JP3593493B2 - Image output system and image output device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image output device that outputs an image on a sheet, and an image output system that executes an image output process by giving an instruction from a computer to an image output device connected to a computer network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, an image output device such as a printer is connected to a LAN (local area network) constructed in an office or the like, and an instruction is given to the image output device from a PC (personal computer) terminal on the LAN to print the image output device. An image output system for executing image output processing such as copying is known.
Some of such image output systems require input of identification information for identifying a user prior to execution of image output processing, as in the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-136414, for example. In some cases, image output processing is performed based on identification information input in response to this request. That is, in the system disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, the number of images output by each user in the past (the number of already output images) is stored in the memory in association with the identification information of the user. Then, in response to the input of the identification information, the number of output sheets corresponding to the input identification information is read from the memory, and the read number of output sheets is set to the output upper limit number set for each user. If not, execution of the image output process is permitted, and if the output upper limit is reached, execution of the image output process is prohibited. As a result, each user can be expected to refrain from wasteful use of the image output device, and it can be expected that offices and the like employing the above-described image output system will reduce costs.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if only the output upper limit number is set, the user does not recognize that the output upper limit number is set until the output number approaches the output upper limit number. As long as there is enough time to reach, the use of the image output device is not consciously suppressed. For this reason, even if the above-described image output system is adopted, it has not been possible to effectively reduce costs of a business establishment or the like.
[0004]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problem and to provide an image output system and an image output apparatus capable of causing a user to consciously suppress execution of image output processing.
[0005]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image output apparatus connected to a computer network and a computer provided on the computer network, wherein the computer outputs user identification information for identifying a user. An image output system which transmits to the image output device from the image output device and causes the image output device to execute an image output process performed by consuming a predetermined consumable. A user-specific consumption allowance storage means for storing a user-specific consumption allowance, which is an amount of the predetermined consumable allowed to be consumed through the computer, in association with the user identification information of the user; When the information is received, the permissible consumption per user corresponding to the received user identification information is set to the permissible consumption per user. The user-specific consumption allowance reading means for reading from the quantity storage means and the user-specific consumption allowance read by the user-specific consumption allowance reading means based on the elapsed time after the predetermined period starts. The user-specific consumption pace calculating means for calculating the user-specific consumption pace serving as a guide when consuming the predetermined consumable, and directing the user-specific consumption pace calculated by the user-specific consumption pace calculation means to the computer. And a user-specific consumption pace transmission means for transmittingThe user-specific consumption pace calculation means multiplies the user-specific consumption allowance read by the user-specific consumption allowance reading means by an elapsed time from the start of the predetermined period, and further calculates the user-specific consumption allowable amount by the predetermined period. To calculate the consumption pace for each user.The image output system is characterized in that the computer includes display means for displaying the consumption pace for each user received from the consumption pace transmission means.
[0006]
According to the present invention, since the consumption rate for each user is displayed on the display means provided in the computer, the user who sees this display can determine at a glance whether or not the image output device is being used at an appropriate pace. I can judge. Therefore, each user can be expected to avoid wasteful use of the image output device, and it can be expected that offices and the like employing this image output system will reduce costs.You.
[0007]
Claims2As described in the above, the image output device stores the user-specific consumption amount, which is the amount of the predetermined consumable consumed by the user after the start of the predetermined period, in association with the user identification information. Consumption amount storage means, when receiving user identification information from the computer, user-specific consumption amount reading means for reading out the user-specific consumption amount corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption amount storage means, Remaining consumption allowable amount calculating means for calculating the remaining consumption allowable amount by subtracting the user-specific consumption amount read by the user consumption amount reading means from the user-specific consumption allowable amount read by the separate consumption allowable amount reading means; and And a remaining consumption allowable amount transmitting means for transmitting the remaining consumption allowable amount calculated by the remaining consumption allowable amount calculating means to the computer. Display means provided in the computer, it is preferable that further displays the remaining consumption allowance received from the calculated consumption allowance transmission means. In this case, since the remaining consumption allowance is displayed on the display means provided in the computer, the execution of the image output process by each user can be suppressed more effectively.
[0008]
Claim3According to the invention described above, the image output device stores user-specific consumption, which is the amount of the predetermined consumable consumed by the user after the start of the predetermined period, in association with user identification information. An amount storage unit; a user-specific consumption reading unit that, when user identification information is received from the computer, reads a user-specific consumption amount corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption storage unit; If the user-specific consumption read by the consumption reading means is greater than the user-specific consumption reading read by the user-specific consumption permission reading means, and the predetermined condition is satisfied, Means for permitting execution of image output processing in a mode for outputting an image while suppressing consumption of consumables. 1Or 2It is an image output system described.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the image output process is not immediately prohibited when the consumption amount per user exceeds the permissible consumption amount per user. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the toner save mode, the 2-in-1 mode, Printing in a saving mode such as a 4-in-1 mode or a duplex mode can be executed. Accordingly, even if a situation in which printing must be performed in spite of the fact that the consumption by user exceeds the permissible consumption by user can be solved.
[0010]
Note that the predetermined condition may include a condition that the consumption by user does not reach the second consumption by user set by adding a certain amount to the consumption by user.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image output device stores a user-specific consumption amount, which is an amount of the predetermined consumable consumed by the user after the start of the predetermined period, in association with the user identification information. User-specific consumption storage means, and user-specific consumption reading means for, when receiving user identification information from the computer, reading the user-specific consumption corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption storage means, If the consumption by user read by the consumption by user reading means exceeds the consumption pace by user calculated by the consumption pace by user calculation means, a message to that effect is displayed on the display means. Data transmitting means for transmitting data for the computer to the computer, and a display means provided in the computer. Is an image output system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that further displays the message based on data received from the data transmission means.
According to the present invention, when the consumption by user is higher than the consumption by user, a message to that effect is displayed on the display means. Can be determined at a glance whether it is used. Therefore, each user can be expected to refrain from wasteful use of the image output device, and it can be expected that offices and the like employing this image output system will reduce costs.
The invention according to claim 5 is an image output apparatus that performs image output processing by consuming a predetermined consumable, wherein the amount of the predetermined consumable allowed to be consumed over a predetermined period is set.RuConsumption allowance storage means for storing the allowance for expenses;By multiplying the permissible consumption amount stored in the permissible consumption storage means by the elapsed period from the start of the predetermined period, and dividing by the predetermined period,An image output device comprising: a consumption pace calculating means for calculating a consumption pace serving as a guide when the predetermined consumption is consumed.
[0011]
According to the present invention, the same effect as the effect described in relation to the first aspect can be obtained.
Note that the predetermined consumable may be paper consumed by the image output process or toner consumed by the image output process.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This image output system includes, for example, an image output device 2 connected to a LAN (local area network) 1 built in an office or the like. Then, the user using this image output system inputs, for example, the department ID of the department (department) to which the user belongs and the password set in association with the department ID from the personal computer 3 on the LAN 1. By giving an instruction for image output processing to the image output device 2, the image output device 2 can execute image output processing such as printing and copying.
[0013]
The image output device 2 reads a document image and reproduces the read document image on a sheet of paper, a printer function of outputting an image based on image data input from the personal computer 3 or the like on a sheet of paper, It has a facsimile function of outputting an image based on image data input via a line on paper. In order to realize each of these functions, the image output device 2 includes a scanner unit 21 that optically reads a document image, an image processing unit 22 that performs predetermined processing on image data output by the scanner unit 21, A facsimile unit 23 for transmitting image data processed by the image processing unit 22 via a telephone line and receiving data transmitted via a telephone line from a facsimile apparatus (not shown); An engine output unit 24 for outputting image data processed by the unit 22 to paper; a printer control unit 25 for controlling the engine output unit 24; a network interface unit 26 for connection to the LAN 1; And a control unit 27 for controlling the control unit 26. The image output device 2 further includes a backup memory 28 for storing data for managing the image output device 2, and display data used for creating data of a display screen to be displayed on the display of the personal computer 3. And a memory 29.
[0014]
The backup memory 28 stores, for example, data as shown in FIG. That is, the backup memory 28 stores the department ID of each department provided in the business office to which the image output system is applied and the password set for each department in a one-to-one correspondence. . For example, a password “haru” is stored in association with the department ID “000001”.
In addition, each section ID is stored in association with an upper limit output number (LIM) set for each section and an already output number (PER) of each section. The output upper limit number is set for each predetermined set period (for example, every month), and refers to the number of sheets that are allowed to be consumed by the image output process in the image output device 2 throughout the set period. The already output number of sheets refers to the number of sheets consumed by image output after a predetermined setting period starts. The set period (LEN) corresponding to the output upper limit number and the already output number is stored in the backup memory 28 together with the elapsed period (TOD) from the start of the set period.
[0015]
The backup memory 28 further stores a facsimile telephone number set for each department in association with each department ID. This is stored when the image output device 2 receives the facsimile data via the telephone line, in order to determine to which department the received data is transmitted, and thereby, It is possible to total the number of facsimile receptions of each section during a predetermined set period.
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when an image is output (printed) on a sheet using the printer function of the image output apparatus 2. When the user operates the keyboard of the personal computer 3 and information about printing (for example, the number of prints, the data of the image to be printed, etc.) is transmitted from the personal computer 3 to the image output device 2, the control unit 27 Then, data necessary for displaying a screen requesting a department ID and a password on the display of the personal computer 3 is created and stored in the display data memory 29. The display data stored in the display data memory 29 is read out from the display data memory 29 at an appropriate timing and input to the personal computer 3 via the LAN 1. Thus, the display screen (1) shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 (step S1). The user who sees this display operates the keyboard of the personal computer 3 and inputs the department ID and password of the department to which the user belongs.
The “Save” tab and the “Do not display from next time” tab on the display screen (1) in FIG. 4 are displayed when the dedicated personal computer 3 is installed in the department to which the user belongs. This tab is provided to save the trouble of inputting the ID and password again. If the “Save” tab is checked by operating the mouse of the personal computer 3, the input department ID and password are stored. The user does not need to input the department ID and password from the next time. If the “Do not display from next time” tab is checked, the display screen (1) will not be displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 from the next time.
[0017]
When the department ID and the password are input according to the display screen (1), the input department ID and the password are transmitted to the image output device 2 via the LAN 1. In response to this, the control unit 27 confirms (user authentication) the correspondence between the department ID and the password based on the data stored in the backup memory 28 (step S2). As a result, if the password is correct, the control unit 27 reads out necessary data from the backup memory 28, and is specified by the estimated number of output sheets and the department ID, which are indications of the pace at which the user (department) uses the image output device 2. The remaining number of sheets that can be printed by the department in the future (the number of sheets that can be printed before the number of already output sheets reaches the output upper limit number), and the number of sheets over which the number of already output sheets exceeds the number of sheets to be output. Is calculated (step S3). Then, the control unit 27 stores data necessary for displaying the print management information on the display of the personal computer 3 in the display data memory 29. On the other hand, if the password is incorrect, the display screen (1) of FIG. The calculation process performed in step S3 will be described later in detail.
[0018]
If the password is correct, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the remaining number calculated in step S3 is "0" (step S4). If the remaining number is not "0", it is determined whether or not the remaining number is smaller than the number instructed by the user to print (step S5). Then, if the remaining number is equal to or larger than the number instructed to print, the control unit 27 reads the data stored in the display data memory 29 in step S3 described above, and transmits the data to the personal computer 3 via the LAN 1. As a result, the display screen (2) shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 (step S6).
[0019]
On the display screen {circle around (2)} of FIG. 5, for example, the section name specified by the section ID, the set period, the number of already output sheets, the upper limit number of output sheets, the remaining number of sheets, the number of output sheets, the “continue” tab, and the “change output mode” tab The "Cancel" tab is displayed. When the number of already output sheets exceeds the number of sheets to be output, a message such as "10 sheets are over the schedule" is displayed.
The user who has viewed the display screen (2) in FIG. 5 operates the mouse of the personal computer 3 and clicks and selects one of the “continue” tab, the “output mode change” tab, and the “stop” tab. (Step S7). When the "continue" tab is clicked, a signal indicating that printing should be continued is input from the personal computer 3 to the image output device 2, and in response to this, printing by the image output device 2 is executed (step S8). ). When the "stop" tab is clicked, a signal indicating that printing by the image output device 2 should be stopped is input from the personal computer 3 to the image output device 2, and printing by the image output device is stopped ( Step S9). When the "output mode change" tab is clicked, a screen on which a desired output mode can be selected and changed from preset output modes is displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 (step S1). S14).
[0020]
On the other hand, if the remaining number is “0” (YES in step S4), or if the remaining number is not “0” but is smaller than the number instructed by the user to print (YES in step S5), the control is performed. The unit 27 determines whether or not the number of remaining reservations is “0” (Step S10). The remaining reserved number is obtained, for example, by adding a fixed number to the output upper limit number corresponding to the input department ID to obtain a second output upper limit number, and from the second output upper limit number to the input department ID, It is obtained by subtracting the corresponding output number.
[0021]
If the reserved number is not “0”, the control unit 27 determines whether the number obtained by adding the remaining number and the reserved number is smaller than the number instructed by the user to print ( Step S11). If the added number of the remaining number and the reserved number is equal to or greater than the number instructed to be printed, data necessary for displaying a message indicating that normal printing is not possible on the display of the personal computer 3 is displayed. It is stored in the data memory 29. The display data stored in the display data memory 29 is read out from the display data memory 29 at an appropriate timing and input to the personal computer 3 via the LAN 1. Thereby, the display screen (3) shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 (step S12).
[0022]
In the display screen {circle around (3)} of FIG. 6, for example, a message such as “Normal printing is not possible because the number of sheets has reached the upper limit, but printing is possible by changing the output print mode” is displayed, and an instruction to change the output mode is input. "Change output mode" to perform printing and a "Cancel" tab for inputting an instruction to cancel printing are displayed. Therefore, the user who sees the display of the display screen (3) operates the mouse of the personal computer 3 to select and click one of the "change output mode" tab and the "cancel" tab (step S13).
[0023]
Here, when the “output mode change” tab is clicked and a signal to change the output mode is input from the personal computer 3 to the image output device 2, in response to this, the control unit 27 In the display data memory 29, data necessary for displaying a screen on which a desired output mode can be selected and changed from preset output modes is displayed on the display. Then, when the data stored in the display data memory 29 is input to the personal computer 3 via the LAN 1, the display screen (4) of FIG. 7 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 (step S14).
[0024]
In the display screen (4) of FIG. 7, a "toner save" tab, a "2in1" tab, a "4in1" tab, a "double-sided" tab, and an "execute" tab are displayed. The user who sees the display of the display screen (4) operates the mouse of the personal computer 3 to change one of the “toner save” tab, the “2 in 1” tab, the “4 in 1” tab, and the “duplex” tab. Click to check, then select the output mode by clicking the "Execute" tab. Then, when the output mode is selected (YES in step S15), a printing process corresponding to the selected output mode is executed (step S8).
[0025]
That is, when the “toner save” tab is checked and the “execute” tab is clicked, print processing is performed in the toner save mode in which printing is performed with a smaller amount of toner used than in the normal print mode. When the “2in1” tab or the “4in1” tab is checked and the “execute” tab is clicked, in the normal print mode, the image output on one sheet is reduced, and the image for two sheets is reduced. Is performed in a 2in1 mode in which is collected on one sheet and printed, or in a 4in1 mode in which four images are collected and printed on one sheet. Further, when the “Duplex” tab is checked and the “Execute” tab is clicked, a print process in a duplex mode for printing two images on both sides of one sheet is performed.
[0026]
On the other hand, if the number of remaining prints is “0” (YES in step S10), or if the number of remaining prints is not “0”, the number of prints that the addition of the remaining prints and the number of remaining prints has been instructed by the user to print. If the number is smaller (YES in step S11), the controller 27 creates data necessary for displaying a message indicating that printing is not possible on the display of the personal computer 3 and stores the data in the display data memory 29. Store. When the data stored in the display data memory 29 is input to the personal computer 3 via the LAN 1, the display screen (5) of FIG. 8 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 (step S16). That is, a message such as "Printing is not possible because the number of sheets has reached the upper limit" is displayed. In this case, when the user operates the mouse of the personal computer 3 and clicks the “confirmation” tab on the display screen 5 in FIG. 8, the printing by the image output apparatus 2 is stopped (canceled).
[0027]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed in step S3 of FIG. In step S3, first, the control unit 27 stores the output upper limit number (LIM), the output number (PER), the set period (LEN), and the elapsed period (TOD) from the backup memory 28 based on the department ID. (Steps T1, T2, T3, T4, T5).
Subsequently, the control unit 27 calculates the estimated number of output sheets (PER2), which is a measure of the pace at which the department specified by the department ID uses the image output device 2 (step T6). The expected output number (PER2) can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the output upper limit number (LIM) read from the backup memory 28 by the elapsed period (TOD), and dividing the multiplication result by the set period (LEN). . That is, the control unit 27 calculates the following equation (1).
[0028]
PER2 = LIM * TOD / LEN (1)
Further, the control unit 27 calculates the remaining number (PER3), which is the number of sheets that can be printed until the already output number (PER) reaches the output upper limit number (LIM) (step T7). That is, the control unit 27 calculates the following equation (2).
PER3 = LIM-PER (2)
Further, the control unit 27 calculates the number of overprints (PER4), which is the number of prints already output (PER) exceeding the number of prints to be output (PER2) (step T8). That is, the control unit 27 calculates the following equation (3).
[0029]
PER4 = PER−PER2 (3)
Subsequently, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the number of overprints (PER4) calculated according to the above equation (3) is greater than zero, that is, whether or not the already output number (PER) exceeds the expected number of output (PER2). (Step T9). If the number of output sheets (PER) exceeds the number of sheets to be output (PER2), a message notifying the number of sheets exceeding the number of sheets (for example, a message such as "10 sheets exceeded the schedule") is issued. Data to be displayed on the display of the personal computer 3 is stored in the display data memory 29 (step T10). In addition to the message data, the display data memory 29 displays data for displaying the upper limit output number (LIM), the already output number (PER), the scheduled output number (PER2), and the remaining number (PER3) on the display of the personal computer 3. (Step T11), and the process returns.
[0030]
On the other hand, if the number of output sheets (PER) has not reached the number of output sheets (PER2), the above-described step T10 is skipped, and the upper limit number of output sheets (LIM), the number of already output sheets (PER), and the number of output sheets (PER) PER2) and data for displaying the remaining number (PER3) on the display of the personal computer 3 are stored in the display data memory 29 (step T11), and the process returns.
As described above, in the image output system according to this embodiment, the output upper limit number, which is the number of sheets allowed to be consumed through the predetermined setting period, and the number of sheets consumed after the predetermined setting period starts. In addition to the number of already output sheets, which is the number of sheets already output, the estimated number of sheets to be output, which is a measure of the pace when the user (department) uses the image output apparatus 2, is displayed. If the number of output sheets exceeds the estimated number of output sheets, a message to that effect is displayed. Therefore, the user who sees these displays can determine at a glance whether or not the image output device 2 is being used at an appropriate pace. Therefore, each user can be expected to refrain from wasteful use of the image output device 2, and it can be expected that offices and the like employing this image output system will reduce costs.
[0031]
Further, in this embodiment, when the output number reaches the output upper limit number, subsequent printing is not immediately prohibited, but the output number is set by adding a fixed number to the output upper limit number. If the second output upper limit number has not been reached, printing in a saving mode such as a toner save mode, a 2 in 1 mode, a 4 in 1 mode, or a duplex mode can be executed. Thus, even if a situation arises in which printing has to be performed in spite of the fact that the already-output number is close to the output upper limit number, such a situation can be solved.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the case of managing the number of sheets of paper consumed for image output is described. Can also be applied. In this case, in step S6 of FIG. 7 described above, for example, a display screen (6) shown in FIG. 10 may be displayed. That is, the upper limit consumption amount, which is the amount of toner allowed to be consumed throughout the predetermined setting period, the toner consumption amount, which is the amount of toner consumed since the start of the predetermined setting period, It is preferable that the estimated toner consumption amount, which is a measure of the pace when using the output device 2, and the remaining consumption amount, which is the amount of toner that can be consumed before the toner consumption amount reaches the upper limit consumption amount, be displayed. Further, when the toner consumption exceeds the scheduled toner consumption, a message notifying the fact (for example, a message such as “exceeding scheduled consumption”) may be displayed. Further, in step S12 in FIG. 7 described above, the display screen (7) shown in FIG. 11 may be displayed, and in step S16, the display screen (8) shown in FIG. 12 may be displayed. Just fine.
[0033]
Further, the toner consumption may be managed together with the management of the number of consumed paper sheets. In this case, the display of the personal computer 3 may mainly display information relating to the management of the number of consumed sheets as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, or FIGS. Information on the management of the amount of toner consumption such as 12 may be mainly displayed.
Further, when the toner consumption is managed in conjunction with the management of the number of sheets consumed, for example, when the output number reaches the output upper limit number regardless of the toner consumption, the subsequent image The output may be limited, or conversely, if the toner consumption reaches the estimated toner consumption regardless of the number of output sheets, the image output thereafter may be limited. Good. Further, when the already output number reaches the output upper limit number and the toner consumption reaches the estimated toner consumption, the image output thereafter may be limited. Furthermore, when the already output number of sheets reaches the output upper limit number or when the toner consumption reaches the estimated toner consumption, the image output thereafter may be limited.
[0034]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the operation in the case of printing using the printer function has been described. However, the same operation as in the case of the above-described printing is performed in the image output using the copy function or the facsimile function. May be. In this case, the number of sheets to be output and the amount of toner to be consumed may be set for each function, and the number of sheets to be consumed and the amount of toner to be consumed may be managed for each function. The management of the number of sheets consumed and the amount of toner consumed may be performed as a whole. If the fax operation is restricted by the facsimile function, for example, facsimile data input via a telephone line is stored in a memory, and the restriction is released after a predetermined set period elapses. May be output to a sheet after printing.
[0035]
Further, the present invention can be embodied in other forms. For example, the image output apparatus is not limited to one having all functions of a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and has only a copy function. Or may have only a printer function. In the case of having only a copy function, for example, it is not necessary to be connected to the LAN 1; an input key and a display are provided in the apparatus main body; Management information such as the scheduled number of sheets may be displayed.
[0036]
In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing data stored in a backup memory.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image is output (printed) on a sheet using a printer function of an image output apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (1).
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (2).
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (3).
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (4).
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (5).
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining calculation of the expected output number, the remaining number, and the over number.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (6).
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (7).
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen (8).
[Explanation of symbols]
1 LAN
2 Image output device
3 Personal computer
21 Scanner section
22 Image processing unit
23 Facsimile part
24 Engine output section
25 Printer control section
26 Network interface
27 control section (user-specific consumption allowable amount reading means, user-specific consumption pace calculating means, user-specific consumption rate transmitting means, user-specific consumption reading means, remaining consumption allowable amount calculating means, remaining consumption allowable amount transmitting means, consumption pace calculation means)
28 Backup memory (user-specific consumption limit storage means, user-specific consumption limit storage means, consumption limit storage means)
29 Display data memory

Claims (5)

An image output device that includes an image output device connected to a computer network and a computer provided on the computer network, and transmits user identification information for identifying a user from the computer to the image output device, An image output system that executes an image output process performed by consuming a predetermined consumption,
The image output device,
A per-user permissible amount storage means for storing a per-user permissible amount, which is an amount of the predetermined consumable allowed to be consumed by a user throughout a predetermined period, in association with the user identification information of the user;
When receiving the user identification information from the computer, the user-specific consumption allowance reading means for reading the user-specific consumption allowance corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption allowance storage means,
Based on the elapsed time from the start of the predetermined period, based on the permissible consumption per user read by the permissible consumption per user reading means, a guideline for consuming the predetermined consumable in consideration of the permissible consumption per user. A user-specific consumption pace calculating means for calculating a user-specific consumption pace,
User-specific consumption pace transmission means for transmitting the user-specific consumption pace calculated by the user-specific consumption pace calculation means to the computer,
The user-specific consumption pace calculation means multiplies the user-specific consumption allowance read by the user-specific consumption allowance reading means by an elapsed time from the start of the predetermined period, and further calculates the user-specific consumption allowable amount by the predetermined period. To calculate the consumption pace for each user.
The computer is
An image output system comprising a display unit for displaying a user-specific consumption pace received from the consumption pace transmission unit. The image output device,
User-specific consumption storage means for storing user-specific consumption, which is the amount of the predetermined consumable consumed by the user after the start of the predetermined period, in association with the user identification information;
When receiving the user identification information from the computer, the user-specific consumption reading means for reading the user-specific consumption corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption storage means,
Remaining permissible amount calculation for calculating the remaining permissible amount by subtracting the per-user consumption amount read by the per-user consumption amount reading unit from the per-user permissible amount reading unit read by the per-user permissible amount reading unit. Means,
The apparatus further includes a remaining consumption allowable amount transmitting unit that transmits the remaining consumption allowable amount calculated by the remaining consumption allowable amount calculation unit to the computer,
The display means provided in the computer,
The image output system according to claim 1, characterized in that further displays the remaining consumption allowance received from the remaining consumption allowance transmission means. The image output device,
User-specific consumption storage means for storing user-specific consumption, which is the amount of the predetermined consumable consumed by the user after the start of the predetermined period, in association with the user identification information;
When receiving the user identification information from the computer, the user-specific consumption reading means for reading the user-specific consumption corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption storage means,
When the user-specific consumption read by the user-specific consumption reading means is greater than the user-specific consumption reading read by the user-specific consumption reading means, and satisfies a predetermined condition, 3. The image output system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for permitting execution of an image output process in a mode in which an image is output while suppressing consumption of the predetermined consumable.   The image output device,
  User-specific consumption storage means for storing user-specific consumption, which is the amount of the predetermined consumable consumed by the user after the start of the predetermined period, in association with the user identification information;
  When receiving the user identification information from the computer, the user-specific consumption reading means for reading the user-specific consumption corresponding to the received user identification information from the user-specific consumption storage means,
  If the consumption by user read by the consumption by individual reading means is higher than the consumption by user calculated by the consumption by user calculation, a message to that effect is displayed on the display. Data transmission means for transmitting data for the computer to the computer,
  The display means provided in the computer,
  4. The image output system according to claim 1, wherein said message is further displayed based on data received from said data transmission means. An image output device that performs an image output process by consuming a predetermined consumable,
A consumption allowance storing means can consume throughout the period the predetermined storing consumption allowance Ru amount der the allowed the predetermined consumables,
The predetermined consumption is consumed by multiplying the permissible consumption stored in the permissible consumption storage means by an elapsed time from the start of the predetermined period and dividing by the predetermined period. A consumption pace calculating means for calculating a consumption pace serving as a guide when the image is output.

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