JP2018056761A - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method that suppress a reduction in convenience of a user even when a communication with a server cannot be established.SOLUTION: When determining that a management server 100 is not in operation (S61: NO), a CPU 32 sets an available number Q to available numbers Qb1 to Qb3 that are values smaller than an available number Qa calculated when determining that the management server 100 is in operation (S95)(S73, S75, and S77). This enables an MFP 10 to form images until the number of sheets used in image forming processing reaches one of the available numbers Qb1 to Qb3 even when the management server 100 is not in operation. The MFP 10 suppressing a reduction in convenience can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a configuration that prohibits the operation of the image forming apparatus, for example, prohibiting execution of a new print process when communication with a computer connected by a cable is impossible.

JP 2005-33460 A

  However, in an image forming apparatus communicable with a server connected via a network, if the operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited when communication with the server is impossible, there is a possibility that the usability of the user is lowered.

  The present application has been proposed in view of the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method in which user usability is suppressed even when communication with a server is impossible. The purpose is to do.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present application includes a housing, an image forming unit provided in the housing, a communication unit provided in the housing and connectable to a network, and a control unit. An image forming process for causing the image forming unit to form an image using resources, a first determination process for determining whether or not the communication unit can communicate with the server via the network, and communication in the first determination process If it is determined that communication is possible, when the amount of resources used by the image forming process reaches the first predetermined amount, it is determined that communication is not possible in the first limiting process for limiting the image forming process and the first determining process. In this case, when the amount of resources used by the image forming process reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount, a second limiting process for limiting the image forming process is executed.

  In this way, even if the communication unit cannot communicate with the server via the network, an image can be formed until the amount of resources used in the image forming process reaches the second predetermined amount. It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that suppresses the decrease in usability.

  According to the present application, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method in which user usability is suppressed even when communication with a server is impossible.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the management process which a management server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the monitoring process which a monitoring server performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing contents of update processing executed by an MFP in a standby state. 10 is a flowchart (1/2) showing the processing contents of an update printing process executed by the MFP. 6 is a flowchart (2/2) showing processing contents of an update printing process executed by the MFP.

<Configuration of image forming system>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a management server 100, a monitoring server 200, and N MFPs (Multi-Function Peripheral) 10 connected to each other via a network 300. The N MFPs 10 have the same configuration. When distinguishing each of the MFPs 10, the numerals are appended with parenthesized numbers, and when not distinguishing each, the MFPs 10 are collectively referred to as MFPs 10. . The management server 100 is a server that manages the number of printed sheets of the N MFPs 10. The monitoring server 200 is a server that monitors the state of the management server 100. The monitoring server 200 stores state information 201 related to the state of the management server 100, and provides the state information 201 to the MFP 10 in response to a request. The state information 201 includes maintenance information 202. The status information 201 is stored in the management server 100 when the monitoring server 200 acquires and creates or updates the status information 101 including the maintenance information 102, and the management of the monitoring server 200 that acquires the latest status information 101. The monitoring server 200 may be created or updated by an operation performed by the person 203. The management server 100 stores user information 103 that is information for managing the number of printed sheets of the MFP 10 and provides the user information 103 to the MFP 10 in response to a request. The MFP 10 updates the stored user information 351 based on the provided user information 103. Details of the status information 101 and 201 and the user information 103 and 351 will be described later.

<Configuration of MFP>
Next, the electrical configuration of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 10 is a multifunction machine having a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX communication function. The MFP 10 includes a housing (not shown), and a CPU 32, a RAM 33, a ROM 34, an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 35, an image forming unit 37, an image reading unit 38, a FAX communication unit 39, a user interface 40, a network inside the housing. An interface 44, a timer 50, and the like are provided. The ROM 34 stores a program for executing processing such as update processing and update printing processing, which will be described later, and the CPU 32 is connected via the bus 31 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 according to the program read from the ROM 34. Control each part. The NVRAM 35 stores user information 351 and the like. The timer 50 is used by the CPU 32 to execute timer interrupt processing, and outputs a signal to the CPU 32 when the set time has elapsed.

  The image forming unit 37 forms a color or monochrome image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method according to, for example, a print job. In the following description, forming an image on a sheet may be described as printing. The image forming unit 37 includes four process cartridges corresponding to four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, an exposure unit, a transfer roller, and a fixing unit (not shown). Each of the process cartridges has a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a toner storage chamber, and the like (not shown). The exposure unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing roller supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. The transfer roller transfers the toner image to the sheet. The fixing unit thermally fixes the toner to the sheet.

  The image reading unit 38 reads an image of a document with an image scanner (not shown) and generates read data.

  The FAX communication unit 39 transmits / receives FAX data to / from other FAX communication devices via a connected telephone line (not shown). The user interface 40 includes a touch panel 41 and operation buttons (not shown). The user interface 40 displays various setting screens, device operation states, and the like on the touch panel 41. In addition, a signal corresponding to an operation performed by the user on the touch panel 41 and operation buttons is output to the CPU 32. The network interface 44 communicates with the management server 100, the monitoring server 200, and a PC (not shown) connected to the network 300.

<Configuration of management server and monitoring server>
The management server 100 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, timer, network interface, HDD, display unit, operation unit, and the like (not shown). The HDD stores an OS (Operating System), installed application software, and the like. In accordance with the program read from the ROM and HDD, the CPU controls each unit connected by the bus while storing the processing result in the RAM. The timer is for the CPU to execute timer interrupt processing, and outputs a signal to the CPU when the set time has elapsed. The network interface includes an antenna (not shown) and performs wireless LAN communication. The display unit displays information according to a command from the CPU. The operation unit includes a keyboard and a mouse, and transmits a user operation as a signal to the CPU. The HDD stores status information 101 and user information 103.

  The monitoring server is, for example, a PC server, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a timer, a network interface, an HDD, a display unit, an operation unit, and the like (not shown) as with the management server 100. The HDD also stores state information 201.

<Outline of image forming system>
When the management server 100 is in a communicable state via the network 300, the MFP 10 determines whether to perform image forming processing based on the latest user information 351 that has been updated by receiving the user information 103 from the management server 100. Determine whether. On the other hand, when the management server 100 is in a communication disabled state, the MFP 10 calculates the usable number Q and determines whether or not to perform image forming processing based on the calculated usable number Q. Here, the image forming process is a process for controlling the image forming unit 37 to form an image on a sheet.

  The maintenance information 102 stored in the management server 100 describes a schedule of a period during which communication is disabled for maintenance of the management server 100. In addition to the maintenance information 102, the status information 101 includes information indicating that recovery work is in progress when an unscheduled failure occurs.

  The user information 103 stored in the management server 100 includes user information, a total usable number Qn, and a distribution number N. Here, the management server 100 manages such that the total number of printed sheets printed by N MFPs 10 per month does not exceed the initial value of the total usable number Qn. The number of distributions is information indicating the number of MFPs to which the total usable number Qn is assigned. Here, since the number of MFPs 10 to which the total available number Qn is assigned is N, the number of distributions is N. The user information is information for specifying an MFP to which the total usable number Qn and the distribution number N are applied. When the management server 100 receives the transmission request for the user information 103, the management server 100 transmits the user information 103 including the total usable number Qn and the distribution number N regarding the transmission source MFP based on the user information.

  The CPU 32 of the MFP 10 uses the total available number Qn, the distribution number N, the available number Q, the update request number, and the information hold flag for processing. The total usable number Qn, the distribution number N, the usable number Q, and the update request number are stored in the NVRAM 35 as user information 351. The information hold flag is stored in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 35. When printing is started, the MFP 10 adds 1 to the number of update requests every time printing of one sheet is completed. When the print job ends, if the management server 100 is in a communicable state, the MFP 10 transmits the update request number to the management server 100. In response to this, the management server 100 causes the user information 103 to reflect the number of prints printed by the MFP 10. On the other hand, when the management server 100 is in a communication-disabled state, the MFP 10 cannot transmit the update request number to the management server 100, so the information hold flag indicating whether or not the update request number has been transmitted can be turned on and updated. The requested number is stored.

<Management server>
Next, management processing executed by the management server 100 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the management server 100 starts management processing every predetermined time. First, the CPU of the management server 100 determines whether a request is transmitted from the MFP 10 as a client (S1). If it is determined that the request has been transmitted (S1: YES), it is determined whether the request is a request for transmission of the user information 103 (S3). If it is determined that the request is for requesting transmission of the user information 103 (S3: YES), the CPU transmits the user information 103 to the MFP 10 as the transmission source (S5), and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is not a request for transmission of the user information 103 (S3: NO), the request is for requesting an update of the user information 103. Update. Specifically, the user information 103 is updated using the value obtained by subtracting the transmitted update request number from the available total number Qn as the available total number Qn (S7). Next, the fact that the user information 103 has been updated is transmitted to the MFP 10 as the transmission source (S9), and the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is not transmitted from the MFP 10 (S1: NO), it is next determined from the monitoring server 200 whether the request is for requesting transmission of the status information 201 (S11). If it is determined that the request is for requesting transmission of the state information 201 (S11: YES), the state information 201 is transmitted to the monitoring server 200 (S17), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is not a request for transmission of the status information 201 (S11: NO), it is determined whether there is a timer interrupt depending on whether a signal from the timer is output (S13). Here, since the management server 100 manages the number of printed pages per month, the timer outputs a signal for each month. If it is determined that there is a timer interruption (S13: YES), the total usable number Qn is reset to the initial value (S15), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no timer interrupt (S13: NO), the process is terminated.

  As described above, when the update request number is transmitted from the MFP 10, the management server 100 updates the user information 103 and provides the status information 101 to the monitoring server 200 and the MFP 10 in response to the request.

<Monitoring server>
Next, management processing executed by the monitoring server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the monitoring server 200 starts monitoring processing every predetermined time. First, the CPU of the monitoring server 200 determines whether or not a request for transmission of the status information 201 has been transmitted from the MFP 10 as a client (S21). If it is determined that a request for transmission of the status information 201 has been transmitted (S21: YES), the status information 201 is transmitted to the MFP 10 that is the transmission source (S23), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request for transmission of the status information 201 has not been transmitted (S21: NO), the management server 100 or the administrator 203 requests the creation of new maintenance information 202 or the maintenance information 202. It is determined whether or not there is a request for update (S25). If it is determined that there is a request for creation / update of the maintenance information 202 (S25: YES), the maintenance information 202 is created or updated in response to the request (S27). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no request for creation / update of the maintenance information 202 (S25: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a timer interrupt based on a signal from the timer in order to periodically update the state information 201. (S29). If it is determined that there is no timer interrupt (S29: NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a timer interrupt (S29: YES), a request for transmission of the status information 101 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S31). Next, the monitoring server 200 updates the state information 201 stored in itself (S33), and ends the process. Specifically, in step S33, when the state information 101 is transmitted from the management server 100, the state information 201 is updated based on the transmitted state information 101. For example, when the status information 101 includes the latest maintenance information 102, the monitoring server 200 updates the maintenance information 202. Further, for example, when the status information 101 includes information that the function for managing the number of prints of the MFP 10 is unavailable due to some trouble, the monitoring server 200 includes the status information 201 in the management server 100. Writes information that the function to be managed is unavailable. In addition, when the status information 101 is not transmitted from the management server 100 or when the communication with the management server 100 is not possible, the monitoring server 200 indicates that the status information 201 cannot communicate with the management server 100. Write information.

  As described above, the monitoring server 200 updates the state information 201 to the latest state, and provides the state information 201 including the maintenance information 202 to the MFP 10 in response to the request.

<MFP in standby>
Next, update processing executed by the MFP 10 in the standby state will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the MFP 10 starts an update process every predetermined time. The standby state is a state where the MFP 10 is not executing the update printing process.

  First, in order to periodically request the management server 100 to update the user information 103, the CPU 32 determines whether there is a timer interruption based on a signal from the timer 50 (S41). If it is determined that there is no timer interrupt (S41: NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a timer interruption (S41: YES), it is determined whether or not the management server 100 is in operation (S43). Specifically, a request for transmission of the state information 201 is transmitted to the monitoring server 200, and a determination is made based on the received state information 201. The maintenance schedule of the maintenance information 202 included in the state information 201 does not include the current time, the function managed by the management server 100 is not available in the state information 201, and communication with the management server 100 is not possible. If no information is included, the management server 100 determines that it is operating. If it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S43: NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S43: YES), it is determined whether or not the information hold flag is ON (S45). Here, when the information hold flag is ON, it indicates that the latest update request number is not transmitted to the management server 100. If it is determined that the information hold flag is not ON (S45: NO), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information hold flag is ON (S45: YES), a request for updating the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S47). In step S47, the CPU 32 refers to the user information 351 and transmits the update request number. Thereby, the management server 100 performs step S7. Next, it is determined whether or not the update of the user information 103 transmitted by the management server 100 executing step S9 is transmitted (S49). If it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has not been transmitted (S49: NO), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user information 103 has been updated (S49: YES), the update request number is reset to the initial value (S51). Next, the information hold flag is turned off (S53). Next, a request for transmission of the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S55). Thereby, the management server 100 performs step S5. Next, based on the user information 103 transmitted from the management server 100, the user information 351 is updated (S57), and the process ends. Specifically, in step S57, the CPU 32 updates the total usable number Qn included in the user information 351.

<MFP currently printing>
Next, update printing processing executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The waiting MFP 10 starts the update printing process when receiving a job with image formation such as a print job.

  First, similarly to step S43, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the management server 100 is in operation (S61). If it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S61: YES), it is determined whether or not the information hold flag is ON (S81). If it is determined that the information hold flag is not ON (S81: NO), the process proceeds to step S91. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information hold flag is ON (S81: YES), a request for updating the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 as in step S47 (S83). Thereby, the management server 100 performs step S7. Next, it is determined whether or not the update of the user information 103 transmitted by the management server 100 executing step S9 is transmitted (S85). If it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has not been transmitted (S85: NO), the process proceeds to step S91. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user information 103 has been updated (S85: YES), the update request number is reset (S87). Next, the information hold flag is turned off (S89). Next, a request for transmission of the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S91). Thereby, the management server 100 performs step S5. Next, similarly to step S57, the user information 351 is updated based on the user information 103 transmitted from the management server 100 (S93). Next, since the total usable number Qn is the latest value, a value obtained by dividing the total usable number Qn by the distribution number N is set as the usable number Q. The usable number Q calculated in this way may be referred to as the usable number QA.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the management server 100 is not operating (S61: NO), it is determined whether the information hold flag is ON (S63). If it is determined that the information hold flag is ON (S63: YES), the usable number Q is read from the NVRAM 35, stored in the RAM 33, and the process proceeds to step S97 (FIG. 6). On the other hand, if it is determined that the information hold flag is not ON (S63: NO), the total available number Qn and the distribution number N included in the user information 351 are read from the NVRAM 35 and stored in the RAM 33 (S65). Next, for example, a message is transmitted to the monitoring server 200, and whether or not the monitoring server 200 is accessible is determined based on whether or not there is a reply (S67). If it is determined that access to the monitoring server 200 is possible (S67: YES), a request for transmission of the status information 201 is transmitted to the monitoring server 200 (S69). Thereby, the monitoring server 200 executes Step S23. Based on the maintenance information 202 included in the received status information 201, the monitoring server 200 determines whether maintenance is in progress (S71). If the monitoring server 200 determines that the maintenance is not in progress (S71: NO), the value obtained by subtracting 200 from the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn stored in the RAM 33 by the distribution number N is set as the available number Q, step S97. Go to (Fig. 7). Note that the usable number Q calculated in this way may be referred to as a usable number QB1. On the other hand, if the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is underway (S71: YES), a value obtained by subtracting 300 from the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn stored in the RAM 33 by the distribution number N is used as the available number Q. The process proceeds to step S97 (FIG. 7). The usable number Q calculated in this way may be referred to as the usable number QB2. If it is determined that access to the monitoring server 200 is not possible (S67: NO), a value obtained by subtracting 500 from the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn stored in the RAM 33 by the distribution number N is used as the available number Q. Proceed to step S97 (FIG. 7). The usable number Q calculated in this way may be referred to as the usable number QB2. Further, when the available number Qa, Qb1, Qb2, Qb3 calculated in steps S95, S73, S75, S77 is not an integer, the values obtained by rounding down the decimal point are set as the available numbers Qa, Qb1, Qb2, Qb3. Further, when the usable number QB1, QB2, QB3 calculated in steps S73, S75, S77 becomes a negative value, the usable number QA, QB1, QB2, QB3 is set to zero.

  When it is determined that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO), for example, when a failure occurs, the manager managing the management server 100 is expected to recover the management server 100 early. . For this reason, the CPU 32 makes the value of the usable number Q larger than when the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is being performed (S71: YES). When it is determined that access to the monitoring server 200 is not possible (S67: NO), the MFP 10 cannot communicate with both the management server 100 and the monitoring server 200. For this reason, in order to make the MFP 10 communicable with the management server 100, work in the MFP 10 is required, and it is determined that the time until the MFP 10 can communicate can be accessed with the monitoring server 200 (S67). : YES). Therefore, the CPU 32 makes the value of the usable number Q smaller than when it is determined that access to the monitoring server 200 is possible (S67: YES). In this way, even if the image forming process up to the usable number Q is performed during the period when the management server 100 is not operating, it is possible to suppress the number exceeding the total usable number Qn. .

  In step S97 (FIG. 7), the CPU 32 determines whether or not the usable number Q stored in the RAM 33 is 0 (S97). If it is determined that the available number Q is 0 (S97: YES), an error message indicating that printing is not possible is displayed on the user interface 40, the user is notified, the image forming process is stopped (S117), and step S107. Proceed to On the other hand, if it is determined that the usable number Q is not 0 (S97: NO), the image forming process is executed for one sheet based on the job (S99). Next, 1 is subtracted from the usable number Q (S101). Next, 1 is added to the number of update requests stored in the NVRAM 35 (S103). Next, it is determined whether or not the printing designated by the job is completed (S105). If it is determined that printing has not been completed (S105: NO), the process returns to step S97. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has been completed (S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the CPU 32 determines whether the management server 100 is in operation as in step S43 (S107). If it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S107: YES), a request for updating the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S109). Thereby, the management server 100 performs step S7. Next, it is determined whether or not the update of the user information 103 transmitted by the management server 100 executing step S9 is transmitted (S111). If it is determined that the user information 103 has been updated (S111: YES), the usable number stored in the RAM 33 is stored in the NVRAM 35, and the update request number is reset (S113). Next, the information hold flag is turned off (S115), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S107: NO) and when it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has not been transmitted (S111: NO), the information hold flag is turned ON. (S119), the process ends.

  Here, the MFP 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus, the network interface 44 is an example of a communication unit, the CPU 32 is an example of a control unit, and the management server 100 is an example of a server. The monitoring server 200 is a communication device connected to the network, and is an example of a communication device different from the server. Step S61 is an example of a first determination process. The usable number Qa is an example of a first predetermined amount, and the usable number Qb1 to b3 is an example of a second predetermined amount. Further, step S97 and step S117, which are executed after setting the available number Q to Qa in step S95, are an example of a first restriction process. Steps S97 and S117, which are executed after the usable number Q is set to any of Qb1 to Qb3 in steps S73, S75, and S77, are examples of the second restriction process. Step S103 is an example of a recording process. Based on the total available number Qn updated by the execution of step S7, step S97 and step S117 executed after setting the available number Q to Qa in step S95 are an example of a third restriction process. Step S67 is an example of a second determination process. The total usable number Qn is an example of the total amount of resources. The update request number is an example of “the number of sheets on which the image forming unit has formed an image”. Steps S47 and S83 are “the number of sheets on which the image forming unit has formed an image is transmitted to the server via the communication unit”. Is an example of “processing to be performed”.

As mentioned above, according to 1st Embodiment demonstrated, there exist the following effects.
(1) When it is determined that the management server 100 is not operating (S61: NO), the CPU 32 calculates the usable number Q, which is calculated when the management server 100 determines that the management server 100 is operating. The available number Qb1 to b3 (S73, S75, S77), which is a smaller value than S95). In step S97 to be executed thereafter, when the CPU 32 determines that the available number of sheets Qb1 to b3 is not 0 (S97: NO), it executes an image forming process. Thereby, even if the management server 100 is not in operation, the MFP 10 can form an image until the number of sheets used in the image forming process reaches any one of the usable number Qb1 to b3. It is possible to provide the MFP 10 in which usability is suppressed from decreasing.

  (2) (3) When it is determined that the management server 100 is in operation (S61: YES), the CPU 32 is based on the total available number Qn included in the latest user information 103 acquired from the management server 100. Thus, the usable number Qa is calculated. As a result, it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation before (S61: NO) and the available number Q can be used based on the latest user information 103 even when the available number Q is set to the available number Qb1 to b3. Images can be formed until the number Qa is reached.

  (4) (5) If it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S61: NO), the cause of the MFP 10 being unable to communicate with the management server 100 depends on whether the monitoring server 200 is accessible or not. It is determined whether it is on the MFP 10 side. It is determined that access to the monitoring server 200 is possible (S67: YES), and the available number Qb1 and Qb2 when it is determined that the cause of communication failure is on the management server 100 side is determined not to be accessible to the monitoring server 200. (S67: NO), it is set to a value larger than the usable number Qb3 when it is determined that the cause of communication failure is the MFP 10 side. As a result, images can be formed until the usable number Qb1, Qb2 is reached when it can be expected that communication is possible earlier than when it is determined that the cause of communication failure is on the MFP 10 side.

  (6) The usable number Qb2 when the management server 100 determines that maintenance is in progress (S71: YES), and the CPU 32 determines the usable number Qb1 when the management server 100 determines that maintenance is not in progress (S71: NO). Is set to a smaller value. As a result, images can be formed until the usable number Qb2 is reached when it is assumed that it takes a long time until communication is possible, rather than when the management server 100 determines that maintenance is not in progress.

(9) The CPU 32 transmits the update request number to the management server 100 in steps S47 and S83. Thereby, the management server 100 can update the user information 103.
[Modification]

Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the above description, when it is determined that the management server 100 is in operation (S61: YES), the CPU 32 divides the total available number Qn acquired from the management server 100 by the distribution number N to obtain the available number Qa. It was explained that it was calculated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation before (S61: NO), a value smaller than the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn by the distribution number N is used. The possible number Q may be used. Here, before is, for example, a period from when the management server 100 executes step S15 to when the CPU 32 determines that the management server 100 is operating (S61: YES). If it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation before (S61: NO), it is highly likely that the management server 100 is not in operation again. It is preferable that

  Further, in the above description, the usable number Qb2 when the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is being performed (S71: YES), and the CPU 32 can be used when the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is not being performed (S71: NO). It has been described that the value is smaller than the number Qb1. Conversely, the usable number Q when the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is in progress (S71: YES), and the available number Q when the CPU 32 determines that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO). A larger value may be used. When the management server 100 is not under maintenance, it is assumed that some kind of failure has occurred and there is no prospect of recovery. In view of this, it is possible to form images until the usable number Q is reached when it is assumed that the management server 100 is in a short time until communication is possible, rather than when the management server 100 determines that maintenance is not in progress. More specifically, in steps S73 and S75, the value that is subtracted from the value obtained by dividing the total available number by the distribution number N is managed more than when the management server 100 determines that maintenance is in progress (S71: YES). What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which enlarges when it is judged that the server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO).

  Further, in the above description, the usable number Qb2 when the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is being performed (S71: YES), and the CPU 32 can be used when the management server 100 determines that the maintenance is not being performed (S71: NO). Although it has been described that the value is smaller than the number Qb1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71: YES), the available number Q may be made smaller than a predetermined value when the time until the end of the maintenance is longer than a predetermined time. . The predetermined time is, for example, 24 hours, and the predetermined value is, for example, a value obtained by subtracting 400 from a value obtained by dividing the total available number of sheets by the distribution number N. Moreover, it is not limited to the time until the end of the maintenance, and when a date for restoring the communication state is scheduled, the time until the scheduled date may be used. In addition to the comparison with the predetermined time, a mathematical formula, a table, and the like indicating the correlation between the second predetermined amount and the time until the date when communication can be performed again are stored in advance, and until the date when communication is possible again It is good also as a structure which enlarges 2nd predetermined amount, so that time is long.

  In the above description, the image forming system 1 in which the management server 100 monitors the N MFPs 10 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the MFP 10 monitored by the management server 100 may be one.

  In the above description, a sheet is exemplified as the resource. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the above description, as an example of restricting the image forming process, the image forming process is stopped (S117). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming process is executed by reducing the amount of toner used for image forming. The image forming process is performed by allocating a plurality of pages to one sheet, and used for image forming. The image forming process may be limited by reducing the amount of toner to be processed and the number of sheets.

  In the above description, in steps S73, S75, and S77, the usable number of sheets Qb1 to Qb3 is calculated by subtracting the value of 200 to 500 from the value obtained by dividing the total number of usable sheets Qn by the distribution number N. The method for calculating the usable number Qb1 to Qb3 is not limited to this. For example, in step S73, the available number Qb1 is calculated by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn by the distribution number N by 0.8, and in step S75, the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn by the distribution number N. The available number Qb2 may be calculated by multiplying 0.7, and in step S77, the available number Qb3 may be calculated by multiplying 0.5 by the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn by the distribution number N. Further, the value to be subtracted from the value obtained by dividing the total usable number Qn by the distribution number N and the value to be multiplied are not limited to this. For example, a value corresponding to the total usable number Qn, such as a value of about 10% to 20% of the total usable number Qn, may be used.

  In the above description, the value of the usable number Q is changed depending on whether or not the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71), but step S71 is omitted and whether or not the monitoring server 200 is accessible is determined. (S67) The configuration may be such that the value of the usable number Q is changed.

  In the above description, the usable number Q of N MFPs 10 has been described as being uniformly calculated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the usable total number Qn is calculated by multiplying a predetermined ratio. May be.

  In the above description, it has been described that step S109 is executed after it is determined that printing is completed (S107: YES). However, the present invention is not limited to this. Step S107 is executed after step S103, and after step S115. A configuration may be adopted in which the user information is requested to be updated every time one sheet is printed by executing step S107.

  In the above description, it has been described that it is determined in step S97 whether the number of available users is 0. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a print job is received from a PC and an image forming process is executed, the number of printed sheets can be acquired in advance, so whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the number of printed sheets from the usable number Q is 0 or less. It is good also as a structure to judge.

  Moreover, although the case where the CPU 32 is provided has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of CPUs may be provided, or a plurality of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be included. Furthermore, it may be configured by any combination of a CPU and an ASIC.

  Further, although the MFP 10 has been described as printing by the electrophotographic method, it can also be applied to other image processing apparatuses that perform printing by, for example, an ink jet method. Further, although the MFP 10 has been described as a multi-function machine having a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and the like, the MFP 10 is not limited to this, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus having at least a printing function.

1 Image forming system 10 MFP
32 CPU
33 RAM
34 ROM
35 NVRAM
37 Image forming unit 44 Network interface 100 Management server 200 Monitoring server

Claims (13)

A housing,
An image forming unit provided inside the housing;
A communication unit provided in the housing and connectable to a network;
A control unit,
The controller is
An image forming process for causing the image forming unit to form an image using resources;
A first determination process for determining whether the communication unit can communicate with a server via the network;
A first limiting process for limiting the image forming process when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches a first predetermined amount when determining that the communication is possible in the first determining process;
When it is determined that the communication is not possible in the first determination process, the image forming process is limited when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount. An image forming apparatus that executes a second restriction process. The controller is
In the first determination process, a recording process for recording the usage amount of the resource until it is determined that communication is possible after it is determined that communication is not possible;
When it is determined that communication is possible after it is determined that communication is not possible in the first determination process, the amount of the resource used by the image forming process subtracts the resource usage from the second predetermined amount. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a third restriction process for restricting the image forming process is executed when a third predetermined amount equal to or greater than the second amount is reached. The controller is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third predetermined amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the amount of the resource used from the first predetermined amount. The controller is
If it is determined in the first determination process that communication is not possible, a second determination process is performed to determine whether the cause of communication failure is on the server side,
In the second determination process, when it is determined that the cause of communication failure is on the server side, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is set to be larger than the case where it is determined that the server side does not exist. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. In the second determination process, the control unit
It is a communication device connected to the network, and determines whether or not communication with a communication device different from the server is possible,
If it is determined that communication with the communication device is possible, it is determined that the cause of communication failure is on the server side,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that communication with the communication device is not possible, it is determined that there is no cause of communication failure on the server side. The controller is
If it is determined in the second determination process that the cause of communication failure is on the server side, a third determination process is performed to determine whether or not the timing at which communication is possible can be specified again;
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the second determination process can be specified in the third determination process, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is set to be an amount smaller than a case where it is determined that it cannot be specified. The image forming apparatus according to 5. The controller is
If it is determined in the second determination process that the cause of communication failure is on the server side, a third determination process is performed to determine whether or not the timing at which communication is possible can be specified again;
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the second determination process can be specified in the third determination process, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is set to a larger amount than when it is determined that it cannot be specified. The image forming apparatus according to 5. The controller is
In the second determination process, when it is determined that the cause of communication failure is on the server side, a third determination process is performed to determine whether or not the timing at which communication is possible can be specified again.
In the third determination process, when the time until the timing at which communication is possible again is longer than a predetermined time in response to determining that it can be specified, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is more than a predetermined amount. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the amount is small. The resource is a sheet on which the image forming unit forms an image,
The controller is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit executes a process of transmitting the number of sheets on which an image has been formed to the server via the communication unit. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a server,
The image forming apparatus includes a housing, an image forming unit provided in the housing, a communication unit provided in the housing and connectable to a network, and a control unit.
The controller is
An image forming process for causing the image forming unit to form an image using resources;
A first determination process for determining whether the communication unit can communicate with a server via the network;
A first limiting process for limiting the image forming process when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches a first predetermined amount when determining that the communication is possible in the first determining process;
When it is determined that the communication is not possible in the first determination process, the image forming process is limited when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount. And a second restriction process. The resource is a sheet on which the image forming unit forms an image,
The server
The number of sheets on which the image forming unit has formed an image is received from the image forming apparatus via the network,
The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the number of sheets received in a predetermined period is accumulated and stored. The server is connected to a plurality of the image forming apparatuses via a network, and stores the total amount and the number of the resources related to the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
In the first restriction process, the control unit
12. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein an amount obtained by dividing a total amount of the resources stored in the server by the number of units is set as the first predetermined amount. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a communication unit,
An image forming step of causing the image forming unit to form an image using resources;
A first determination step of determining whether or not the communication unit can communicate with a server via a network;
A first limiting step for limiting the image forming step when the amount of the resources used by the image forming step reaches a first predetermined amount when determining that the communication is possible in the first determining step;
If it is determined in the first determining step that the communication is not possible, the image forming step is limited when the amount of the resource used in the image forming step reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount. And a second restriction step.

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