JP2010093486A - Image processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to be aware of a cost reduction by calculating the number of color pages used, the number of monochrome pages used, a ratio of color output pages to all output pages, the total number of output pages, a both-side ratio, a page aggregation ratio, or the like for each login user and displaying them on an image processing device based on history information collected by the image processing device. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing device manages a history corresponding to image processing and printing output, and has a calculating function per user based on the history. The image processing device obtains user information when a user logs on the image processing device, displays a calculation result based on the history in the image processing device by a login user based on the obtained user information, and includes at least more of a color ratio, a both-side ratio, and a page aggregation ratio as information displayed as the calculation result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for handling a history based on image processing and print output in an image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, an enormous amount of printed matter has been output in image processing apparatuses. Due to environmental problems and increased cost awareness, there has been an increasing demand to suppress unnecessary print output. Therefore, efforts are being made to give each user an awareness of saving resources.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for managing information related to savings by aggregate printing (such as 2-in-1), double-sided printing, and toner save mode when using an image processing apparatus for each ID and displaying the information on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-304092 A

  However, in contrast to the above-described conventional technology, there is a demand for a more effective mechanism that makes each user aware of savings when using the image processing apparatus.

  In view of the above, the present invention is an image processing apparatus that manages a history corresponding to image processing and printing, and has an aggregation function for each user based on the history, and user information when the user logs in to the image processing apparatus And a display unit for displaying a totaling result based on a history of the logged-in user in the image processing apparatus based on the user information acquired by the acquiring unit when the user logs in to the image processing apparatus. The information displayed as the aggregation result includes at least one of a color ratio, a duplex ratio, and a page aggregation ratio.

  According to the present invention, when using an image processing apparatus, it is possible to provide a more effective mechanism that is suitable for each user and always reminds of saving.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Example 1]
FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) as an example of an image processing apparatus. The MFP is a device having a plurality of functions such as copying, printing, and scanning. The technology described in the embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a printer or a copier having the same printing function, display function, and the like.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 105 denotes a controller unit that controls the entire device. As an internal configuration of the controller, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU, that is, a central processing unit, which performs control and arithmetic processing of the controller.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a ROM, that is, a read-only memory, which is a storage area for information such as system startup programs. Reference numeral 103 denotes a RAM, that is, a random access memory, which is a data storage area that is not restricted in use. The 103 RAM is an area in which programs such as an operating system, communication control, and engine control are loaded and executed, and data is stored.

  A scanner 106 performs an image reading operation. A printer 107 performs a printing operation under the control of the controller.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a UI unit that displays an operation unit that accepts an instruction from a user or displays various types of information. A communication unit 109 performs network communication control and can communicate with other image processing apparatuses and computers. A system bus 110 serves as a data path between the above-described components.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of modules such as the software of the MFP of the present invention.

  An operating system (OS) 201 manages / controls resources of the entire MFP.

  Reference numeral 202 denotes API-1, which is an interface for an application operating on the OS 201. The application can access resources on the MFP and execute commands on the CPU through API-1.

  A controller control unit 203 operates on the OS 201 and controls the scanner 106, the printer 107, the operation unit 108, and the like.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a resource management unit that restricts the controller control unit 202, a virtual machine 205, which will be described later, and all applications on the virtual machine from using a resource resource such as a memory so that a predetermined resource cannot be used. Is.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a virtual machine, which is an optimal execution environment for executing a specific application, and is realized by, for example, a Java (registered trademark) virtual machine.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes API-2, which is an interface for an application operating on the virtual machine 205 to use the controller control unit 203, the resource management unit 204, the API-1202, and the like.

Reference numeral 207 denotes an application management application, which manages applications operating on the virtual machine 205. It also performs control such as downloading, uploading, deleting, validating / invalidating applications described later.
An application 207 operates on the virtual machine 205. In this configuration, an arbitrary number of applications having arbitrary functions can be installed and operated as appropriate in the MFP. The application described here includes an application (operating as a totaling function) that displays the totalization of the number of output sheets by image processing and printing and the totalization result as described later.

  Here, each application realizes its function by storing a corresponding program in the ROM 102 or the HD unit 104, loading it into the RAM 103 when the MFP is activated, and executing it.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a user interface provided by the UI unit 108.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes a key input unit that can accept a user operation by a hard key. Reference numeral 301 denotes an ON / OFF button, which is a power switch. Reference numeral 302 denotes a power saving key. When this button is pressed, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode. The power saving mode indicates a state in which power consumption of the entire device is suppressed by stopping power supply to some components.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes a counter confirmation key. When this button is pressed, the value of the charging counter is displayed on the 312 touch panel. A display example (Table 1) of the value of the charging counter is shown below.

  In Table 1, “total” indicates the total number of sheets ejected from the installation of the MFP to the present. The black and white total is for monochrome printing of the total, and the color total is for color printing of the total.

  A start key 304 instructs the start of processing provided by the MFP, such as copy / print / scan / transmit. Reference numeral 305 denotes a stop key, which stops a job started with the start key. Reference numeral 306 denotes a numeric keypad for inputting numerical information. Reference numeral 307 denotes an ID key that instructs to input authentication information. Reference numeral 308 denotes a clear key, which cancels information input with the 306 numeric keypad. Reference numeral 309 denotes a reset key, which cancels all parameters supported by the job to be processed by the user. A help key 310 is pressed by the user when the operation method is unknown, and displays information that helps the operation. Reference numeral 311 denotes a user mode key, which is a key for starting various settings.

  Reference numeral 312 provides a touch panel function. The touch panel has a display function and can receive input from the operator by detecting whether the display area is pressed.

  4, 5, 6, and 7 are examples of screens displayed on the touch panel of the MFP.

  Here, FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples of a login screen using user information (department ID, user ID, etc.). Which login screen display is used for login control can be arbitrarily set by the user.

  FIG. 4 is a screen for performing authentication for each department. The MFP displays this screen after activation and controls login for each department.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes a department ID input text box, and reference numeral 402 denotes an encryption number input text box. An arbitrary character string can be input from the key input unit 300. When the ID key 307 is pressed after the department ID and password are entered, the collation process is performed using the entered department ID and password, and if the correct department ID and password are confirmed, the top screen 600 is displayed. If not correct, the department ID input text box and the encryption number input text box are emptied and returned to the initial state.

  FIG. 5 is a screen for performing authentication for each user. The MFP displays this screen after activation and controls login for each user.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes a user ID input text box, and reference numeral 502 denotes an encryption number input text box. An arbitrary character string can be input from the key input unit 300. When the login key 504 is pressed after the user ID and password are entered, the collation process is performed using the entered user ID and password, and if the correct user ID and password are confirmed, the top screen 600 is displayed. Is displayed. If it is not correct, the user ID input text box and the encryption number input text box are emptied and returned to the initial state. A field 503 sets where to perform authentication at the time of login. Here, it is possible to select the image processing apparatus itself or the authentication server 903.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a message screen displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus after login.

  Reference numerals 601, 602, and 603 denote message output screens, which output messages set in FIG. When the “Close” button 604 is pressed, the top screen 600 is closed and the next screen is displayed. Reference numeral 605 outputs image data set in FIG. Reference numeral 606 denotes a button for moving to display of a basic setting screen regarding the image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 607 denotes a button for moving to a display relating to use of an application of another function.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a summary screen displayed on the touch panel after login. This screen is a screen that is transitioned to when the “Close” button 604 is pressed from the top screen of FIG. 6, for example.

  Reference numeral 701 denotes a combo box for switching the target of the aggregation result to be displayed. When the value of this setting item is changed, the image processing device totals and displays the total result for the logged-in user (or department) in the calculated information, or displays the total count result Switch between. When this screen is displayed for the first time, a totaling result based on the user ID or department ID acquired on the above-described login screen (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5) is displayed. This makes it possible to always have an appropriate cost awareness corresponding to the logged-in user who performs some processing.

  Reference numeral 715 displays a total period of job information such as copy, print, scanner, and FAX set in FIG. In this example, the total period of copying and printing is displayed.

  Reference numeral 702 displays a totaling result of logical pages (color pages) on which color printing has been performed in the period displayed in the totaling period 715. Here, the result of adding up the number of logical pages output in color such as print, copy, FAX reception, report, and box print is displayed as a total result.

  Reference numeral 713 indicates a totaling result of logical pages (monochrome pages) on which monochrome printing has been performed in the period displayed in the totaling period 715. Here, the total result of the number of logical pages output in monochrome such as print, copy, FAX reception, report, and box print is displayed as a total result.

  Reference numeral 714 displays a color ratio that is a ratio of the color pages to the total number of logical pages output in the period displayed in the total period 715. In this example, [color rate = color page ÷ total number of logical pages] is calculated.

  The number of output sheets 703 displays the total number of sheets (physical sheets) that have been output during the period displayed in the total period 715.

  The double-sided ratio 704 displays a value obtained by dividing the number of output sheets output on both sides in the period displayed in the total period 715 by the total number of output sheets. Specifically, it is calculated by [duplex ratio = number of sheets output on both sides ÷ total number of output sheets].

  The page aggregation ratio 712 indicates the ratio of the number of pages printed by the aggregation printing of Nin1 (2in1, 4in1, etc.) to the total number of pages in the period displayed in the aggregation period 715. In this example, [page aggregation ratio = (number of pages set in Nin1 ÷ total number of pages)].

  It should be noted that further saving information may be displayed on the screen so that the user can recognize the saved number of output sheets by both duplex printing and aggregate printing. This can be done by dividing the total output number by the total logical page.

  Reference numerals 705 to 710 display aggregation results in a period before the period displayed in the aggregation period 715. The values displayed in the items 705 to 710 are based on the above-described totaling and calculating methods of the items.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing that is performed on the MFP and that includes panel display control in the UI unit. Each step in this flowchart is realized by executing a program by the CPU. Further, the processing based on the application in this flowchart is realized based on the contents set in FIGS.

  In S801, the department ID 401 or the user ID 501 is authenticated. Specifically, the display described in FIGS. 4 and 5 is performed, and authentication is performed based on information input by the user.

  In S802, the license expiration date for using the application is confirmed. Here, it is determined whether or not the license of the application for performing the aggregation process and the display control based on the image processing history is valid. If the license is invalid, the process proceeds to S803, and if the license is valid, the process proceeds to S804. In step S803, a display indicating that the license of the application has expired is displayed, and processing such as transition to the basic setting screen of the image processing apparatus is performed without performing processing by the application as it is.

  In S804, display / non-display of the message screen (top screen 600 described in FIG. 6) is determined. If it is preset that the message screen is displayed, the process proceeds to S805. If it is preset that the message screen is not displayed, the process proceeds to S809.

  In S805, the display frequency of the message screen is determined. In FIG. 11 to be described later, the display frequency can be set to be displayed at the time of login every time or displayed once a day. If it is set to display once a day, it is authenticated in S801 in S806, and it is determined whether or not it is the first login of the day by the logged-in user. If it is not the first login, the process proceeds to S809.

  If it is set to display at login every time in S805, or if it is determined that it is the first login of the day in S806, display processing of the message screen 600 is performed in S807.

  In S808, it is determined whether or not the “Close” button has been pressed by the user on the displayed message screen 600. If it is not determined that the button has been pressed (NO), the message screen 600 continues to be displayed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed (YES), the process proceeds to S809.

  In step S809, the display / non-display setting of the aggregation screen 700 is determined. If it is determined not to display the aggregation screen 700, this application ends. If it is determined to display the aggregation screen 700, the aggregation screen 700 is displayed in S810.

  FIG. 9 shows a network configuration in the present invention. A management device 901 that manages job information, a plurality of MFPs 902 including the MFP 100, and an authentication server 903 are arranged on the network.

  As will be described later, a message to be displayed on the screen described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 is transmitted from the management apparatus 901 to the MFP. Further, the management apparatus 901 acquires processing histories (job log information) such as copy, print, scanner, and FAX from a plurality of MFPs 902. The authentication server 903 transmits and receives authentication information (ID and password) when the MFP performs an authentication process by an external server.

  In FIG. 10, it is a block diagram of the hardware of the information processing apparatus used as the management apparatus.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes a CPU, that is, a central processing unit, which controls the entire information processing apparatus and performs arithmetic processing.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a ROM, that is, a read-only memory, which is a storage area for information such as system startup programs. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a RAM, that is, a random access memory, which is a data storage area with no usage restrictions, and is an area where programs such as an OS, application, device driver, and communication control are loaded and executed.

  Reference numeral 1004 denotes a KBC, that is, a keyboard control unit, which receives input data from the keyboard and transmits it to the CPU. Reference numeral 1005 denotes a CRT, that is, a display control unit, which controls display on the display device.

  Reference numeral 1006 denotes an external storage device composed of an HD (hard disk) device, which stores and stores programs and data, and loads them into a reference or RAM as needed during execution. The external storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as SRAM. A communication unit 1007 performs network communication control, and can communicate with other information processing apparatuses and peripheral devices connected to the network as described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a system bus, which should serve as a data path between the above-described components.

  FIG. 11 is a screen for setting the display contents of FIGS. The information set on this screen is transmitted to the image processing apparatus, and the setting contents are reflected in the display processing of the image processing apparatus.

  1101 switches display / non-display of the message screen 600. When the check box is checked, the message screen 600 is displayed.

  1102 sets the frequency at which the message screen 600 is displayed. Here, “display once a day” (at the first login) and “display at every login” can be selected and set. When “displayed once a day”, the message screen 600 is displayed only at the first login for one day for each logged-in user (or department), and thereafter, the message screen is not displayed all day. When “display at every login” is selected, the message screen 600 is always displayed every time the user logs in to the image processing apparatus.

  1103 sets whether to display the header 601 of FIG. When the check box is checked, a character string is displayed in the header 601. 1104 sets the display character string of the header 601. The user can input an arbitrary character string from the keyboard unit 1004.

  1105 sets whether to display the text 602 of FIG. When the check box is checked, a character string is displayed in the text 602. In 1106, a display character string of the text 602 is set. The user can input an arbitrary character string from the keyboard unit 1004. Here, it is possible to input a multi-line message.

  1107 sets whether to display the footer 606 of FIG. When the check box is checked, a character string is displayed in the footer 606. 1108 sets the display character string of the footer 606. The user can input an arbitrary character string from the keyboard unit 1004.

  1109 sets whether or not to display the image 604. When the check box is checked, the image 604 is displayed. Reference numeral 1110 designates an image file of the image 604. Here, an image file can be input and designated from the keyboard unit 1004. Reference numeral 1111 denotes a push button for assisting in inputting a path of an image file to be displayed in a text box 1110. By depressing 1111, a “file selection” dialog box of Windows (registered trademark) is displayed, prompting the user to specify an image file, and the full path of the selected image file is displayed in a text box of 1110.

  1112 sets whether to display the aggregation screen 700. When the check box is checked, the aggregation screen 700 is displayed.

  1113 sets whether or not to display the message 716 on the aggregation screen 700. When the check box is checked, a character string is displayed in the message 716. 1114 sets a display character string of the message 716. The user can input an arbitrary character string from the keyboard unit 1004.

  FIG. 12 is a screen for performing settings for an application that performs processing such as aggregation in the image processing apparatus. The information set on this screen is transmitted to the image processing apparatus, and the setting contents are reflected in the aggregation processing of the image processing apparatus.

  Aggregation is performed at a predetermined date and time for job information such as copy, print, scanner, and FAX for a predetermined period. It is possible for the user to arbitrarily set which job type history is to be counted. Also, the total period set below is displayed at 715 in FIG.

  1201 sets whether or not to reserve the aggregation. When the check box is checked, aggregation is performed at the reserved timing.

  1202 sets an interval for performing the aggregation processing. In this example, either monthly / weekly / daily can be specified.

  1203 sets what day (day of the week) the aggregation process is executed. For example, when every month is set as the interval in the total period 1202, any one from the first to the 31st can be selected. When 29-31 is specified, if there is no such day in the execution month, the execution date of the aggregation process is advanced to the existing day. When the execution interval is weekly, one of Sunday to Saturday can be selected.

  1204 can designate any time from 0:00 to 23:00 as a time for performing the aggregation processing in units of one hour.

  1205 sets whether or not to reset the counting results. When the check box is checked, the counting result is reset. When it is set to reset the counting result, the counting based on the processing results of the image processing apparatus in the counting period set above is performed. When it is set not to reset the aggregation result, the aggregation is performed based on the processing results of the image processing apparatus after the application for performing the aggregation process is installed in the image processing apparatus.

[Other embodiments]
Although various embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus constituted by one device. For example, a computer system including a printer, a facsimile, a PC, a server, and a client.

  The present invention supplies a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and a computer included in the system reads and executes the supplied program code. Can also be achieved.

  Accordingly, the program code itself installed in the information processing apparatus in order to implement the functions and processing of the present invention with a computer also implements the present invention. That is, the computer program itself for realizing the functions and processes is also one aspect of the present invention.

  In this case, the program may be in any form as long as it has a program function, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  Further, the program may be downloaded from a homepage on the Internet using a browser of the information processing apparatus of the client. That is, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function may be downloaded from the home page to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer may be a constituent requirement of the present invention.

  Further, the program of the present invention may be encrypted and stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed to users. In this case, only the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download the key information to be decrypted from the homepage via the Internet, decrypt the program encrypted with the key information, and execute the program. May be installed.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the computer executing the read program. Note that an OS or the like running on the computer may perform part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program. Of course, also in this case, the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized.

  Furthermore, the program read from the recording medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the information processing apparatus or a function expansion unit connected to the information processing apparatus. Based on the instructions of the program, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform part or all of the actual processing. In this way, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized.

1 is a hardware block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The module block diagram regarding the software of the image processing apparatus in this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display of the department ID login screen in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the display of the user authentication login screen in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the display of the message screen (top screen) in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the display of the total screen in an Example. The figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the process of the image processing apparatus in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the network structure in an Example. The hardware block diagram of information processing apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the message screen in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen regarding the total process in an Example.

Claims (4)

An image processing apparatus that manages a history corresponding to image processing and printing in an image processing apparatus, and has a totaling function for each user based on the history,
Acquisition means for acquiring user information when the user logs in to the image processing apparatus;
When the user logs in to the image processing device, the display unit displays the total result based on the history in the image processing device by the logged-in user based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit,
The image processing apparatus characterized by including at least one of a color ratio, a duplex ratio, and a page aggregation ratio as information displayed as the aggregation result.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is a user ID or a department ID. An information processing method in an image processing apparatus that manages a history corresponding to image processing and printing in an image processing apparatus and has a totaling function for each user based on the history,
An acquisition step of acquiring user information when the user logs in to the image processing apparatus;
When the user logs in to the image processing device, based on the user information acquired in the acquisition step, a display step of displaying the total result based on the history in the image processing device by the logged-in user,
The information displayed as the totaling result includes at least one of a color ratio, a double-sided ratio, and a page aggregation ratio.   A program for realizing the information processing method according to claim 3 by a computer.

Images