JP2013103386A - Output device, output control system and output limitation program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an output device or the like configured to, even when exceeding the preset upper limit number of output sheets, continuously execute the output thereof without causing job suspension, and also, deposit the output cost for the sheets exceeding the upper limit number of output sheets.SOLUTION: The output device includes: job acceptance means to accept the output job for every user; output control means to acquire the upper limit number of output sheets and the accumulated number of output sheets by the user with reference to the output job, and when the added number of output sheets obtained by adding the number of output sheets to be used for this output job and the accumulated number of output sheets does not exceed the upper limit number of output sheets, the execution of the output job is allowed; job execution means to execute the allowed output job; and billing and settlement means to charge fee required for output of the exceeded number of output sheets and perform the settlement of the fee. The output control means is configured to allow the job execution means to execute the output job with the number of output sheets corresponding to the fee when the fee is settled.

Description

  The present invention relates to the fields of an output device, an output management system, and an output restriction program.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, from the viewpoint of cost reduction and environmental considerations, the number of printed sheets for each user (or for each group) is managed, and when the cumulative number of printed sheets exceeds a predetermined upper limit output number, A technique for stopping print output is known.

  Specifically, when a print client, a printer, a use restriction server that performs authentication and use restriction of printing are connected via a network and a print job is input from the print client, the use restriction server displays user authentication information, The number of print results and the upper limit output number are acquired, and whether or not printing is possible is determined based on the acquired authentication information, print result number and upper limit output number. If the user's cumulative number of printed sheets does not exceed the upper limit number of output sheets, printing is permitted. If the user's cumulative number of printed sheets exceeds the upper limit number of output sheets, the printer is controlled so as not to permit printing (for example, patents). References 1 and 2).

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is possible to perform output before the upper limit output number preset for each user is exceeded, but when the upper limit output number is exceeded, output is stopped. Thereafter, the user cannot output (copy, print, fax, etc.) using the image forming apparatus. At this time, if it is desired to output more than that, the user needs to make a setting operation such as notifying the administrator or the like to that effect and increasing the upper limit output number. Therefore, in this case, there is a problem that the business is temporarily suspended.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the problems as described above, even if the preset upper limit output number is exceeded, the output is continued without causing a stagnation of work, and the upper limit output number is exceeded. It is an object of the present invention to provide an output device, an output management system, and an output restriction program that can deposit an output cost for a minute.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an output device according to the present invention is an output device that executes output restriction, for each user, a job accepting unit that accepts an output job, and an output job accepted by the job accepting unit When the maximum number of output sheets and the cumulative number of output sheets of the user are acquired, and the added number of output sheets obtained by adding the number of output sheets used for the accepted output job and the cumulative output number does not exceed the maximum number of output sheets An output control unit that permits execution of the output job, a job execution unit that executes the output job permitted by the output control unit, and an output corresponding to the excess when the added output number exceeds the upper limit output number. Charging a fee necessary for outputting the number of sheets, and a billing settlement means for settlement of the fee, and the output control means I, when the fee is settled by the accounting approval means, to said job execution means, and permits the execution of the output job of the output number of sheets corresponding to 該料 gold.

  In order to solve the above problem, an output management system according to the present invention is an output management system for managing output restrictions, and stores a predetermined upper limit output number and a cumulative output number for each user; For each user, the job receiving means for receiving the output job, and the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the output job received by the job receiving means and the cumulative output number are the upper limit output number. If it does not exceed, the output control means that permits the execution of the output job, the job execution means that executes the output job permitted by the output control means, and the added output number exceeds the upper limit output number. Charging a fee required to output the output number of minutes, and a billing settlement unit that settles the fee, and the output control unit includes the upper limit output number of sheets In the case of excess, when the fee is settled by the accounting approval means, to said job execution means, and permits the execution of the output job of the output number of sheets corresponding to 該料 gold.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an output restriction program according to the present invention includes a job reception unit that receives an output job for each user in an output device that executes output restriction, and an output job received by the job reception unit. When the maximum number of output sheets and the cumulative number of output sheets of the user are acquired, and the added number of output sheets obtained by adding the number of output sheets used for the accepted output job and the cumulative output number does not exceed the maximum number of output sheets An output control unit that permits execution of the output job, a job execution unit that executes the output job permitted by the output control unit, and an output corresponding to the excess when the added output number exceeds the upper limit output number. Charge the fee required to output the number of sheets, and function as a billing settlement unit that settles the fee, and the output control unit exceeds the upper limit output number of sheets. A case where, when the fee is settled by the accounting approval means, to said job execution means, and permits the execution of the output job of the output number of sheets corresponding to 該料 gold.

  In addition, what applied the arbitrary combination of the component of this invention, expression, or a component to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  According to the present invention, even if the preset upper limit output number is exceeded, the output can be continued without causing business stagnation, and the output cost exceeding the upper limit output number can be entrusted. Output device, output management system, and output restriction program can be provided.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. 2 shows an exemplary hardware configuration of a print server 2 and an output management server 3 according to the present embodiment. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main functions in each apparatus of the output management system 100 which concerns on this embodiment. An example of the authentication information which concerns on this embodiment is shown. An example of the output restriction information which concerns on this embodiment is shown. An example of the charge information which concerns on this embodiment is shown. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) explaining the information processing 1 of the output management system 100 which concerns on this embodiment. An example (part 1) of the print job list screen is shown. It is a sequence diagram (the 2) explaining the information processing 1 of the output management system 100 which concerns on this embodiment. An example (part 2) of the print job list screen is shown. An example (part 3) of the print job list screen is shown. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) explaining the information processing 2 of the output management system 100 which concerns on this embodiment. An example (part 1) of the copy screen is shown. It is a sequence diagram (the 2) explaining the information processing 2 of the output management system 100 which concerns on this embodiment. An example (part 2) of the copy screen is shown. It is a sequence diagram (the 3) explaining the information processing 2 of the output management system 100 which concerns on this embodiment. An example (part 3) of the copy screen is shown. An example (part 4) of the copy screen is shown. An example (part 5) of the copy screen is shown.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in each embodiment.

[System configuration]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in an output management system 100 according to the present embodiment, a print client 1, a print server 2, an output management server 3, an image forming apparatus 4, and an accounting apparatus 5 are connected via a network.

  The print client 1 is an information terminal having a data transmission function such as a PC or a portable information terminal used by a user, and transmits a print job to be executed to the print server 2.

  The print server 2 accumulates print jobs from the print client 1 and causes the image forming apparatus 4 to execute the print jobs.

  The output management server 3 is a server that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 4. The cumulative number of output sheets for each user (or for each group), the upper limit number of output sheets, and the like are managed, and whether output is possible in the image forming apparatus 4 is controlled.

  The image forming apparatus 4 is a multi-function peripheral having functions such as a copy, a scanner, a printer, and a fax machine, and executes a print job and a copy (or fax) stored in the print server 2.

  The billing device 5 is a device that performs billing according to the number of prints and copies (or faxes). When the bill or coin (including electronic money or prepaid card) is inserted by the user, the billing device 5 notifies the image forming device 4 of the amount (deposit amount) inserted.

  In the system shown in FIG. 1, the output management server 3 restricts the use of the print output in the image forming apparatus 4 as a management target. However, the management target is not limited to the print output. It is not limited to the forming apparatus 4. Any device can be used as a management target as long as it is a target for managing the usage and cost according to the use of the functions of the device.

(hardware)
FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the print server 2 and the output management server 3 according to this embodiment. The print server 2 and the output management server 3 are mainly composed of a CPU 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, an auxiliary storage device 34, a storage medium reading device 35, an input device 36, and a display device. 37 and a communication device 38.

  The CPU 31 includes a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and is a circuit that controls the entire apparatus. The ROM 32 is a memory that stores a predetermined control program (software component) executed by the CPU 31. The RAM 33 executes various control operations by the CPU 31 executing a predetermined control program (software component) stored in the ROM 32. This is a memory used as a work area (work area) when performing.

  The auxiliary storage device 34 is a device for storing various information including a general-purpose OS (Operating System) and various programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which is a nonvolatile storage device, is used.

  The input device 36 is a device for the user to perform various input operations. The input device 36 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like. The display device 37 is a device that displays various data on a display screen. For example, it is composed of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and the like.

  The communication device 38 is a device that communicates with other devices via a network. Supports communication according to various network forms including wired and wireless networks.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 41, a storage medium I / F 42, a controller 43, a data communication I / F 44, a scanner 45, a plotter 46, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 47. Are connected to each other.

  The operation panel 41 includes an input device 41a and a display device 41b. The input device 41a is configured by a hard key or a touch panel superimposed on the display device 41b, and inputs each operation signal to the device main body. Used for Further, the display device 41b is configured by a display or the like, and displays, for example, various types of information regarding the image forming operation. The data communication I / F 44 includes an interface device 44a, and is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus to a data transmission path such as a network or a fax machine. The HDD 47 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the image forming apparatus, and data used by each application. Further, the HDD 47 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  Various data stored in the HDD 47 includes data input from the recording medium 42b. The recording medium 42b is set in a drive device 42a included in the storage medium I / F 42, and various data are stored in the HDD 47 from the recording medium 42b via the drive device 42a.

  The controller 43 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 43a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43b, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 43c. The ROM 43a is executed when the image forming apparatus is activated. Stores programs and various data. The RAM 43b temporarily holds various programs and data read from the ROM 43a and the HDD 47. Further, the CPU 43c executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 43b. For example, when the controller 43 receives print data via the data communication I / F 44, the CPU 43c loads a program (PDL parser) that can read PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 43a onto the RAM 43b. Execute and interpret the print data to generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 45 includes an image reading device 45a, and optically reads a document placed on the reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 46 has a printing device 46a and prints a bitmap image on a recording sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic process method.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment realizes at least basic functions related to image formation, such as copying, scanning, printing, and facsimile, with the above hardware configuration.

  The hardware configuration has been described above. The billing device 5 may be a conventional billing device that includes a billing fee (banknote or coin) slot and performs settlement according to the number of printed or copied (or faxed) sheets. The billing device 5 may include a card reader and a card insertion slot so that payment can be made by various cards such as electronic money and prepaid cards in addition to the billing fee slot.

(function)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing main functions in each device of the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The print server 2 includes a storage unit 201 as a main function. The storage unit 201 stores a print job from the print client 1 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 4 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 4. This print job is managed and stored together with its identifier (for example, user ID) in order to identify which user the job belongs to.

  The output management server 3 includes a storage unit 301 as a main function. The storage unit 301 stores and manages output restriction information for performing output restriction in the image forming apparatus 4. Specifically, the output restriction information includes a cumulative output number for each user in the image forming apparatus 4 and an upper limit output number. Among these, the upper limit output sheet number is a predetermined sheet number value that can be output in advance determined by an administrator or the like. On the other hand, the cumulative output number is an output cumulative number value that is counted up and updated each time it is output in the image forming apparatus 4.

  The image forming apparatus 4 includes a user authentication unit 401, a job reception unit 402, an output control unit 403, a job execution unit 404, a charge settlement unit 405, and a display unit 406 as main functions.

  The user authentication unit 401 performs user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus 4. Specifically, when the user uses the image forming apparatus 4, the authentication information held in advance is collated with the input authentication information (for example, user ID, password, etc.), and the authentication information matches the apparatus. Allow login of.

  The job reception unit 402 receives an output job (for example, a print job or a copy job) for each user. In the present embodiment, as described above, the print job from the print client 1 is stored in the print server 2, so that, for example, the user operates the operation panel 41 to select one or more print jobs from the print job list screen. When the operation is performed, the print job selected and operated from the print server 2 is input to the job reception unit 402 of the image forming apparatus 4. In the case of copying, for example, when a user sets a copy document and performs an operation from the operation panel 41, a copy job is input to the job reception unit 402 of the image forming apparatus 4.

  The output control unit 403 controls the job execution unit 404 to execute the output job. In particular, in the present embodiment, an added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the output job received by the job receiving unit 402 and the cumulative output number of the same user managed by the output management server 3 is When the upper limit output number of the same user managed by the management server 3 is not exceeded, the job execution unit 404 is allowed to execute the output job. On the other hand, when the upper limit output number is exceeded, when the charge corresponding to the excess is settled by the billing settlement unit 405, the job execution unit 404 is allowed to execute the output job for the output number corresponding to the fee. To do. Details of this point will be described later again.

  The job execution unit 404 executes the output job permitted by the output control unit 403. That is, the job execution unit 404 executes the output job under the control of the output control unit 403.

  The charge settlement unit 405 adds the output number used for the output job and the accumulated output number of the same user managed by the output management server 3 to exceed the upper limit output number of the same user. A fee required to output the excess number of output sheets is charged and the fee is settled. The billing settlement unit 405 calculates a specific billing fee amount with reference to fee information (for example, a fee table). Then, since the calculated actual charging fee is input by the charging device 5, the charging / settlement unit 405 communicates with the charging device 5 for charging, and charges and settles the fee.

  The display unit 406 generates various screens and displays the screens on the touch panel described above. Examples of the display screen include a print job list screen and a copy screen described later.

  Each of these functional units is actually realized by a computer by a program executed by the CPU.

  Each functional configuration is merely an example, and for example, a part of the function can be moved. For example, the storage unit 201 included in the print server 2 is arranged on the image forming apparatus 4 side. In this case, a print job is transmitted from the print client 1 to the image forming apparatus 4, and the print job is directly stored in the image forming apparatus 4. Further, for example, the storage unit 301 included in the output management server 3 is arranged on the image forming apparatus 4 side. In this case, the output restriction information is directly stored and managed by the image forming apparatus 4.

  However, such a configuration is preferably a small-scale network, that is, only when there is only one image forming apparatus, for example. When there are a plurality of medium- to large-scale networks, that is, for example, a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the print job can be freely acquired from any image forming apparatus by storing the print job in the print server 2, and the output management server 3 can This is because by managing the output restriction information, the advantage that the number of output sheets used from any image forming apparatus can be managed in a unified manner is greater.

(Example of authentication information)
FIG. 5 shows an example of authentication information according to the present embodiment. “Authentication information” is authentication information used when the user uses (logs in) the image forming apparatus 4. As shown in the drawing, the authentication information according to the present embodiment includes a “card ID”, a “user ID”, and a “password”, and is held in the image forming apparatus 4 in advance.

  When logging in to the image forming apparatus 4, the user operates the operation panel 41 of the image forming apparatus 4 and inputs authentication information (for example, user ID, password, etc.). Alternatively, authentication information (for example, a card ID, a user ID, a password, etc.) stored in the IC card by searching for an IC card such as an employee ID card from an IC card reader (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 4 ).

  The user authentication unit 401 collates the authentication information shown in the figure with the input authentication information, and permits the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 4 when the authentication information matches. That is, the user can use the image forming apparatus 4 until logging out.

  The “authentication information” can be held in the image forming apparatus 4 in advance, or can be held by an external authentication server or the like. In this case, authentication can be performed via an authentication inquiry between the image forming apparatus 4 and the authentication server.

(Example of output restriction information)
FIG. 6 shows an example of output restriction information according to the present embodiment. “Output restriction information” is information that is referred to in order to perform output restriction in the image forming apparatus 4. As shown in the figure, the output restriction information according to the present embodiment includes “user ID”, “cumulative output sheet number”, and “upper limit output sheet number”, and is stored and managed in the output restriction information. The upper limit number of output sheets is a predetermined number of sheets predetermined by an administrator or the like, and the cumulative number of output sheets is a value that is counted up and updated each time printing is performed in the image forming apparatus 4.

  When the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 receives a print job from a certain user, the output control unit 403 acquires the output restriction information shown in the drawing of the user from the output management server 3. Then, referring to the output restriction information, if the added output number obtained by adding the output number used by the execution of the output job and the cumulative output number of the same user does not exceed the upper limit output number of the same user, the job The execution unit 404 is allowed to execute the output job. On the other hand, when the upper limit output number is exceeded, the job execution unit 404 is not permitted to execute the output job.

  The “output restriction information” can be held in the output management server 3 in advance, or can be held on the image forming apparatus 4 side. As described above, the above-described “authentication information” and “output restriction information” can be held anywhere on the network as long as the image forming apparatus 4 can use them.

  Further, in general, the “cumulative output number” may be referred to as a cumulative print number, and the “upper limit output number” may be referred to as an upper limit print number. However, in the present embodiment, the output processing on the image forming apparatus 4 is not limited to printing (including printing, copying, fax output, etc.), so that “cumulative output number”, “ This is referred to as the “upper limit number of output sheets”.

(Example of charge information)
FIG. 7 shows an example of fee information according to the present embodiment. The “charge information” is a so-called charge table for calculating a charge necessary for printing the excess output sheet number when the user exceeds a predetermined upper limit output sheet number. As shown in the figure, the fee information according to the present embodiment describes a fee per sheet specified for each paper size and printing color.

  For example, when the upper limit number of output sheets is exceeded, the billing settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 calculates a specific amount of the fee required to output the excess number of output sheets with reference to the fee information. For example, if the printing exceeds 6 A4 color pages, the charge is calculated as 180 yen.

  In the example of the charge information, for ease of explanation, the charge variation parameter is set for each paper size and print color. However, in addition to the above, the fee information according to the printing conditions is calculated in detail by including the parameters of the paper type (plain paper, high-quality paper, etc.), the presence / absence of options (staples, etc.) and so-called printing conditions. It is also possible to charge.

[Information processing 1]
(Case 1-1)
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining the information processing 1 of the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. Through this sequence, the user uses the image forming apparatus 4 to execute a “print job”. As described above, with the execution of the print job, output restriction is performed based on the output restriction information. In this sequence, a “case not corresponding to output restriction” will be described first. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  S1: The user operates the print client 1 and transmits a print job to the print server 2 via the network. This print job includes information such as the user ID of the user, print data, and printing conditions, and the user is going to use the image forming apparatus 4 to print out, for example.

  S2: Upon receiving a print job from the print client 1, the print server 2 stores the print job in the storage unit 201. Since the print job includes a user ID, the print job is managed and stored for each user. At this time, when the print server 2 completes the accumulation of the print job, the print client 1 notifies the user that the accumulation has been completed by a pop-up or the like.

  S3: Next, the user operates the image forming apparatus 4 to perform login authentication for the image forming apparatus 4. When logging in to the image forming apparatus 4, the user operates the operation panel 41 of the image forming apparatus 4 and inputs authentication information (for example, user ID, password, etc.). Alternatively, authentication information (for example, a card ID, a user ID, a password, etc.) stored in the IC card is input to the IC card reader of the image forming apparatus 4 by searching for an IC card such as an employee card. . The user authentication unit 401 collates the authentication information with the input authentication information, and permits the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 4 when the authentication information matches. Here, the description will proceed assuming that the user ID: “suzuki” and the password: “abcde” are input and login is permitted (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  S4: When the user's login authentication is successful, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 first obtains output restriction information (cumulative output number, upper limit output number) of the user from the output management server 3. As the identifier of the user, a user ID (for example, “suzuki”) at the time of login is used. On the other hand, when receiving the output restriction information acquisition (request), the output management server 3 transmits the output restriction information of the same user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “suzuki”, output restriction information (cumulative output sheet number: 30, upper limit output sheet number: 100) specified by “suzuki” is transmitted (see, for example, FIG. 6).

  S5: Next, the user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a print job list display operation (print screen transition operation). This is because an accumulated print job is selected from the print job list and printing is performed.

  S6: When the print job list display operation is performed, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires the print job list information accumulated by the user from the print server 2. As the identifier of the user, a user ID (for example, “suzuki”) at the time of login is used. On the other hand, when the print server 2 receives the acquisition (request) of the print job list information accumulated by the user, the print server 2 sends the output control unit 403 information on the print job list of the user (attribute information and print information for each print job). (Including conditions). Here, since the user ID is “suzuki”, a print job list specified by “suzuki” is transmitted. Note that the print job here is, for example, a print job that has been transmitted from the print client 1 to the print server 2 in S1 described above, and is all print jobs stored in the print server 2.

  S7: The display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a print job list screen based on the acquired output restriction information and print job list information of the same user, and displays the print job list screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. indicate. With the generation of the print job list screen, the billing settlement unit 405 adds the output number used for each output job and the cumulative output number of the same user to exceed the upper limit output number of the same user. In this case, a fee required to output the excess number of output sheets is calculated, but here, since it is not applicable to this case, this point will be described later again.

  FIG. 9 shows an example (part 1) of the print job list screen. The print job list 801 displays a list of all print jobs of the same user stored in the print server 2. Here, as shown in the figure, it can be seen that the print job with the user ID “suzuki” and the print job name “Presentation Material” is displayed together with the attribute information and the print conditions. The selected job number 802 indicates the number of jobs selected in the print job list 801 on the touch panel, and the total job number 803 indicates the total number of jobs displayed in the print job list 801 on the touch panel. The remaining 804 indicates the remaining number of prints that can be printed by the user at the present time. This value is based on the output restriction information. In the case of the user ID: “suzuki”, since the cumulative output number is 30 and the upper limit output number is 100 in the output restriction information, the cumulative output number is divided from the upper limit output number. It is the value. That is, in this case, the remaining printable number of prints is 70 pages (P).

  When the user prints the print job name “Presentation Material”, the print job name “Presentation Material” is first selected from the print job list 801 on the touch panel, for example, by a touch operation or the like. When the print job name “Presentation Material” is selected, the number of selected jobs 802 is displayed as one, and the remaining 804 is displayed as 69P. The display of 69P of the remaining 804 indicates the remaining number of prints that can be printed by the user when the selected “presentation material” (one page) is printed.

  S8: The user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a print operation (command) on the print job. Specifically, the print job name “presentation material” is selected from the print job list 801 on the touch panel by, for example, a touch operation, and then the “print” button is pressed.

  S9: When the print operation (command) of the selected print job is operated, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the print job can be executed. Specifically, the output control unit 403 permits execution of the print job when the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the print job and the cumulative output number does not exceed the upper limit output number. In this case, the number of output sheets: 31 obtained by adding the number of output sheets: 1 used for the print job “presentation material” and the cumulative number of output sheets: 30 does not exceed the upper limit output sheet number: 100, and thus does not fall under the output restriction. . The output control unit 403 permits the job execution unit 404 to execute the print job “presentation material”.

  S10: Upon receiving permission to execute a print job, the job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires print data of the permitted print job from the print server 2 in order to execute the permitted print job. Here, print data of “presentation material” is acquired. At the time of printing, information on printing conditions (single-sided, color, etc.) is necessary. However, the printing conditions already acquired in S6 may be used, or the printing conditions may be acquired together with the print data. It may be.

  S11: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 outputs print data of a print job permitted by the output control unit 403. That is, the print data of “presentation material” is printed here. After printing is completed, the user is notified (displayed) that printing has been completed on the touch panel or the like.

  S12: When the output control unit 403 (or job execution unit 404) of the image forming apparatus 4 completes the execution of the print job, the output control server 3 transmits information on the number of prints used for this print job this time. The output management server 3 counts up and updates the received print number with respect to the cumulative print number in the output restriction information of the same user. Here, since the user ID is “suzuki”, the cumulative output number of the output restriction information specified by “suzuki” is updated from 30 to 31.

  In the above, the “case not corresponding to the output restriction” has been described. Next, the “case corresponding to output restriction” will be described.

(Case 1-2)
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining the information processing 1 of the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. In this sequence, a “case corresponding to output restriction” will be described. This will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, since S21 to S27 overlap with S1 to 7 described above, the overlapping points will be briefly described below.

  S21: The user operates the print client 1 to transmit a print job to the print server 2 via the network.

  S 22: When receiving a print job from the print client 1, the print server 2 stores the print job in the storage unit 201.

  S23: Next, the user operates the image forming apparatus 4 to perform login authentication for the image forming apparatus 4. Now, the description will be made assuming that the user ID: “tanaka” and the password: “38bk4” are input and login is permitted (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  S24: When the user's login authentication is successful, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires the output restriction information (cumulative output number, upper limit output number) of the user from the output management server 3. As the identifier of the user, a user ID (for example, “tanaka”) at the time of login is used. On the other hand, when receiving the output restriction information acquisition (request), the output management server 3 transmits the output restriction information of the same user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “tanaka”, output restriction information (cumulative output sheet number: 100, upper limit output sheet number: 100) specified by “tanaka” is transmitted (see, for example, FIG. 6).

  S25: Next, the user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a print job list display operation.

  S26: When a print job list display operation is performed, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 sends the print server 2 information on the print job list accumulated by the user (attribute information and print conditions for each print job). Acquisition). As the identifier of the user, a user ID (for example, “tanaka”) at the time of login is used. On the other hand, when receiving the acquisition (request) of the print job list information accumulated by the user, the print server 2 transmits the print job list information of the user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “tanaka”, the print job list specified by “tanaka” is transmitted.

  S27: The display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a print job list screen based on the acquired output restriction information and print job list information of the same user, and displays the print job list screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. indicate. With the generation of the print job list screen, the billing settlement unit 405 adds the output number used for each output job and the cumulative output number of the same user to exceed the upper limit output number of the same user. In this case, a fee required to output the excess number of output sheets is calculated. The print job list screen is shown below.

  FIG. 11 shows an example (part 2) of the print job list screen. Here, as shown in the figure, in the print job list 801, the print job names “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2”, “Presentation 2 modification ver”, “XX Trading Proposal” with user ID “tanaka” Is displayed along with attribute information, printing conditions, and a charge. Here, when the print job list screen is generated, the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for each output job and the cumulative output number of the same user exceeds the upper limit output number of the same user. Reference numeral 405 calculates a fee (predicted fee) necessary to output the excess number of output sheets based on attribute information (particularly the number of pages) and print conditions for each print job. On the touch panel, the calculated fee is displayed for each print job, along with the display “The printable upper limit has already been exceeded. Please enter the following fee to print.”

  Specifically, in the output restriction information specified by the user ID: “tanaka” here, the cumulative number of output sheets is 100 and the maximum number of output sheets is 100. This means that the user “tanaka” has already reached the upper limit number of output sheets and cannot print any more sheets. Therefore, the same user “tanaka” cannot execute any print job in the print job list 801. That is, no matter how many output sheets are used for each output job, the cumulative output number of the same user is 100, so the additional output number exceeds 100, and therefore the additional output number exceeds the upper limit output number: 100. .

In this case, the accounting settlement unit 405 is required to print the excess output number for each print job based on the attribute information (number of pages, etc.) and the print conditions (paper size, print color, etc.) for each print job. A reasonable fee. Specifically, the fee required to execute each print job here, that is, the fee required to output the excess number of output sheets is as follows (see, for example, FIG. 7).
“Presentation 1”: 30 yen (excess number of output sheets: 1 page, color, A4)
“Presentation 2”: 30 yen (excess output: 1 page, color, A4)
“Presentation 2 correction ver”: 30 yen (excess output number: 1 page, color, A4)
"XX Trading Proposal": 150 yen (excess output number: 5 pages, color, A4)
Refer to FIG. 11 again. For example, when the user prints three print job names “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 correction ver”, and “XX trading proposal” in the print job list 801, the user can select from the print job list 801 on the touch panel. First, the print job names “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 correction ver”, and “XX trading proposal” are selected by, for example, a touch operation. When the print job names “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 modified ver”, and “XX Trading Proposal” are selected, the number of selected jobs 802 is displayed as 3, and the total fee 805 is 210 yen. Is displayed. The display that the total fee 805 is 210 yen indicates the total fee that the user should pay when all of the selected “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 modified ver”, and “XX Trading Proposal” are printed. It is shown. In this way, the fee required for each print job and the total fee for each combination are displayed on the screen, so that the user can clearly know the fee (predicted fee) required for each print job before printing.

  S28: The user inputs a fee to the charging apparatus 5. Here, as described above, the print job names “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 modification ver”, and “XX Trading Proposal” are printed, so 210 yen is inserted according to the total amount displayed on the touch panel. .

  S29: The user operates the operation panel 41 after inputting the necessary fee, and performs a print operation (command) on the print job. Specifically, the “print” button is pressed while “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 modification ver”, and “XX trading proposal” are selected on the touch panel.

  S30: When the billing settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 confirms the current investment amount to the charging device 5, information on the current investment amount is transmitted from the charging device 5. Here, it is assumed that the current investment amount is 210 yen as described above.

  S31: The billing settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 commands the billing apparatus 5 to withdraw a fee amount necessary for executing a print job for which a print operation (command) has been performed. The amount debited here is 210 yen. When the charging device 5 completes the charge reduction, the charging settlement unit 405 notifies the output control unit 403 that the corresponding fee has been settled.

  S32: The output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the print job can be executed. Specifically, the output control unit 403 determines whether or not execution is possible, as in the case 1-1 (S9) described above, by adding the number of output sheets obtained by adding the number of output sheets used for the print job and the cumulative number of output sheets. However, when the upper limit output number is exceeded as in this case, it is determined that the charge has been settled from the billing settlement unit 405 to the output control unit 403. Upon receiving the notification (replacement of the excess of the upper limit output number with the settled fee), it can be determined that execution is possible. At this time, the job execution unit 404 is allowed to execute output jobs for the number of output sheets corresponding to the fee.

  If the charge is insufficient, the charging device 5 transmits a signal indicating that it cannot be withdrawn (charge is insufficient), so the charge settlement unit 405 informs the output control unit 403 that the corresponding charge is insufficient. Notice. In this case, the determination result of whether or not the print job can be executed is NO. At this time, the output control unit 403 may display a message prompting the user to insist on insufficient charges and additional charges on the displayed print job list screen, for example.

  S33: Upon receiving permission to execute a print job, the job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires print data of the permitted print job from the print server 2 in order to execute the permitted print job. In this case, print data of “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 modification ver”, and “XX Trading Proposal” are acquired.

  S <b> 34: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 outputs print data of a print job permitted by the output control unit 403. That is, here, the print data of “Presentation 1”, “Presentation 2 modification ver”, and “XX Trading Proposal” are printed. After printing is completed, the user is notified (displayed) that printing has been completed on the touch panel or the like.

  S35: When the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 completes the execution of the print job, the output control server 403 transmits the settlement information used for the print job this time to the output management server 3. The settlement information is, for example, a user ID: “suzuki” and a charging fee: 210 yen. This settlement information is a record of which user has exceeded the output restriction information and has paid for what fee. For example, the user can be liquidated later based on the liquidation information, or can be used as reference information for changing output restriction information (especially the upper limit output number) for the user.

  In the above, the “case corresponding to the output restriction” has been described. As described above, in the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user cannot execute a print job that the user wants to execute due to output restrictions, the user is charged with a charge for printing exceeding the upper limit output number of sheets, thereby It is possible to continue the execution of the print job promptly without inviting the user. Further, since the fee paid by the user can be applied as an output cost that exceeds the upper limit output number of sheets, for example, it is possible to perform output restriction management substantially within the range of the initial budget.

(Modification 1)
In the case 1-2 described above, the “case corresponding to the output restriction” has been described. However, when the user ID is “tanaka” as described above, the output restriction information includes the cumulative number of output sheets: 100 and the upper limit number of output sheets: Since it was 100, no more printing can be performed at this point. In other words, a charge is required when the user executes any print job displayed on the print job list screen.

  On the other hand, in this modified example, the “case corresponding to the output restriction” will be described. For example, if the output restriction information is the cumulative output sheet number: 190 and the upper limit output sheet number: 200, printing up to 10 sheets at this time is performed. It can be carried out. That is, when the same user executes a print job displayed on the print job list screen, depending on the print job, there may be a print job that can be executed within the range of the upper limit output number assigned to the same user. This point will be described.

  Refer to FIG. 10 again. The following is a brief description from S23.

  S23: The user operates the image forming apparatus 4 to perform login authentication for the image forming apparatus 4. Now, the description will proceed assuming that the user ID: “yamada” and the password: “y25ac6” are input and login is permitted (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  S24: When the user's login authentication is successful, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires the output restriction information (cumulative output number, upper limit output number) of the user from the output management server 3. The user ID at the time of login (for example, “yamada”) is used as the identifier of the user. On the other hand, when receiving the output restriction information acquisition (request), the output management server 3 transmits the output restriction information of the same user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “yamada”, output restriction information (cumulative output sheet number: 190, upper limit output sheet number: 200) specified by “yamada” is transmitted (see, for example, FIG. 6).

  S25: Next, the user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a print job list display operation.

  S26: When a print job list display operation is performed, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 sends the print server 2 information on the print job list accumulated by the user (attribute information and print conditions for each print job). Acquisition). The user ID at the time of login (for example, “yamada”) is used as the identifier of the user. On the other hand, when receiving the acquisition (request) of the print job list information accumulated by the user, the print server 2 transmits the print job list information of the user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “yamada”, the print job list specified by “yamada” is transmitted.

  S27: The display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a print job list screen based on the acquired output restriction information and print job list information of the same user, and displays the print job list screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. indicate. As the print job list screen is generated, the billing settlement unit 405 causes the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for each output job and the cumulative output number of the same user to exceed the upper limit output number. Calculate the fee required to output the excess number of output sheets. Here, for at least the print job “Year / Monthly Monthly Report”, the number of output sheets used in the print job “Year / Monthly Monthly Report” (here 15 sheets) and the cumulative number of output sheets of the same user ( Since the added output number (here 205) exceeds the upper limit output number (here 200) of the same user, the excess number of output (here 5) is output. To calculate the necessary fee.

  FIG. 12 shows an example (part 3) of the print job list screen. Here, as shown in the figure, in the print job list 801, the print job with the user ID: “yamada”, the print job name “memo”, and “○ year ○ monthly report” has attribute information and print conditions. It is displayed with. The fee is not displayed at this point because the fee varies depending on the print job selected by the user. On the touch panel, the message “Please pay for printing over 10 sheets. When you select the print job you want to print, the fee will be displayed.” Is displayed.

  In the output restriction information specified by the user ID “yamada” here, the cumulative number of output sheets is 190 and the upper limit number of output sheets is 200. Therefore, the user “yamada” has not yet reached the upper limit output number and can print another 10 sheets, but the upper limit output number will be exceeded.

The billing settlement unit 405 charges the fee required for printing the excess output number for each print job based on the attribute information (number of pages, etc.) and the print conditions (paper size, print color, etc.) for each print job. calculate. Specifically, the fee required to execute each print job here, that is, the fee required to output the excess number of output sheets, is as follows, considering that printing up to 10 sheets is free: (See, for example, FIG. 7).
When printing only “Memo”: 0 yen When printing only “○ Year ○ Monthly Report”: 150 yen (fee for 5 sheets)
When printing both “Memo” and “○ Year ○ Monthly Report”: 180 yen (charge for 6 sheets)
Refer to FIG. 12 again. For example, when the user prints the print job name “memo” in the print job list 801, the user selects the print job name “memo” from the print job list 801 on the touch panel as shown in FIG. Then, press the “Print” button. When the print job name “memo” is selected, the number of selected jobs 802 is displayed as one, the fee for “memo” is displayed as 0 yen, and the total fee 805 is displayed as 0 yen.

  On the other hand, when the user prints the print job name “YYY MONTHLY MONTHLY REPORT” in the print job list 801, the print job list 801 is displayed on the touch panel as shown in FIG. Select the name “Year / Monthly Monthly Report” and then press the “Print” button. When the print job name “Year / Monthly Monthly Report” is selected, the number of selected jobs 802 is displayed as one, and “Memo” fee is displayed as 150 yen, and the total fee 805 is 150 yen. Is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the user prints both the print job name “Memo” and “○ Year ○ Monthly Report” in the print job list 801, the print job list is displayed on the touch panel as shown in FIG. The user selects both the print job name “Memo” and “○ Year ○ Monthly Report” from 801 and then presses the “Print” button. When both the print job name “Memo” and “○ Year ○ Monthly Report” are selected, the number of selected jobs 802 is displayed as two, and the “Memo” fee is displayed as 0 yen. The charge of “Year / Monthly Monthly Report” is displayed as 180 yen, and the total charge 805 is displayed as 180 yen.

  Thereafter, as described above, the user can execute the print job desired to be printed by inputting the necessary fee to the billing apparatus 5 (S28 to S35). In this way, it is possible to print up to a predetermined number of sheets based on the output restriction information, and for the excess exceeding this, the user pays a fee for printing exceeding the upper limit output number of sheets, due to the output restriction. It is possible to continue the execution of the print job promptly without causing a stagnation.

[Information processing 2]
Up to this point, an example of printing has been described. Hereinafter, an example of copying will be described. Since printing paper is also used for copying, output restriction is performed based on the user's output restriction information when the “copy job” is executed.

  In the case of the above-described print job, the number of prints used for the print job can be grasped from the attribute information (for example, the number of pages) of the print job. However, in the case of a copy job, the installation surface (contact glass) of the image forming apparatus 4 ) Or ADF (Auto Document Feeder), when a copy document is set and scanned, the number of sheets used for the copy job can be grasped for the first time. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether the output limit is met before scanning, or to display a specific charge amount in advance. Therefore, since the information processing is different from the information processing 1 related to the print job, this information processing 2 will be described in detail.

  However, even in the case of scanning, in the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the copy job that the user wants to execute cannot be executed due to the output restriction, the user pays the fee for the copy exceeding the upper limit output number. As a result, it is possible to continue the execution of the print job promptly without causing a stagnation of business. In addition, since the fee paid by the user can be applied, for example, as an output cost that exceeds the upper limit output number of sheets, it is possible to perform output restriction management substantially within the range of the initial budget. Have.

  In addition, when the user performs copying using the image forming apparatus 4, the copy manuscript is set on the image forming apparatus 4 and the copy is performed by directly operating the touch panel or the like. Therefore, the output management according to the present embodiment is performed. In the system 100, the output management server 3, the image forming apparatus 4, and the accounting apparatus are used, and the print client 1 and the print server 2 are not used (see, for example, FIG. 1).

(Case 2-1)
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 1) illustrating the information processing 2 of the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. Through this sequence, the user uses the image forming apparatus 4 to execute a copy job. As described above, along with the execution of the copy job, output restriction is performed based on the output restriction information of the same user. In this sequence, a “case not corresponding to output restriction” will be described first. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  S41: The user operates the image forming apparatus 4 to perform login authentication for the image forming apparatus 4. Here, the description will proceed assuming that the user ID: “suzuki” and the password: “abcde” are input and login is permitted (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  S42: When the user's login authentication is successful, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires the output restriction information (cumulative output number, upper limit output number) of the user from the output management server 3. As the identifier of the user, a user ID (for example, “suzuki”) at the time of login is used. On the other hand, when receiving the output restriction information acquisition (request), the output management server 3 transmits the output restriction information of the same user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “suzuki”, output restriction information (cumulative output sheet number: 30, upper limit output sheet number: 100) specified by “suzuki” is transmitted (see, for example, FIG. 6).

  S43: Next, in order to perform copying, the user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a copy screen transition operation.

  S44: When the copy screen transition operation is performed, the display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a copy screen based on the acquired output restriction information of the same user, and displays the copy screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. To do. With the generation of the copy screen, it is checked whether or not the cumulative output number (here 30) of the user exceeds the upper limit output number (here 100) of the user at the present time. This is to display on the copy screen that the fee is required if it exceeds the limit, but here it is assumed that this is not the case, so this point will be described later again.

  FIG. 14 shows an example (part 1) of the copy screen. As shown in the figure, the user can set a copy original and execute copying. In the figure, the remaining 804 indicates the number of remaining copies that can be copied by the user at the present time. This value is calculated based on the output restriction information. When the user ID is “suzuki”, since the cumulative output number is 30 and the upper limit output number is 100 in the output restriction information, the cumulative output number is divided from the upper limit output number. Value. That is, in this case, the remaining number of copies that can be copied is 70 pages (P).

  S45: The user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a copy operation (command). Specifically, after setting the copy original, the printing conditions are designated on the touch panel, and then the “copy” button is pressed.

  S46: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 scans the set copy original. For example, the output control unit 403 may permit the job execution unit 404 to execute the scan of the copy job as it is, and the job execution unit 404 may execute the scan.

  In the case of a copy job, the copy job is generated by pressing the “copy” button, and the copy job is composed of two jobs, scan and output (print). First, the copy original is not scanned. Cannot grasp the number of sheets used for output. Therefore, when a copy document is set on the installation surface of the image forming apparatus 4 or the ADF, and the set copy document is scanned by the occurrence of a copy operation (command) (in consideration of designation of a plurality of copies, etc.) The number of copies used for a copy job is grasped.

  S47: Next, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the copy job can be executed. As described above, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 can grasp the number of output sheets used for the copy job when the copy original is scanned. Then, an added output obtained by adding the number of output sheets used for the copy job (x scanned originals or, if there are a plurality of copies designated, x scanned originals × specified number of copies) and the cumulative output number of the same user. Check if the number exceeds the maximum output number. If the upper limit output number is not exceeded, the execution of the print job is permitted. Here, the added output sheet number: 30 + x obtained by adding the output sheet number: x and the cumulative output sheet number: 30 does not exceed the upper limit output sheet number: 100 (for example, X is 70 or less). The job execution unit 404 is permitted to execute copying.

  S48: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 executes the copy job permitted by the output control unit 403. At this time, the cumulative output number 30 internally held is counted up by x.

  S49: When the output control unit 403 (or job execution unit 404) of the image forming apparatus 4 completes the execution of the copy job, information on the number of copies used for this copy job this time (cumulative output number counted up) Is transmitted to the output management server 3. The output management server 3 updates the accumulated output number that has been counted up with respect to the accumulated print number in the output restriction information of the same user.

  In S46 described above, it has been described that the number of output sheets used for the copy job can be grasped by scanning the copy original. However, this may not always be true depending on the scanning and output timing control method. This is a case of an image forming apparatus that sets a plurality of originals on the ADF and outputs scanned (read) originals in parallel for the purpose of speeding up the output process. For example, if output processing is performed after all 100 originals have been set and scanned, a waiting time until scanning is completed occurs. Therefore, in order to increase the speed of the output process, the previously scanned (read) data is output immediately. In this case, it is not possible to adopt a configuration in which all output sheets used in the copy job are grasped after all the copy originals are scanned.

  Accordingly, in the case of an image forming apparatus having such a scanning and output timing control method, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 sends a copy operation (command) to the output every scan. ) Is performed, it is determined whether or not the copy job can be executed every scan. That is, one scan is handled as one copy job. Specifically, the number of output sheets used for the copy job for one scan (one original document scanned or one original document when a plurality of copies are designated) and the cumulative number of the same user. It is confirmed whether or not the added output number exceeding the output number exceeds the upper limit output number. If the upper limit output number is not exceeded, the execution of the print job is permitted.

  For example, here, since the added output number: 31 obtained by adding the output number for the first scan: 1 and the cumulative output number: 30 does not exceed the upper limit output number: 100, the output control unit 403 performs the job execution unit. The execution of copying is permitted to 404. Then, when the subsequent (for example, second) original is scanned, the process returns to S47 again, and an added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the copy job for the one scan and the cumulative output number of the same user. Confirms whether or not the upper limit output number is exceeded, and if the upper limit output number is not exceeded, the execution of the print job is permitted. In this case, since the added output sheet number: 32 obtained by adding the output sheet number scanned to the second sheet: 1 and the cumulative output sheet number: 31 does not exceed the upper limit output sheet number: 100, the output control unit 403 executes the job. The unit 404 is permitted to execute copying. As described above, this process is repeated for several originals set on the ADF. That is, one scan is handled as one copy job, and the processing of S46 to S48 is repeated until all scans are completed.

  In the above, the “case not corresponding to the output restriction” has been described. Next, the “case corresponding to output restriction” will be described.

(Case 2-2)
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining the information processing 2 of the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. In this sequence, a “case corresponding to output restriction” will be described. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  S 51: The user operates the image forming apparatus 4 and performs login authentication for the image forming apparatus 4. Here, the user ID: “tanaka” and the password: “38bk4” are input, and the description will proceed assuming that login is permitted (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  S52: When the user's login authentication is successful, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires output restriction information (cumulative output number, upper limit output number) of the user from the output management server 3. As the identifier of the user, a user ID (for example, “tanaka”) at the time of login is used. On the other hand, when receiving the output restriction information acquisition (request), the output management server 3 transmits the output restriction information of the same user to the output control unit 403. Here, for example, since the user ID is “tanaka”, output restriction information (cumulative output sheet number: 100, upper limit output sheet number: 100) specified by “tanaka” is transmitted (see, for example, FIG. 6).

  S53: Next, in order to perform copying, the user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a copy screen transition operation.

  S54: When the copy screen transition operation is performed, the display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a copy screen based on the acquired output restriction information of the same user, and displays the copy screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. To do. With the generation of the copy screen, it is confirmed whether or not the cumulative output number of the same user (here, 100 sheets) exceeds the upper limit output number of the same user (here, 100 sheets). This is for displaying that the fee is required when the fee is exceeded.

  FIG. 16 shows an example (part 2) of the copy screen. As shown in the figure, the user can set a copy original and execute copying. However, in this case, "The copy limit has already been exceeded. To copy, please enter the following fee.", "After copying the fee, set the copy and execute the copy." A fee table (for example, see FIG. 7) showing the display and copying fee is shown. In the case of the user ID “tanaka”, in the output restriction information, the cumulative number of output sheets is 100, and the maximum number of output sheets is 100. This means that the user “tanaka” has already reached the upper limit number of output sheets, and cannot copy any more sheets. Therefore, the user “tanaka” needs to inject a fee required to copy the excess number of output sheets when copying from now on. As described above, in the case of a copy job, since the number of sheets used for the copy job can be grasped for the first time at the time of scanning, these are executed at this time, unlike the print job list screen described above. It is not possible to display the specific fee amount including the copy job that is being attempted.

  S55: The user inputs a fee to the billing apparatus 5. The user inputs a fee necessary for copying according to the fee table on the touch panel.

  S56: The user performs a copy operation (command) by operating the operation panel 41 after inputting the necessary fee. Specifically, a copy original is set, and a “copy” button is pressed on the touch panel.

  S57: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 scans the set copy original. As described above, in the case of a copy job, a copy document is set on the installation surface of the image forming apparatus 4 or the ADF. When the document is scanned, the number of copies used for the copy job is finally grasped.

  S58: When the billing settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 confirms the current investment amount to the charging device 5, information on the current investment amount is transmitted from the charging device 5.

  S59: The billing settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 instructs the billing apparatus 5 to deduct a fee amount required to execute the copy job based on the number of scanned copy originals by performing a copy operation (command). . When the charging device 5 completes the charge reduction, the charging settlement unit 405 notifies the output control unit 403 that the corresponding fee has been settled. This fee amount is calculated by the accounting settlement unit 405 based on the number of scanned copy originals, the specified number of copies, and printing conditions (paper size, printing color, etc.).

  S60: The output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not to execute the copy job based on the number of scanned copy originals. Specifically, the output control unit 403 determines whether or not execution can be performed based on whether or not the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the copy job and the cumulative output number does not exceed the upper limit output number. However, when the upper limit output number is exceeded as in this case, the billing settlement unit 405 notifies the output control unit 403 that the corresponding fee has been settled (the upper limit output number It is possible to determine that execution is possible by replacing the excess amount with the settled fee). At this time, the job execution unit 404 is permitted to execute the copy job based on the number of scanned copy originals.

  S61: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 executes a copy job permitted by the output control unit 403. Further, in this case, the accumulated output number of sheets held internally: 100 is not counted up, but charges are separately added to the settlement information.

  S <b> 62: When the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 completes the execution of all the copy jobs, it sends the settlement information used for the copy job this time to the output management server 3. This checkout information is a record of which user has exceeded the output restriction information and paid for how much charge. For example, as described above, the user can be liquidated on the basis of the liquidation information at a later date, or can be used for reference information for changing the output restriction information (particularly the upper limit output number) for the user.

  As described above, in the case of an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of originals are set on the ADF and scanned (read) originals are output in parallel, the copy originals are scanned and used for the copy job. It is not possible to adopt a configuration in which the number of all output sheets is grasped. Accordingly, in the case of an image forming apparatus having such a scanning and output timing control method, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 sends a copy operation (command) to the output every scan. ), A fee amount required to execute a copy job for one scan is calculated and deducted for each scan. That is, one scan is handled as one copy job, and the processing of S57 to S61 is repeated until all scans are completed.

  As described above, in the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user cannot execute a copy job that the user wants to execute due to the output restriction, the user pays a fee for the copy exceeding the upper limit output number of sheets. The execution of the copy job can be continued promptly without causing stagnation. Further, since the fee paid by the user can be applied as an output cost that exceeds the upper limit output number of sheets, for example, it is possible to perform output restriction management substantially within the range of the initial budget.

(Modification 2)
In the case 2-2 described above, the “case corresponding to the output restriction” has been described. However, when the user ID is “tanaka” as described above, the output restriction information includes the cumulative number of output sheets: 100, the upper limit number of output sheets: Since it was 100, no more copies can be made at this point. On the other hand, in the second modification as well, the “case corresponding to the output restriction” will be described. For example, when the user ID is “yamada”, the output restriction information is the cumulative output sheet number: 190 and the upper limit output sheet number: 200. Then, up to 10 copies can be made at this point (see, for example, FIG. 6). That is, when the same user executes a copy job, depending on the number of copies, copying can be performed within the range of the upper limit output number assigned to the user, and when the upper limit output number is exceeded, the corresponding amount is exceeded. A fee is required. This point will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram (part 3) for explaining the information processing 2 of the output management system 100 according to the present embodiment. 13 and 15 are generally combined, and will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  S 71: The user operates the image forming apparatus 4 to perform login authentication for the image forming apparatus 4. Here, the user ID: “yamada” and the password: “y25ac6” are input, and the description will proceed assuming that login is permitted (see, for example, FIG. 5).

  S72: When the user's login authentication is successful, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 acquires the output restriction information (cumulative output number, upper limit output number) of the user from the output management server 3. Here, it is assumed that the output restriction information (cumulative output sheet number: 190, upper limit output sheet number: 200) of the user ID: “yamada” has been acquired (see, for example, FIG. 6).

  S73: Next, in order to perform copying, the user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a copy screen transition operation.

  S74: When the copy screen transition operation is performed, the display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a copy screen based on the acquired output restriction information of the same user, and displays the copy screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. To do. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the cumulative output number of the same user (190 in this case) exceeds the upper limit output number (200 in this case) of the user at this time. Here there is no excess at this point.

  FIG. 18 shows an example (part 3) of the copy screen. As shown in the figure, the user can set a copy original and execute copying. In the figure, the remaining 804 indicates the number of remaining copies that can be copied by the user at the present time. In this case, the remaining number of copies that can be copied is 10 pages (P).

  S75: The user operates the operation panel 41 to perform a copy operation (command). Specifically, after setting the copy original, the printing conditions are designated on the touch panel, and then the “copy” button is pressed. In this modification, it is assumed that 15 originals are set (if the number is 10 or less, it corresponds to the case 2-1 described above).

  S76: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 scans the set copy original.

  S77: The output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the copy job can be executed. As described above, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 can grasp the number of output sheets used for the copy job when the copy original is scanned. Here, the number of output sheets is 15. Then, it is checked whether the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the copy job and the cumulative output number of the same user exceeds the upper limit output number. If the upper limit output number is not exceeded, the execution of the print job is permitted. Here, the added output number: 205 obtained by adding the output number: 15 and the cumulative output number: 190 exceeds the upper limit output number: 200. Therefore, the output control unit 403 instructs the job execution unit 404 to copy. Do not allow execution.

  S78: The display unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 generates a copy screen again based on the number of scanned copy originals and the output restriction information of the same user, and displays the copy screen on the touch panel of the operation panel 41. This is to display that an additional fee is necessary. An example of the copy screen is shown below.

  FIG. 19 shows an example (part 4) of the copy screen. As shown in the figure, “The number of scanned documents is fifteen. The maximum number of copies that can be copied by 10 is exceeded. To continue copying, please enter the following fee.” Please execute copy again. "And" Total fee: 150 yen "indicating the copy fee are displayed. In the case of the user ID: “yamada”, in the output restriction information, the cumulative number of output sheets is 190 and the maximum number of output sheets is 200. This is because the user “yamada” can only copy up to 10 sheets free of charge, so if he / she wants to continue copying the scanned document, he / she needs to copy the excess output number (for example, Color, A4, 5 extra cards, and a total fee of 150 yen) must be entered.

  S79: The user inputs a fee to the billing apparatus 5. The user inputs a fee necessary for copying according to the fee table on the touch panel.

  S80: The user performs a copy operation (command) by operating the operation panel 41 after inputting the necessary fee. Specifically, the copy original is set, and the “copy” button is pressed again on the touch panel.

  S90: When the billing settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 confirms the current investment amount to the charging device 5, information on the current investment amount is transmitted from the charging device 5.

  S91: The accounting settlement unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 4 performs a copy operation (command) to the accounting apparatus 5 and deducts an additional fee amount necessary to execute the copy job based on the number of scanned copy originals. Command. The amount deducted here is 150 yen. When the charging device 5 completes the charge reduction, the charging settlement unit 405 notifies the output control unit 403 that the corresponding fee has been settled.

  S92: The output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the copy job can be executed based on the number of scanned copy originals. Specifically, the output control unit 403 determines whether or not execution can be performed based on whether or not the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the copy job and the cumulative output number does not exceed the upper limit output number. However, when the upper limit output number is exceeded as in this case, the billing settlement unit 405 notifies the output control unit 403 that the corresponding fee has been settled (the upper limit output number It is possible to determine that execution is possible by replacing the excess amount with the settled fee). At this time, the job execution unit 404 is permitted to execute the copy job based on the number of scanned copy originals.

  S93: The job execution unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 4 executes the copy job permitted by the output control unit 403. In this case, the cumulative output number 190 held internally is counted up to 200, and a fee (150 yen) is added to the settlement information.

  S94: Upon completion of execution of all copy jobs, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 outputs information on the number of copies used for this copy job this time (cumulative output number counted up) and settlement information. It transmits to the management server 3. The output management server 3 updates the accumulated output number that has been counted up with respect to the accumulated print number in the output restriction information of the same user.

  As described above, in the case of an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of originals are set on the ADF and scanned (read) originals are output in parallel, the copy originals are scanned and used for the copy job. It is not possible to adopt a configuration in which the number of all output sheets is grasped. Accordingly, in the case of an image forming apparatus having such a scanning and output timing control method, the output control unit 403 of the image forming apparatus 4 sends a copy operation (command) to the output every scan. ), A fee amount required to execute a copy job for one scan is calculated and deducted for each scan. That is, one scan is handled as one copy job, and it is sufficient to repeat the processing of S57 to S61 in FIG. 15 until 10 copies are completed. Then, from the determination of whether or not the 11th sheet can be executed, the process proceeds to S76 in FIG. 17, and the 11th to 15th sheets are continuously copied.

  FIG. 20 shows an example (part 5) of the copy screen. In this case, since execution is determined for each scan, it is determined that up to 10 sheets can be executed, and as a result, 10 copies are output. Therefore, as shown in the figure, up to 10 sheets have been copied, but for the 11th and subsequent sheets, it is necessary to copy the excess output number of sheets (for example, color, A4, excess 5 sheets, It is displayed with the gist that output can be continued by paying a total fee of 150 yen.

[Summary]
According to the present invention described above, even when the preset upper limit output number is exceeded, the output is continued without causing a stagnation of work, and the output cost for exceeding the upper limit output number is reduced. It is possible to provide a depositable output device, an output management system, and an output restriction program.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print client 2 Print server 3 Output management server 4 Image forming apparatus 5 Charging apparatus 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 Auxiliary storage device 35 Storage medium reading device 36 Input device 37 Display device 38 Communication device 41 Operation panel 41a Input device 41b Display device 42 Storage media I / F
42a Drive device 42b Recording medium 43 Controller 43a ROM
43b RAM
43c CPU
44 Data communication I / F
44a Interface device 45 Scanner 45a Image reading device 46 Plotter 46a Printing device 47 HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Output management system 401 User authentication part 402 Job reception part 403 Output control part 404 Job execution part 405 Charge settlement part 406 Display part

JP 2004-102356 A JP 2008-165725 A

Claims (6)

An output device for performing output restriction,
Job accepting means for accepting output jobs for each user,
The upper limit output number and cumulative output number of the user of the output job accepted by the job accepting means are acquired, and the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the accepted output job and the cumulative output number Output control means for permitting execution of an output job if the upper limit number of output sheets is not exceeded,
Job execution means for executing an output job permitted by the output control means;
When the added output number exceeds the upper limit output number, a charge settlement means for charging a fee necessary to output the excess output number, and for paying the fee,
Have
The output control means is a case where the upper limit output number of sheets is exceeded, and when the charge is settled by the billing settlement means, the output of the output job corresponding to the output number corresponding to the charge is made to the job execution means. Allow execution,
An output device characterized by. The output job is a print job,
Display means for displaying a print job list screen displaying print jobs to be output;
Have
When one or more print jobs are selected from the print job list screen, the billing settlement unit adds the number of output sheets used for the print job and the cumulative output number of the selected print jobs. For a print job in which the number of output sheets exceeds the upper limit number of output sheets, the fee required to output the excess number of output sheets is calculated,
The display means displays the charge as a charge when executing the print job in association with the print job on the print job list screen;
The output device according to claim 1. The output job is a copy job,
Display means for displaying a copy screen;
Have
The job accepting unit accepts a copy job of a scanned copy original,
The output control means is received by the job accepting means, and the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the copy job of the scanned copy original and the cumulative output number exceeds the upper limit output number , Do not allow copy job execution,
The billing settlement means calculates a fee required to output the excess output number of sheets,
The display means displays the fee as a fee for executing the copy job on the copy screen;
The output device according to claim 1. The output job includes printing conditions;
The billing settlement means calculates a fee required to output the excess number of output sheets according to the print conditions of the output job;
The output device according to claim 1, wherein the output device is an output device. An output management system for managing output restrictions,
Storage means for storing a predetermined upper limit output sheet number and a cumulative output sheet number for each user;
Job accepting means for accepting output jobs for each user,
An output control means for permitting execution of the output job when the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the output job received by the job receiving means and the cumulative output number does not exceed the upper limit output number; ,
Job execution means for executing an output job permitted by the output control means;
When the added output number exceeds the upper limit output number, a charge settlement means for charging a fee necessary to output the excess output number, and for paying the fee,
Have
The output control means is a case where the upper limit output number of sheets is exceeded, and when the charge is settled by the billing settlement means, the output of the output job corresponding to the output number corresponding to the charge is made to the job execution means. Allow execution,
An output management system characterized by To the output device that performs output restriction,
Job accepting means for accepting output jobs for each user,
The upper limit output number and cumulative output number of the user of the output job accepted by the job accepting means are acquired, and the added output number obtained by adding the output number used for the accepted output job and the cumulative output number Output control means for permitting execution of an output job if the upper limit number of output sheets is not exceeded,
Job execution means for executing an output job permitted by the output control means;
When the added output number exceeds the upper limit output number, charge the fee required to output the excess output number, and function as a billing settlement unit that settles the fee,
The output control means is a case where the upper limit output number of sheets is exceeded, and when the charge is settled by the billing settlement means, the output of the output job corresponding to the output number corresponding to the charge is made to the job execution means. Allow execution,
An output restriction program characterized by

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