JP2007129532A - Copying/facsimiling multifunctional machine, and print control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copying/facsimiling multifunctional machine which improves usability when printing is interrupted. <P>SOLUTION: The copying/facsimiling multifunctional machine which has an authentication function for each user enables print quantities which are allotted to users to be shared, and enables a user to complete printing processing only by a user operation by taking over a print quantity from another user if printing is interrupted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral having an authentication function for each user.

  In a multi-function peripheral having a copy function and a facsimile function, an authentication method using an ID and a personal identification number that identifies a user is used to restrict users and departments that can be used. In addition, for the purpose of cost reduction, an upper limit of the number of prints is set for each user who uses the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral, and when the upper limit is reached, the print output is interrupted to limit the sheets that can be used by the user. Such operation management is performed.

  The first problem is low usability from print interruption to cancellation. The reason is that the print output is unconditionally interrupted when the upper limit is reached during printing, and the user cannot output a series of documents until the administrator of the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral cancels the interruption. is there. Another user cannot print out using the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral unless the administrator cancels the print interruption or discards the interrupted print job.

  The second problem is that it is difficult to manage the number of print outputs for each user. The reason is that, in order to cancel the print interruption, the manager often clears the number of sheets printed so far, and the number of sheets actually output by each user is not correctly reflected. In addition, the frequency of use of the copy facsimile multifunction machine varies from user to user, and it is difficult for the administrator to determine in advance the maximum number of prints for each user.

As a related technique, a printer system is disclosed in JP-A-11-085419.
In this prior art, a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network is used. The printer system includes a receiving unit, a storage unit, a determining unit, a setting unit, and a print control unit. The accepting unit accepts a print command from the host. The storage means stores the upper limit number of prints permitted for printing by the printer and the cumulative number of prints up to now for each user. The determination unit determines whether or not the new cumulative print number exceeds the print upper limit number when printing is performed according to the print command based on the print upper limit number and the cumulative print number. The setting means presets a printing operation when the new cumulative number of prints exceeds the upper limit number of prints. The print control means controls to perform the printing operation set by the setting means when the new cumulative number of prints exceeds the upper limit number of prints according to the determination result by the determination means.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-095937 discloses a printer system.
In this prior art, a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network is used. The printer system includes a first setting unit, a second setting unit, a receiving unit, and a print control unit. The first setting means sets the upper limit number of prints permitted for printing by the printer for each user in a predetermined searchable storage medium. The second setting means performs an operation when a new cumulative number of prints obtained by printing according to a print command from the host exceeds the upper limit number of prints, if the new cumulative number of prints does not exceed a predetermined allowable value. The first operation for continuing the printing or the second operation for interrupting the printing is selected and set in advance. The accepting unit accepts a print command from the host. When the printing control means performs printing according to the printing command received by the receiving means, and the new cumulative number of prints exceeds the upper limit number of prints, the print setting means is set by the second setting means. Control to perform the action.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-055576 discloses an image forming apparatus.
In this prior art, an image forming apparatus capable of managing print processing for forming an image on a recording medium based on a user ID is used. The image forming apparatus collates the input user ID with a pre-registered user ID, and the collation result corresponds to a print amount corresponding to an appropriate user ID at least reaching a preset upper limit print amount , And a control means for prohibiting printing corresponding to the user ID having an appropriate collation result.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-343416 discloses an image forming apparatus.
In this conventional technique, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network, and an image forming apparatus used in a system in which a limited number of sheets for each department is allocated and set to each image forming apparatus is used. Assuming that the image forming apparatus has executed a job for a certain department instructed by the user, when the number of used sheets corresponding to that department exceeds the limit number, other image forming devices connected to the network By communicating with the apparatus and borrowing a part of the limit number for the department from another image forming apparatus, there is provided means for increasing the limit number for the department in the image forming apparatus of its own.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-085419 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-095937 JP 2002-055576 A JP 2004-343416 A

It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to share and use the number of prints allocated for each user, and when printing is interrupted, transfer the number of prints from another user so that user operations can be performed without calling an administrator as much as possible. By simply completing the print process,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral that improves usability when printing is interrupted.
Another object of the present invention is to avoid the situation where the administrator clears the number of sheets used so far when printing is interrupted by the above-described means, and correctly reflects the number of sheets actually printed by each user. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral that can easily manage the number of printed sheets.

  In the following, means for solving the problem will be described using the numbers used in [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] in parentheses. These numbers are added to clarify the correspondence between the description of [Claims] and [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in [Claims].

The copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to the present invention includes an authentication unit (103, 603, 703) for identifying a user and a first database (106, 607) that manages the user information including the maximum number of prints (202) for each user. 706), an output unit (104, 604, 704) used for printing, a second database (107, 608, 707) for managing the number of prints (302) used for the printing for each user, And a control unit (103, 603, 703) for interrupting print output when the user reaches the upper limit number of prints (202) during printing.
When the print output is interrupted, the control unit (103, 603, 703) is based on transferability information (303) of the number of prints registered in the second database (107, 608, 707). Another user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints is searched, and the print output is continued using the number of prints of the other user.

The copy facsimile multifunction machine of the present invention further includes an external storage device (606) accessible from the control unit (603).
The external storage device (606) includes the first database (607) and the second database (608).

  The copy facsimile multifunction machine of the present invention further includes an authentication unit (703) for identifying a group to which the user belongs, and a third database (708) for managing information on the group.

The copy facsimile multifunction machine of the present invention further includes an external storage device (606) accessible from the control unit (703).
The external storage device (606) includes the first database (706), the second database (707), and the third database (708).

  The control unit (103) selects a user who will transfer the number of prints in accordance with an arbitrarily set priority order, and cancels the print interruption using the number of prints of the selected user.

  The second database (107) stores the number of sheets used for printing after the upper limit number (202) of printing is exceeded.

  The print control method of the present invention includes (a) a step of instructing start of printing, (b) a step of acquiring the upper limit number of prints (202) of the user who has instructed printing from the user table, and (c) a counter table. Thus, the cumulative number of prints of the user who has instructed printing is acquired. If the maximum number of prints (202) has not been reached, the print process is continued. If the maximum number of prints (202) has been reached, the print operation is performed. (D) with reference to whether or not transfer of the number of prints in the counter table is permitted, a user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints is searched, and if there is a user who is permitted to transfer, the process is continued. If there is no user authorized to transfer, the step of exiting the process; and (e) permitting transfer of the number of prints. Displaying a list of users to be transferred; (f) specifying the number of prints to be transferred from another user; (g) selecting a user to be transferred after specifying the number of prints; (H) after selecting an arbitrary user, selecting a transfer user by pressing a selection key; (i) updating the upper limit print number (202) of the transfer user from the user table; (J) updating the upper limit number of prints (202) of the user who has instructed the print execution from the user table, (k) releasing the print interruption, and (l) executing the print after releasing the print interruption. And (m) updating the accumulated number of prints of the user who has instructed the print execution from the counter table. A step, it is determined whether there is a (n) remaining document, wherein any remaining original return to (b) step, and a step of ending the process if no said remaining document.

  The print control method of the present invention includes (A) identifying a user, (B) managing the user information including the maximum number of prints (202) for each user, and (C) for each user. A step of managing the number of prints used in printing; (D) a step of interrupting print output when the upper limit number of prints (202) is reached; and (E) a number of prints allocated to each user. And shared use between the two.

  The print control method of the present invention further includes (F) identifying a group to which the user belongs, and (G) managing the group information.

  According to the print control method of the present invention, (H) a step of selecting a user who transfers the number of prints according to an arbitrarily set priority order, and (I) a print using the number of prints possessed by the selected user. And a step of releasing the interruption.

  The print control method of the present invention further includes (J) a step of storing the number of sheets used in printing after the upper limit number of prints (202) is exceeded.

  The program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described print control method.

The first effect is that after reaching the upper limit number of prints, there is a high possibility that print output can be continued without calling an administrator when printing is interrupted. The reason is that if this system is used, printing can be continued by transferring the number of print outputs from another user when printing is interrupted.
The second effect is that the number of prints for each user can be easily managed. The reason is that the use of this system can prevent the administrator from clearing the number of sheets used so far when printing is interrupted, so that a more accurate number of printed sheets can be grasped.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral of the present invention includes an input device 101, a reading device 102, a control device 103, an output device 104, and a storage device 105.

  The input device 101 performs a copy function and a facsimile function. The reading device 102 optically reads a document for copying and facsimile transmission and acquires it as image data of an electric signal. The control device 103 controls each device. The output device 104 outputs a copy print and a received facsimile image. The storage device 105 stores device setting values and the like. In addition, the storage device 105 includes a user table 106 and a counter table 107.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the user table.
In the user table 106, the user name 201 and the upper limit print number 202 are managed.
The user name 201 is an ID (identification information) for uniquely identifying the user. The maximum number of prints 202 indicates the maximum number of sheets that can be printed by each user.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the counter table.
In the counter table 107, the user table record No. 301, the cumulative number of prints 302, transferability 303, and print conditions 304 are managed.
User table record No. 301 uniquely indicates which user's record. This field indicates the record number of the user table 106. (0 to n: n is the number of records). The cumulative number of prints 302 indicates the number of sheets that have been used for printing by each user. Whether or not the number of prints can be transferred 303 indicates whether or not transfer of the number of prints is permitted when another user has stopped printing. A print condition 304 indicates a condition such as a type of a print job permitted when another user uses his / her print number.

  It is assumed that the cumulative number of prints 302 is managed by changing the contents of the administrator of the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral, for example, by periodically resetting the value. Each user can arbitrarily change the value of the print condition 304 for the user.

Next, the overall operation of this exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(1) Step S401
First, the user instructs the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral to start printing from the input device 101. It is assumed that user authentication has been performed in advance. Note that user authentication may be performed when a print start instruction is given.
(2) Step S402
Next, the control device 103 acquires the print upper limit number 202 of the user who has instructed printing from the user table of FIG. 2 based on the user name 201 acquired by authentication.
(3) Step S403
Also, from the counter table of FIG. 3, the control apparatus 103 acquires the cumulative print number 302 of the user who has instructed printing, and if the print upper limit number has not been reached, the print processing is continued.
(4) Step S404
When the cumulative number of prints> = the upper limit number of prints, that is, when the upper limit number of prints has been reached, the control device 103 interrupts the print operation.
(5) Step S405
Next, the control device 103 searches for a user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints with reference to the print table transfer permission / inhibition 303 in the counter table of FIG.
(6) Step S406
The control device 103 continues the process when there is a user who permits the transfer. If there is no user who permits transfer, the process is terminated.
(7) Step S407
Next, based on the result of step S <b> 405, the control device 103 displays a list of users permitted to transfer the number of prints on the device panel of the output device 104. An example of the user list screen displayed at this time is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the user list screen displays a user name 501, a print condition 502, and a sheet number specification 503 in a list.
The user name 501 permits transfer of the number of prints. A print condition 502 is a list of conditions necessary for transferring the number of prints. In the number designation 503, the number of prints to be transferred can be arbitrarily designated. However, it is within a range that does not exceed the maximum number of prints of the user to be transferred at the maximum.

(8) Step S408
Next, the user who has instructed the print execution designates the number of prints to be transferred from another user.
(9) Step S409
After specifying the number of prints, the user selects a user to be transferred.
(10) Step S410
However, it is assumed that a user who does not match the print number transfer condition of the counter table in FIG. 3 cannot be selected. In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that after selecting an arbitrary user from the operation panel (items with black inversion in FIG. 5), the transfer user is selected by pressing the selection 504.
(11) Step S411
Next, from the user table in FIG. 2, the control device 103 updates the print upper limit sheet number of the print number transfer user.
(12) Step S412
Similarly, the control device 103 updates the upper limit number of prints of the user who has instructed printing from the user table of FIG.
(13) Step S413
Next, the control device 103 cancels the print interruption.
(14) Step S414
After canceling the print interruption, the control device 103 executes printing.
(15) Step S415
Next, from the counter table in FIG. 3, the control device 103 updates the cumulative print number of the user who instructed the print execution.
(16) Step S416
Finally, the control device 103 checks whether there is a remaining document, and if there is, returns to step S402. If not, the process ends.

  In the print condition 304 in FIG. 3, the upper limit of the number of prints to be transferred may be set such that the user on the transfer side transfers up to 20 sheets. At this time, if the user who is permitted to transfer up to 20 sheets is selected after interruption of printing with the remaining 30 sheets, the printing state of another user is transferred from the screen of FIG. It is necessary to have you do.

  In addition, when transferring the number of prints, it is also possible to have a plurality of users transfer several sheets at a time. As an example, a plurality of users can be selected on the user selection screen of FIG. 5, and the number designation 503 can be designated for each display user so that a small number of sheets can be transferred.

Here, a method of automatically transferring a small number of sheets from a plurality of users will be exemplified below.
(1) When the remaining 10 prints are required and three transfer users are selected, the four prints in descending order of priority based on the priority order (for example, the order of the number of remaining prints, etc.) Have 3 or 3 pieces transferred.
(2) If the remaining 10 prints are required and 20 transfer users are selected, one sheet from the top 10 priority ranks based on the priority order (for example, the order of the number of remaining prints) Have them transferred one by one.

Here, the maximum number of prints is assumed to be the number of prints that can be printed for each user in order to prevent unlimited printing, but this is used as the maximum number of sheets that can be used per day. Even in such a case, the current processing flow can be handled without changing.
In addition, when the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be used in a day is added separately without changing the application, it can be handled by changing as follows.
(1) A field of “the maximum number of prints 203 that can be used per day” is added to the user table of FIG.
(2) A field of “cumulative print number 305 used per day” is added to the counter table of FIG.
(3) In the processing flow of FIG. 4, the condition “reach the upper limit number of prints that can be used per day?” Is added before the condition “reach the upper limit number of prints?” In step S402. Then, the values of the additional fields in FIGS. 2 and 3 are compared.
(4) After “Updating the upper limit number of prints of the user who transferred the number of prints” in step S411, “Updating the upper limit number of prints that can be used in one day for the user who transferred the number of prints” is added.
(5) “Updating the maximum number of prints that can be used by the print instructing user per day” is added after “Updating the maximum number of prints by the print instructing user” in step S412.
(6) “Update the cumulative number of prints that can be used per day for the print instruction user” is added after “Update the cumulative number of prints of the print instruction user” in step S415.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the entire apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration is the same as the block diagram of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 6, the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral of the present invention includes an input device 601, a reading device 602, a control device 603, an output device 604, a storage device 605, and a storage device 606.

  The input device 601 performs a copy function and a facsimile function. The reading device 602 optically reads a document for copying and facsimile transmission and acquires it as image data of an electric signal. The control device 603 controls each device. The output device 604 outputs a copy print and a received facsimile image. The storage device 605 stores device setting values and the like. The storage device 606 is a storage device provided in an external server. At this time, the storage device 606 includes a user table 606 and a counter table 607. A user table 606 is the user table of FIG. The counter table 607 is the counter table of FIG.

  1 differs from the block diagram of FIG. 1 in that the user table and counter table managed by the storage device 105 in the facsimile multifunction peripheral are managed in the storage device 605 of the external server, and information is transmitted via the network. Is to acquire / update.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The third embodiment relates to a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral capable of managing not only a user but also a group unit.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the entire apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 7, the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral of the present invention includes an input device 701, a reading device 702, a control device 703, an output device 704, and a storage device 705.

  The input device 701 performs a copy function and a facsimile function. The reading device 702 optically reads a document for copying and facsimile transmission and acquires it as image data of an electrical signal. The control device 703 controls each device. The output device 704 outputs a copy print and a received facsimile image. The storage device 705 stores device setting values and the like. The storage device 705 includes a user table 706, a counter table 707, and a group table 708.

  The difference from FIG. 1 is that a group table 708 for managing group information is added to the storage device 705.

FIG. 8 is an example of a group table in the third embodiment.
The group table in FIG. 8 has a group name 801 and a print upper limit number 802.
A group name 801 indicates a group name to which the user belongs. The maximum number of prints 802 can be shared and used by users belonging to the group.

FIG. 9 is an example of a user table in the third embodiment.
In the user table of FIG. 9, the user name 901 and the group table record No. 902 and the upper limit number of prints 903 are managed.
The user name 901 is an ID (identification information) for uniquely identifying the user. Group table record No. Reference numeral 902 denotes a group of records. The print upper limit sheet number 903 indicates the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed by each user.

  The user table of FIG. 9 has basically the same configuration as that of FIG. 2, but the group table record No. indicating the group to which each user belongs. 902 is added. The configuration of the counter table 708 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  By using such a configuration, for example, before printing is interrupted in step S404 in FIG. If the upper limit print number 802 of the group indicated by 902 remains, it is possible to operate to cancel the print interruption.

  In the first embodiment, individual users may be read as groups, and print control may be performed in units of groups instead of individuals.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the processing flow of FIG. 4, it is necessary to display a screen as shown in FIG. 5 in step S407 and select a user to whom the number of prints is to be transferred. It is also possible to operate so as to cancel the print interruption by providing a priority order and automatically selecting a user to whom the number of prints is transferred according to the priority order.
Priority 1: Users who belong to the same group.
Priority 2: A user who has N or more remaining prints (N is the number).
Priority 3: It matches the printing conditions of the counter table in FIG.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In this embodiment, when a print interruption occurs in step S404 in FIG. 4, the operation is performed so that the print interruption is canceled by borrowing the number of prints in advance, instead of transferring the number of prints from another user or group. To do.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a field such as a pre-borrowed number of prints 1003 is prepared in the counter table, and the number of sheets printed out in a state exceeding the upper limit number of prints can be managed for each user.

  By taking such a form, the user does not need to be aware of the print interruption. In addition, the manager can easily manage the number of prints used by each user. For example, when the next upper limit number of prints is updated, management such as subtracting the number of prints previously borrowed can be performed.

Next, the operation of the copy facsimile multifunction machine according to the present invention will be described using a specific embodiment.
As a precondition, it is assumed that the data shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are already registered in the user table and counter table in the storage device of the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral.
In the user table of FIG. 11, user information from user 0 to user 5 is registered, and it is assumed that the upper limit value of the number of prints has been registered for each user. Further, in the counter table of FIG. 12, it is assumed that the cumulative number of prints from user 0 to user 5, whether or not transfer of prints is permitted, and conditions for permitting transfer of prints are registered.

Hereinafter, a specific embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the user name = user 0 is logged in to the facsimile multifunction peripheral, and 10 originals are instructed to be printed by normal printing (when no options such as duplex designation and 2-in-1 designation are selected). (Step S401 in FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the maximum number of prints for user 0 = 500 sheets (step S402 in FIG. 4), the cumulative number of prints in FIG. 12 = 495, and the print interruption state when the remaining five originals are to be printed. (Step S404 in FIG. 4). After the interruption of printing, a user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints other than the user 0 is searched from FIG. 12 (step S405 in FIG. 4). Users 1 to 5 are candidates based on whether the number of prints can be transferred in FIG. 12 (step S406 in FIG. 4).

Next, information of a user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints is displayed on a screen as shown in FIG. 13 (step S407 in FIG. 4).
After the screen is displayed, the user who is executing printing inputs 10 for specifying the number of sheets, and is in a state before selecting a user to whom the number of printed sheets is to be transferred (step S408 in FIG. 4).

Next, it is assumed that user 3 is selected in FIG. 13 (step S409 in FIG. 4).
From FIG. 12, user 3 can transfer the number of prints, and the printing conditions are not particularly limited. However, from FIG. 11, the upper limit number of prints of user 3 is 300, and from FIG. Since the number is 295, the ten sheets input in the number designation in FIG. 13 cannot be transferred, and cannot be selected (step S410 in FIG. 4).

Next, it is assumed that the user 4 is selected in FIG. 13 (step S409 in FIG. 4).
From FIG. 12, the user 4 can transfer the number of prints, but cannot select because the print condition is only 4-in-1 printing (step S410 in FIG. 4).

  Similarly, since the user 5 also permits transfer of only double-sided printing and 2-in-1 printing, the user 5 cannot select (Step S410 in FIG. 4).

  As a result, only user 1 and user 2 can be selected (steps S409 and S410 in FIG. 4).

  Next, assuming that user 1 is selected in FIG. 13, the upper limit number of prints in the user table in FIG. 11 is updated (steps S411 and S412 in FIG. 4). As a result of the user 0 having transferred the number of prints of 10 sheets from the user 1, the maximum number of prints of the user 0 and the user 1 is 510 and 490, respectively, as shown in FIG. Further, the accumulated number of prints of the user 0 after printing is 505 as a result of printing the remaining five originals as shown in FIG.

  Through the above-described processing flow, the user 0 cancels the print interruption (step S413 in FIG. 4), and can print all 10 documents (after step S414 in FIG. 4).

  As described above, in the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to the present invention, the user name, the user table for managing the maximum number of prints of each user, whether or not the number of prints can be transferred to other users, and the conditions for transferring the number of prints are as follows. Provided with a database including a counter table to be managed, provided with means for searching for a user who is allowed to transfer prints from the above database when printing is interrupted, and also displays the transfer user on the operation panel and allows the user to arbitrarily select the print output Work to resume. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to complete the printing process without calling an administrator when printing is interrupted, and to avoid the situation where the number of prints is cleared when printing is interrupted as much as possible. Can be achieved.

The features of the copy facsimile multifunction machine of the present invention will be described in detail below.
(1) An authentication unit for identifying a user and a database for managing user information are provided in the storage device.
(2) It is possible to set the maximum number of prints for each user.
(3) A database for managing the number of prints used for printing for each user is provided in the storage device.
(4) A feature is that the print output is interrupted when the print upper limit is reached.
(5) The number of prints allocated to each user can be shared among users.
(6) In a multi-function peripheral having a copy function and a facsimile function, a control unit is provided with means for communicating with an external server, and a database for managing user information is provided in a storage device of the external server.
(7) A database for managing the number of prints used for printing for each user is provided in the storage device of the external server.
(8) In a multi-function peripheral having a copy function and a facsimile function, an authentication unit for identifying a group and a database for managing group information are provided in the storage device.
(9) In a multi-function peripheral having a copy function and a facsimile function, a control unit is provided with means for communicating with an external server, and a database for managing group information is provided in a storage device of the external server.
(10) In a multi-function peripheral having a copy function and a facsimile function, it is possible to select a user according to an arbitrarily set priority order, and cancel the print interruption using the number of prints of the selected user.
(11) In a multi-function peripheral having a copy function and a facsimile function, it is possible to store the number of sheets used for printing after the upper limit number of prints has been exceeded.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an image diagram of the user table. FIG. 3 is an image diagram of the counter table. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the transfer number selection user selection screen according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an image diagram of the group table. FIG. 9 is an image diagram of a user table according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a counter table according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is an image diagram of a user table in a specific example. FIG. 12 is an image diagram of a counter table in a specific example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transfer user selection screen in the specific example. FIG. 14 is an image diagram of the user table after transfer of the number of prints in a specific example. FIG. 15 is an image diagram of the counter table after transfer of the number of prints and completion of printing in a specific example.

Explanation of symbols

101 Control Device 102 Reading Device 103 Input Device 104 Output Device 105 Storage Device 106 User Table 107 Counter Table 201 User Name 202 Maximum Number of Prints 301 User Table Record No.
302 Cumulative number of printed sheets 303 Transferable number of printed sheets 304 Print condition 501 User name 502 Print condition 503 Specify number of sheets 504 Select 601 Controller 602 Reading device 603 Input device 604 Output device 605 Storage device 606 Storage device 607 User table 608 Counter table 701 Input device 702 Reading device 703 Control device 704 Output device 705 Storage device 706 User table 707 Counter table 708 Group table 801 Group name 802 Maximum number of prints 901 User name 902 Group table record No.
903 Maximum number of prints 1001 User table record No.
1002 Cumulative number of prints 1003 Pre-borrowed number of prints 1004 Print number transferability 1005 Print conditions

Claims (12)

An authenticator for identifying the user;
A first database for managing the user information including the upper limit number of prints for each user;
An output section used for printing;
A second database for managing the number of prints used in the print for each user;
A control unit that interrupts print output when the user reaches the upper limit number of prints during printing,
When the print output is interrupted, the control unit searches for another user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints based on the transferability information on the number of prints registered in the second database, and A copy facsimile multifunction peripheral that continues the print output using the number of prints of another user. In the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
An external server accessible from the control unit;
The external server is
The first database;
A copy facsimile multifunction machine comprising the second database. In the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
An authentication unit for identifying a group to which the user belongs;
A copy facsimile multifunction machine further comprising a third database for managing the group information. In the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to claim 3,
An external server accessible from the control unit;
The external server is
The first database;
The second database;
A copy facsimile multifunction machine comprising the third database. In the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
The control unit selects a user who transfers the number of prints according to an arbitrarily set priority order, and cancels the print interruption using the number of prints of the selected user. In the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
The second database is a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral that stores the number of sheets used for printing after the upper limit number of prints is exceeded. (A) a step of instructing start of printing;
(B) acquiring from the user table the upper limit number of prints of the user who has instructed execution of printing;
(C) The cumulative print number of the user who has instructed printing is acquired from the counter table. If the upper limit number of prints has not been reached, the printing process is continued. If the upper limit number of prints has been reached, the print operation is performed. A step to interrupt,
(D) Referring to whether or not transfer of the number of prints in the counter table is permitted, a user who is permitted to transfer the number of prints is searched. If there is a user who is permitted to transfer, the process is continued and transfer is permitted. If no user is present, step out of the process;
(E) displaying a list of users permitted to transfer the number of prints;
(F) designating the number of prints to be transferred from another user;
(G) after designating the number of prints, selecting a user to be transferred;
(H) after selecting an arbitrary user, selecting a transfer user by pressing a selection key;
(I) updating the upper limit number of prints of the transfer user from the user table;
(J) updating the upper limit number of prints of the user who has instructed execution of printing from the user table;
(K) releasing the print interruption;
(L) a step of executing printing after canceling the print interruption;
(M) updating the cumulative number of prints of the user who instructed the print execution from the counter table;
(N) a step of checking whether there is a remaining document, and returning to the step (b) if there is the remaining document, and ending the process if there is no remaining document. (A) identifying a user;
(B) managing the user information including the upper limit number of prints for each user;
(C) managing the number of prints used for printing for each user;
(D) a step of interrupting print output when the upper limit number of prints is reached;
(E) A step of sharing and using the number of prints allocated to each user among the users. The print control method according to claim 8.
(F) identifying a group to which the user belongs;
(G) a print control method further comprising the step of managing information on the group. The print control method according to claim 8.
(H) selecting a user who will transfer the number of prints according to an arbitrarily set priority order;
(I) The print control method further comprising the step of canceling the print interruption using the number of prints of the selected user. The print control method according to claim 8.
(J) A print control method further comprising a step of storing the number of sheets used in printing after the upper limit number of prints is exceeded.   A program for causing a computer to execute the print control method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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