JP2007140555A - Image forming apparatus, image formation system and method for notifying usable amount of consumption article - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to previously grasp the validity of use. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a setting means for setting the usable amount of consumption articles in a prescribed period, a used amount storing means for storing the used amount of the consumption articles used for image formation in the prescribed period and a notification means for notifying the remaining usable amount of the consumption articles in the prescribed period. The notification means notifies the remaining usable amount in accordance with the used amount on the basis of the usable amount set by the setting means and the used amount stored in the used mount storing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a consumables usable amount notification method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as printers are equipped with a function for limiting the number of recording sheets used from the viewpoint of resource saving (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image forming apparatus includes a data storage unit that stores a use limit number of recording sheets and a used number of recording sheets that have already been printed, a print request number, and a used number. And a control means for controlling to stop printing the print data on the recording paper when the comparison result shows that the limited use number is smaller than the addition result. For example, even when a print request is received from a higher-level device, if the right to use is not included in the print request, a use rejection message is returned to the request-source higher-level device.
JP-A-8-36470

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, nothing is notified to the host apparatus until the addition result of the print request number and the used number reaches the use limit number, and if the addition result exceeds the use limit number, Since the host device is notified that printing cannot be performed, it is impossible to know in advance when printing cannot be performed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a consumable use amount notification method capable of resolving the problems of the conventional image forming apparatus and knowing in advance whether or not the apparatus can be used. And

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, setting means for setting the usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period and usage amount storing means for storing the used amount of consumables used for image formation during the predetermined period And a notifying unit for notifying the remaining usable amount of the consumables for a predetermined period, and the notifying unit includes the usable amount set by the setting unit and the used amount stored in the used amount storage unit. Based on the above, the remaining usable amount is notified according to the amount used.

  According to the present invention, based on the usable amount set by the setting unit and the used amount stored in the used amount storage unit, the remaining usable amount is notified according to the used amount. Thereby, it is possible to grasp in advance whether or not the device can be used.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a printer as an image forming apparatus, which is communicably connected via a network 10 to a computer 20a and a computer 20b as host devices operated by a user.

  Here, each of the computer 20a and the computer 20b includes a calculation unit such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage unit such as a magnetic disk and a semiconductor memory, a display unit such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display, an input unit such as a keyboard, and a communication interface. For example, a personal computer, a server, a workstation, etc., but any device may be used. The computer 20 a and the computer 20 b function as a host device of the printer 30 and transmit a print job to the printer 30. The computer 20a and the computer 20b will be described as the computer 20 when they are described in an integrated manner. In addition, the figure shows an example in which the computer 20 connected to the network 10 is a computer 20a and a computer 20b. However, the computer 20 may be one or three or more. The number of computers 20 may be any number.

  The network 10 is a wired or wireless communication network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, the Internet, etc. Alternatively, it may be composed of a plurality of communication line networks.

  The printer 30 may be any type of printer such as an ink jet printer, an electrophotographic printer, or a thermal transfer printer. Here, the printer 30 includes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet as a consumable medium and performs printing, and a control device that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus. For example, when the printer 30 is an electrophotographic printer, the image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum as an image carrier (not shown), a print head (LED (Light Emitting Diode) head) as an exposure unit, a fixing unit, and the like. Printing device, transfer device, etc., and printing on the medium by an electrophotographic process. In addition, the control device includes a CPU, an MPU and other arithmetic means, a magnetic disk, a storage means such as a semiconductor memory, a display means such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display, an input means such as a push button and a keyboard, a communication interface, and the like. A computer performs processing such as interpretation of a print job and print data, image development processing, and the like, and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus to perform printing. The display means is preferably a touch panel having the function of an input means.

  The printer 30 includes an input / output interface 31, a touch panel 32, a real time clock 33, a control unit 34, and a storage unit 35 from the viewpoint of functions. Here, the input / output interface 31 functions as an input unit for inputting image forming data, and receives a print job transmitted from the computer 20 via the network 10. The touch panel 32 functions as a display unit and an input unit, and displays a setting screen and inputs setting items. The real time clock 33 counts the time and returns the current date and time when an inquiry is received. The real time clock 33 has a built-in battery and can measure time even when the printer 30 is turned off.

  Further, the storage unit 35 includes a print number database 35a and a year / month database 35b as usage amount storage means. The print number database 35a is an area for storing the total print number, the printable number, the standard printable number, and the like. The standard printable sheet number is a printable sheet number set by a setting unit 34f of the control unit 34 described later. The year / month database 35b is an area for storing a valid date as a predetermined period, and the valid date is a date in which the current printable number of sheets is valid. Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined period is set as one month. The effective date is set on a monthly basis, for example, “March 2003”.

  Next, the setting screen displayed on the touch panel 32 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a setting screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the setting screen 40, the number of printable sheets 40a for inputting the number of printable sheets, a save button 40b for saving the settings, an end button 40c for ending the settings, and numbers from 0 to 9 are input. A number button 40d to delete and a delete button 40e to delete one character are displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 34 of the printer 30 will be described from the viewpoint of functions.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 34 includes, from the viewpoint of function, a print permission determination unit 34 a, a print processing unit 34 b that controls printing based on a print job, and a usage amount that stores the total number of prints in the storage unit 35. A storage unit 34c, a usable amount determination unit 34d that determines the number of printable sheets, a period management unit 34e, and a setting unit 34f are provided to control printing on recording paper.

  The print permission determination unit 34a determines whether printing is permitted or not based on whether the total number of printed sheets has reached the printable number. Here, the number of printed sheets as the usage amount is the number of printed recording sheets. In the present embodiment, the total number of printed sheets is the total number of printed sheets for one month, and the number of printable sheets as the usable amount. Is the number of recording sheets that can be printed in a month.

  Further, when the period management unit 34e detects that the next month is reached, the period management unit 34e notifies the usable amount determination unit 34d. Then, the setting unit 34f displays a setting screen 40 for setting the reference printable number of sheets on the touch panel 32, and stores the printable number of sheets set on the setting screen 40 in the print number database 35a of the storage unit 35. To do.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described. First, an operation for setting the number of printable sheets will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printable sheet number setting process in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when a function for setting the number of printable sheets is selected by the administrator, the printer 30 displays a setting screen 40 on the touch panel 32. When the number button 40d is pressed by the administrator, the pressed number is displayed in the printable number field 40a. When the delete button 40e is pressed, one character is deleted from the printable number field 40a, and the end button is displayed. When 40c is pressed, the setting screen 40 is closed.

  When the administrator presses the save button 40b, the printer 30 determines whether or not the printable number field 40a is input. If the printable number field 40a is not input, the printer 30 displays the printable number field 40a on the touch panel 32. Displays an error message. On the other hand, when the printable sheet number column 40a is input, the contents of the printable sheet number column 40a are stored in the print sheet number database 35a as the printable sheet number and the standard printable sheet number, and 0 is stored as the total print sheet number (reset) The contents of the printable sheet number column 40a are deleted.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: The setting screen 40 is displayed on the touch panel 32.
Step S2: It is determined whether or not the numeric button 40d has been pressed. If the number button 40d is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3, and if the number button 40d is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S4.
Step S3 The pressed number is displayed in the printable sheet number column 40a.
Step S4: It is determined whether or not the delete button 40e has been pressed. If the delete button 40e is pressed, the process proceeds to step S5. If the delete button 40e is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6.
Step S5 Delete one character of the printable sheet number column 40a.
Step S6: It is determined whether or not the end button 40c has been pressed. If the end button 40c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S7. If the end button 40c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S8.
Step S7: The setting screen 40 is closed and the process is terminated.
Step S8: It is determined whether or not the save button 40b has been pressed. If the save button 40b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S9. If the save button 40b is not pressed, the process returns to step S2.
Step S9: It is determined whether or not the printable sheet number column 40a has been input. If the printable sheet number column 40a is input, the process proceeds to step S11. If the printable sheet number column 40a is not input, the process proceeds to step S10.
Step S10: An error message is displayed on the touch panel 32.
Step S11: The contents of the printable sheet number column 40a input as the printable sheet number and the standard printable sheet number are stored in the print sheet number database 35a, and 0 is stored as the total print sheet number.
Step S12: The contents of the printable sheet number column 40a are deleted.

  Next, an operation when a print job is transmitted from the computer 20 to the printer 30 via the network 10 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when a print job is received according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the input / output interface 31 passes the received print job to the print permission determination unit 34a. Then, the print permission determination unit 34a reads the total print number and the printable number from the print number database 35a, compares the total print number and the printable number, and determines whether or not the total print number is smaller than the printable number. to decide.

  Subsequently, when the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the print permission determination unit 34a passes the print job to the print processing unit 34b. Then, the print processing unit 34b prints the received print job and passes the number of printed pages to the usage amount storage unit 34c. If the total number of prints is not smaller than the number of printable sheets, the process is terminated as it is.

  The usage amount storage unit 34c reads the total number of printed sheets from the printed number database 35a, adds the received number of printed sheets to the total number of printed sheets, and stores the added value as the total number of printed sheets in the printed number database 35a.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: The print job received by the input / output interface 31 is transferred to the print permission determination means 34a of the control unit 34.
Step S22: The print permission judging means 34a reads the total print number and the printable number from the print number database 35a.
Step S23: Whether the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number is determined. If the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S24. If the total number of prints is equal to or greater than the printable number, the process is terminated.
Step S24: The print job is transferred to the print processing unit 34b.
Step S25 The print processing means 34b performs printing.
Step S26: The number of printed sheets is transferred to the usage amount storage means 34c.
Step S27: The usage amount storage means 34c reads the total number of printed sheets from the printed number database 35a.
Step S28: The received print number and the total print number are added.
Step S29: The added value is stored as the total number of prints in the print number database 35a, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation when a predetermined period (set as one month in the present embodiment) has elapsed will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when a predetermined period has elapsed in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the printer 30 is turned on, the period management unit 34e reads the effective date from the year / month database 35b, counts the time, and confirms that the power is not turned off. When elapses, the real-time clock 33 is inquired about the date. If the current date is different from the valid date, the current date and valid date are passed to the usable amount determining means 34d.

  Subsequently, the usable amount determining means 34d reads the total number of prints, the number of printable sheets and the number of standard printable sheets from the print number database 35a, stores 0 as the total number of prints, and obtains the current date and effective date. Compare. If there is a difference of two months or more, the standard printable number is stored as the printable number in the print number database 35a. If the printer 30 has been turned off for more than one month, the number of printable sheets is set to the default (initial value).

  In addition, when the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month (for example, even if the effective date is “March 2003” and the current date is “April 1, 2003” Since the number of months differs by one, it corresponds to the “one-month difference” here, that is, when the “month” changes, the carry-over step is executed.) The usable amount determining means 34d prints Subtract the total number of prints from the possible number. If the subtraction value is positive, the subtraction value and the standard printable number of sheets are added, the addition value is stored in the printable number of sheets in the print number database 35a, and the current date (described above) is stored in the year / month database 35b. In this example, “March 2003”) is stored.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S31 The period management means 34e reads the effective date from the year / month database 35b.
Step S32: Count time.
Step S33: It is determined whether or not the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S34.
Step S34: to judge whether 1 minute has passed. If one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S35, and if one minute has not elapsed, the process returns to step S32.
Step S35: The date is acquired from the real time clock 33.
Step S36: It is determined whether the current date is different from the effective date. If the current date is different from the valid date, the process proceeds to step S37, and if the current date is not different from the valid date, the process returns to step S32.
Step S37: The current date and effective date are passed to the usable amount determining means 34d.
Step S38: The usable amount determining means 34d reads the total number of prints, the number of printable sheets and the number of standard printable sheets from the print number database 35a.
Step S39: 0 is stored as the total print number in the print number database 35a.
Step S40: It is determined whether or not the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month, the process proceeds to step S42. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is not one month, the process proceeds to step S41.
Step S41: The standard printable number is stored as the printable number in the print number database 35a.
Step S42: The number of prints is subtracted from the number of printable sheets.
Step S43: It is determined whether or not the subtraction value is a positive value. When the subtraction value is a positive value, the process proceeds to step S44, and when the subtraction value is not a positive value, the process proceeds to step S46.
Step S44: Add the subtraction value and the standard printable sheet number.
Step S45: The added value is stored as the number of printable sheets in the print number database 35a.
Step S46: Store the current date in the year / month database 35b.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, it has not been possible to appropriately cope with fluctuations in the number of sheets used for each predetermined period. The use limit number of recording sheets is set every predetermined period, for example, every month, but the use number of recording sheets varies from period to period. For this reason, if the monthly usage limit number is fixed, there will be excess or shortage of recording paper every month. In this case, the administrator needs to adjust the usage limit number every month. Furthermore, at the end of the period, that is, at the end of the month, the unnecessary purpose of printing is not satisfied, and the original purpose of suppressing printing is not satisfied because the idea of not wanting to leave the limited number of frames.

  In contrast, in this embodiment, the administrator only sets the printable number of sheets for one month first, and the remaining number of sheets for that month is automatically added to the printable number of sheets for the next month. It has become. For this reason, even if there is a variation in the number of printed sheets per month, it can be appropriately handled. Also, you won't be forced to use the extra number at the end of the month.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about what has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Also, the description of the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a setting screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the computer 20a and the computer 20b transmit an IP (Internet Protocol) address as user identification information assigned thereto and a print job as image formation data to the printer 30. ing. The input / output interface 31 receives an IP address and a print job via the network 10. As a result, the printer 30 according to the present embodiment can manage the number of printable sheets as the usable amount for each IP address.

  Then, the setting unit 34 f displays a setting screen 50 for setting the printable number of sheets on the touch panel 32, and stores the IP address and printable number of sheets set on the setting screen 50 in the storage unit 35. Further, the storage unit 35 includes a print number database 35a and a year / month database 35b. The print number database 35a includes an IP address, a total print number, a printable number, and a quasi-class for each computer 20 identified by the IP address. Stores the number of printable sheets.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the setting screen 50 is provided with an IP address column 50a for inputting an IP address to be set and a dot button 50b for inputting a dot of the IP address. It is done. When the IP address field 50a and the printable sheet number field 40a are touched, it becomes possible to input the field, and when it is first displayed, the IP address field 50a can be input.

  Next, the operation of the printer 30 in the present embodiment will be described. First, an operation for setting the number of printable sheets for each IP address will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printable sheet number setting process in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when a function for setting the number of printable sheets is selected by the administrator, the printer 30 displays a setting screen 50 on the touch panel 32 and enables input of the IP address field 50a. Then, when the number button 40d is pressed, the pressed number is displayed in a field where the current input is possible. When the dot button 50b is pressed, it is determined whether or not the currently input field is the IP address field 50a. If the currently input field is the IP address field 50a, a dot is displayed. Further, when the delete button 40e is pressed, one character in the currently inputable field is deleted. Further, when the IP address column 50a is touched, the IP address column 50a can be input. Further, when the printable sheet number column 40a is touched, the printable sheet number column 40a can be input. When the end button 40c is pressed, the setting screen 50 is closed.

  When the save button 40b is pressed, it is determined whether the IP address field 50a and the printable sheet number field 40a are input. If the IP address field 50a or the printable sheet number field 40a is not input, the touch panel 32 is checked. Display an error message. When the IP address field 50a and the printable sheet number field 40a are input, the contents of the IP address field 50a are stored as the IP address in the print number database 35a, and the printable sheet number and the standard printable sheet number are stored. The contents of the column 40a are stored, 0 is stored as the total number of printed sheets, and the contents of the IP address column 50a and the printable sheet number column 40a are deleted.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S51 The setting screen 50 is displayed on the touch panel 32.
Step S52: The IP address column 50a can be entered.
Step S53: It is determined whether or not the numeric button 40d has been pressed. If the number button 40d is pressed, the process proceeds to step S54, and if the number button 40d is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S55.
Step S54 The pressed number is displayed in the currently inputable field.
Step S55: It is determined whether or not the dot button 50b has been pressed. When the dot button 50b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S56, and when the dot button 50b is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S58.
Step S56: It is determined whether or not the field that can be entered is the IP address field 50a. If the inputable field is the IP address field 50a, the process proceeds to step S57. If the inputable field is not the IP address field 50a, the process returns to step S53.
Step S57: A dot is displayed in the IP address column 50a.
Step S58: It is determined whether or not the delete button 40e has been pressed. If the delete button 40e has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S59. If the delete button 40e has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S60.
Step S59 Delete one character of the field that can be currently input.
Step S60: It is determined whether or not the IP address column 50a has been touched. If the IP address field 50a is touched, the process proceeds to step S61. If the IP address field 50a is not touched, the process proceeds to step S62.
Step S61: The IP address column 50a can be entered.
Step S62: It is determined whether or not the printable sheet number column 40a has been touched. If the printable sheet number column 40a is touched, the process proceeds to step S63. If the printable sheet number column 40a is not touched, the process proceeds to step S64.
Step S63: The printable sheet number column 40a can be input.
Step S64: It is determined whether or not the end button 40c has been pressed. When the end button 40c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S65, and when the end button 40c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S66.
Step S65: The setting screen 50 is closed and the process is terminated.
Step S66: to judge whether the save button 40b has been pressed. If the save button 40b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S67. If the save button 40b is not pressed, the process returns to step S53.
Step S67: to judge whether the IP address and the number of printable sheets have been input. If the IP address and the printable number of sheets are input, the process proceeds to step S69. If the IP address and the printable number of sheets are not input, the process proceeds to step S68.
Step S68 An error message is displayed on the touch panel 32.
Step S69 The contents of the IP address column 50a are stored as IP addresses in the print number database 35a, the contents of the printable number column 40a are stored as the printable number and the standard printable number, and 0 is stored as the total number of prints.
Step S70: The contents of the IP address field 50a and the printable sheet number field 40a are deleted.

  Next, an operation when an IP address and a print job are transmitted from the computer 20 to the printer 30 via the network 10 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation when an IP address and a print job are received according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the input / output interface 31 passes the received IP address and print job to the print permission determination unit 34 a of the control unit 34. Then, the print permission determination unit 34a searches the received number of IP addresses from the print number database 35a to determine whether an IP address has been found. When the IP address is found, the print permission determination unit 34a reads the total print number and the printable number of the received IP address from the print number database 35a, and compares the total print number of the IP address with the printable number. Thus, it is determined whether or not the total number of printed sheets is smaller than the number of printable sheets.

  Subsequently, when the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the print permission determination unit 34a passes the received IP address and print job to the print processing unit 34b. Then, the print processing unit 34b prints the received print job, and passes the number of printed pages and the received IP address to the usage amount storage unit 34c.

  The usage amount storage unit 34c reads the total number of printed IP addresses received from the print number database 35a, adds the received number of prints to the total number of prints, and prints the total number of IP addresses received in the print number database 35a. The added value is stored as the number of sheets.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S71 The IP address and print job received by the input / output interface 31 are passed to the print permission determination means 34a of the control unit 34.
Step S72: The print permission judging means 34a searches the print number database 35a for the received IP address.
Step S73: It is determined whether an IP address has been found. If the IP address is found, the process proceeds to step S74. If the IP address is not found, the process is terminated.
Step S74 The print permission judging means 34a reads the total print number and printable number of the received IP address from the print number database 35a.
Step S75: It is determined whether the total number of printed sheets is smaller than the printable number. If the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S76. If the total number of prints is equal to or greater than the printable number, the process is terminated.
Step S76: Pass the IP address and print job to the print processing means 34b.
Step S77 The print processing means 34b performs printing.
Step S78: The IP address and the number of printed pages are transferred to the usage amount storage means 34c.
Step S79: The usage amount storage means 34c reads the total number of printed sheets of the received IP address from the printed number database 35a.
Step S80: The received print number and the total print number are added.
Step S81: The added value is stored as the total number of printed IP addresses received in the printed number database 35a, and the process ends.

  Next, an operation when a predetermined period (set as one month in the present embodiment) has elapsed will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when a predetermined period has elapsed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the printer 30 is turned on, the period management unit 34e reads the effective date from the year / month database 35b, counts the time, and confirms that the power is not turned off. When elapses, the real-time clock 33 is inquired about the date. If the current date is different from the valid date, the current date and valid date are passed to the usable amount determining means 34d.

  Subsequently, the usable amount determining means 34d reads the total number of printed IP addresses, the number of printable sheets and the number of standard printable sheets from the number-of-prints database 35a, stores 0 as the total number of printed sheets, and stores the current date and effective year. Compare with the moon. If there is a difference of two months or more, the standard printable sheet number is stored as the printable sheet number of the IP address in the print sheet database 35a.

  When the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month, the usable amount determining unit 34d subtracts the total number of printed sheets from the number of printable sheets. If the subtraction value is positive, the subtraction value and the standard printable sheet number are added, and the addition value is stored as the printable sheet number of the IP address in the print sheet number database 35a, and whether or not the next IP address exists. Determine whether. If the next IP address does not exist, the current date is stored in the year / month database 35b.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S91 The period management means 34e reads the effective date from the year / month database 35b.
Step S92: Time is counted.
Step S93: to judge whether the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S94.
Step S94: It is determined whether one minute has elapsed. If one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S95, and if one minute has not elapsed, the process returns to step S92.
Step S95 The date is acquired from the real time clock 33.
Step S96: It is determined whether the current date is different from the effective date. If the current date is different from the effective date, the process proceeds to step S97. If the current date is not different from the effective date, the process returns to step S92.
Step S97: The current date and effective date are passed to the usable amount determining means 34d.
Step S98: The usable amount determining means 34d reads the total number of printed IP addresses, the number of printable sheets and the number of standard printable sheets from the print number database 35a.
Step S99: 0 is stored as the total number of printed IP addresses in the printed number database 35a.
Step S100: It is determined whether or not the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month, the process proceeds to step S102. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is not one month, the process proceeds to step S101.
Step S101: Store the standard printable number as the printable number of IP addresses in the print number database 35a.
Step S102: The number of prints is subtracted from the number of printable sheets.
Step S103: It is determined whether or not the subtraction value is a positive value. When the subtraction value is a positive value, the process proceeds to step S104, and when the subtraction value is not a positive value, the process proceeds to step S106.
Step S104: The subtraction value and the standard printable number of sheets are added.
Step S105: The addition value is stored in the printable number of prints of the IP address in the print number database 35a.
Step S106: It is determined whether or not an IP address remains. If the IP address remains, the process returns to step S98, and if the IP address does not remain, the process proceeds to step S107.
Step S107: Store the current date in the year / month database 35b.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of printable sheets can be set for each computer 20, and the remaining number of sheets for that month is automatically added to the number of printable sheets for the next month for each computer 20. Therefore, the effect in the first embodiment can be obtained for each computer 20, and it is possible to appropriately cope with the case where printing is biased toward a specific computer 20.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st and 2nd embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. The description of the same operations and effects as those in the first and second embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the network 10 connects the computers 20a and 20b, the management server 60, and the printer 30a and the printer 30b as image forming apparatuses so that they can communicate with each other. Then, the computer 20a and the computer 20b transmit respective IP addresses as user identification information and a print job as image formation data to the printer 30a and the printer 30b. Note that when the printer 30a and the printer 30b are described in an integrated manner, the printer 30 is described. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the printer 30 connected to the network 10 is two printers 30a and 30b. However, the number of printers 30 may be one or three or more. The number of the printers 30 may be any number.

  The printer 30 includes an input / output interface 31 as an input unit, a control unit 34, and a storage unit 35 from the viewpoint of functions, and prints on recording paper based on a print job input from the input / output interface 31. Do. The input / output interface 31 receives the IP address of the computer 20 and a print job via the network 10. Further, the storage unit 35 stores an IP address, the total number of prints, print permission information, and the like for each IP address of the computer 20.

  Further, the management server 60 is a computer provided with arithmetic means such as CPU and MPU, storage means such as magnetic disk and semiconductor memory, display means such as CRT and liquid crystal display, input means such as keyboard, communication interface, etc. From the viewpoint of functions, it has an input / output interface 61, a display 62, a keyboard 63, a real-time clock 64, a control unit 65, and a storage unit 66, acquires the total number of printed sheets from the printer 30, and controls whether printing is permitted or not. Do.

  The input / output interface 61 transmits a command or receives data to the printer 30 via the network 10. The display 62 displays a printable sheet number setting screen 70 and a printer setting screen 80 which will be described later. The keyboard 63 includes a numeric key for inputting a number, a dot key for inputting a dot, a deletion key for deleting a single character, and a tab key for moving an enterable column. The number setting screen 70 and the printer setting screen 80 are input. Further, the real time clock 64 counts the time and returns the current date and time when an inquiry is received. The real time clock 64 has a built-in battery, and can count time even when the power of the management server 60 is turned off.

  Further, the storage unit 66 includes a print number database 66a, a printer database 66b, and a year / month database 66c. Here, the print number database 66a functions as a usage amount storage unit, and stores an IP address, total print number, printable number, standard printable number, print permission information, and the like for each IP address of the computer 20. It is. The standard printable sheet number is a printable sheet number set by a setting unit 65d of the control unit 65 described later. The printer database 66b is an area for storing printers for obtaining the total number of printed sheets. Further, the year / month database 66c functions as a usage amount storage means and is an area for storing the effective date. The effective date is the date when the current printable number of sheets is valid.

  Next, the control unit 34 of the printer 30 will be described from the viewpoint of functions.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the printer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 34 includes, from the viewpoint of function, a print permission determination unit 34a, a print processing unit 34b that controls printing based on a print job, and a usage amount that stores the total number of prints in the storage unit 35. The storage means 34c, the print permission information storage means 34g for storing the print permission information in the storage unit 35 according to the command of the management server 60, and the IP address of the computer 20 and the total number of prints according to the command of the management server 60 And a usage amount acquisition unit 34h that transmits to 60, and controls printing on recording paper.

  The print permission determination unit 34 a determines whether printing is permitted or not based on the print permission information stored in the storage unit 35.

  Next, the control unit 65 of the management server 60 will be described from the viewpoint of functions.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the management server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 65 includes a usage amount acquisition unit 65 a, a usable amount determination unit 65 b, a period management unit 65 c, and a setting unit 65 d from the viewpoint of functions. Acquire and control permission or disapproval of printing.

  Here, the usage amount acquisition unit 65a acquires the IP addresses of all the computers 20 and the total number of printed sheets of the computer 20 from the printer 30, and prints depending on whether or not the total number of printed sheets has reached the printable number. Is sent to the printer 30. The usable amount determining means 65b determines the number of printable sheets. Further, the setting means 65d displays on the display 62 a printable sheet number setting screen 70 for setting a printable sheet number, which will be described later, and a printer setting window 80 for setting the printer 30 for acquiring the total print number, The contents set on each screen are stored in the storage unit 66. The period management unit 65c detects that the next month is reached and notifies the usable amount determination unit 65b.

  Next, the printable sheet number setting screen 70 displayed on the display 62 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a printable sheet number setting screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the printable sheet number setting screen 70 includes an IP address field 70a for inputting an IP address, a printable sheet number field 70b for inputting a printable sheet number, a save button 70c for saving settings, and a setting. An end button 70d for ending is displayed.

  Next, the printer setting screen 80 displayed on the display 62 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a printer setting screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the printer setting screen 80 displays a printer IP address field 80a for inputting the IP address of the printer 30, a save button 80b for saving the setting, and an end button 80c for ending the setting. .

  Next, the operation of the printer 30 configured as described above will be described. First, the operation in which the management server 60 sets the IP address of the printer 30 that acquires the total number of printed sheets will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting the IP address of the printer for obtaining the total number of printed sheets according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the administrator selects a function for setting the IP address of the printer 30 that acquires the total number of printed sheets, the management server 60 displays a printer setting screen 80 on the display 62. When the number key is pressed, the pressed number is displayed in the printer IP address field 80a. When the dot key is pressed, dots are displayed in the printer IP address field 80a. Further, when the delete key is pressed, one character of the printer IP address field 80a is deleted.

  Subsequently, the management server 60 determines whether or not the tab key has been pressed. If the tab key has not been pressed, the management server 60 determines whether or not the end button 80c has been pressed. When the end button 80c is pressed, the printer setting screen 80 is closed. Further, when the save button 80b is pressed, it is determined whether or not it is input to the printer IP address field 80a. If it is not entered in the printer IP address field 80a, an error message is displayed on the display 62. In addition, when input is made in the printer IP address column 80a, the input contents of the printer IP address column 80a are stored in the printer database 66b, and the IP address of the computer 20 stored in the print number database 66a is as described above. This operation is repeated to delete the contents of the printer IP address column 80a.

  Subsequently, the management server 60 reads the IP address of the computer 20 from the print number database 66a, and instructs the printer 30 with the IP address input in the printer IP address column 80a to print the computer 20 with the read IP address. Send. When the print permission information storage unit 34 g in the control unit 34 of the printer 30 receives a command to enable printing of the IP address of the computer 20 via the input / output interface 31, the print permission information storage unit 34 g stores the IP address print permission information in the storage unit 35. Stores printability.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S111: The printer setting screen 80 is displayed on the display 62.
Step S112: It is determined whether or not a numeric key has been pressed. If the numeric key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S113, and if the numeric key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S114.
Step S113: The pressed number is displayed in the printer IP address field 80a.
Step S114: It is determined whether the dot key has been pressed. When the dot key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S115, and when the dot key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S116.
Step S115 A dot is displayed in the printer IP address field 80a.
Step S116: It is determined whether or not the delete key has been pressed. If the delete key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S117. If the delete key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S118.
Step S117: Delete one character of the printer IP address field 80a.
Step S118: It is determined whether or not the tab key has been pressed. If the tab key is pressed, the process returns to step S112. If the tab key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S119.
Step S119: It is determined whether or not the end button 80c has been pressed. When the end button 80c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S120, and when the end button 80c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S121.
Step S120: The printer setting screen 80 is closed and the process is terminated.
Step S121: It is determined whether or not the save button 80b has been pressed. If the save button 80b has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S122. If the save button 80b has not been pressed, the process returns to step S112.
Step S122: Whether or not an IP address has been input is determined. If no IP address is input, the process proceeds to step S123. If an IP address is input, the process proceeds to step S124.
Step S123 An error message is displayed on the display 62.
Step S124: The contents of the printer IP address column 80a are stored as IP addresses in the printer database 66b.
Step S125: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the computer 20 that has not yet been read in the print number database 66a. If the IP address of the computer 20 exists, the process proceeds to step S127. If the IP address of the computer 20 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S126.
Step S126: The contents of the printer IP address column 80a are deleted.
Step S127: The IP address of the computer 20 is read from the print number database 66a.
Step S128: An instruction for enabling printing of the computer 20 with the read IP address is transmitted to the printer 30 with the IP address input in the printer IP address field 80a.
In step S129, the print permission information storage unit 34g of the printer 30 that has received the command stores print permission as the print permission information of the IP address of the computer 20 received in the storage unit 35, and returns to step S125.

  Next, an operation in which the management server 60 sets the printable sheet number for each computer 20 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting the printable sheet number for each computer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when a function for setting the printable number of sheets is selected by the administrator, the management server 60 displays a printable sheet number setting screen 70 on the display 62. Then, the IP address field 70a can be input, and when the numeric key is pressed, the pressed number is displayed in the currently inputable field. When the dot key is pressed, it is determined whether or not the currently input field is the IP address field 70a. If the currently input field is the IP address field 70a, a dot is displayed. When the delete key is pressed, one character in the currently input field is deleted.

  Subsequently, when the tab key is pressed, the management server 60 determines whether the currently inputable field is the IP address field 70a. If the currently inputable field is the IP address field 70a, the printable number field is displayed. 70b can be input. If the field that can be currently input is the printable number field 70b, the IP address field 70a can be input. When the end button 70d is pressed, the printable sheet number setting screen 70 is closed and the process is ended. When the save button 70c is pressed, it is determined whether or not an entry is made in either the IP address field 70a or the printable number field 70b, and the entry is made in either the IP address field 70a or the printable number field 70b. If not, an error message is displayed on the display 62.

  Then, when all of the information is input to the IP address column 70a and the printable number of copies column 70b, the management server 60 stores the contents of the IP address column 70a as IP addresses, the printable number of copies and the standard printable number of copies in the print number database 66a. The contents of the printable number column 70b, 0 as the total number of prints, and “printable” are stored as print permission information. Subsequently, the operation as described above is repeated for the IP address of the printer 30 stored in the printer database 66b, and the contents of the IP address column 70a and the printable number column 70b are deleted.

  Subsequently, the management server 60 reads the IP address of the printer 30 from the printer database 66b, and issues a command to the printer 30 with the IP address to enable printing of the computer 20 with the IP address input in the IP address column 70a. Send. When the print permission information storage unit 34g of the control unit 34 of the printer 30 receives a command to enable printing of the IP address of the computer 20 via the input / output interface 31, the print permission of the IP address is stored in the storage unit 35. Stores printability as information.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S131 The printable sheet number setting screen 70 is displayed on the display 62.
Step S132: The IP address column 70a can be entered.
Step S133: Whether the numeric key has been pressed is determined. If the numeric key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S134. If the numeric key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S135.
Step S134 The pressed number is displayed in the currently inputable field.
Step S135: It is determined whether or not the dot key has been pressed. If the dot key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S136. If the dot key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S138.
Step S136: It is determined whether or not the field that can be entered is the IP address field 70a. If the inputable field is the IP address field 70a, the process proceeds to step S137. If the inputable field is not the IP address field 70a, the process returns to step S133.
Step S137 A dot is displayed in the IP address column 70a.
Step S138: Whether the delete key has been pressed is determined. If the delete key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S139. If the delete key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S140.
Step S139: Delete one character in the currently inputable field.
Step S140: It is determined whether or not the tab key has been pressed. If the tab key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S141. If the tab key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S144.
Step S141: It is determined whether the field that can be entered is the IP address field 70a. If the inputable field is the IP address field 70a, the process proceeds to step S143. If the inputable field is not the IP address field 70a, the process proceeds to step S142.
Step S142: The IP address column 70a can be entered.
Step S143: The printable sheet number column 70b is made inputable.
Step S144: It is determined whether the end button 70d has been pressed. If the end button 70d has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S145. If the end button 70d has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S146.
Step S145: The printable sheet number setting screen 70a is closed and the process is terminated.
Step S146: Whether the save button 70c has been pressed is determined. If the save button 70c has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S147, and if the save button 70c has not been pressed, the process returns to step S133.
Step S147: It is determined whether the IP address and the number of printable sheets have been input. When the IP address and the printable number of sheets are not input, the process proceeds to step S148, and when the IP address and the printable number of sheets are input, the process proceeds to step S149.
Step S148 An error message is displayed on the display 62.
In step S149, the contents of the IP address field 70a as the IP address, the contents of the printable number field 70b as the printable number, the standard printable number, the total number of printed sheets 0, and the print permission information are printed. Store.
Step S150: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the printer 30 that has not yet been read in the printer database 66b. If the IP address of the printer 30 exists, the process proceeds to step S152. If the IP address of the printer 30 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S151.
Step S151: The contents of the IP address field 70a and the printable sheet number field 70b are deleted.
Step S152: Read the IP address of the printer 30 from the printer database 66b.
Step S153: An instruction for enabling printing of the computer 20 having the IP address in the IP address column 70a is transmitted to the printer 30 having the read IP address.
In step S154, the print permission information storage unit 34g of the printer 30 that has received the command stores print permission as the print permission information of the received IP address of the computer in the storage unit 66.

  Next, an operation when an IP address and a print job are transmitted from the computer 20 to the printer 30 via the network 10 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation when a print job is received according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the input / output interface 31 passes the received IP address and print job to the print permission determination unit 34a. Then, the print permission determining unit 34a searches the storage unit 35 for the received IP address, and determines whether or not the IP address is found. When the IP address is found, the print permission information of the IP address is read from the storage unit 35.

  If the read print permission information is printable, the print permission determination unit 34a passes the received IP address and print job to the print processing unit 34b. Then, the print processing unit 34b prints the received print job, and passes the number of printed sheets and the received IP address to the usage amount storage unit 34c.

  Subsequently, the usage amount storage unit 34c reads the total number of printed IP addresses from the storage unit 35, adds the received number of printed pages to the total number of printed sheets, and stores the total number of printed IP addresses in the storage unit 35. The added value is stored as the number of sheets.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S161: The IP address and print job received by the input / output interface 31 are transferred to the print permission determination means 34a of the control unit 34.
Step S162: The print permission determination unit 34a searches the storage unit 35 for the received IP address.
Step S163: It is determined whether an IP address has been found. If an IP address is found, the process proceeds to step S164. If no IP address is found, the process ends.
Step S164: The print permission determination unit 34a reads the print permission information of the received IP address from the storage unit 35.
Step S165: It is determined whether the print permission information is not printable. If the print permission information is not printable, the process ends. If the print permission information is not printable, the process proceeds to step S166.
Step S166: Pass the IP address and print job to the print processing unit 34b.
Step S167 The print processing means 34b performs printing.
Step S168: The IP address and the number of printed sheets are transferred to the usage amount storage means 34c.
Step S169: The usage amount storage means 34c reads the received total number of printed IP addresses from the storage unit 35.
Step S170: The received print number and the total print number are added.
Step S171: The added value is stored as the total number of printed IP addresses received in the storage unit 35, and the process ends.

  Next, an operation in which the management server 60 acquires the total number of printed sheets for each computer 20 from the printer 30 will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a first flowchart showing an operation for acquiring the total number of printed sheets in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an operation for acquiring the total number of printed sheets in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  First, when the power of the management server 60 is turned on, the usage amount acquisition unit 65a counts time and confirms that the power is not turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. When one minute has passed, the operation described later is repeated for the IP address of the printer 30 stored in the printer database 66b. The IP address of the printer 30 is read from the printer database 66b, and a command for acquiring all the total number of printed sheets for each computer 20 is transmitted to the printer 30 having the IP address. Subsequently, when the usage amount acquiring unit 34 h of the printer 30 receives an instruction to acquire all the total number of printed sheets for each computer 20 via the input / output interface 31, the IP address of the computer 20 stored in the storage unit 35. The operation described later is repeated for the number of minutes.

  Subsequently, the usage amount obtaining unit 34 h reads the total number of printed IP addresses of the computer 20 from the storage unit 35, stores 0 as the total number of printed sheets, and transmits the IP address and the total number of printed sheets to the management server 60. When the usage amount acquisition unit 65a of the management server 60 receives the IP address and the total number of printed sheets via the input / output interface 61, the usage amount acquiring unit 65a reads the total number of printed sheets of the IP address from the number-of-prints database 66a. The number of copies and the read total number of prints are added, and the added value is stored in the print number database 66a as the total number of prints of the IP address. Then, the operation described later is repeated for the IP address of the computer 20 stored in the print number database 66a.

  Subsequently, the usage amount acquisition unit 65a reads the total number of prints of the IP address of the computer 20, the number of printable sheets, and the print permission information from the print number database 66a. If the print permission information indicates that printing is possible, the total number of prints is compared with the number of printable sheets to determine whether the total number of prints is greater than the number of printable sheets. Here, if the total number of prints is larger than the printable number, the print number database 66a stores “print disabled” as the print permission information of the IP address of the computer 20, and the IP address of the printer 30 stored in the printer database 66b. The operation described later is repeated for the number of minutes.

  Subsequently, the usage amount obtaining unit 65a reads the IP address of the printer 30 from the printer database 66b, and transmits a command to disable printing of the IP address of the computer 20 to the printer 30 having the IP address. Subsequently, when the print permission information storage unit 34g of the printer 30 receives a command to disable printing of the IP address of the computer 20 via the input / output interface 31, it cannot print as print permission information of the IP address in the storage unit 35. Is stored.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S181: The usage amount acquisition unit 65a counts time.
Step S182: It is determined whether the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S183.
Step S183: Whether one minute has passed is determined. If one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S184, and if one minute has not elapsed, the process returns to step S181.
Step S184: It is determined whether there is an IP address of a printer that has not yet been read in the printer database 66b. If the IP address of the printer 30 exists, the process proceeds to 185. If the IP address of the printer 30 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S196.
Step S185: The printer IP address is read from the printer database 66b.
Step S186: A command for acquiring all the total number of printed sheets for each computer 20 is transmitted to the printer 30 of the read IP address.
Step S187: The usage amount obtaining unit 34h of the printer 30 receives a command for obtaining all the total number of printed sheets for each computer.
Step S188: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the computer 20 that has not yet been read in the storage unit 35. If the IP address of the computer 20 exists, the process proceeds to step S189, and if the IP address of the computer does not exist, the process returns to step S184.
Step S189: The IP address of the computer 20 and the total number of printed sheets are read from the storage unit 35.
Step S190: 0 is stored in the storage unit 35 as the total number of printed sheets.
Step S191: The read IP address and the total number of printed sheets are transmitted to the management server 60.
Step S192: The usage amount acquisition unit 65a of the management server 60 receives the IP address and the total number of printed sheets.
Step S193: The total number of prints of the IP address of the computer 20 received from the print number database 66a is read.
Step S194: The received total print number and the read total print number are added.
Step S195: The added value is stored in the print number database 66a as the total print number of the received IP address of the computer 20.
Step S196: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the computer 20 that has not yet been read in the print number database 66a. If the IP address of the computer 20 exists, the process proceeds to 197. If the IP address of the computer does not exist, the process returns to step S181.
Step S197: Read the total print number, printable number and print permission information of the IP address of the computer 20 from the print number database 66a.
Step S198: Whether the print permission information is printable or not is determined. If the print permission information is printable, the process proceeds to step S199. If the print permission information is not printable, the process returns to 196.
Step S199: It is determined whether the total number of prints is larger than the printable number. If the total number of prints is greater than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S200. If the total number of prints is not greater than the printable number, the process returns to step S196.
Step S200: “Printing impossible” is stored as the printing permission information of the IP address of the computer 20 in the printing number database 66a.
Step S201: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the printer 30 that has not yet been read in the printer database 66b. If the IP address of the printer 30 exists, the process proceeds to step S202. If the IP address of the printer does not exist, the process returns to step S196.
Step S202 The IP address of the printer 30 is read from the printer database 66b.
Step S203: Sends a command to disable printing of the computer 20 with the IP address to the printer 30 with the read IP address.
Step S204 The print permission information storage unit 34g of the printer 30 receives a command to disable printing of the IP address of the computer.
Step S205: “Printing impossible” is stored as printing permission information of the IP address of the computer 20 received in the storage unit 35.

  Next, an operation when a predetermined period (set as one month in the present embodiment) has elapsed will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a first flowchart showing an operation when a predetermined period has elapsed in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 shows an operation when the predetermined period has elapsed in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd flowchart shown.

  First, when the power of the management server 60 is turned on, the period management means 65c reads the effective date from the year / month database 66c, counts the time, and confirms that the power is not turned off. When the minute has passed, the real time clock 64 is inquired about the date. If the current date is different from the valid date, the current date and valid date are passed to the usable amount determining means 65b.

  Subsequently, the usable amount determining means 65b repeats the operation described later for the IP address of the computer 20 stored in the print number database 66a. If there is no IP address of the computer 20 that has not yet been read in the printed number database 66a, the current year and month are stored in the year / month database 66c. On the other hand, when there is an IP address of the computer 20 that has not yet been read in the print number database 66a, the total print number, printable number, and standard printable number of the computer's IP address are read from the print number database 66a, and the total print number is obtained. 0 is stored. If the print permission information indicates that printing is not possible, “print permitted” is stored in the print number database 66a as the print permission information of the IP address of the computer 20, and only the IP address of the printer 30 stored in the printer database 66b is described later. Repeat the operation.

  Then, the usable amount determining unit 65b reads the IP address of the printer 30 from the printer database 66b, and transmits a command for enabling printing of the IP address of the computer 20 to the printer 30 having the IP address. When the print permission information storage unit 34g of the printer 30 receives an instruction to enable printing of the IP address of the computer 20 via the input / output interface 31, the print permission information is stored in the storage unit 35 as print permission information of the IP address. To do.

  Subsequently, the usable amount determining means 65b compares the current date and the effective date, and if there is a difference of two months or more, the standard printable number as the printable number of IP addresses in the print number database 66a. Is stored. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month, the total number of prints is subtracted from the printable number. If the subtraction value is positive, the subtraction value and the standard printable number of sheets are added, and the addition value is stored in the print number database 66a as the printable number of IP addresses.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S211 The period management means 65c reads the effective date from the year / month database 66c.
Step S212 Time is counted.
Step S213: Whether the power has been turned off is determined. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S214.
Step S214: It is determined whether one minute has elapsed. If one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S215. If one minute has not elapsed, the process returns to step S212.
Step S215: The date is acquired from the real time clock 64.
Step S216: It is determined whether the current date is different from the effective date. If the current date is different from the effective date, the process proceeds to step S217. If the current date is not different from the effective date, the process returns to step S212.
Step S217: The current date and effective date are passed to the usable amount determining means 65b.
Step S218: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the computer 20 that has not yet been read in the print number database 66a. If the IP address of the computer 20 exists, the process proceeds to step S220. If the IP address of the computer 20 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S219.
Step S219: Store the current date in the year / month database 66c.
Step S220 The usable amount determining means 65b reads the total number of prints of the IP address, the number of printable sheets and the number of standard printable sheets from the print number database 66a.
Step S221: 0 is stored as the total number of printed IP addresses in the printed number database 66a.
Step S222: Whether the print permission information is printable or not is determined. If the print permission information is printable, the process proceeds to step S229. If the print permission information is not printable, the process proceeds to step S223.
Step S223: Print permission is stored as the print permission information of the IP address of the computer 20 in the print number database 66a.
Step S224: It is determined whether there is an IP address of the printer 30 that has not yet been read in the printer database 66b. If the IP address of the printer 30 exists, the process proceeds to step S225. If the IP address of the printer 30 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S229.
Step S225 The IP address of the printer 30 is read from the printer database 66b.
Step S226: An instruction for enabling printing of the computer 20 with the IP address is transmitted to the printer 30 with the read IP address.
Step S227 The print permission information storage unit 34g of the printer 30 receives the command.
Step S228: Print permission is stored in the storage unit 35 as the print permission information of the IP address of the computer 20 received.
Step S229: It is determined whether or not the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is one month, the process proceeds to step S231. If the difference between the current date and the effective date is not one month, the process proceeds to step S230.
Step S230: Store the standard printable number as the printable number of IP addresses in the print number database 66a.
Step S231: The number of prints is subtracted from the number of printable sheets.
Step S232: It is determined whether or not the subtraction value is a positive value. When the subtraction value is a positive value, the process proceeds to step S233, and when the subtraction value is not a positive value, the process returns to step S218.
Step S233: The subtraction value and the standard printable number of sheets are added.
Step S234: The addition value is stored in the printable number of prints of the IP address in the print number database 66a.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of printable sheets can be set for each computer 20 for all the printers 30, and the remaining number of sheets for that month is set for each computer 20. Automatically added to. For this reason, the effects of the first embodiment can be obtained for each printer 20 for all the printers 30, and even when printing is biased to a specific printer 30, it is possible to appropriately cope with it. it can.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as the 1st-3rd embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to third embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the network 10 connects a computer 20a, a computer 20b, and a printer 30 as an image forming apparatus so that they can communicate with each other. The computer 20 a and the computer 20 b have an input / output interface 21, a control unit 22, and a display unit 23 from the viewpoint of functions. The printer 30 sends an IP address as user identification information and a print job as image formation data. Send to.

  The input / output interface 21 transmits a print job and receives a notification message from the printer 30, and the display unit 23 displays the notification message. Further, the control unit 22 performs control for creating a print job, transmitting the created print job via the input / output interface 21, and displaying the notification message received by the input / output interface 21 on the display unit 23. Do. The input / output interface 31 of the printer 30 receives an IP address and a print job via the network 10. Further, the print number database 35a of the storage unit 35 is an area for storing the IP address, the total print number, the printable number, and the remaining notification number for each IP address.

  Next, the setting screen displayed on the touch panel 32 will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a setting screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  24, the setting screen 90 includes an IP address field 50a for inputting an IP address to be set, a printable sheet number field 40a for inputting a printable sheet number, a remaining notification sheet number field 90a for inputting a remaining notification sheet number, There are a save button 40b for saving the setting, an end button 40c for ending the setting, a number button 40d for inputting numbers from 0 to 9, a dot button 50b for inputting IP address dots, and a delete button 40e for deleting one character. . When the IP address field 50a, the printable sheet number field 40a, and the remaining notification number field 90a are touched, the fields can be entered, and when displayed for the first time, the IP address field 50a can be entered.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 34 of the printer 30 will be described from the viewpoint of functions.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the printer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 25, from the viewpoint of function, the control unit 34 includes a print permission determination unit 34a, a print processing unit 34b, a usage amount storage unit 34c, and a notification unit that notifies the computer 20 via the input / output interface 31. 34i, period management means 34e and setting means 34f, and controls printing on recording paper. Then, the period management unit 34e detects that the next month is reached and notifies the notification unit 34i. The setting unit 34f displays a setting screen 90 for setting the printable sheet number and the remaining notification sheet number on the touch panel 32, and stores the IP address, printable sheet number, and remaining notification sheet number set on the setting screen 90. 35. The remaining notification number as the remaining usable amount is a value to be notified when the value obtained by subtracting the total print number from the printable number is smaller than the remaining notification number.

  Next, the operation of the printer 30 configured as described above will be described. First, an operation for setting the printable sheet number and the remaining notification sheet number for each IP address will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printable sheet number and remaining notification sheet number setting process in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the administrator selects a function for setting the number of printable sheets and the remaining number of notifications, the printer 30 displays a setting screen 90 on the touch panel 32 to enable input of the IP address column 50a. When the number button 40d is pressed, the pressed number is displayed in the currently inputable field, and when the dot button 50b is pressed, it is determined whether the currently inputable field is the IP address field 50a. If the currently inputable field is the IP address field 50a, a dot is displayed. When the delete button 40e is pressed, one character of the currently inputable column is deleted, and when the IP address column 50a is touched, the IP address column 50a can be input. Furthermore, when the printable number field 40a is touched, the printable number field 40a can be input, and when the remaining notification number field 90a is touched, the remaining notification number field 90a can be input. When the end button 40c is pressed, the setting screen 90 is closed.

  When the save button 40b is pressed, it is determined whether any of the IP address field 50a, the printable sheet number field 40a, or the remaining notification sheet number field 90a is input. If none of the IP address field 50a, the printable sheet number field 40a, or the remaining notification sheet number field 90a is input, an error message is displayed on the touch panel 32. If all of the IP address field 50a, the printable sheet number field 40a, and the remaining notification sheet number field 90a are input, the contents of the IP address field 50a as the IP address, the printable sheet number, and the standard print are stored in the print number database 35a. The contents of the printable number field 40a are stored as the possible number of sheets, and the contents of the remaining notification number field 90a are stored as the total number of printed sheets as 0, and the IP address field 50a, the printable number field 40a and the remaining notification number field 90a are stored. Erase the contents of.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S241: The setting screen 90 is displayed on the touch panel 32.
Step S242: The IP address column 50a can be entered.
Step S243: Whether the numeric button 40d has been pressed is determined. If the number button 40d is pressed, the process proceeds to step S244, and if the number button 40d is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S245.
Step S244: The number that has been pressed is displayed in the currently inputable field.
Step S245: It is determined whether or not the dot button 50b has been pressed. When the dot button 50b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S246, and when the dot button 50b is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S248.
Step S246: It is determined whether or not the field that can be entered is the IP address field 50a. If the inputable field is the IP address field 50a, the process proceeds to step S247. If the inputable field is not the IP address field 50a, the process returns to step S243.
Step S247: A dot is displayed in the IP address column 50a.
Step S248: Whether the delete button 40e has been pressed is determined. If the delete button 40e has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S249, and if the delete button 40e has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S250.
Step S249: Delete one character in the currently inputable field.
Step S250: It is determined whether or not the IP address column 50a has been touched. If the IP address field 50a is touched, the process proceeds to step S251. If the IP address field 50a is not touched, the process proceeds to step S252.
Step S251: The IP address column 50a can be entered.
Step S252: It is determined whether or not the printable sheet number column 40a has been touched. If the printable sheet number column 40a is touched, the process proceeds to step S253. If the printable sheet number column 40a is not touched, the process proceeds to step S254.
Step S253: Enable to input the printable sheet number column 40a.
Step S254: It is determined whether or not the remaining notification number field 90a has been touched. If the remaining notification number field 90a is touched, the process proceeds to step S255, and if the remaining notification number field 90a is not touched, the process proceeds to step S256.
Step S255: The remaining notification number field 90a can be input.
Step S256: It is determined whether the end button 40c has been pressed. If the end button 40c has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S257, and if the end button 40c has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S258.
Step S257: The setting screen 90 is closed and the process is terminated.
Step S258: It is determined whether or not the save button 40b has been pressed. If the save button 40b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S259. If the save button 40b is not pressed, the process returns to step S243.
Step S259: Whether the IP address, the printable number of sheets, or the remaining number of notifications has been input is determined. If any of the IP address, the printable number of sheets, and the remaining notification number is input, the process proceeds to step S261. If any of the IP address, the printable number of sheets, and the remaining notification number is not input, the process proceeds to step S260.
Step S260 An error message is displayed on the touch panel 32.
Step S261: Stores the contents of the IP address field 50a as the IP address, the contents of the printable sheet number field 40a as the printable sheet number, and the contents of the remaining notification sheet number field 90a as the remaining notification sheet number as the total print sheet number in the print sheet number database 35a. To do.
Step S262: The contents of the IP address field 50a, the printable sheet number field 40a, and the remaining notification number field 90a are deleted.

  Next, an operation when an IP address and a print job are transmitted from the computer 20 to the printer 30 via the network 10 will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a first flowchart showing an operation when a print job is received according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is an operation when a print job is received according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd flowchart shown.

  First, the input / output interface 31 passes the received IP address and print job to the print permission determination unit 34 a of the control unit 34. Then, the print permission determination unit 34a searches the received number of IP addresses from the print number database 35a to determine whether an IP address has been found. If the IP address is not found, -1 indicating that printing is not permitted is passed to the notification means 34i as the IP address and the number of prints. If the IP address is found, the total number of prints and the number of printable sheets of the IP address are read from the print number database 35a, the total number of prints is compared with the number of printable sheets, and the total number of prints is smaller than the number of printable sheets. Determine whether or not. If the total number of prints is equal to the number of printable sheets, or if the total number of prints is greater than the number of printable sheets, the IP address and -1 indicating that printing is not permitted are passed to the notification unit 34i. If the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the received IP address and print job are transferred to the print processing unit 34b. Then, the print processing unit 34b prints the received print job, and passes the number of printed sheets and the received IP address to the usage amount storage unit 34c.

  The usage amount storage unit 34c reads the total number of printed IP addresses received from the print number database 35a, adds the received number of prints to the total number of prints, and prints the total number of IP addresses received in the print number database 35a. The added value is stored as the number of sheets, and the IP address and the number of printed sheets are passed to the notification means 34i.

  Subsequently, when the received number of printed sheets is −1 indicating that printing is not permitted, the notifying unit 34 i notifies the computer 20 of the received IP address that printing is not permitted. If the received print number is not −1 indicating that printing is not permitted, the notification unit 34i reads the total print number, printable number, and remaining notification number of the received IP address from the print number database 35a. Subsequently, the total number of printed sheets is compared with the number of printable sheets to determine whether the total number of printed sheets is smaller than the number of printable sheets. If the total number of prints is equal to the number of printable sheets, or if the total number of prints is greater than the number of printable sheets, the computer 20 of the received IP address is notified that subsequent printing has been disabled. If the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the total number of prints is compared with the remaining notification number. If the total number of printed sheets is equal to the remaining number of notifications, or if the total number of printed sheets is larger than the remaining number of notifications, the remaining number of printed sheets is obtained by subtracting the total number of printed sheets from the printable number of sheets. The computer 20 is notified of the remaining number of prints.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S271: The IP address and print job received by the input / output interface 31 are transferred to the print permission determination means 34a of the control unit 34.
Step S272: The print permission judging means 34a searches the received print address database 35a for the received IP address.
Step S273: Whether or not an IP address has been found is determined. If the IP address is found, the process proceeds to step S274. If the IP address is not found, the process proceeds to step S276.
Step S274 The print permission judging means 34a reads the total print number and printable number of the received IP address from the print number database 35a.
Step S275: Whether the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number is determined. If the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S277. If the total number of prints is equal to or greater than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S276.
Step S276: -1 is passed to the notification means 34i as the IP address and the number of printed sheets.
Step S277: Pass the IP address and print job to the print processing unit 34b.
Step S278 The print processing means 34b performs printing.
Step S279: The IP address and the number of printed sheets are transferred to the usage amount storage means 34c.
Step S280: The usage amount storage means 34c reads the total number of printed sheets at the IP address in the printed number database 35a.
Step S281: The received print number and the total print number are added.
Step S282: The added value is stored as the total number of printed IP addresses received in the printed number database 35a.
Step S283: Pass the IP address and the number of printed sheets to the notification means 34i.
Step S284: It is determined whether the number of printed sheets is -1. If the number of printed sheets is -1, the process proceeds to step S285. If the number of printed sheets is not -1, the process proceeds to step S286.
In step S285, the computer having the received IP address is notified that printing is not permitted.
Step S286 The notification means 34i reads the total number of prints, the number of printable sheets, and the remaining number of notifications of the received IP address from the print number database 35a.
Step S287: Whether the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number is determined. When the total number of prints is smaller than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S289, and when the total number of prints is equal to or greater than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S288.
Step S288: Informs the computer 20 of the received IP address that the subsequent printing is not permitted.
Step S289: It is determined whether the total number of printed sheets is smaller than the remaining number of notifications. If the total number of printed sheets is smaller than the remaining number of notifications, the process ends. If the total number of printed sheets is equal to or larger than the remaining number of notifications, the process proceeds to step S290.
Step S290: Subtract the total number of prints from the number of printable sheets to obtain the remaining number of prints.
Step S291: The remaining number of prints is notified to the computer with the received IP address, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation when a predetermined period (set as one month in the present embodiment) has elapsed will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an operation when a predetermined period has elapsed in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the printer 30 is turned on, the period management unit 34e reads the effective date from the year / month database 35b, counts the time, and confirms that the power is not turned off. When elapses, the real-time clock 33 is inquired about the date. If the current date is different from the valid date, the current date and valid date are passed to the notification means 34i.

  Subsequently, the notifying unit 34i reads the total number of prints and the printable number of IP addresses from the print number database 35a, stores 0 as the total number of prints, and subtracts the total number of prints from the printable number. If the subtraction value is 0 or less, the computer 20 of the current IP address is notified that printing is permitted. If the next IP address does not exist, the current date is stored in the year / month database 35b.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S301 The period management means 34e reads the effective date from the year / month database 35b.
Step S302: Time is counted.
Step S303: to judge whether the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S304.
Step S304: It is determined whether one minute has elapsed. If one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S305, and if one minute has not elapsed, the process returns to step S302.
Step S305: The date is acquired from the real time clock 33.
Step S306: It is determined whether the current date is different from the effective date. If the current date is different from the valid date, the process proceeds to step S307, and if the current date is not different from the valid date, the process returns to step S302.
Step S307: The current date and effective date are passed to the notification means 34i.
Step S308 The notification means 34i reads the total number of prints and printable number of IP addresses from the print number database 35a.
Step S309: 0 is stored as the total number of printed IP addresses in the printed number database 35a.
Step S310 The number of prints is subtracted from the number of printable sheets.
Step S311: It is determined whether or not the subtraction value is 0 or less. If the subtraction value is 0 or less, the process proceeds to step S312. If the subtraction value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S313.
Step S312: Informs the computer 20 of the received address that printing is permitted.
Step S313: It is determined whether the IP address remains. If the IP address remains, the process returns to step S308. If the IP address does not remain, the process proceeds to step S314.
Step S314: Store the current date in the year / month database 35b.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the remaining number of printable sheets is reduced, the remaining number of printed sheets is notified to the computer 20, so that it is possible to grasp in advance whether or not printing is possible.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus is a printer has been described. However, the image forming apparatus is a copier or an MFP (Multi Function Printer). Also good.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the consumable used for image formation is a recording paper as a medium and the usage amount is the number of printed sheets has been described. The usage amount may be toner consumption, drum usage time, or the like.

  Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the user identification information is an IP address and the connection form is a network connection has been described. However, the user identification information is a computer name or a login name. Alternatively, the connection form may be parallel or USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection. Further, the case where the input of image formation data is a print job from a computer has been described. However, the image forming apparatus is a single copying machine, the image formation data is input from the scanner portion, and the user identification information is a copy card. It can also be applied to cases.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the storage unit may be a hard disk or a flash memory.

  The fourth embodiment can also be applied to the configurations in the first and third embodiments. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the example of displaying on the display of the computer as the notification means has been described, but it is also possible to notify by e-mail.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the setting screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a printable sheet number setting process in the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a print job is received according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the predetermined period passes in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the setting screen in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printable sheet number setting process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of receiving the IP address and print job in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the predetermined period passes in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the printer in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the management server in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the printable sheet number setting screen in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the printer setting screen in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of setting an IP address of a printer that acquires the total number of printed sheets according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which sets the number of printable sheets for every computer in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a print job is received according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the operation | movement which acquires the total number of printed sheets in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the operation | movement which acquires the total number of printed sheets in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the operation | movement when the predetermined period passes in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the operation | movement when the predetermined period passes in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the setting screen in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the printer in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the printable sheet number and remaining notification sheet number setting process in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of receiving the print job in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of receiving the print job in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the predetermined period passes in the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

23 Display unit 30, 30a, 30b Printer 34c Usage amount storage means 34f, 65d Setting means 34h, 65a Usage amount acquisition means 34i Notification means 35a, 66a Printed number database 35b, 66c Year / month database 60 Management server

Claims (16)

(A) setting means for setting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period;
(B) usage amount storage means for storing the usage amount of consumables used for image formation during a predetermined period;
(C) notification means for notifying the remaining usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period,
(D) The notifying unit notifies the remaining usable amount according to the used amount based on the usable amount set by the setting unit and the used amount stored in the used amount storing unit. An image forming apparatus. The setting means sets the remaining usable amount to be notified,
The notifying unit subtracts the subtraction when a value obtained by subtracting the usage amount stored in the usage amount storage unit from the available amount set by the setting unit is smaller than the remaining usable amount to be notified. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obtained value is notified as a remaining usable amount. The setting means includes a display unit for setting,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays a column for inputting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period and a column for inputting a remaining usable amount to be notified on the same screen. (A) An image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input user identification information and image formation data,
(B) setting means for setting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period for each user identification information;
(C) usage amount storage means for storing the usage amount of consumables used for image formation during a predetermined period for each user identification information;
(D) notification means for notifying a user identified from the user identification information of the remaining usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period;
(E) Based on the usable amount set by the setting unit and the usage amount stored in the usage amount storage unit, the notification unit determines the remaining usage according to the usage amount for each user identification information. An image forming apparatus that notifies a possible amount. The setting means sets a remaining usable amount to be notified for each user identification information,
The notifying unit subtracts the usage amount stored in the usage amount storage unit from the available amount set by the setting unit for each user identification information from the remaining available amount to be notified The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the number decreases, the subtracted value is notified as a remaining usable amount. The setting means includes a display unit for setting,
6. The display unit displays, for each user identification information, a field for inputting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period and a field for inputting a remaining usable amount to be notified on the same screen. The image forming apparatus described in 1. (A) An image forming system that forms an image based on input user identification information and image forming data, and totals the amount of consumables used for the image formation,
(B) setting means for setting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period for each user identification information;
(C) usage amount storage means for storing the usage amount of consumables used for image formation during a predetermined period for each user identification information;
(D) usage amount acquisition means for acquiring the usage amount for each user identification information from the usage amount storage means;
(E) notification means for notifying the user identified from the user identification information of the remaining usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period;
(F) Based on the usable amount set by the setting unit and the usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit, the notification unit determines the remaining usage according to the usage amount for each user identification information. An image forming system that notifies a possible amount. (A) An image forming system having an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on input user identification information and image forming data, and a management server that counts the amount of consumables used in the image forming apparatus. There,
(B) The image forming apparatus includes usage amount storage means for storing the usage amount of consumables used for image formation during a predetermined period for each user identification information.
(C) The tube-filling server includes a usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the usage amount for each user identification information from the usage amount storage unit, and determines a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period for each user identification information. Setting means for setting, and notification means for notifying the user identified from the user identification information of the remaining usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period,
(D) The notifying unit determines the remaining usage according to the usage amount for each user identification information based on the usable amount set by the setting unit and the usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquiring unit. An image forming system that notifies a possible amount. Multiple image forming devices are connected,
The usage storage means is provided for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
The usage amount acquisition means acquires the usage amount stored in each usage amount storage means for each user identification information,
The notification means is based on the usable amount set by the setting means and the total usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition means, and the remaining usable amount is determined according to the total usage amount for each user identification information. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the amount is notified. The setting means sets a remaining usable amount to be notified for each user identification information,
The notifying unit subtracts the usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquiring unit from the available amount set by the setting unit for each user identification information from the remaining available amount to be notified The image forming system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein when the number decreases, the subtracted value is notified as a remaining usable amount. The setting means includes a display unit for setting,
The said display part displays the column which inputs the usable amount of a predetermined period, and the column which inputs the remaining usable amount which should be notified on the same screen for every said user identification information. Image forming system. (A) A consumable useable amount notification method in an image forming system that forms an image based on input user identification information and image formation data and totals the use amount of the consumable used for the image formation. ,
(B) setting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period for each user identification information;
(C) storing the amount of consumables used for image formation during a predetermined period for each user identification information;
(D) obtaining a usage amount stored for each user identification information;
(E) notifying the user identified from the user identification information of the remaining usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period,
(F) In the notifying step, based on the usable amount set in the setting step and the usage amount acquired in the acquiring step, the remaining amount is determined according to the usage amount for each user identification information. A method for notifying the usable amount of consumables, wherein the usable amount is notified. The image formation is performed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
In the storing step, the used amount used for each image forming apparatus is stored,
In the obtaining step, all usage amounts stored for each image forming apparatus are obtained for each user identification information,
In the notifying step, based on the usable amount set in the setting step and the usage amount acquired in the acquiring step, the remaining usable amount is determined according to the total usage amount for each user identification information. The consumables usable amount notification method according to claim 12, wherein the amount is notified. In the setting step, a remaining usable amount to be notified for each user identification information is set,
In the notifying step, for each user identification information, a value obtained by subtracting the usage amount acquired in the acquiring step from the available amount set in the setting step is a remaining usable amount to be notified. 14. The consumables usable amount notification method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein when the number becomes smaller, the subtracted value is notified as a remaining usable amount. (A) setting a usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period;
(B) storing the amount of consumables used for image formation during a predetermined period;
(C) notifying the remaining usable amount of consumables for a predetermined period;
(D) In the notifying step, based on the usable amount set in the setting step and the used amount stored in the storing step, the remaining usable amount is notified according to the used amount. A method for notifying the usable amount of consumables. In the setting step, a remaining usable amount to be notified for each user identification information is set,
In the notifying step, for each user identification information, a value obtained by subtracting the usage amount stored in the storing step from the available amount set in the setting step is the remaining usable amount to be notified. The consumables usable amount notification method according to claim 15, wherein the subtracted value is notified as a remaining usable amount when the amount is smaller.

Images