JP2008152138A - Image forming apparatus, program, computer readable recording medium, image forming system, control method for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing excessive image formation from being carried out while a count value reaches an upper limit. <P>SOLUTION: A multifunctional system 100 is an apparatus which can output in a range in which the count value does not exceed the upper limit. The multifunctional system is provided with a calculating part 111 calculating the difference between the upper limit stored in an upper limit storing part 115 and a count value stored to a count value storing part 117 and an engine control part 107 controlling an image forming engine 20 so that image formation is carried out simultaneously to a plurality of pieces of recording paper when the calculated difference by the calculating part 111 is greater than a threshold as well as controlling the image forming engine 20 so that image formation is carried out to pieces of recording paper one by one when the difference calculated by the calculating part 111 is the threshold or less. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image within a range in which a count value does not exceed an upper limit value.

  Conventionally, copying machines have been installed at many convenience stores and the like so that visiting users can easily perform copying processing. Usually, such a copying machine is provided with a fee management device for charging the user for the fee for the copying process, and the user must charge the fee management device before performing the copying process. Thus, the copying process can be performed within the range of the charged fee. When the amount of copy processing exceeds the amount commensurate with the fee charged by the user, the copy processing is automatically stopped.

For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose image forming apparatuses that can be used in such a manner.
JP 2002-55576 A (published February 20, 2002) JP 2002-196918 (published July 12, 2002)

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that when the high-speed processing is performed, the image forming processing may not be stopped appropriately with the upper limit number.

  The image forming process is generally classified into a paper feeding process for obtaining recording paper from a paper feeding tray, a transfer process for attaching (transferring) a toner image formed on a photoconductor to the recording paper, and toner adhering to the paper. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing process for fixing an image with heat and pressure, and a paper discharge process for discharging a recording sheet on which the image has been fixed to a paper discharge tray. Each of these processes is performed separately. In general, in an image forming apparatus having a high-speed output function, while any of the above processes is being performed on a certain recording sheet, another process is performed on another recording sheet. In general, multi-process processing is performed in which these processes are performed. As a result, a high-speed image forming apparatus can output at a speed of 100 PPM or more.

  For example, in an image forming apparatus capable of high-speed output processing, the processing shown in Table 1 below is performed simultaneously on a plurality of recording sheets.

  When output restriction is performed in an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of processes are executed simultaneously, the following problem occurs. Normally, the number of output sheets of recording paper is counted when the paper discharge process is completed. At this point, it is detected that the output upper limit has been reached, and even if the output is immediately limited, the subsequent recording is already performed. Since various processes are being performed on the paper, the output cannot be stopped immediately. When the example in Table 1 is used, excessive image formation is performed on at least three recording sheets.

  For this reason, in the conventional image forming apparatus, a single process process, that is, an image is formed on a certain recording paper, and the image formation on the next recording paper is waited until the discharge of the paper is completed. Therefore, it was necessary to slow down the image formation speed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing an excessive image formation due to the count value reaching the upper limit. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming unit that sequentially forms an image on a sheet when a job execution instruction is received. An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit capable of simultaneously forming images, a count value storage unit that stores a count value, an upper limit value storage unit that stores an upper limit value of the count value, and the above Update means for increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit each time the image forming unit performs image formation, the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit, and the count value storage unit When calculating the difference from the count value, and when the difference calculated by the calculating means is larger than the positive threshold, image formation is simultaneously performed on a (a is an integer of 2 or more) sheets. I do If the difference calculated by the calculating means is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, image formation is simultaneously performed on b sheets less than the a sheets. Control means for controlling the image forming section to prohibit the image forming section from starting image formation on a new sheet when the difference calculated by the calculating means is 0 or negative. It is characterized by having.

  More specifically, in the first image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the count value reaches the upper limit and the image formation is stopped, the image formation capable of at least reducing the number of sheets to be output extra. The object is to provide a device.

  In the present invention, the count value may be a value that increases as image formation is performed, such as the number of sheets of recording paper or the amount of toner used for image formation, or the price of image formation. The image forming unit can perform image formation within a range where the count value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  Here, according to the above configuration, since the difference between the count value and the upper limit value is calculated by the calculation means, it is possible to know how close the count value is to the upper limit value. Then, when the difference value is larger than the threshold value, in other words, when the count value is far from the upper limit value, the control unit causes the image forming unit to a sheets (where a is an integer of 2 or more). When the difference value is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, in other words, when the count value approaches the upper limit value, the number of sheets b that are smaller than the number a is simultaneously controlled. Control is performed to form an image. That is, when the count value approaches the upper limit value, the number of sheets on which image formation is performed simultaneously is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of sheets that are output excessively when the count value reaches the upper limit value and image formation is stopped.

  As described above, according to the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image from being excessively formed due to the count value reaching the upper limit.

  In the first image forming apparatus, the number b is preferably one.

  According to the above configuration, when the count value approaches the upper limit value, image formation is performed for each sheet. Therefore, when the count value reaches the upper limit value and the image formation is stopped, it can be surely stopped, and an extra sheet can be reliably prevented from being output.

  Further, the count value is the number of sheets on which the image forming unit has formed an image, and the update unit counts the count value every time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet. The count value stored in the storage unit may be increased by 1.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the use of the image forming apparatus based on the number of sheets used for image formation. Further, since the number of sheets can be detected by a simple sensor, the calculation load is small and the speed reduction rate of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  Alternatively, the count value is the amount of toner used for image formation by the image forming unit, and the update unit performs the image formation every time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet. The count value stored in the count value storage unit may be increased by the amount of toner used.

  According to the above configuration, the use of the image forming apparatus can be restricted based on the amount of toner used for image formation.

  In order to solve the above problems, a second image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that sequentially forms images on a sheet when a job execution instruction is received. A count value storage unit for storing a count value, an upper limit value storage unit for storing an upper limit value of the count value, and an amount of resources used for image formation each time the image formation unit performs image formation. Updating means for increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit, and calculation for calculating a difference between the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit and the count value stored in the count value storage unit When the difference calculated by the calculating means and the calculating means is larger than a positive threshold value, the image forming unit is controlled to form an image on the sheet by the first method, and the calculating means calculates the difference. Control means for controlling the image forming unit to form an image on the sheet by the second method when the difference is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value. The method is characterized in that the amount of the resource consumed by the job is smaller than that in the first method.

  More specifically, the second image forming apparatus according to the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus capable of at least reducing the frequency at which the count value reaches the upper limit and the job is canceled or interrupted. It is said.

  In the present invention, the count value may be a value that increases as image formation is performed, such as the number of sheets of recording paper or the amount of toner used for image formation, or the price of image formation. The image forming unit can perform image formation within a range where the count value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  Here, according to the above configuration, since the difference between the count value and the upper limit value is calculated by the calculation means, it is possible to know how close the count value is to the upper limit value. When the difference value is larger than the threshold value, in other words, when the count value is far from the upper limit value, image formation is performed by the first method, while when the difference value is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, In other words, when the count value approaches the upper limit value, image formation is performed by the second method. Since the second method is a method that consumes less resources than the first method, an increase in the count value is suppressed by switching from the first method to the second method. Therefore, the frequency at which the count value reaches the upper limit and the job is canceled or interrupted can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image from being excessively formed due to the count value reaching the upper limit.

  The second image forming apparatus includes at least one of a document reading unit that sequentially reads document sheets and a reception unit that sequentially receives image data from an external terminal device, and the document reading unit receives document sheets. Image data storage unit storing at least one of image data obtained by reading and image data received by the receiving unit from an external terminal device, and the image forming unit stored in the image data storing unit Estimation means for estimating whether or not the count value exceeds the upper limit when images corresponding to image data are sequentially formed on a sheet by the first method, the image forming unit, The image corresponding to the image data stored in the image storage unit is sequentially formed on the sheet, and the control means counts the count by the estimation means. Is estimated to exceed the upper limit, the image forming unit is controlled to form an image on the sheet by the third method, and the third method is more effective than the first method. A method may be used in which the amount of the resource consumed by the job is small.

  According to the above configuration, when the images are sequentially formed on the sheet by the first method, the estimation unit can estimate in advance whether the count value exceeds the upper limit value. When it is estimated that the count value exceeds the upper limit value, image formation is performed by the third method. Since the third method is a method that consumes less resources than the first method, an increase in the count value is suppressed by switching from the first method to the third method.

  The count value is the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed by the image forming unit, and the update means performs the count value every time the image forming unit performs image formation on one sheet. The count value stored in the storage unit may be increased by 1, and the second method may be a method in which the number of sheets consumed by the job is smaller than that in the first method.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the use of the image forming apparatus based on the number of sheets used for image formation. Further, since the number of sheets can be detected by a simple sensor, the calculation load is small and the speed reduction rate of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  In this case, the first method is preferably a method of forming an image on one side of the sheet, and the second method is preferably a method of forming an image on both sides of the sheet.

  According to the above configuration, when the difference between the count value and the upper limit value is equal to or less than the threshold value, the image forming method is changed so that image formation is performed on both sides of the sheet. (In other words, an increase in the count value) can be suppressed.

  Alternatively, the count value is an amount of toner used for image formation by the image forming unit, and the update unit performs the count value every time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet. A method in which the count value stored in the storage unit is increased by the amount of toner used for image formation, and the second method consumes less toner than the first method. It may be.

  According to the above configuration, the use of the image forming apparatus can be restricted based on the amount of toner used for image formation.

  The count value may be an amount charged to the user.

  According to the above configuration, the use of the image forming apparatus can be restricted based on the price for image formation.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the first and second image forming apparatuses include an operation unit for setting an upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit.

  According to the above configuration, the administrator or the like can temporarily raise the upper limit value.

  Further, the first and second image forming apparatuses include a document reading unit that sequentially reads a plurality of document sheets, an image storage unit that stores images obtained by the document reading unit reading document sheets, and the image storage unit. And an estimation means for estimating whether the count value exceeds the upper limit when the image forming section sequentially forms the images on the sheet by the first method. And a notification unit that notifies the user when the estimation unit estimates that the count value exceeds the upper limit value, and the image forming unit stores the image stored in the image storage unit. Are preferably formed sequentially on the sheet.

  According to the above configuration, when the images are sequentially formed on the sheet by the first method, the estimation unit can estimate in advance whether the count value exceeds the upper limit value. And when it is estimated that the count value exceeds the upper limit value, the user is notified in advance, so an administrator or the like may take measures such as temporarily raising the upper limit value by the operation unit. it can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the job from being canceled or interrupted and to continue the job.

  The upper limit storage unit stores the upper limit value for each user, and the calculation means is stored in the upper limit value of the user who has given the job execution instruction to the own device and the count value storage unit. A difference from the count value may be calculated.

  According to the above configuration, usage restrictions can be imposed on a user basis.

  When the first and second image forming apparatuses receive a job execution instruction, the first and second image forming apparatuses receive an upper limit value from a management apparatus via a communication network and store the upper limit value in the upper limit value storage unit. When the execution of the job is completed, the information processing apparatus may further include a count value transmission unit that transmits the count value to the management apparatus via a communication network.

  According to the above configuration, since the upper limit value is received from the management apparatus and the count value increased by job execution is notified to the management apparatus, the image forming apparatus does not need to manage the upper limit value and the load is reduced. The Furthermore, since the upper limit value is managed on the management apparatus side, the upper limit value can be managed collectively by the management apparatus in a situation where there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and it is necessary to manage each image forming apparatus individually. Disappears.

  The upper limit value receiving means and the count value transmitting means are configured to receive the upper limit value by a data command described in any one markup language selected from the group consisting of HTML, XML, WML, and XHTML. The count value is preferably transmitted.

  According to the above configuration, since a general-purpose markup language is used, command generation is facilitated.

  Further, it is preferable that the upper limit value receiving means and the count value transmitting means receive the upper limit value and transmit the count value, respectively, according to one communication protocol of HTTP and SOAP.

  According to the above configuration, since a general-purpose communication protocol is used, command transmission / reception is facilitated.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper limit value receiving means receives the upper limit value from the management device by encrypted communication. As encrypted communication, for example, SSL can be used.

  According to the above configuration, the security can be improved so that the information on the upper limit value does not leak outside.

  By the way, the first and second image forming apparatuses may be realized by hardware or may be realized by causing a computer to execute a program. Specifically, the program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to operate as each unit of the first or second image forming apparatus, and the program is recorded on the recording medium according to the present invention. .

  When these programs are executed by a computer, the computer functions as each unit of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the same effect can be produced.

  In addition, the image forming system according to the present invention, when accepting a job execution command, an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that simultaneously forms images on a plurality of sheets while using resources, and a communication network. An image forming system including a management device capable of communicating with the image forming device, wherein the image forming device is the image forming device according to claim 13, and the management device stores the upper limit value. Based on the count value received by the count value receiving means, the count value receiving means for receiving the count value from the count value sending means of the image forming apparatus via a communication network, and the count value receiving means An upper limit value updating means for updating the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value holding unit, and an upper limit value stored in the upper limit value holding unit via the communication network Characterized in that it includes a upper limit value transmitting means for transmitting to the upper limit value receiving means of the serial image forming apparatus. Here, the image forming system preferably includes a plurality of the image forming apparatuses.

  According to the above configuration, since the above-described image forming apparatus is provided, an image forming system capable of suppressing the count value from reaching the upper limit and excessive image formation is realized. In addition, since the management device manages the usage restrictions, the load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the usage restrictions can be easily managed in a situation where there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a control method for a first image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming unit that sequentially forms an image on a sheet when a job execution instruction is received. Control of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit capable of simultaneously forming an image, a count value storage unit that stores a count value, and an upper limit value storage unit that stores an upper limit value of the count value An update process for increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit every time the image forming unit performs image formation, and the upper limit value and the count value stored in the upper limit value storage unit. A calculation step for calculating a difference from the count value stored in the storage unit, and a sheet (where a is an integer of 2 or more) when the difference calculated by the calculation step is greater than a positive threshold value Against In some cases, the image forming unit is controlled so as to form an image, and when the difference calculated by the calculating unit is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, the number of sheets b is smaller than the number a. The image forming unit is controlled to perform image formation at the same time, and when the difference calculated by the calculating unit is 0 or negative, the image forming unit starts image formation on a new sheet. And a control step for prohibiting the operation.

  More specifically, the control method of the first image forming apparatus according to the present invention is to reduce at least the number of sheets output excessively when the count value reaches the upper limit and the image formation is stopped. It is aimed.

  In the present invention, the count value may be a value that increases as image formation is performed, such as the number of sheets of recording paper or the amount of toner used for image formation, or the price of image formation. The image forming unit can perform image formation within a range where the count value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  Here, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of sheets that are output excessively when the count value reaches the upper limit value and image formation is stopped. Therefore, it can be suppressed that the count value reaches the upper limit and extra image formation is performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the control method of the second image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image forming unit that sequentially forms an image on a sheet; A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a count value storage unit for storing and an upper limit value storage unit for storing an upper limit value of the count value, wherein the image forming unit performs image formation each time image formation is performed. An update step for increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit based on the amount of resources used for the above, an upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit, and a count stored in the count value storage unit A calculating step for calculating a difference from the value, and if the difference calculated by the calculating means is larger than a positive threshold, the image forming unit is configured to form an image on the sheet by the first method. control If the difference calculated by the calculating means is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, the second method consumes less resources than the first method to the sheet. And a control step of controlling the image forming unit so as to perform image formation.

  More specifically, the second image forming apparatus control method according to the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of at least reducing the frequency at which the count value reaches the upper limit and the job is stopped or interrupted. The purpose is that.

  In the present invention, the count value may be a value that increases as image formation is performed, such as the number of sheets of recording paper or the amount of toner used for image formation, or the price of image formation. The image forming unit can perform image formation within a range where the count value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  Here, according to the above configuration, the frequency at which the count value reaches the upper limit and the job is canceled or interrupted can be reduced. Therefore, it can be suppressed that the count value reaches the upper limit and extra image formation is performed.

  As described above, the first image forming apparatus and the control method for the first image forming apparatus according to the present invention calculate the difference between the upper limit value and the count value, and the calculated difference is larger than the positive threshold value. In this case, the image forming unit is controlled to simultaneously form images on a sheets (where a is an integer of 2 or more), and when the difference is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the threshold value, The image forming unit is controlled to simultaneously form images on b sheets less than the a sheets, and if the difference is 0 or negative, the image forming unit forms an image on a new sheet. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to prevent the count value from reaching the upper limit and causing extra image formation.

  Further, the second image forming apparatus and the control method for the second image forming apparatus according to the present invention calculate a difference between the upper limit value and the count value, and when the calculated difference is larger than a positive threshold value. When the image forming unit is controlled to form an image on the sheet by the first method, and the difference is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the threshold value, the image is consumed by the job more than the first method. Since the image forming unit is controlled to form an image on the sheet by the second method with a small amount of the resource, as described above, the count value reaches the upper limit and an extra image is formed. It can suppress that formation is performed.

Embodiment 1
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic structure of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) of the present embodiment.

  The multi-function device 100 according to the present embodiment performs a copying process, a document reading process, a FAX process, and a printing process, and includes a document reading unit (document reading unit) 30, an image forming engine (image forming unit) 20, and these. The control part 50 to control is provided. The multifunction peripheral 100 transmits an image (in this case, monochrome) obtained by reading a document by the document reading unit 30 on a recording sheet (sheet) by the image forming engine 20 or is transmitted from an external terminal device. Print processing for forming an image corresponding to the print data on the recording paper is executed. Of course, the image formed by the multifunction device 100 is not limited to a monochrome image, and may be a color image.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming engine 20 of the multifunction peripheral 100 includes an exposure unit 2, a developing device 3, a photosensitive drum 10, a transfer unit 13, a charger 4, a cleaning unit 16, a fixing unit 6, and a paper feed tray 8a. -8d, paper feed rollers 11a-11d, paper discharge tray 9, paper discharge roller 7, and the like.

  The charger 4 is a charging unit for uniformly charging the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to a predetermined potential. As the charger 4, a charger type such as a scorotron may be used, or a contact roller type or a brush type may be used.

  The exposure unit 2 exposes the photosensitive drum 10 uniformly charged by the charger 4 according to the image data of the document, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. To do. As the exposure unit 2, a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser irradiation unit 2a and a reflection mirror 2b may be used, or a writing head in which light emitting elements (for example, EL and LED) are arranged in an array may be used. Good. Note that the multi-function device 100 of the present embodiment employs a two-beam technique that reduces the speed of irradiation timing by using a plurality of laser beams in order to perform high-speed printing processing.

  The developing device 3 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 with black toner and forms a toner image. The transfer unit 13 transfers the toner image visualized on the photosensitive drum 10 by the developing unit 3 onto a recording sheet. The transfer unit 13 transfers the toner image onto the recording paper picked up from the trays 8a to 8d by the paper supply rollers 11a to 11d and conveyed.

  The fixing unit 6 fixes the toner image on the recording paper by melting the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer unit 13 and pressing the toner image on the recording paper. The fixing unit 6 includes two rollers, a fixing roller and a pressure roller. A sheet peeling claw, a roller surface temperature detection member (thermistor), a cleaning unit for cleaning the roller surface, and the like are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fixing roller. Further, the surface of the heating roller is set at a predetermined temperature (generally 160). A heat source such as a halogen lamp is arranged for heating to ˜200 ° C. On the other hand, the pressure roller is provided with a pressure member at both ends of the roller so that the pressure roller can be pressed against the heating roller with a predetermined pressure. A sheet peeling claw, a cleaning unit and the like are arranged in the same manner as the outer periphery of the sheet. The fixing unit 6 melts the unfixed toner on the recording paper at the surface temperature of the fixing roller at the pressure contact portion (hereinafter referred to as “fixing nip portion”) between the fixing roller and the pressure roller, and presses the two with the two rollers. To fix it on the paper.

  The cleaning unit 16 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after development and image transfer.

  The paper feed tray 8 is a tray for storing recording paper used for image formation. In the present embodiment, a plurality of paper feed trays 8a and 8b are arranged at the bottom of the main body in order to perform high-speed printing on a large amount of paper, and 500 to 1500 sheets of standard size paper are stored in each tray. ing. In addition to the paper feed trays 8a and 8b, the main body side portion has a large-capacity paper feed cassette 8c capable of storing a large amount of a plurality of paper types, and when printing mainly on irregular-size paper. A manual feed tray 8d to be used is further arranged. The recording sheets accumulated in the trays 8a to 8d are fed by the feed rollers 11a to 11d, respectively, and then conveyed to a transfer nip portion where the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer unit 13 are in contact with each other. The

  A recording sheet discharged from the main body by the discharge roller 7 is placed on the discharge tray 9. Image formation is completed on the recording paper placed on the paper discharge tray 9. In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, instead of the paper discharge tray 9, a post-processing device that performs stapling and punching processing on paper after image formation, and a plurality of paper discharge trays are arranged as options. It is also possible to do.

  The document reading unit 30 mainly includes an automatic document feeder 31 and a scanning unit 32. The plurality of document sheets placed on the placing table of the automatic document feeder 31 are sequentially supplied to the upper part of the scanning unit 32, and the document is read.

  Further, the multifunction device 100 has an operation unit 103 not shown in FIG. 2, and the user can operate the multifunction device 100 with the operation unit 103. For example, the user can use the operation unit 103 to instruct the multifunction peripheral 100 to start copying processing.

  The control unit 50 is for performing operation control on each part of the image forming engine 20 and the document reading unit 30 and image processing on image data. The control unit 50 is a microcomputer including at least a CPU and a RAM, and functions by reading a program recorded on a recording medium (not shown).

  Next, an image forming process by the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described.

  When the operation unit 103 accepts execution of a copying process from a user, the original reading unit 30 reads original sheets one by one and creates image data. Then, a recording sheet having a size corresponding to the image data of the document is fed from one of the sheet feeding trays 8a to 8d and conveyed to the registration roller by the conveying roller. The paper that has reached the registration roller is temporarily stopped and conveyed again at the timing when the leading edge of the paper and the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 coincide. Then, after the toner image is transferred at the transfer nip portion described above, the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 6 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 9.

  Here, when the multifunction peripheral 100 has a plurality of modes (for example, a copier mode, a printer mode, and a FAX mode) and a plurality of printing processing methods (for example, single-sided printing or double-sided printing), the fixing unit 6 to the paper discharge tray. The transport path up to 9 varies depending on the mode and the printing processing method. Normally, in the copier mode, the “face-up discharge” in which the user performs operations around the apparatus and discharges with the printing surface on the upper side is often used, while in the printer and FAX modes, This is because “face-down discharge” that aligns the page order of discharged sheets is often used because the user is not in the vicinity of the apparatus. Accordingly, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a plurality of conveyance paths and a plurality of branching claws until the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 6 is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 9, and selects the conveyance path according to the purpose. Yes.

  Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment performs multi-process processing in order to improve the number of recording sheets on which image formation is possible per unit time. Specifically, as shown in Table 1 described above, the second recording is performed at the same time as the discharge process of discharging the first recording sheet onto the discharge tray 9 by the discharge roller 7. A fixing process is performed on the sheet by the fixing unit 6, a transfer process is performed on the third recording sheet by the transfer unit 13, and the sheet feeding units 8 a to 8 d are performed on the fourth recording sheet. A paper feeding process for feeding paper by the paper feeding rollers 11a to 11d is executed. The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment improves processing speed by simultaneously executing different processes on a plurality of recording sheets.

  By the way, the multifunction device 100 can restrict the use of the user. Specifically, for example, only image formation on the number of recording sheets corresponding to the price paid by the user is permitted, or only image formation within the range of the number of sheets or toner amount set in advance by the administrator is permitted. Can be. These use restrictions are performed by the control unit 50. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the image forming engine 20 and the document reading unit 30 described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a receiving unit 119, an operation unit (notification unit) 103, a job parameter storage unit 109, and an image data storage unit 118. , An engine control unit (control unit) 107, an upper limit value storage unit 115, a count value storage unit 117, a calculation unit (calculation unit) 111, and an update unit (update unit) 113. Among these units, the engine control unit 107, the calculation unit 111, and the update unit 113 are realized by the CPU of the control unit 50 executing a program loaded in the RAM.

  The operation unit 103 is configured by a touch panel or the like, and receives input from the user and notifies the user of various information. Information received from the user by the operation unit 103 includes (1) information specifying a job type such as copy processing or FAX transmission processing and a job execution command, and (2) details when executing the copy processing or FAX transmission processing. Detailed setting information indicating the image forming method (number of copies, paper type, paper size, media amount, output density, stapling request, punching request, page verification request, color / monochrome, color depth, duplex printing / single-sided printing, assignment Format, paper tray selection, scan destination, print destination, etc.). Of these pieces of information received by the operation unit 103, detailed job setting information is stored in the job parameter storage unit 109.

  The receiving unit 119 is configured by, for example, a network interface card, and is for receiving print job data from an external communication terminal during printing processing. The print job data received by the receiving unit 119 includes image data and the detailed setting information described above. Of the print job data received by the receiving unit 119, image data is stored in the image data storage unit 118, and detailed setting information is stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. On the other hand, during the copying process, image data of a document created by the document reading unit 30 reading a document sheet is sequentially stored in the image data storage unit 118.

  The engine control unit 107 reads the image data of the document created by the document reading unit 30 reading the document sheet in the case of a copy process, and the print job data received by the reception unit 119 in the case of a print process. Image data is received from the image data storage unit 118. Then, based on the received image data and the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109, the engine control unit 107 controls the above-described units of the image forming engine 20, so that the image forming engine 20 can record paper. A desired image (an image corresponding to print data received from an external communication terminal or an image corresponding to an original image drawn on original paper) is formed. At this time, a detailed image forming method follows detailed setting information.

  The count value storage unit 117 stores a count value that increases every time the image forming engine 20 forms an image on a recording sheet. The upper limit value storage unit 115 stores an upper limit value of the count value. For example, when the use is restricted based on the number of output recording sheets, the count value storage unit 117 stores the cumulative number of recording sheets on which image formation has been performed as the count value, and the upper limit storage unit 115 stores the count value. The upper limit value of the number of recording sheets on which image formation can be performed is stored. For example, when the upper limit value in the upper limit storage unit 115 is 1000, image formation is possible until the count value reaches 1000 (that is, on 1000 recording sheets).

  Alternatively, when the use is limited based on the toner amount used for image formation, the count value storage unit 117 stores the cumulative value of the toner amount used for image formation by the image forming engine 20 as the count value, and the upper limit value. The storage unit 115 stores an upper limit value of the toner amount that can be used for image formation. Note that when the use is limited based on the number of recording sheets and the amount of toner, the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 is reset at a predetermined time by the administrator. Examples of the predetermined time include various times such as the time when payment of the image forming fee of the multifunction peripheral 100 is completed and the beginning of the month. The count value may be reset before the execution of each job is started.

  On the other hand, when the use is restricted based on the amount paid by the user, the count value storage unit 117 stores the amount (cost) as a price for the image formation performed by the image forming engine 20 as a count value, and the upper limit value. The storage unit 115 stores an amount paid in advance by the user to the multifunction peripheral 100 as an upper limit value. Then, image formation is possible until the price for image formation by the multifunction peripheral 100 reaches the amount paid by the user. In this case, the reset of the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 is completed when the job is executed, the balance obtained by subtracting the image formation fee from the amount paid in advance by the user is returned to the user, and the settlement is completed. It may be performed at the time, or may be performed when a job execution command is received. As a result, the count value storage unit 117 stores the accumulated value of the image formation fee from the time when the multifunction peripheral 100 receives the job execution command as the count value.

  When no value is stored in the upper limit storage unit 115, the multi-function device 100 can perform image formation without limitation. The upper limit value stored in the upper limit storage unit 115 can be changed by the administrator using the operation unit 103. Thereby, when the count value reaches the upper limit value, the administrator can temporarily raise the upper limit value.

  Each time the image forming engine forms an image, the updating unit 113 updates the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 based on the amount of the resource used for image formation. For example, when the use restriction is performed based on the number of recording sheets as described above, the update unit 113 stores the count value storage unit 117 in each time the image forming engine 20 forms an image on one recording sheet. The stored count value is incremented by one. When the use restriction is performed based on the toner amount, the update unit 113 counts the toner amount consumed by the image formation every time the image forming engine 20 forms an image on one recording sheet. The accumulated value of the toner amount stored in the storage unit 117 is added and the result is stored in the count value storage unit 117. Note that the amount of toner consumed by image formation may be estimated by, for example, obtaining a pixel count value of image data used for image formation.

  Further, when the use restriction is performed based on the amount paid by the user, the update unit 113 calculates a price to be paid for the image formation every time the image forming engine 20 forms an image on one recording sheet. The sum is added to the amount stored in the count value storage unit 117, and the result is stored in the count value storage unit 117. In this case, the amount of money for image formation is basically calculated based on the amount of resources used for image formation (number of recording sheets, toner amount, etc.). More specifically, the price to be paid for image formation includes the number of output sheets of recording paper, the type of recording paper, the size of the recording paper, the amount of images per page, pixel count data, images, presence of finishing work, and staple requests. Presence / absence, presence / absence of drill request, presence / absence of page matching request, color attribute, color depth, color amount, ink consumption, toner consumption, contrast agent consumption, monochrome attribute, gradation attribute, double-sided characteristic, single-sided characteristic, N -Up (assignment) format, paper tray selection, scan destination, print destination, power consumption, job type, etc.

  The color attributes include “full color” using all color toners, “two color” using two of the color toners, and “one color” using one of the color toners. There are types, “Full Color” has the highest amount of money, and “Single Color” has the lowest amount. The color depth refers to the amount of information in a color image and is synonymous with resolution. The higher the color depth, the higher the amount of money due to the larger data size. The color amount refers to the amount of color color material consumed.

  There are two types of monochrome attributes: “grayscale” using two of the color toners and “monochrome binary” using only black toner, and the grayscale is more expensive. The gradation attribute refers to the gradation of each dot. The higher the gradation, the clearer the image. However, the amount of data increases because the data size increases accordingly.

  The calculation unit 111 obtains the upper limit value and the count value from the upper limit value storage unit 115 and the count value storage unit 117, respectively, and calculates the difference between the upper limit value and the count value by subtracting the count value from the upper limit value. The calculated difference value is sent to the engine control unit 107.

  The engine control unit 107 controls the number of recording sheets on which the image forming engine 20 simultaneously forms images based on the difference value received from the calculation unit 111. Specifically, when the difference value is larger than the positive threshold, the engine control unit 107 performs image formation so that images are simultaneously formed on a sheet (where a is an integer of 2 or more). The forming engine is controlled, and when the difference value is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, the image forming engine is controlled so as to simultaneously form an image on b recording sheets less than the a sheets. . If the difference value is 0 or negative, the engine control unit 107 prohibits the image forming engine 20 from starting image formation on a new recording sheet.

  That is, the difference value calculated by the calculation unit 111 decreases each time the image forming engine 20 performs image formation, but when the count value approaches the upper limit value (that is, the difference value becomes equal to or less than the threshold value). The engine control unit 107 reduces the number of recording sheets on which image formation is performed simultaneously. When the count value reaches the upper limit value (that is, when the difference value becomes 0 or a negative value), the engine control unit 107 prevents the image forming engine 20 from starting image formation on a new recording sheet. To control.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment reduces the number of recording sheets on which image formation is performed at the same time when the count value approaches the upper limit value. Therefore, when the count value reaches the upper limit value, It is possible to reduce the number of recording sheets on which various image formation is performed. When the count value is far from the upper limit value, the number of recording sheets on which image formation is performed simultaneously is not reduced, so that high-speed processing is possible as compared with a conventional image forming apparatus that always performs single process processing. . Therefore, if the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment is installed in a store such as a convenience store, the user can output a large amount of originals in a short time, and the convenience is greatly improved.

  When the count value approaches the upper limit value (that is, when the difference value becomes equal to or less than the threshold value), the engine control unit 107 causes the image forming engine 20 to print one sheet at a time (that is, single process processing). The image forming engine 20 is preferably controlled to perform image formation. In this way, the multi-function device 100 switches from multi-process processing to single-process processing when the count value approaches the upper limit value, so that when the count value reaches the upper limit value, an extra recording sheet is loaded. Thus, it is possible to reliably stop image formation without performing image formation.

  By the way, each functional block included in the control unit 50 of the multifunction device 100, that is, the engine control unit 107, the calculation unit 111, and the update unit 113 may be configured by hardware logic, or the CPU may be configured as follows. And may be realized by software.

  That is, the control unit 50 of the MFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that implements each function, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program, and a RAM (random) that expands the program. access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the multifunction peripheral 100 that is software that realizes the above-described functions is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the MFP 100 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the control unit 50.

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

  Further, the MFP 100 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Example 1]
Hereinafter, an example based on the above-described first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the use is limited based on the number of output sheets. In the upper limit storage unit 115, an upper limit is set for each MFP. Table 2 below shows the contents of the upper limit storage unit 115. In this case, new output is prohibited when the number of sheets output by the multifunction peripheral 100 reaches 1000.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming method of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, a job execution command is received from the operation unit 103 or the receiving unit 119 (S101). Next, the engine control unit 107 controls the image forming engine 20 based on the image data received from the document reading unit 30 or the receiving unit 119 and the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. As a result, the image forming engine 20 forms an image corresponding to the image data on the recording paper by the image forming method indicated in the detailed setting information (S103).

  Note that when the job is received, the image forming engine 20 is set to perform multi-process processing. In this case, the image forming engine 20 starts image formation on the next recording sheet before image formation on one recording sheet is completed, and simultaneously forms images on a plurality of recording sheets.

  When a sensor (not shown) detects that the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 9 (S105), the update unit 113 sets the output sheet number value (count value) stored in the count value storage unit 117 to 1. Is increased by one (S107). Subsequently, the calculation unit 111 subtracts the output sheet number value stored in the count value storage unit 117 from the upper limit value (1000 in this case) stored in the upper limit value storage unit 115, thereby obtaining the output sheet number value and the upper limit value. The difference value is calculated (S109). The calculated difference value is sent to the engine control unit 107.

  The engine control unit 107 determines whether or not the received difference value is 0 or less (S111). If the difference value is greater than 0 (No in S111), the difference value is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 20). It is determined whether or not (S115). If the difference value is larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S119, and the engine control unit 107 determines whether or not there is data to be subjected to image formation (S119). If it remains, the process proceeds to step S103, where the engine control unit 107 transmits the next image data to the image forming engine 20, and causes the image forming engine 20 to form an image according to the image data.

  If it is determined in step S111 that the difference value is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 20), the engine control unit 107 instructs the image forming engine 20 to decrease the output speed (S117). Usually, the processing speed of the image forming engine 20 is constant. Accordingly, in step S117, the engine control unit 107 transfers the individual image data transmitted from the engine control unit 107 to the image forming engine 20 in order to reduce the output speed, or the image data in page units. Increase the transfer interval and reduce the output speed as a whole. As a result, the number of recording sheets on which images are simultaneously formed by the image forming engine 20 is reduced. Then, the process returns to step S103.

  Note that when the image forming engine 20 itself has a mechanism for controlling the speed, the engine control unit 107 does not control the transfer speed of the image data transmitted to the image forming engine 20, and performs processing within the image forming engine 20. The speed may be reduced.

  Alternatively, a plurality of threshold values may be prepared, and the output speed of the image forming engine 20 may be reduced stepwise, so that the number of recording sheets on which image formation is simultaneously performed by the image forming engine 20 may be reduced stepwise. Table 3 below shows an example of this case.

  In the case of Table 3 above, when the difference value is 5 or less, the output speed of the image forming engine 20 is reduced to 6 sheets / minute. At this output speed, the process of the image forming engine 20 is a single process process. In this case, the next image forming process is not started until the image forming process for one recording sheet is completed. Therefore, when the count value reaches the upper limit (Yes in S111), the engine control unit 107 forms the image. If the engine 20 is prohibited from forming an image on a new recording sheet (S113), it is possible to prevent image formation from being performed on an extra recording sheet and to reliably stop image formation.

[Example 2]
Hereinafter, another example based on the first embodiment will be described. Note that the description of the same members and processes as those in Example 1 is omitted. In the first embodiment described above, the upper limit value is provided for each MFP, but in this embodiment, the upper limit value is provided for each user. Table 4 below shows the contents of the upper limit storage unit 115 in which the upper limit is stored for each user.

  In the case of Table 4, for example, the user “Taro Yamada” is permitted to form an image on a total of 100 recording sheets, and the user “Hanako Yamada” forms an image on a total of 150 recording sheets. Is allowed. In this embodiment, the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 is also prepared for each user.

  In this embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 103 to log in before step S101 in FIG. Thereby, the multi-function device 100 can know which user has received the job execution instruction in step S101.

  In step S107, the updating unit 113 increases the number of output sheets of the logged-in user by one from the number of output sheets stored in the count value storage unit 117. Subsequently, in step S <b> 109, the calculation unit 111 uses the number of output sheets of the logged-in user among the number of output sheets stored in the count value storage unit 117, of the upper limit value stored in the upper limit storage unit 115. By subtracting from the upper limit value of the logged-in user, the difference value between the output sheet number value and the upper limit value is calculated. The calculated difference value is sent to the engine control unit 107. Other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  With the above configuration, usage restrictions can be imposed for each user.

Example 3
Hereinafter, still another example based on the above-described first embodiment will be described. Note that the description of the same members and processes as those in Example 1 is omitted. In the first embodiment described above, the upper limit value is provided for each MFP, but in this embodiment, the upper limit value is provided for each type of job. Table 5 below shows the contents of the upper limit storage unit 115 in which the upper limit is stored for each job type.

  In the case of Table 5, for example, in the case of a copying process, it is permitted to form an image on 100 recording sheets, and in the case of a printing process, it is permitted to form an image on 150 recording sheets. The In this embodiment, the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 is also prepared for each job type.

  In this embodiment, in step S101 in FIG. 3, the multi-function device 100 receives a job execution command after receiving a job selection from the user. As a result, the multi-function device 100 can know what type of job execution instruction is accepted in step S101.

  In step S107, the updating unit 113 increases the output sheet number value corresponding to the job selected in S101 by one from the output sheet number values stored in the count value storage unit 117. Subsequently, in step S109, the calculation unit 111 stores, in the upper limit value storage unit 115, the output sheet number value corresponding to the job selected in S101 among the output sheet number values stored in the count value storage unit 117. By subtracting from the upper limit value corresponding to the job selected in S101, the difference value between the output sheet number value and the upper limit value is calculated. The calculated difference value is sent to the engine control unit 107. Other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  With the above configuration, use restrictions can be imposed for each type of job.

  Note that the upper limit stored in the upper limit storage unit 115 may be configured to store for each user and for each job type (configuration combining the second and third embodiments).

[Embodiment 2]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the number of recording sheets on which image formation is simultaneously performed is reduced when the count value approaches the upper limit value. However, in the present embodiment, when the count value approaches the upper limit value, The image forming method is switched by changing the detailed setting information.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction machine 200 includes an engine control unit (control unit) 121 different from the engine control unit 107 of the first embodiment, and further includes an estimation unit (estimation unit) 125 and a setting change unit 123. ing. The engine control unit 121, the estimation unit 125, and the setting change unit 123 are realized by the CPU of the control unit 50 executing a program loaded in the RAM.

  In the present embodiment, the engine control unit 121 does not control the number of recording sheets on which the image forming engine 20 forms images simultaneously, but the rest is the same as the engine control unit 107 of the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the image forming engine 20 may perform either multi-process processing or single-process processing. In the following description, it is assumed that the image forming engine 20 basically performs single process processing.

  In addition, the calculation unit 111 calculates the difference value between the count value and the upper limit value as in the first embodiment described above, but the point that the calculated difference value is sent to the setting change unit 123 is described above. Different from Form 1.

  The estimation unit 125 analyzes the image data stored in the image data storage unit 118 at the time when the last image data of the job is stored in the image data storage unit 118 and is stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. When the image forming engine 20 has executed the job to the end by the method indicated by the detailed setting information, it is estimated in advance whether the count value exceeds the upper limit value. Specifically, this estimation can be performed as follows.

  For example, let us consider a case where the number of recording sheets is used as a count value and the user's use is limited based on the number of recording sheets. In the present embodiment, the image data storage unit 118 stores the image data received from the document reading unit 30 or the receiving unit 119, but the image data that has been formed by the image forming engine 20 is erased by the engine control unit 121. The Since the available storage capacity is limited, the image data storage unit 118 stores all image data at once when a large amount of print job data must be received or a large amount of originals must be read. Although it may not be possible, it is necessary to perform image formation in large quantities by deleting image data in order from the completed image formation and storing new image data in the area obtained by deletion Even if there is, there is no problem.

  Here, assuming that the image data of an image formed on one side of the recording paper when the layout printing is not performed is one piece of image data, the estimation unit 125 has a number of the image data in the image data storage unit 118. In addition, the remaining number of recording sheets on which image formation is performed can be obtained by referring to the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. For example, if there are 10 pieces of image data in the image data storage unit 118 and the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109 is information specifying single-sided printing and no assignment, the remaining number is 10 sheets. Presumed. Then, the estimated remaining number of sheets is calculated by adding the obtained remaining number of sheets to the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117. This estimated output sheet number value is an estimated value of the number of recording sheets necessary for executing the accepted job. The estimation unit 125 determines that the count value exceeds the upper limit value during execution of the job when the estimated output number value is larger than the upper limit value, and counts when the estimated output number value is less than or equal to the upper limit value. Judge that the value does not exceed the upper limit.

  As another example, let us consider a case where the amount of toner is used as a count value and user use is limited based on the amount of toner. In this case, the estimation unit 125 obtains the remaining number of recording sheets on which image formation is performed in the same manner as described above. Necessary for image formation on the remaining recording paper by multiplying the average amount of toner used for image formation on one recording paper by the remaining number of recording papers. The estimated toner amount is calculated. Then, the estimated toner consumption is calculated by adding the calculated toner amount to the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117. This estimated toner consumption amount is an estimated value of the toner amount necessary for executing the accepted job. The estimation unit 125 determines that the count value exceeds the upper limit during job execution when the estimated toner consumption is greater than the upper limit, and counts when the estimated toner consumption is less than or equal to the upper limit. Judge that the value does not exceed the upper limit.

  In the present embodiment, the estimation unit 125 performs the above estimation when the image data obtained by the document reading unit 30 reading the last document is stored in the image data storage unit 118. However, the above estimation may be repeated until the image data of the last document is stored.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the estimation unit 125 performs the above estimation when the document reading unit 30 reads all the documents or when the reception unit 119 receives all the print job data. Even when all the image data does not fit in the image data storage unit 118 at the start of job execution, it can be reliably estimated whether or not the count value exceeds the upper limit value.

  The setting change unit 123 changes the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. When the job is accepted, the detailed setting information specified by the user is stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. If the count value is estimated to exceed the upper limit during the execution of the job, or the job is being executed. If the count value is likely to exceed the upper limit value, the setting change unit 123 changes the detailed job setting information so that the count value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  More specifically, the setting change unit 123 (1) when the difference value calculated by the calculation unit 111 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and (2) the count value exceeds the upper limit value by the estimation unit 125. The detailed setting information is changed in the following two cases. At this time, the detailed setting information is changed so that the amount of resources consumed by the job decreases (that is, the subsequent count value decreases).

  For example, when the count value is the number of recording sheets and the user's use is limited based on the number of recording sheets, and the detailed setting information set by the user specifies single-sided printing, the setting change unit 123 The detailed setting information may be changed to one specifying double-sided printing. As a result, the number of recording sheets used thereafter becomes ½ before the change, and the count value falls within the upper limit value. Further, when the detailed setting information set by the user specifies that there is no assignment, the setting change unit 123 may change the detailed setting information to specify that there is an assignment. Here, by changing from no assignment to 2-Up format or 4-Up format, the number of recording sheets used thereafter becomes 1/2, 1/4 before the change, and the count value is less than the upper limit value. Will fit in.

  The above example can be similarly applied to the case where the amount charged according to the number of used recording sheets is stored in the count value storage unit 117 as a count value.

  Also, for example, when the count value is the amount of color toner and the user's use is limited based on the amount of color toner consumption, the setting change is performed when the detailed setting information set by the user specifies color printing. The unit 123 may change the detailed setting information to specify monochrome printing. As a result, since the color toner is not consumed in the subsequent image formation, the count value falls within the upper limit value.

  For example, when the count value is the amount of black toner and the user's use is limited based on the amount of consumption of black toner, the setting change unit 123 changes the detailed setting information so that the print density becomes light. Alternatively, the detailed setting information may be changed so as to perform layout printing. As a result, the consumption of black toner is suppressed, and the count value falls within the upper limit value.

  As described above, in the MFP 200 according to the present embodiment, when the count value approaches the upper limit value (when the difference value calculated by the calculation unit 111 is equal to or less than the threshold value), the setting change unit 123 performs the job The engine control unit 121 controls the image forming engine 20 so that the detailed setting information stored in the parameter storage unit 109 is changed and image formation is performed based on the changed detailed setting information. Therefore, the image forming engine 20 forms an image on the recording paper by the first method designated by the user until the count value approaches the upper limit value, while the count value approaches the upper limit value. The image is formed on the recording paper by the second method specified by the setting changing unit 123 and consuming less resources than the first method. As a result, an increase in the count value can be suppressed, and the job can be prevented from being canceled (or interrupted).

  Furthermore, in the MFP 200 according to the present embodiment, the estimation unit 125 estimates in advance whether or not the count value exceeds the upper limit value during execution of the job. The engine control unit 121 controls the image forming engine 20 so as to change the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109 and perform image formation based on the changed detailed setting information. Therefore, when it is estimated that the count value does not exceed the upper limit value, the image forming engine 20 forms an image on the recording paper by the first method designated by the user, while the count value is When it is estimated that the upper limit value is exceeded, the image is formed on the recording sheet by the third method that is designated by the setting changing unit 123 and consumes less resources than the first method. As a result, an increase in the count value can be suppressed, and the job can be prevented from being canceled (or interrupted).

  When the detailed setting information is changed a plurality of times by the above (1) and (2), the detailed consumption information (the number of output sheets of recording paper and the toner consumption amount) is reduced step by step. The setting information may be changed step by step. As an example of this, first, it is possible to change from no assignment to the 2-Up format and then change from the 2-Up format to the 4-Up format.

  Further, even if the setting change unit 123 changes the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109, the calculation unit 111 assumes that the count value exceeds the upper limit value as in the first embodiment. The engine control unit 121 may be configured to prohibit the image forming engine 20 from starting image formation on a new recording sheet when the calculated difference value is 0 or negative. As a result, when the count value exceeds the upper limit value during execution of the job, the job can be stopped (or interrupted), and the use of the user can be surely restricted.

Example 4
Hereinafter, an example based on the above-described second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the multi-function device 200 can form a color image, and the use is limited based on the amount of toner of each color. In the upper limit storage unit 115, upper limit values shown in Table 6 below are set for each toner color. In this embodiment, as shown in Table 6, usage restrictions are imposed so that the usage amount of black toner is within 5 mg and the usage amount of cyan toner, magenta toner, and yellow toner is within 2 mg.

  The count value storage unit 117 stores the accumulated amount of each color toner consumed by image formation for each color as a count value.

  The threshold values used by the calculation unit 111 are as shown in Table 7 below.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, for any one color toner, when the difference value between the count value calculated by the calculation unit 111 and the upper limit value in Table 6 is equal to or less than the threshold value in Table 7, the job parameter storage is performed. The detailed setting information stored in the unit 109 is changed by the setting changing unit 123.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the overall process of the copying process of the multifunction machine 200 in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing detailed steps of the scan / print parallel processing of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing detailed steps of the post-scan printing process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, a user sets a bundle of document sheets on the automatic document feeder 31 of the document reading unit 30. Then, the operation unit 103 receives a job (here, copy process) execution command and detailed job setting information from the user (S201). Then, a reset unit (not shown) resets the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 to 0 (S203), and the detailed setting information of the job accepted by the operation unit 103 in step S201 is stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. Store (S205).

  Next, in the document reading unit 30, the automatic document feeder 31 feeds one document sheet to the scanning unit 32, and the scanning unit 32 scans this (S207). Then, the scanning unit 32 stores the image data generated by scanning the document sheet in the image data storage unit 118. Subsequently, a determination unit (not shown) determines whether or not the free space of the image data storage unit 118 is insufficient (whether or not the free space is equal to or less than a threshold value) and whether or not there is a document sheet to be scanned. Determination is made (S211). Note that whether or not there is a document sheet to be scanned is determined by detecting whether or not the document sheet before scanning remains in the automatic document feeder 31 by a sensor (not shown). Here, when the free space of the image data storage unit 118 is insufficient and there is a document sheet to be scanned (Yes in S211), the scanning / printing parallel processing described later is performed (S213), End the process.

  On the other hand, if the above condition is not satisfied (No in S211), the determination unit determines whether there is a document sheet to be scanned (S215). If there is a document sheet to be further scanned (Yes in S211), the process returns to step S207 to scan the next document sheet. On the other hand, if there are no more original sheets to be scanned (No in S215), all the original sheets have been scanned, so a post-scan printing process (to be described later) is performed (S217), and the process ends. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the scan / print parallel processing, the scan processing shown in steps S301 to S313 and the print processing shown in steps S321 to S333 are performed in parallel. In the scanning process, first, a determination unit (not shown) determines whether or not the image data storage unit 118 has a free space for storing the next image data (S301). If there is no free space, the process returns to step S301 and waits until free space is available. Even when there is no free space in the image data storage unit 118, when image formation is performed by a printing process described later, the image data used for image formation is deleted from the image data storage unit 118, and the free space is freed up. To increase.

  If it is determined in step S301 that there is free space, one original sheet is scanned and the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 118 as in steps S207 and S209 described above (S303 • S305). Then, similarly to step S211, it is determined whether there is a document sheet to be scanned (S307). If there is a document sheet to be further scanned (Yes in S307), the process returns to step S301 to scan the next document sheet.

  On the other hand, when there is no more original paper to be scanned (No in S307), the estimation unit 125 and the image data stored in the image data storage unit 118 and the details stored in the job parameter storage unit 109 are detailed. Based on the setting information, the estimated toner consumption is calculated by the method described above (S309). This estimated toner consumption is calculated for each color toner. Subsequently, the estimation unit 125 determines whether or not the calculated estimated toner consumption amount of each color toner exceeds the upper limit value in Table 6 (S311). Here, if not exceeding (No in S311), the scanning process is terminated. On the other hand, if it exceeds (Yes in S311), the setting change unit 123 changes the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109 (S313), and ends the scanning process.

  For example, if the user specifies color copy in step S201 and the estimated toner consumption amount of toner of at least one of cyan, magenta, and yellow exceeds the upper limit value in Table 6 in step S311, the setting change unit 123 changes the content of the detailed setting information to the content specifying monochrome printing so that monochrome printing is performed in the subsequent printing process. As a result, in the printing process after the detailed setting information is changed, only black toner is consumed, so the color toner consumption does not increase and the count value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  On the other hand, in the printing process, first, the engine control unit 121 obtains image data necessary for image formation on one recording sheet from the image data storage unit 118, and uses this image data as the image forming engine 20. Forward to. As a result, the image forming engine 20 forms an image on one recording sheet (S321). When a sensor (not shown) detects that the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 9, the update unit 113 is consumed by the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 and the image formation in step S321. The toner amount of each color is added, and the obtained result is stored in the count value storage unit 117 as a new count value. Then, the engine control unit 121 deletes the image data used for image formation in step S321 from the image data storage unit 118 (S325).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 111 subtracts the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 from the upper limit value in Table 6 stored in the upper limit value storage unit 115, thereby obtaining a difference value between the count value and the upper limit value. Calculate (S327). The calculated difference value is sent to the setting change unit 123.

  The setting change unit 123 determines whether or not the received difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value in Table 7 (S329). If the difference value is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (Yes in S329), the setting change unit 123 changes the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109, similarly to step S313 (S331). ), The process proceeds to step S333. On the other hand, if the difference value exceeds the threshold value (No in S329), the process proceeds to step S333.

  In step S333, a determination unit (not shown) determines whether image data for further image formation is stored in the image data storage unit 118 and whether the scan processing by the document reading unit 30 is incomplete. If it is determined that there is no more image data to form an image and the scanning process is complete (No in S333), the printing process is terminated. If not (Yes in S333), the process returns to step S321 to form an image on the next recording sheet.

  Next, the post-scan printing process will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the post-scan printing process, image formation is sequentially performed on the recording paper in the same manner as steps S321 to S333 described above (S407 to S419). In the case of the post-scan processing, since scanning of the original paper has been completed, in step S419, it is determined only whether image data to be subjected to image formation remains in the image data storage unit 118.

  Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a job for copying 50 original sheets is executed in the above-described multifunction device 200. In this job, when the count value (toner consumption) at the time of image formation on 30 recording papers is as shown in Table 8 below, it is calculated in step S327 (or step S413). The difference values are as shown in Table 9 below.

  Of the difference values shown in Table 9, the difference values for cyan, magenta, and yellow toners are equal to the threshold values shown in Table 7. Accordingly, in this case, in step S331 (or step S417), the setting change unit 123 changes the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109 so as to perform monochrome printing. As a result, the consumption amount (count value) of each color toner after copying 50 original sheets is as shown in Table 10 below, and the consumption amount of any toner can be kept below the upper limit value in Table 6. it can.

  Regarding the toner consumption, it is difficult to determine whether the count value exceeds the upper limit at the start of job execution, because it is not possible to obtain an accurate value unless actual image formation is performed. Since it is determined whether or not the detailed setting information needs to be changed when the count approaches the upper limit during job execution, it is possible to take measures corresponding to actual toner consumption.

  Further, since the scan / print parallel processing is configured to estimate in advance whether or not the count value exceeds the upper limit value, it is determined at an early stage whether or not the detailed setting information needs to be changed. be able to.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the estimation is made when all the original papers are read, there is a large amount of original paper to be scanned, and it is not known how much the job is at the start of the job. Even in this case, it can be reliably estimated during the execution of the job.

  For example, in the multi-function apparatus 200 that has only 30 areas for storing the image of the original paper obtained by scanning as image data in the image data storage unit 118, a job for copying 50 original papers is instructed. Then, image formation is started when the number of read original sheets reaches 30. However, at this point in time, not all image data is stored in the image data storage unit 118, so it is not known how many sheets will be output thereafter. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether the toner consumption amount reaches the upper limit. However, in this embodiment, since estimation is performed when scanning of all document sheets is completed, if the scanning process and output are performed at the same processing speed, the remaining output prediction is expected when scanning of 50 sheets is completed. The value can be calculated as 30 sheets, and it can be estimated whether the toner consumption reaches the upper limit value.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as Embodiment 1, 2 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment described above, the count value is determined based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 118 and the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. It is configured to estimate whether or not the upper limit value is exceeded and to notify the user when the count value is estimated to exceed the upper limit value.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 300 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the multifunction machine 300 includes an estimation unit (estimation unit) 131 that is different from the estimation unit 125 of the second embodiment.

  The estimation unit 131 is basically the same as the estimation unit 125 of the second embodiment described above, and is based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 118 and the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. Thus, it is estimated whether the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 exceeds the upper limit value when the job is executed to the end.

  However, in the present embodiment, even when the estimation unit 131 estimates that the count value exceeds the upper limit value, the setting change unit 123 does not change the detailed setting information stored in the job parameter storage unit 109. Instead, the operation unit 103 notifies the user that the count value exceeds the upper limit value.

  Note that the above notification to the user is preferably performed instead of step S313 in FIG. 6 or before step S407 in FIG. For example, when performing parallel scanning / printing processing, there is a time lag between the scanning processing of the original paper by the original reading unit 30 and the image forming processing by the image forming engine 20 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, if the user is notified when the scanning of the original paper is completed, the user can execute the upper limit storage unit before the execution of the job is stopped (or interrupted) or the detailed setting information of the job is changed. It is possible to take measures such as increasing the upper limit value stored in 115.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams illustrating examples in which the operation unit 103 notifies the user when the estimation unit 131 estimates that the count value exceeds the upper limit value. For example, when the MFP 300 is used by a user while being managed by an administrator, the operation unit 103 displays a screen shown in FIG. Since this display screen includes a message to contact the administrator and instruct them to perform processing to increase the upper limit value, the user who sees this display screen contacts the administrator and the administrator operates The unit 103 is operated to increase the upper limit value stored in the upper limit storage unit 115. As a result, the user can cause the MFP 300 to execute the job to the end.

  As another example, when the MFP 300 is installed in a convenience store or the like and usage restriction is performed with the amount of money input by the user as an upper limit, the operation unit 103 displays a screen illustrated in FIG. Since this display screen includes a message instructing to insert coins, the user who has viewed this display screen additionally inserts coins. As a result, the upper limit value stored in the upper limit storage unit 115 increases, and the user can cause the multi-function device 300 to execute the job to the end.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the configuration of the above-described second embodiment is modified has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-described estimation unit 131 may be added to the configuration of the first embodiment. . In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as Embodiment 1-3 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In this embodiment, an image forming system including a multifunction peripheral and a management device that manages the multifunction peripheral will be described. In general, authentication information management, output restriction management and total information management in a multifunction device can be realized by a single multifunction device. However, in this case, since information management is performed on a multifunction device basis, multiple multifunction devices are used. The management becomes complicated at the site where it is. As a means for solving this, there is a method of collectively managing a plurality of multifunction peripherals using an account server application of an external management apparatus.

  In view of this, the image forming system according to the present embodiment is configured such that the management device controls the output limit of the multifunction device by managing the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit 115 of the multifunction device by the external management device. ing. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming system 600 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming system 600 includes a multifunction peripheral 400 and a management device 500. In FIG. 12, a configuration including only one multifunction device 400 is shown, but it goes without saying that a plurality of multifunction devices 400 may be included.

  The multifunction device 400 is basically the same as the multifunction device 100 of the first embodiment, but further includes a command transmission / reception unit (upper limit value reception unit / count value transmission unit) 141. On the other hand, the management device 500 also includes a command transmission / reception unit (upper limit value transmission unit / count value reception unit) 501, and exchanges data between the command transmission / reception unit 141 of the multifunction peripheral 400 and the command transmission / reception unit 501 of the management device 500. Is possible. The management apparatus 500 further includes a management unit (upper limit update unit) 503, an upper limit storage unit (upper limit storage unit) 505, and a total value storage unit 507.

  The upper limit storage unit 505 stores an upper limit value. When the use restriction of the multifunction device 400 is performed for each multifunction device, the upper limit storage unit 505 stores the upper limit value for each multifunction device. On the other hand, when the use restriction of the multifunction device 400 is performed for each user, the upper limit storage unit 505 stores the upper limit for each user. The total value storage unit 507 stores various total values for analyzing the usage status of the MFP 400.

  The management unit 503 manages the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit 505 and various total values stored in the total value storage unit 507. Note that the command transmission / reception units 141 and 501 and the management unit 503 are functional blocks realized by the CPU executing a program.

  The command transmission / reception units 141 and 501 exchange HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), HTTPS (SSL) using SSL (Secure Socket Layer), and / or SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) when exchanging data such as an upper limit value and a count value. ) And other general-purpose communication protocols. Among the above-mentioned protocols, when HTTPS is used, security is improved because encrypted communication is realized. When HTTP or HTTPS is used, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), WML (Wireless Markup Language), XHTML (eXtensible HyperText Markup Language), or the like can be used as the markup language. XML is a description language with a document structure that can transmit and receive data as easily as HTML. (1) A user can give meaning to a character string in a document. (2) It does not depend on specific software. 3) There are advantages such as easy programming.

  On the other hand, when SOAP is used as a communication protocol, XML or the like can be used as its markup language. Since SOAP is a protocol suitable for calling data and services, the MFP 400 and the management apparatus 500 can be highly linked.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing data exchange between the multi-function device 400 and the management apparatus 500. In the multifunction device 400, when the operation unit 103 receives a job execution command from the user, the command transmission / reception unit 141 of the multifunction device 400 transmits an upper limit request to the management apparatus 500 (S501). When the command transmission / reception unit 501 of the management apparatus 500 receives this request, the management unit 503 acquires the upper limit value from the upper limit value storage unit 505 (S503). The upper limit value acquired by the management unit 503 is transmitted to the multi-function device 400 by the command transmission / reception unit 501 (S505).

  The command transmission / reception unit 141 of the MFP 400 that has received the upper limit value from the management apparatus 500 stores the upper limit value in the upper limit value storage unit 115 (S507). Then, as described in the first embodiment, a job is executed by each unit of the multifunction machine 400 (S509). When the job is completed, the command transmission / reception unit 141 acquires the count value stored in the count value storage unit 117 and transmits it to the management apparatus 500 (S511). The command transmission / reception unit 501 of the management apparatus 500 receives this count value and sends it to the management unit 503. The management unit 503 acquires the upper limit value from the upper limit value storage unit 505, and stores the value obtained by subtracting the received count value from the acquired upper limit value in the upper limit value storage unit 505 as a new upper limit value (S513). In addition, the management unit 503 stores the acquired count value in the total value storage unit 507 in order to create a usage status log of the multifunction machine 400.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the MFP 400 receives the upper limit value from the management apparatus 500 at the start of job execution, and increases the count value (specifically, used for the job when the job is completed). The number of recording sheets or the amount of toner or the price of the job is transmitted to the management apparatus 500, and the management apparatus 500 manages the upper limit value. Therefore, there is an advantage that the multifunction device 400 does not need to manage the upper limit value, and the management apparatus 500 can collectively manage even when there are a plurality of multifunction devices.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP that is substantially the same as the above-described first embodiment communicates with the management apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the MFP that is substantially the same as the second embodiment is the management apparatus. The structure which communicates with may be sufficient. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

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

  The present invention can be suitably applied to general apparatuses that perform image formation, such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction machines.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention and is a flowchart illustrating processing steps of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic processing process of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process process of step S213 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process process of step S217 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit according to the third embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention and shows another example of the screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure which shows the flow of a scanning process and an image formation process. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10, showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, is a flowchart illustrating processing steps of an image forming system.

Explanation of symbols

20 Image forming engine (image forming unit)
30 Document reading unit (document reading unit)
100, 200, 300, 400 MFP (image forming apparatus)
103 Operation unit (operation unit / notification means)
107, 121 Engine control unit (control means)
111 Calculation unit (calculation means)
113 Update unit (update means)
115 Upper Limit Storage Unit 117 Count Value Storage Unit 125, 131 Estimation Unit (Estimating Means)
141 Command transmission / reception unit (upper limit value reception means / count value transmission means)
500 Management device 501 Command transmission / reception unit (upper limit value transmission means / count value reception means)
503 management unit (upper limit update means)
505 Upper limit storage unit (upper limit holding unit)
600 Image forming system

Claims (22)

The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that sequentially forms an image on a sheet upon receiving a job execution command and can simultaneously form images on a plurality of sheets. And
A count value storage unit for storing the count value;
An upper limit storage unit for storing the upper limit of the count value;
Updating means for increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit each time the image forming unit performs image formation;
Calculating means for calculating a difference between the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit and the count value stored in the count value storage unit;
When the difference calculated by the calculating means is larger than a positive threshold value, the image forming unit is controlled to simultaneously form images on a sheets (where a is an integer of 2 or more); When the difference calculated by the calculating means is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, the image forming unit is controlled to simultaneously form images on b sheets less than the a sheets. And a control means for prohibiting the image forming section from starting image formation on a new sheet when the difference calculated by the calculating means is zero or negative. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number b is one. The count value is the number of sheets on which the image forming unit has formed an image,
The update means increases the count value stored in the count value storage unit by 1 each time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet. The image forming apparatus described. The count value is the amount of toner used for image formation by the image forming unit,
The updating unit increases the count value stored in the count value storage unit by the amount of toner used for the image formation every time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When receiving a job execution command, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that sequentially forms an image on a sheet.
A count value storage unit for storing the count value;
An upper limit storage unit for storing the upper limit of the count value;
Update means for increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit based on the amount of resources used for image formation each time the image forming unit performs image formation;
Calculating means for calculating a difference between the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit and the count value stored in the count value storage unit;
When the difference calculated by the calculating unit is larger than a positive threshold value, the image forming unit is controlled to form an image on the sheet by the first method, and the difference calculated by the calculating unit Control means for controlling the image forming unit so as to form an image on the sheet by the second method when the image is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second method is a method in which the amount of the resource consumed by the job is smaller than that of the first method. At least one of a document reading unit that sequentially reads document sheets and a reception unit that sequentially receives image data from an external terminal device;
An image data storage unit for storing at least one of image data obtained by reading the original paper by the original reading unit and image data received by the receiving unit from an external terminal device;
It is estimated whether the count value exceeds the upper limit value when the image forming unit sequentially forms images corresponding to the image data stored in the image data storage unit on the sheet by the first method. And an estimation means for
The image forming unit sequentially forms an image corresponding to the image data stored in the image storage unit on the sheet,
The control unit controls the image forming unit to perform image formation on the sheet by the third method when the estimation unit estimates that the count value exceeds the upper limit value.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third method is a method in which the amount of the resource consumed by the job is smaller than that of the first method. The count value is the number of sheets on which the image forming unit has formed an image,
The updating unit increases the count value stored in the count value storage unit by 1 each time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second method is a method in which the number of sheets consumed by the job is smaller than that of the first method.   The first method is a method of forming an image on one side of a sheet, and the second method is a method of forming an image on both sides of a sheet. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The count value is the amount of toner used for image formation by the image forming unit,
The update unit increases the count value stored in the count value storage unit by the amount of toner used for image formation each time the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second method is a method that consumes less toner than the first method.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count value is an amount charged to a user.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit configured to set an upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit. A document reading section for sequentially reading a plurality of document sheets;
An image storage unit for storing an image obtained by reading the original paper by the original reading unit;
Analyzing the image stored in the image storage unit and estimating whether the count value exceeds the upper limit value when the image forming unit sequentially forms the image on the sheet by the first method. An estimation means to
A notification means for notifying a user when the estimation means estimates that the count value exceeds the upper limit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming unit sequentially forms images stored in the image storage unit on a sheet. The upper limit storage unit stores the upper limit for each user,
6. The calculation unit according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a difference between the upper limit value of a user who has given a job execution instruction to the own machine and a count value stored in the count value storage unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Upon receiving a job execution command, an upper limit value receiving unit that receives the upper limit value from the management device via a communication network and stores the upper limit value in the upper limit value storage unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a count value transmitting unit that transmits the count value to the management apparatus via a communication network when execution of the job is completed.   The upper limit value receiving means and the count value transmitting means are configured to receive the upper limit value by a data command described in any one markup language selected from the group consisting of HTML, XML, WML, and XHTML, The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the count value is transmitted.   16. The upper limit value receiving unit and the count value transmitting unit respectively receive the upper limit value and transmit the count value by using one communication protocol of HTTP and SOAP. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the upper limit value receiving unit receives the upper limit value from the management apparatus by encrypted communication.   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 18 is recorded. When receiving a job execution command, an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that simultaneously forms an image on a plurality of sheets using resources, and a management apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via a communication network; An image forming system comprising:
The image forming apparatus is the image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
The management device
An upper limit holding unit for storing the upper limit;
A count value receiving means for receiving the count value from a count value transmitting means of the image forming apparatus via a communication network;
Upper limit updating means for updating the upper limit stored in the upper limit holding unit based on the count value received by the count value receiving means;
An image forming system comprising: an upper limit value transmitting unit configured to transmit an upper limit value stored in the upper limit value holding unit to an upper limit value receiving unit of the image forming apparatus via a communication network. An image forming unit that sequentially forms an image on a sheet upon receiving a job execution command, and capable of simultaneously forming an image on a plurality of sheets;
A count value storage unit for storing the count value;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising: an upper limit storage unit that stores an upper limit value of the count value,
An update step of increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit each time the image forming unit performs image formation;
A calculation step of calculating a difference between the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit and the count value stored in the count value storage unit;
When the difference calculated by the calculation step is larger than a positive threshold, the image forming unit is controlled to simultaneously form images on a sheets (where a is an integer of 2 or more), When the difference calculated by the calculating means is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, the image forming unit is controlled to simultaneously form images on b sheets less than the a sheets. And a control step for prohibiting the image forming unit from starting image formation on a new sheet when the difference calculated by the calculating means is 0 or negative. Control method for image forming apparatus. Upon receiving a job execution command, an image forming unit that sequentially forms images on the sheet;
A count value storage unit for storing the count value;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising: an upper limit storage unit that stores an upper limit value of the count value,
An update step of increasing the count value stored in the count value storage unit based on the amount of resources used for image formation each time the image forming unit performs image formation;
A calculation step of calculating a difference between the upper limit value stored in the upper limit value storage unit and the count value stored in the count value storage unit;
When the difference calculated by the calculating unit is larger than a positive threshold value, the image forming unit is controlled to form an image on the sheet by the first method, and the difference calculated by the calculating unit Is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the threshold value, the image is formed on the sheet by the second method, which consumes less resources than the first method. And a control step for controlling the image forming unit.

Images