIG. In the UI displayed on the unit 11, input of a plurality of copies printing process is prohibited, and the printer driver unit 14 does not set the plurality of copies printing process. As described above, when the print job stored in the MFP 4 is excessive, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the processing efficiency of the MFP 4 by prohibiting the setting of the multiple copies printing function.

  A configuration may be adopted in which the storage device 31 storing the job / restriction table and the job number recording table and the job number monitoring unit 32 in this embodiment are applied to the management server 3f shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 4]
Furthermore, an embodiment using a restriction table different from the restriction tables shown in the first and third embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 2e and the management server 3e in the present embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the print job generated by the terminal device 2e is set to be processed by the MFP 4a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the management server 3 e includes a storage device 31 e and a print frequency monitoring unit 33.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the storage device 31e stores a frequency recording table in which the MFP-ID, the terminal ID, and the printing frequency are associated with each other. Here, the printing frequency is a value indicating the frequency of the printing process of the MFP 4 and is indicated by the number of printed sheets.

  In the frequency recording table, the printing frequency is recorded for each terminal device 2 and for each MFP 4. That is, the printing frequency recorded in the frequency recording table indicates the frequency at which the terminal device 2 causes the printing apparatus to execute the printing process. For example, in the column of number 1 in the usage record table shown in FIG. 13, the MFP-ID indicating “4a”, the terminal ID indicating “2e”, and the printing frequency indicating “A4-1000” are associated with each other. In the past, this indicates that the terminal device 2e has caused the MFP 4a to print 1000 sheets of A4 paper.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the storage device 31 stores a frequency / restriction table in which an MFP-ID, a terminal ID, a printing frequency threshold value, and function restriction information are associated with each other.

  The print frequency monitoring unit 33 acquires a print job transmitted from each terminal device 2... To each MFP 4..., Identifies the print job transmission destination MFP 4 and the number of prints in the print job, and uses them. The contents of the record table are updated.

  For example, when the print frequency monitoring unit 33 acquires a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2e to the MFP 4a, it is associated with the terminal ID of the terminal device 2e and the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a in the frequency recording table of FIG. The number of prints in the acquired print job is added to the frequency (number of prints), and the value obtained by the addition is recorded as the updated frequency.

  Next, the terminal device 2e side will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the terminal device 2e includes an application unit 13e and a printer driver unit 14e. The printer driver unit 14e includes a function restriction information search unit (function restriction control means) 21e, a UI display. A function restriction unit 23, a function setting unit 24, and a job generation unit 25 are included. The UI display / function restriction unit 23, the function setting unit 24, and the job generation unit 25 are the same members as the UI display / function restriction unit 23, the function setting unit 24, and the job generation unit 25 in the first embodiment, respectively. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted below.

  When the function restriction information search unit 21e detects that a printer driver activation command is input from the application unit 13 to the printer driver unit 14, the function restriction information search unit 21e accesses the storage device 31e of the management server 3e.

  Then, the function restriction information search unit 21e refers to the frequency recording table, and prints corresponding to the terminal ID of the own apparatus (terminal apparatus 2e) and the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus. Read the frequency from the usage record table. The function restriction information search unit 21e refers to the frequency / restriction table and associates the terminal ID of the own apparatus (terminal apparatus 2e) with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus. The printing frequency threshold value is read from the frequency / restriction table.

  Thereafter, the function restriction information search unit 21e compares the printing frequency read from the frequency recording table with the printing frequency threshold value read from the frequency / restriction table.

  Then, when the printing frequency read from the frequency recording table exceeds the printing frequency threshold value read from the frequency / restriction table, the function restriction information search unit 21e further refers to the frequency / restriction table to determine its own device (terminal device 2e). ) And the function restriction information associated with the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a that processes the print job of the own apparatus are read from the frequency / restriction table.

  In addition, the function restriction information search unit 21e generates function restriction information indicating no function restriction when the printing frequency read from the frequency recording table does not exceed the printing frequency threshold value read from the frequency / restriction table.

  The function restriction information read by the function restriction information search unit 21e and the function restriction information generated by the function restriction information search unit 21e are transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23.

  According to the above configuration, the function restriction information search unit 21e of the terminal device 2e transmits to the UI display / function restriction unit 23 according to the frequency with which the MFP 4a executes the printing process by the own device (terminal device 2e). The function restriction information has been changed. Specifically, the function restriction information search unit 21e reads the function restriction information when the frequency (number of prints) that causes the MFP 4a to execute print processing by the own apparatus (terminal apparatus 2e) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. This is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23. The function restriction information search unit 21e displays the function unrestricted information on the UI display / function restriction when the frequency (number of printed sheets) of causing the MFP 4a to execute the printing process by the own apparatus (terminal apparatus 2e) does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This is transmitted to the unit 23.

  Thereby, it is possible to perform control such as limiting the functions that can be set for the terminal device 2 of the user who tends to have a large number of printed sheets so that the processing efficiency of the entire printing system 1 does not deteriorate.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the item of number 1 in the usage / restriction table, the terminal ID of the terminal device 2e, the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a, and the usage threshold of “A4-200” are associated with each other. ing. On the other hand, in the item of number 1 in the usage record table, the terminal ID of the terminal device 2e, the MFP-ID of the MFP 4a, and the usage of “A4-1000” are associated with each other. Therefore, when the printer driver unit 14 of the terminal device 2e configured to transmit a print job to the MFP 4a is activated, the function restriction information “A4” in the item number 1 of the usage record table is obtained by the function restriction information search unit 21e. “Printing impossible” is read, and the function restriction information is transmitted to the UI display / function restriction unit 23. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the UI display / function restriction unit 23 displays a UI for which input of A4 printing is prohibited. As described above, it is possible to prohibit the setting of the specific size paper for the terminal device 2 of the user who often prints the specific size paper, and only the specific size paper is consumed. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the sheet runs out easily.

  Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the storage device 31e storing the frequency / restriction table and the frequency recording table and the print frequency monitoring unit 33 in the present embodiment are applied to the management server 3f shown in FIG.

  In addition, the printer driver units 14, 14 c, 14 d, and 14 e in the above-described embodiments may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the printer driver units 14, 14 c, 14 d, and 14 e include a CPU (central processing unit) 211 that executes program instructions, a ROM (read only memory) 212 that stores the programs, RAM (random access memory) 213 for expanding the program, HDD 214 which is a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, various I / Os for connection with the LAN / display unit 11 / input unit 12 F215, 216, 217, etc. are provided.

  The object of the present invention is to record the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the program that realizes the printer driver units 14, 14c, 14d, and 14e described above on a computer-readable recording medium, This can also be achieved by causing a computer (or CPU or MPU) to read and execute the program code recorded on the recording medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the printer driver units 14, 14c, 14d, and 14e may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and the embodiments can be obtained by appropriately combining the respective technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments. The form is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is suitable for a printing system in which an electrophotographic printer, a multifunction peripheral, or the like is connected to a terminal device.

It is the functional block diagram which showed the structure of the terminal device and management server in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the printing system containing the terminal device and management server which were shown in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process performed in the terminal device shown in FIG. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a terminal / restriction table and a time / restriction table stored in the management server shown in FIG. 1, and (b) shows a department restriction table and a terminal / department table. It is a schematic diagram. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a UI displayed on the display unit of the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 and prohibiting input of the double-sided printing function, and (b) is shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a UI displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, which is a UI that prohibits the saddle stitching function from being input. FIG. It is the functional block diagram which showed the modification of the terminal device shown in FIG. It is the functional block diagram which showed the structure of the terminal device and management server which concern on other embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process performed in the terminal device shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram showing composition of a terminal unit and a management server concerning other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a job number recording table and a job / limit table stored in the management server shown in FIG. 9. (A) is a schematic diagram illustrating a UI that prohibits input of a plurality of print functions, and (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating a UI that prohibits input of a paper size A4. It is the functional block diagram which showed the structure of the terminal device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention, and a management server. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a frequency recording table and a frequency / restriction table stored in the management server illustrated in FIG. 12. It is the functional block diagram which showed the further modification of the terminal device and management server which were shown in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process in the terminal device shown in FIG. 14, and a management server. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printing System 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f Terminal Device (Print Function Setting Device)
3, 3d, 3e, 3f Management server 4a, 4b MFP (printing device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Display part 12 Input part 15 Initial function memory | storage part 16 Initial function setting part (setting means)
17 Function correction unit (correction means, function restriction means)
21 · 21a · 21c · 21d · 21e Function restriction information search unit (function restriction control means)
23 UI display / function restriction unit (function restriction means, notification means)
24 Function Setting Unit 25 / 25c Job Generation Unit 27 Display Control Unit 28 UI Editing / Function Restriction Unit (Function Restriction Unit)
30, 31, 31e Storage device 32 Job number monitoring unit 33 Print frequency monitoring unit

Claims (15)

In a printing function setting device that is configured in a printing system including a printing device and sets a function to be executed by the printing device from various functions in the printing device.
Function restriction means for restricting the functions that can be set according to the function restriction information indicating the functions for which the setting is prohibited and / or the functions for which the setting is permitted,
Function restriction control means for changing the function restriction information in accordance with the operating state or operation history of the printing system;
A printing function setting device comprising:   The printing function setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function restriction control unit changes the function restriction information according to an operating time zone of the printing apparatus.   2. The printing function setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function restriction control unit changes the function restriction information in accordance with a print job amount possessed by the printing apparatus.   The printing function setting device according to claim 1, wherein the function restriction control unit changes the function restriction information according to a frequency of execution of a printing process in the printing device. Including setting means for setting a function to be executed by the printing apparatus,
The function limiting means is a correcting means for correcting the set function when the function set by the setting means corresponds to a function prohibited from being set in the function restriction information. Item 5. The printing function setting device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   6. The notification unit according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user of a function that is prohibited from being set when the function that can be set is limited by the function limiting unit. Print function setting device. A printing system comprising a plurality of printing function setting devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and including a management server that is communicably connected to each printing function setting device,
The printing system, wherein the management server includes a storage device that stores the function restriction information, and the printing function setting device acquires the function restriction information from the storage device.   8. The print function setting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the function restriction information is acquired from the management server in response to an input of a setting command for instructing start of a function setting process to be executed by the printing apparatus. The printing system described.   8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the printing function setting device acquires the function restriction information from the management server in response to an input of a printing command for causing the printing device to execute a printing process. . In the storage device, identification information of the printing function setting device and function restriction information are stored in association with each other,
The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the printing function setting device acquires function restriction information associated with identification information of the device itself. In the storage device, the identification information of the printing function setting device and the frequency of the printing process that the printing function setting device has caused the printing device to execute are associated with each other and recorded.
11. The print function setting device according to claim 7, wherein the print function setting device is set to change the function restriction information to be acquired in accordance with the frequency associated with the identification information of the own device. The printing system according to claim 1. In a management server that manages a printing system that includes a printing device and a printing function setting device that sets a function to be executed by the printing device from among various functions of the printing device.
Function restriction means for restricting the functions that can be set in the printing function setting device according to the function restriction information indicating the function that is prohibited from the setting and / or the function that is permitted to be set.
Function restriction control means for changing the function restriction information in accordance with the operating state or operation history of the printing system;
Management server characterized by including. A method for controlling a printing function setting device configured in a printing system including a printing device, and a method for controlling a printing function setting device for setting a function to be executed by the printing device from various functions in the printing device.
Restricting the functions that can be set according to the function restriction information indicating the functions that are prohibited from the setting and / or the functions that are allowed to be set;
A step of changing the function restriction information in accordance with an operation state or operation history of the printing system;
A control method for a printing function setting device, comprising:   A control program for operating the printing function setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control program causes a computer to function as each of the above means.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the control program of Claim 14.

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