JP2011070700A - Information processing apparatus, control method thereof and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus which can easily obtain the effect when a setting used for actual print processing is changed, a control method thereof, and a program. <P>SOLUTION: Job history data of a job print-processed in an image processing apparatus is obtained. Consumption of resources is calculated for a case in which a first print setting set to the job corresponding to the obtained job history data is changed and print processing is performed to the job by use of a second print setting. Output is performed based on the calculation result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that calculates a cost generated when using a function of an image processing apparatus that performs processing of a received job within the scope of function restriction information, a control method therefor, and a program.

  In recent years, copiers are not limited to the function of copying a document, but also a function of printing a print job from an external client, and a scanned document is electronically transmitted to the outside using an e-mail or a file transfer function. It has multiple types of functions such as functions. Such a copying machine is called an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

  While MFPs are multifunctional, there are problems in information management such as increased risk of information leakage due to the ability to transmit scanned information to the outside. Although this is an old problem, the cost of paper and toner consumed increases as the number of printed sheets increases, and there is a demand for limiting the number of printable sheets for each user.

  Several solutions have already been proposed for these problems.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of managing each user with an ID and limiting functions, resources, and time that can be used for each ID.

  For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a peripheral device management system including a peripheral device and an information processing apparatus such as a PC connected to the peripheral device via a network. In this system, history information including the ID of a user who uses a peripheral device, print setting information (double-sided, single-sided), and discharged sheet number information is stored in a history information storage unit. Then, the information processing apparatus collects and aggregates the history information accumulated in the peripheral device, and reduces from the difference between the actual number of discharged sheets and the difference between the number of sheets printed on both sides based on the history information and the difference It has been proposed to calculate and display the rate.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-134136 JP 2003-248576 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, there is a problem that it is not known how much the cost is reduced by the function restriction and how much the cost is reduced by the function restriction. For this reason, it is difficult to change the function restriction, and as a result, the operation is often continued without changing the function restriction.

  However, because the amount of printing changes depending on the time, it is necessary to restrict functions more than necessary to reduce costs further when the amount of printing is large, and cost control is lessened when the amount of printing is low. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program capable of easily grasping an effect when a setting used for actual print processing is changed The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An information processing apparatus that calculates resource consumption according to job print processing by a print function of an image processing apparatus,
Acquisition means for acquiring job history data of a job that has been subjected to print processing by the image processing apparatus;
When a job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition unit is subjected to print processing using the second print setting when the first print setting set for the job is changed, the resource of A calculation means for calculating consumption,
Output means for outputting based on the calculation result of the calculation means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the effect when the setting used in the actual printing process is changed according to the given cost.

It is a figure which shows the function structure of the device management system of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 arrangement | positioning of each functional element in the device management system of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the device of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the job data of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of ACT of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the job account server of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the user interface example of the cost calculation application of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the toner unit price setting dialog of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper unit price setting dialog of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the cost calculation application of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the job history which the job account server of Embodiment 1 of this invention records. It is a flowchart which shows the simulation operation | movement by the cost calculation application of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of changing the function restriction | limiting of Embodiment 2 of this invention for every roll. It is a schematic diagram which shows the memory map of CD-ROM which is an example of a storage medium.

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

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a user information server, which stores user IDs and passwords, and function restriction information indicating which functions are permitted to be used for each user in the system. The user information server 101 is realized by using a server such as an LDAP server or an Active Directory server, for example.

  Here, LDAP is an abbreviation for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a ticket issuing server. The ticket issuing server 102 uses the function information that can be used based on the function restriction information of each user managed by the user information server 101 and the job execution result of the user who issues the job accumulated in the result totaling server 106. Issue a ticket that describes the print limit. This ticket is called an access control token (ACT) 107.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a printer driver. The printer driver 103 operates on a client PC (not shown), and when using the client PC, it is necessary to log in to clarify which user is using the client PC. Suppose that

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a multi-function multifunction peripheral (MFP) which is one of the devices. The MFP 104 has a printing function for printing print data transmitted from the external printer driver 103 as well as a copying function for copying a paper document. Further, the MFP 104 has a function (SEND function) for reading a paper document and transmitting the image data to an external file server or a mail address.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes an achievement collection client. The result collection client 105 operates on the MFP for each MFP, and notifies the result totaling server 106 of the job execution results of each user on the MFP.

  Further, the job execution results may be aggregated by the result collection client 105 over a plurality of devices (for example, printers). As the job execution results, the number of printed sheets can be listed. Thereby, the result collection client 105 can hold the job execution results of each user in the device management system.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a result totaling server. The result totaling server 106 totals the job execution results for each user notified by the result collecting client 105 across a plurality of printing apparatuses (MFPs 104 and 109 in the first embodiment). And the printing performance of each user in the whole system is held. In this case, the job execution results acquired from the MFPs 104 and 109 are collected by the result totaling server 106 via the result collection clients 105 and 110.

  As described above, the ACT 107 is an access control token (ACT) in which information on a function that can be executed by the user in the MFPs 104 and 109 or the upper limit number of printable sheets is described. The access control token 107 is generated by the ticket issuing server 102 based on an access control token issuing request from the printer driver 103 to the ticket issuing server 102 and returned to the printer driver 103.

  The printer driver 103 adds the access control token 107 to the print job and transmits it to the MFPs 104 and 109. That is, the access control token 107 is transferred from the ticket issuing server 102 to the MFPs 104 and 109 via the printer driver 103.

  The printer driver 108, MFP 109, results totaling client 110, and ticket issuing server 111 operate in the same manner as described above.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a job account server. Job histories are acquired from the MFPs 104 and 109 and stored in a job account database (DB) 113 that functions as a job history database. By searching the job account database 113, the job output of the entire device management system can be analyzed.

  Reference numeral 114 denotes a cost calculation server, which performs cost calculation by the cost calculation application 114a. Further, as a main function of the cost calculation application 114a, there is an expense calculation unit related to a printing cost corresponding to a device function restriction for each user or department. In addition, there is a cost calculation UI control unit for changing the device function limit for each user or department on the cost calculation screen (FIG. 9), which will be described later, and performing the printing cost after the change. Details of the processing of the cost calculation application 114a will be described later.

  Next, a series of flow from job creation to job execution result aggregation will be described as follows.

  (1) The printer driver 103 transmits to the ticket issuing server 102 an ACT issue request added with identification information of a user who intends to issue a job.

  (2) The ticket issuing server 102 acquires the function restriction information corresponding to the user who is going to issue the job from the function restriction information stored in the user information server 101.

  (3) The ticket issuing server 102 further acquires a job execution result corresponding to the user who has made an ACT transmission request from the result totaling server 106.

  (4) The ticket issuing server 102 determines the content of the job setting that should be permitted to the user based on the acquired function restriction information and the job execution result.

  (5) The ticket issuing server 102 generates an ACT 107 reflecting the setting contents of the job. Then, an electronic signature for certifying that the ticket issuing server 102 has issued is applied to the ACT 107 and transmitted to the printer driver 103.

  (6) The printer driver 103 sends the job and ACT 107 to the MFPs 104 and 109 for execution.

  (7) The result collection client 105 collects the results in the MFPs 104 and 109.

  (8) The result collection client 105 transmits the collected results to the result totaling server 106.

  (9) The job account server 112 collects job histories (job history data) from the MFPs 104 and 109 and stores them in the job account database 113 that functions as a job history database.

  (10) The cost calculation server 114 uses the cost calculation application 114a to change the cost calculation and the function restriction.

  The device management system according to the first embodiment is a system including a device connected to a network, a server, and a client PC. In the first embodiment, the device management system will be described by taking a print management system that restricts job execution such as access restriction of a user who uses a device and the number of prints as an example. The user here includes an individual user, a department, an organization, and the like.

  Next, an arrangement example of each functional element in the device management system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of each functional element in the device management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, reference numerals 211 and 212 denote client PCs, and the printer drivers 103 and 110 in FIG. 1 operate on the client PC 211 or 212.

  Reference numeral 221 denotes a server PC. The user information server 101, the ticket issuing server 102, the result totaling server 106, and the job account server 112 in FIG. 1 operate on the server PC 221. The various servers in FIG. 1 may operate on one server PC 221. Alternatively, the various servers in FIG. 1 may be operated on individual server PCs 221 according to usages and purposes (load distribution, etc.), or may be operated on one server PC 221 in an arbitrarily combined state. Also good.

  For example, the functions of the user information server 101, the ticket issuing server 102, the result totaling server 106, and the job account server 112 are aggregated and configured as a function restriction server for managing the function restrictions of the MFPs 104 and 109 as devices. Also good. In this case, the function restriction server includes a function restriction database that manages at least function restriction information of each device for each predetermined unit (for example, user, department, role, etc.). In addition, the function restriction server includes an ACT issuing unit that issues an ACT and an editing UI control unit that edits the function restriction information through the UI with reference to the function restriction database.

  Here, the function restriction information is information instructing whether or not a function provided by the device can be used. For example, the device has a plurality of types of functions such as PDL printing, copying, FAX, and transmission, and the use of each function can be instructed. In addition, it is possible to limit the output amount to the functional unit or limit the output format. The function restriction information can be managed for each user, or for each group (department) or role composed of one or more users.

  Reference numerals 231 and 232 denote image processing apparatuses (for example, multifunction peripherals), which correspond to the MFPs 104 and 109 in FIG.

  The client PCs 211 and 212, the server PC 221, and the image processing apparatuses 231 and 232 are connected to each other via a network 201 and exchange information via the network 201.

  The network 201 is typically one of the Internet, LAN, WAN, telephone line, dedicated digital line, ATM, frame relay line, communication satellite line, cable TV line, data broadcasting wireless line, and the like. Or what is called a communication network implement | achieved by these combination, and transmission / reception of data should just be possible.

  Moreover, the structure of FIG. 1 is an example to the last. Therefore, the client, server, and printer driver other than the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1 may all be realized by a client computer, or may be realized by several server computers.

  1 may be a physical communication medium such as a CPU bus or a logical interface for message communication configured as software. Good. Each of the functional elements described above may execute each function by executing a program by the CPU, or may be implemented by a hardware circuit.

  Here, the interface between the components of the system in FIG. 1 includes, for example, an interface between the printer driver 103 and the ticket issuing server 102 and an interface between the ticket issuing server 102 and the result totaling server 106. Furthermore, there are an interface between the ticket issuing server 102 and the user information server 101 and an interface between the result collection client 105 and the result totaling server 106.

  The client PCs 211 and 212 belong to the same domain as the server PC 221 on which the user information server 101 operates, and the user ID and password are also managed by the user information server 101. When the user uses the client PC 211 or 212, it is assumed that login to the domain is required at the start of use.

  Next, an example of the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus that implements the client PC 211 or 212 or the server PC 221 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, that is, a central processing unit, which performs overall control and arithmetic processing of the computer device. Reference numeral 302 denotes a ROM, that is, a read-only memory, which is a storage area for various data such as a system startup program, applications, and parameters. Reference numeral 303 denotes a RAM, that is, a random access memory, which is a data storage area with no usage restrictions. The RAM 303 is an area where programs such as an operating system, application, device driver, and communication control are loaded and executed.

  An input control unit 304 receives input data from a keyboard or a pointing device (for example, a mouse) that is an input device, and transmits the input data to the CPU 301. Reference numeral 305 denotes a display control unit that executes display control on the display device. Note that the display device includes a CRT, an LCD, and the like.

  Reference numeral 306 denotes a storage unit. This is a so-called external storage device, such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk device, a hard disk device, or an SRAM (nonvolatile storage unit). This storage unit 306 stores and stores programs and data, and loads them into the ROM 302 or references them as needed during execution. A communication unit 307 performs network communication control, and can communicate with other computers (for example, a PC) and peripheral devices (for example, the MFP 104) connected to the network 201 in FIG. A system bus 308 connects the above-described components to each other to realize a data transmission / reception path.

  Next, an example of an internal configuration of a device (image processing apparatus) that realizes the multifunction machine 231 or 232 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 405 denotes a controller unit that controls the entire device. As an internal configuration of the controller unit 405, reference numeral 401 denotes a CPU, that is, a central processing unit, which controls the controller unit 405, performs arithmetic processing, and the like. Reference numeral 402 denotes a ROM, that is, a read-only memory, which is a storage area for various data such as a system startup program, applications, and parameters. Reference numeral 403 denotes a RAM, that is, a random access memory, which is a data storage area with no usage restrictions. Reference numeral 404 denotes a storage unit. This is a so-called external storage device such as a hard disk device or SRAM.

  The RAM 403 is an area where programs such as an operating system and communication control and engine control are loaded and executed. Reference numeral 406 denotes an input / output engine unit that executes a printing operation and an image reading operation under the control of the controller unit 405. As a specific example, the input / output engine unit 406 includes a printer engine that executes printing by a printing method such as a laser beam method, and a scanner engine having a paper feed mechanism such as an ADF.

  A communication unit 407 performs network communication control and can communicate with each PC functioning as a client computer or a server computer on the network 201 in FIG. A user operation input / output unit 408 performs an interactive setting operation with the user. The user operation input / output unit 408 includes, for example, a touch panel, input devices such as various keys and buttons, and a display device. Reference numeral 409 denotes a system bus that interconnects the above-described components to realize a data transmission / reception path.

  Next, an example of a functional configuration of the MFPs 104 and 109 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, MFPs 104 (multifunction peripherals 231) and 109 (multifunction peripherals 232) receive print jobs (job data) from client PCs 211 and 212.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes an interface unit that receives a print job. Reference numeral 502 denotes an ACT determination unit 502 that analyzes the received print job and determines whether or not a restriction ticket has been granted. Reference numeral 503 denotes a print job attribute restricting unit that, when ACT is assigned, restricts (degenerates) print job attribute information based on the restriction information described in the ACT and notifies the subsequent stage.

  Reference numeral 508 denotes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) unit that sets and displays the operation of the print job restriction unit 503 through an operation panel (not shown). A print data storage unit 504 temporarily stores print data included in the print job, that is, PDL (Page Description Language) data.

  A job management unit 509 temporarily stores print job user names, rolls thereof, number of logical pages, page layout information, number of prints, monochrome / color designation, attribute information such as paper type, and the like. The print data interpretation unit 505 acquires PDL data from the print data storage unit 504 according to the attribute information stored in the job management unit 509, performs image formation processing, and generates image data.

  An image storage unit 506 temporarily stores the image data generated by the print data interpretation unit 505 until printing is completed. A print engine unit 507 actually prints the image data stored in the image storage unit 506 on a medium such as printing paper using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic technique or an inkjet technique.

  Reference numeral 510 denotes a job history storage unit. When the job execution is completed, job attributes such as a user name and a role stored in the job management unit 509 and the number of printed pages, the number of sheets, and the color in the print engine unit 507 are displayed. Record the print result such as mode.

  Next, an example of job data will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing job data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The job data includes authentication information 601 indicating who is the user who issued the job, an access control token 602, and a body portion 603 indicating the work content requested to the MFP. The body portion 603 includes PDL data. 6 corresponds to the access control token (ACT) 107 received by the printer driver 103 from the ticket issuing server 102 in FIG.

  The MFP 104 that has received the job data compares the list of usable functions described in the access control token 602 of the received job data with the request content described in the body portion 603. As a result of the comparison, if the requested content is included in the usable functions, the job is executed according to the requested content. On the other hand, if not, the job is cancelled.

  Next, a specific example of ACT 107 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the ACT according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  ACT is in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format and is described in the form of <tag> content </ tag>.

  <UserName> Yamada </ UserName> in ACT of FIG. 7 indicates that the user name is Yamada. The user name is used for user authentication when logging into the client PC.

  Tags <Role> to </ Role> indicate that the role for determining the function restriction is User. Tags <DeviceAccessControl> to </ DeviceAccessControl> indicate which of the functions of the MFP can be used.

  Tags <Duplex> to </ Duplex> indicate whether double-sided printing is possible, and Deny indicates that this is not possible. Tags <PageLayout> to </ PageLayout> indicate the minimum page layout and indicate that it is 2. Tags <FullColor> to </ FullColor> indicate whether color printing is possible, and Deny indicates that it is not possible.

  Next, the operation of the job account server 112 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the job account server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 301 of the job account server 112 based on, for example, a program stored in the ROM 302.

  In step S <b> 801, a device list managed by the job account server 112 is acquired from the storage unit 306. This device list manages, for example, device information regarding various devices of the MFPs 104 and 109.

  In step S802, it is determined whether all the processes for the devices on the device list acquired in step S801 have been processed. If all are processed (YES in step S802), the process ends. On the other hand, if not all have been processed (NO in step S802), the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, the registered job history number is acquired from the storage unit 306. In the MFPs 104 and 109, a job history is recorded when the job is completed, and a job history number for uniquely identifying the job history is added to each job history. Here, the job history number is an integer that monotonously increases from 1 by one.

  In step S804, the latest job history number is acquired from the target device. In step S805, an unread log (job history) is acquired from the target device. Here, the difference between the latest job history number acquired in step S804 and the registered job history number acquired in step S803 is an unread portion.

  In step S806, the job history acquired in step S805 is registered in the job account database 113. In step S807, the latest job history number acquired in step S805 is recorded in the storage unit 306 as a registered job history number.

  Next, an example of a user interface of the cost calculation application 114a will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface of the cost calculation application according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  On the cost calculation server 114 on which the cost calculation application 114a is mounted, a cost calculation screen 900 for displaying the cost calculation result is generated by the cost calculation application 114a. The user can perform character input and point input on the cost calculation screen 900 by using a keyboard and a pointing device (for example, a mouse) provided in the cost calculation server 114.

  Reference numeral 901 denotes a function restriction table (previous month function restriction table) showing function restrictions for each department up to the previous month. Here, as an example, the unit period is set to one month, but the present invention is not limited to this. The vertical axis is a restriction item (one-side prohibited, page layout minimum, color prohibited), and the horizontal axis is a department item (general affairs department, design department, design department).

  A check box (□) in the function restriction table 901 is a control for designating application / non-enemy use of the corresponding restriction. When the check box is checked (re), it indicates that the corresponding restriction is applied, and when the check box is not checked, the corresponding restriction is not applied. This check operation is realized, for example, by clicking a button on the mouse, and a cyclic check can be checked / not checked according to the button click.

  Among the restriction items, “single-side prohibited” is a restriction that enables only double-sided printing. “Minimum page layout” indicates the minimum number of logical planes (document pages) to be arranged per sheet. For example, if the number is 2, it indicates that the arrangement of two or more logical faces is essential on one sheet. “Color prohibition” is a restriction that prohibits color printing, that is, enables only monochrome printing.

  Reference numeral 902 denotes a printing cost table showing the printing cost of the previous month of the department indicated in the function restriction table 901. The second cell from the left shows the cost of the general affairs department last month. Hereinafter, the costs of the design department and the design department are shown, and the rightmost is the total cost of all departments.

  Reference numeral 903 denotes a temporary function restriction table (next month function restriction table) for setting temporary function restrictions in order to simulate the cost from next month, and the contents are the same as those of the function restriction table 901.

  Reference numeral 905 denotes a toner unit price button, which is a control for setting a unit price for each paper size and for each color mode. A paper unit price button 906 is a control for setting a unit price for each paper size and each paper type.

  In this way, the cost calculation screen 900 can set and manage the unit price of resources (recording agents such as toner and ink, recording media such as paper) consumed when using the device functions.

  Reference numeral 907 denotes a simulation button, which calculates the cost of next month when the restriction set in the temporary function restriction table 903 is applied, and displays the calculation result in the predicted cost table 904. Here, the predicted cost table 904 is a table that displays simulated costs in the same order as the printing cost table 902.

  Reference numeral 908 denotes a reflection button, which is a control for writing the restriction set in the temporary function restriction table 903 to the storage unit 306 and changing the function restriction information. When this reflection button 908 is operated, the changed function restriction information is reflected (updated) in the function restriction database in a server (user information server 101, ticket issuing server 102, etc.) functioning as a function restriction server. Will be.

  Reference numeral 909 denotes a radio button for switching the target period. This is a control for specifying the period of the job history that is the target of cost calculation. In the figure, ● indicates selection and ○ indicates non-selection. Here, it is assumed that either the previous period or the same period of the previous year can be specified as the period. The previous period is the previous period, and the previous period is the same period of the previous year. Assuming that the unit period of cost calculation is one month and is now November 2005, the cost calculation target is October 2005 when the previous period is specified, and October 2004 when the same period of the previous year is specified. Become.

  When the toner unit price button 905 is operated on the cost calculation screen 900, a toner unit price setting dialog 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Reference numeral 1001 denotes a toner unit price table, and it is possible to set a unit price when printing one page for each paper size and color mode to be used. A single color is a case where only one type of toner other than black is used. T11 to T43 are numerical values arbitrarily set by the system administrator. Reference numeral 1002 denotes an OK button. When this button is operated, the contents of the toner unit price table 1001 are saved, and the display of the toner unit price setting dialog 1000 is ended. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a cancel button. When this button is operated, the display of the toner unit price setting dialog 1000 is ended without saving the contents of the toner unit price table 1001.

  When the paper unit price button 906 is operated on the cost calculation screen 900, a paper unit price setting dialog 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. 1101 is a sheet unit price table, and it is possible to set a unit price per sheet for each sheet size and sheet type. P11 to P44 are numerical values arbitrarily set by the system administrator. Reference numeral 1102 denotes an OK button. When this button is operated, the content of the paper unit price table 1101 is stored in the storage unit 306 and the display of the paper unit price setting dialog 1100 is terminated. Reference numeral 1103 denotes a cancel button. When this button is operated, the display of the paper unit price setting dialog 1100 is terminated without saving the content of the paper unit price table 1101.

  Thus, on the cost calculation screen 900, the function restriction table 901 and the corresponding printing cost table 902, the provisional function restriction table 903, and the predicted cost table 904 are displayed in comparison. As a result, the user can easily grasp the printing cost for the current function restriction and the expected increase / decrease in the printing cost when the function restriction is changed.

  In addition, if necessary, it is possible to determine the change of the function restriction after confirming the expected increase / decrease in the printing cost, thereby realizing system management in the function restriction state intended by the user. Can do.

  Next, the operation of the cost calculation application 114a on the cost calculation server 114 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cost calculation application according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation of the cost calculation application 114a shown in FIG. 12 is an operation when various information constituting the cost calculation screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 is generated and displayed on the cost calculation screen 900. The operation of the cost calculation application 114a is realized by the control of the CPU 301 of the cost calculation server 114.

  In step S1201, a toner unit price table, which is an example of unit price information, is read from the storage unit 306. In step S1202, the sheet unit price list is read from the storage unit 306. In step S1203, the function restriction information for each department is read from the user information server 101.

  In step S1204, an API is issued to the OS (Operating System), the current date and time are acquired, and the previous month is set as the target period.

  In step S1205, it is determined whether the total cost for each department has been calculated for all departments included in the function restriction information acquired in step S1203. When the total cost per department is calculated for all departments (YES in step S1205), the process proceeds to step S1206. In step S1206, a cost calculation screen 900 is generated and displayed using each calculated cost.

  On the other hand, if the total cost for each department has not been calculated for all departments (NO in step S1205), the process proceeds to step S1207.

  In step S1207, one unprocessed department is selected, and the total cost for each department is set to zero.

  In step S1208, a command (job history command) for acquiring the job history of the target period set in step S1204 and the department selected in step S1207 is issued to the job account database 113.

  In step S1209, it is determined whether all job histories have been processed. If all job histories have been processed (YES in step S1209), the process advances to step S1205. On the other hand, if all job histories have not been processed (NO in step S1209), the process advances to step S1210.

  In step S1210, one unprocessed job history is acquired from the result of step S1208. In step S1211, the cost of the job history is calculated. Here, assuming that the job history cost is CJ, CJ is calculated by the following equation.

For example, when the toner unit price table 1001 and the sheet unit price table 1101 are applied to the job history (log) shown in FIG. 13, the number of surfaces = 6, color mode in the job history. = Color, Paper Size = A4, Paper Type = Plain Paper, Number of Paper = 6, CJ is as follows.

CJ = 6 × T22 + 6 × P21
It becomes.

  In step S1212, the job history cost in step S1211 is added to the total cost for each department currently being calculated, and the process returns to step S1209.

  Next, a simulation operation executed by the cost calculation application 114a when the simulation button 907 on the cost calculation screen 900 is pressed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a simulation operation by the cost calculation application according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the processing from step S1401 to step S1410 is the same as that from step S1201 to step S1210 in FIG.

  In step S1411, the function restriction set for the department to be processed is acquired from the temporary function restriction table 903 currently being edited on the cost calculation screen 900 of FIG.

  In step S1412, the job history is reconfigured in consideration of the function restriction acquired in step S1411.

  Here, specific processing contents will be described using the cost calculation screen 900 of FIG. 9 and the example of the job history shown in FIG. The function restrictions of the department “design department” in the temporary function restriction table 903 in FIG. 9 are currently “one-side prohibited” and “page layout minimum: 4”. When this is applied to the job history of FIG. 13, the following changes are made.

Number of faces = number of logical faces / page layout
= 12/4 = 3
Number of sheets = number of faces / rounded up (2 for double-sided, 1 for single-sided)
= 3/2 = 2
In step S1413, the cost of the job history is calculated as in step S1211. If the new cost is CJ1,
CJ1 = 3 × T22 + 2 × P21
It becomes. That is, the consumption amount of paper, which is an example of the resource after setting the function restriction, is calculated by calculating the number of sheets. Further, the consumption amount of toner, which is an example of the resource, after setting the function restriction is calculated by calculating the number of faces. Then, the cost is calculated using the number and number of faces, which are values related to the consumption of these resources, and the unit price of each resource.

Compared with the cost CJ calculated in step S1211,
Difference = CJ−CJ1
= (6 × T22 + 6 × P21) − (3 × T22 + 2 × P21)
= 3 x T22 + 4 x P21
It becomes.

  The sum of the differences is the difference in the total cost for each department before and after the function restriction change.

  In step S1414, the job history cost in step S1211 is added to the total cost for each department currently being calculated, and the process returns to step S1209.

  In step S1406, the calculation results obtained through the processing in steps S1409 to S1414 are reflected (updated) in the predicted cost table 904 of the cost calculation screen 900 in FIG. In addition, the amount of reduction in consumption of each resource when the function restriction is applied can be displayed. For example, assume that 2-UP printing or double-sided printing is forcibly set as a function restriction. In this case, the number of sheets consumed can be calculated using the job history.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily confirm how much cost reduction or increase the function restriction causes. As a result, it is possible to limit the function more appropriately according to the cost to be printed, and it is possible to obtain a result of the print output that appropriately corresponds to the purpose within a given cost range.

<Embodiment 2>
In the configuration of the first embodiment, a method of changing the function restriction for each department is shown, but it may be applied not for each department but for each roll. A role describes a set of access authorities based on the role of a user.

  If the function restriction table 901 of the cost calculation screen 900 of FIG. 9 is configured for each role, it is as shown in FIG.

  Here, as examples of types of roles, three types of GeneralUser (general user), Manager (manager), and Administrator (administrator) are listed. In this case, the function restriction is managed not for each department but for each role.

  The programs that operate on the computers (client PCs 211 and 212, server PC 221) and multifunction devices 231 and 232 according to each embodiment of the present invention described above are executed by each device by a program installed from the outside. Also good. In this case, the present invention is applicable even when an information group including the program is supplied to a device by loading it on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or a floppy (registered trademark) disk. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a case where an apparatus is loaded and supplied from an external storage medium via a network such as electronic mail or personal computer communication.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a memory map of a CD-ROM which is an example of a storage medium.

  Reference numeral 9999 denotes an area in which directory information is stored, and indicates the position of an area 9998 in which subsequent installation programs are stored and an area 9997 in which print client or network printer control programs are stored. An area 9998 stores an installation program. Reference numeral 9997 denotes an area in which a control program for a computer or a multifunction peripheral is stored.

  When the computer or multifunction peripheral control program of the present invention is installed in a computer or multifunction peripheral, the installation program stored in the area 9998 storing the installation program is first loaded into the system. And it is performed by CPU301. Next, the installation program executed by the CPU 301 reads the control program from the area 9997 and installs it in the computer or the multi-function peripheral.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example of calculating the printing cost when using the printing function of the MFP 104 or 109 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention is also applied to the functions that can be used in the MFPs 104 and 109 (for example, the scanner function, the fax function, and the data transmission function) when calculating the cost that occurs when using each function. Can do.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

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

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, and an optical disk. Further, as a recording medium, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), etc. is there.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from a homepage of the connection destination 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 is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. Further, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that calculates resource consumption according to job print processing by a print function of an image processing apparatus,
Acquisition means for acquiring job history data of a job that has been subjected to print processing by the image processing apparatus;
When a job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition unit is subjected to print processing using the second print setting when the setting of the first print setting set for the job is changed, A calculation means for calculating consumption,
An information processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting based on a calculation result of the calculation means. The first print setting becomes the second print setting by restricting the function to at least one of the N-UP (N ≧ 2) setting and the duplex setting by changing the setting,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates resource consumption based on the second print setting. The setting change is performed based on a change in function restriction information for restricting use of a printing function of the image processing apparatus,
2. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit an instruction to update the function restriction information corresponding to the setting change used by the calculation unit to a management apparatus that manages the function restriction information. Or the information processing apparatus according to 2; The output unit includes a resource consumption amount when the job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition unit is actually printed by the image processing apparatus, and a resource consumption amount calculated by the calculation unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein output capable of confirming a change in resource consumption due to the setting change is performed. An information processing apparatus control method for calculating resource consumption according to job print processing by a print function of an image processing apparatus,
An acquisition step of acquiring job history data of a job printed by the image processing apparatus;
The resource corresponding to the job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition process when the print processing is performed using the second print setting when the first print setting set for the job is changed is used. A calculation process for calculating consumption,
And an output step of performing output based on the calculation result of the calculation step. The first print setting becomes the second print setting by restricting the function to at least one of the N-UP (N ≧ 2) setting and the duplex setting by changing the setting,
The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 5, wherein the calculation step calculates resource consumption based on the second print setting. The setting change is performed based on a change in function restriction information for restricting use of a printing function of the image processing apparatus,
6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: a transmission step of transmitting an instruction to update the function restriction information corresponding to the setting change used in the calculation step to a management device that manages the function restriction information. Or a method of controlling the information processing apparatus according to 6. The output step includes resource consumption when the job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition step is actually printed by the image processing apparatus, and resource consumption calculated by the calculation step. The control method for the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein an output for confirming a change in resource consumption due to the setting change is performed. A program for causing a computer to control the control of an information processing device that calculates resource consumption according to job printing processing by a printing function of an image processing device,
The computer,
Acquisition means for acquiring job history data of a job that has been subjected to print processing by the image processing apparatus;
When a job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition unit is subjected to print processing using the second print setting when the setting of the first print setting set for the job is changed, A calculation means for calculating consumption,
A program which functions as an output means for outputting based on a calculation result of the calculation means. The first print setting becomes the second print setting by restricting the function to at least one of the N-UP (N ≧ 2) setting and the duplex setting by changing the setting,
The program according to claim 9, wherein the calculation unit calculates resource consumption based on the second print setting. The setting change is performed based on a change in function restriction information for restricting use of a printing function of the image processing apparatus,
The management device that manages the function restriction information is further caused to function as a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to update the function restriction information corresponding to the setting change used in the calculation unit. The program according to 9 or 10. The output unit includes a resource consumption amount when a job corresponding to the job history data acquired by the acquisition unit is actually printed by the image processing apparatus, and a resource consumption amount calculated by the calculation unit. The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein an output for confirming a change in resource consumption due to the setting change is performed.

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