JP4006250B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, control program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a control program, and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, information for managing jobs when a user uses an image processing apparatus such as a printer (printing apparatus), a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction device (MFP) integrating them through a network. Processing devices are known.
[0003]
Among such information processing apparatuses, there are known apparatuses that manage the use of an image processing apparatus by a user, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-161823 and US Pat.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described prior art, there is no detailed notification about the use of the user, and it has not been possible to meet the detailed demands of the administrator.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a control program, and a storage capable of finely managing the use of the image processing apparatus To provide a medium.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that imposes restrictions on use exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
  SaidSet limit thresholdFirstSetting means;
  SaidLess than the limit thresholdFirstThreshold for notificationSettingDoSecond settingMeans,
  Third setting means for setting the use of the image processing device exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
  A fourth setting means for setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
  The use of the image processing device1st, 2ndThe notification threshold and the restriction thresholdBeyondDetermination means for determining whether or not,
  SaidUse of image processing equipmentThe firstWhen the threshold for notification is exceededJudgmentIfnotificationFirst notification means for performing
  The use of the image processing apparatus is set in the third setting means so as to permit the use of the image processing apparatus exceeding the restriction threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing apparatus is the first A second notification means for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for two notifications has been exceeded;
  It is characterized by providing.
[0007]
  In order to achieve the above object, a method according to the present invention is an information processing method for restricting usage exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
  SaidSet limit thresholdFirstConfiguration steps;
  SaidLess than the limit thresholdFirstThreshold for notificationSettingDoSecond settingSteps,
  A third setting step for setting the use of the image processing apparatus exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
  A fourth setting step of setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
  The use of the image processing device1st, 2ndThe notification threshold and the restriction thresholdBeyondA determination step for determining whether or not,
  SaidUse of image processing equipmentThe firstWhen the threshold for notification is exceededJudgmentIfnotificationDoFirstA notification step;
  The use of the image processing device that is set in the third setting step so as to permit the use of the image processing device exceeding the restriction threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing device is the second A second notification step for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for notification has been exceeded;
  It is characterized by providing.
[0008]
  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention is a restriction program for restricting use exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
  On the computer,
  SaidSet limit thresholdFirstConfiguration steps;
  SaidLess than the limit thresholdFirstThreshold for notificationSettingDoSecond settingSteps,
  A third setting step for setting the use of the image processing apparatus exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
  A fourth setting step of setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
  The use of the image processing device1st, 2ndThe notification threshold and the restriction thresholdBeyondA determination step for determining whether or not,
  SaidUse of image processing equipmentThe firstWhen the threshold for notification is exceededJudgmentIfnotificationDoFirstA notification step;
  The use of the image processing device that is set in the third setting step so as to permit the use of the image processing device exceeding the restriction threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing device is the second A second notification step for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for notification has been exceeded;
  Is executed.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the relative arrangement of components, the display screen, and the like described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified.
[0022]
(One embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
<Job account system>
FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of the entire job account system as the present embodiment. Reference numerals 1010 and 1020 denote client computers. Reference numeral 1030 denotes a server computer as an information processing apparatus.
[0024]
Reference numerals 1040 and 1060 denote printers as examples of the image processing apparatus. However, it is assumed that the printer 1040 has a function of holding a usage history (use history holding function), and the printer 1060 does not have a usage history holding function. Reference numeral 1050 denotes an MFP (Multi Function Printer). The MFP 1050 has a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a usage history holding function.
[0025]
Computers 1010, 1020, and 1030 and printers 1040, 1050, and 1060 can communicate with other devices via a network, respectively.
[0026]
In the client computer 1010, when the application 1011 calls a GDI (Graphics device Interface) 1012, the GDI 1012 generates print data in response to an instruction from the application 1011 and transmits the print data to the spooler 1013. The job account client application 1014 monitors (hooks) the application 1011 calling the GDI 1012 and accumulates job information related to the print data. The job information includes the number of printed sheets, the number of pages, the print size, the type of paper to be used, information about the user who issued the print request (user information), information about color printing (color information), and the like.
[0027]
The spooler 1013 communicates with a printer 1040, an MFP 1050, and a printer 1060 as examples of an image processing apparatus via a network, and transmits print data if the image processing apparatus is in a ready state. If the client computer 1020 functions as a print server, the print data generated by the GDI 1012 is transmitted to the spooler 1023.
[0028]
The job account client application 1014 transmits the job information accumulated periodically to the job account server application 1031.
[0029]
In the client computer 1020, the application 1021, the GDI 1022, and the spooler 1023 operate in the same manner as the application 1010, the GDI 1012, and the spooler 1013, respectively.
[0030]
The job account client application 1024 periodically monitors the spooler 1023. If there is a print job spooled in the spooler 1023, the job account client application 1024 acquires information about the print job using an API (Application Program Interface). Specifically, the number of discharged sheets and the number of pages of the print job are acquired. Then, the job account client application 1024 transmits the accumulated job information to the job account server application 1031.
[0031]
If the OS has a function of transmitting the status change of the spooler 1023 to other applications, the job account client application 1024 may not periodically monitor the spooler 1023. The OS may notify the job account client application 1024 that the print job has been spooled in the spooler 1023.
[0032]
In the server computer 1030, the job account server application 1031 includes a user information management module 1031a, a device information management module 1031b, a job information management module 1031c, and a usage status management module 1031d. Among these, the user information management module 1031 a stores and manages user information in a storage device (not shown) in the server computer 1030.
[0033]
In addition, the device information management module 1031b investigates whether the image processing apparatus connected to the network has a usage history holding function, and obtains information about a device having the usage history holding function and other device information. The data is stored and managed in a storage unit (not shown here) in the server computer 1030.
[0034]
The user information includes a computer login name of the user who uses the image processing apparatus (name that the user inputs to log in to the computer) and a network login name (name that the user inputs to log in to the network system), Alternatively, the information includes information such as an ID (including ID of a copying machine and information of a card reader) input when using the device, and is information for specifying (identifying) a user who uses the image processing apparatus. The device information includes the printing speed, color information, and network address of the image processing apparatus.
[0035]
The job information management module 1031c receives job information from the job account client applications 1014 and 1024, and also stores the job information in the storage device. Further, the job information management module 1031c requests history information from an image processing apparatus (for example, a printer 1140) having a function of holding history information, and acquires the history information via the usage status input / output module 1031d. This process may be performed periodically. Further, when the storage capacity of the history information storage unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus is reduced, this is notified to the usage status input / output module, and this processing may be performed at that time.
[0036]
The usage status input / output module 1031d acquires the usage status including the usage history (job information) from the image processing apparatus having the usage history holding function. The usage status input / output module 1031d can also output the usage status report (report indicating how many users have executed how many jobs) to the printer or monitor of the image processing apparatus.
[0037]
The administrator can obtain the usage status of the image processing apparatus by causing the usage status input / output module 1031d to output the usage status. The usage status input / output module 1031d outputs various usage statuses based on the user information, device information, and print history information stored in the storage unit. The administrator designates the output format (output format) for the usage status input / output module. The output of the usage status is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the server computer 1030, for example. Further, output data related to the usage status output may be transmitted to the client computers 1010 and 1020, and the usage status output may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the client computer.
[0038]
In the usage status output, the usage amount for each user (the number of sheets and the amount of toner used for output) and the usage time of the image processing apparatus are output. The usage status is output for each operation mode (function) of the image processing apparatus such as color printing or double-sided printing. Also, the usage status is output for each used paper size and each type of paper used.
[0039]
In addition, since the usage fee of the image processing apparatus is set in the device information, the usage amount is output for each image processing apparatus or for each user. Furthermore, the usage fee for each operation mode, the usage fee for each paper size, and the usage fee for each paper type are set, so which user, which paper, which operation mode, and which image processing device, Output how much printing is done and how much money is spent.
[0040]
By executing a restriction condition setting program (not shown) included in the job account server application 1031, the administrator uses the user information management module 1031 a and the device information management module 1031 b to function, user, and user department. You can set usage restrictions for each device. Restrictions that can be set include items such as a usage fee, the number of pages, and the number of sheets.
[0041]
The server computer 1030 can display a condition setting dialog 1200 and a process setting dialog 1201 for setting a restriction condition as shown in FIG. 12 and a process when exceeding the limit condition as shown in FIG. The administrator can set, for each user, whether to allow the limit number of sheets and printing exceeding the limit number, whether to allow or not after warning, for each of the dialog 1200 and the dialog 1201.
[0042]
Specifically, the dialog 1200 includes an input field 1202 for inputting a user name, an input field 1203 for inputting an upper limit value permitted to use the user, a setting button 1204, and a cancel button 1205. Has been. When the restriction condition setting program is started, a dialog 1200 is displayed. When a user name and an upper limit value are input in the input fields 1202 and 1203 and the setting button 1204 is selected, a replacement dialog 1201 is displayed.
[0043]
In the dialog 1201, if the number of processed sheets exceeds the number input in the upper limit value input field 1203 by executing the job, whether to execute the job, whether to allow the warning, or not , A box 1206 for selecting. In addition, an OK button 1207 for confirming information input to the box 1206 and a cancel button 1208 for exiting this dialog without confirming are provided.
[0044]
When any one of the boxes 1206 is checked and an OK button 1207 is clicked, the setting is completed.
[0045]
Furthermore, the server computer 1030 displays a dialog 1300 for setting notification conditions as shown in FIG. 13 on its display unit (not shown) by executing a notification condition setting program (not shown) included in the job account server application 1031. In addition, the administrator can set at what timing notification is performed on the dialog 1300 for each user. Specifically, a check box 1301 for setting whether or not to notify before exceeding the usage limit value (upper limit value), and a percentage input field for setting what percentage of the upper limit value to be notified 1301 are prepared and can be set respectively. For example, in FIG. 13, notification is made when 70% of the upper limit is reached, and further notification is made when the upper limit is reached. Here, when the usage limit value is reached, whether or not to prohibit the warning or the image output processing on the display screen in the image forming apparatus can be set to limit the use of the image forming apparatus.
[0046]
The notification threshold value is not limited to a value equal to or lower than the upper limit value, and may be a value equal to or higher than the upper limit value, or a plurality of notification threshold values may be set. For example, if the use restriction and the use restriction value are set so that a warning is displayed but the image output process is permitted by checking the box 1206, the image can be output exceeding the use restriction value. In this case, it is also possible to send a mail when it exceeds 120% of the upper limit value. In addition, notification may be made at a plurality of timings, such as notification at each point of 70%, 100%, and 120% of the usage limit value. Moreover, the module which an administrator can set about a notification method may be included. Furthermore, although the notification condition is set by percentage here, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the notification condition can be set by a specific value such as the number of sheets or a charge may be adopted. That is, the notification condition setting program as the setting means sets a notification threshold value different from the upper limit value as the limit threshold value, and may set a notification threshold value equal to or higher than the upper limit value.
[0047]
These restriction conditions and notification conditions are stored in the storage unit as part of the user information.
[0048]
The job information management module 1031c monitors the usage history of the image processing apparatus, and compares it with usage restriction conditions or notification conditions set by the administrator, so that the usage of a user satisfies the notification conditions (received job information To print the number exceeding the notification threshold, etc., the usage status input / output module 1031d can display the output on the screen of the client computer, output to the log file, mail, etc. Communication output. At this time, if the notification content includes what kind of job information finally reaches the notification, the user can easily understand the notification content. In addition, when the restriction condition is satisfied (for example, when the received job information is executed, the number of sheets exceeding the upper limit value is printed), the client computer 1010 or the image processing apparatus itself is denied use of the user. .
[0049]
<Computer control configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client computer 1010, the client computer 1020, and the server computer 1030. 201 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU 201 performs control of the entire computer device, arithmetic processing, and the like.
[0050]
Reference numeral 202 denotes a ROM (read only memory). The ROM 202 is a storage area for storing information on the system startup program. Reference numeral 203 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The RAM 203 is a data storage area with no usage restrictions. An operating system (OS), application programs, device drivers (printer drivers), communication control programs, and the like are loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 201.
[0051]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a KBC (keyboard control unit). The KBC 204 receives input data from a keyboard attached to the computer and transmits the input data to the CPU 201. Reference numeral 205 denotes a CRT (display control unit) that performs display control on the display device. Reference numeral 206 denotes an HD (Hard Disk Device). In addition, the HD 206 can be replaced with an external storage device such as an FD (floppy disk device) or an SRAM (nonvolatile storage memory). The HD 206 stores programs and data, and these programs and data are loaded into the RAM as necessary. For example, in the case of an HD in the server computer 1030, user information, device information, and print history information (job history database) are stored.
[0052]
A communication unit 207 controls network communication. The communication unit 207 allows the computer to communicate with other computers and image processing apparatuses connected to the network.
[0053]
Reference numeral 208 denotes a system bus. Data exchanged between the above components passes through the system bus 208.
[0054]
<Memory map>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where the job account server application program is loaded into the RAM 203 and can be executed by the CPU 201. 31 is a basic I / O program. Reference numeral 302 denotes an operating system such as a window system. Reference numeral 303 denotes a job account server application program. 304 is related data. A work area 305 is used when the CPU 201 executes a program such as a job account server application program.
[0055]
The job account server application program and related data are stored in a floppy disk (FD) or CD-ROM, and are supplied to the computer from there. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where the job account server application program and related data are stored in the FD or CD-ROM. The storage area 400 of the FD or CD-ROM includes volume information 401, directory information 402, a job account server application execution file 403, and a job account related data file 404.
[0056]
In this embodiment, a storage medium (FIG. 4) in which a program code of a job account server application program is recorded is supplied to a computer as shown in FIG. 5, and the computer apparatus (CPU 201) is stored in the storage medium. The effect is obtained by reading and executing the code.
[0057]
As a method of supplying the program and data shown in FIG. 4 to the computer, a method of storing the program and data in the floppy disk FD 500 and supplying it to the computer main body 502 (via the floppy disk drive 501) as shown in FIG. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0058]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, etc. are used in addition to a floppy disk and a hard disk. Can do. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0059]
<Control configuration of image processing apparatus>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 605 denotes a controller unit that controls the entire image processing apparatus. The controller unit 605 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, and an HD 604.
[0060]
The CPU 601 performs control of the entire controller unit and the image processing apparatus, arithmetic processing, and the like. A ROM 602 is a read-only memory and is a storage area for storing a system startup program and the like. A RAM 603 is a random access memory and is a data storage area. The HD 604 is a hard disk and can be replaced with other nonvolatile storage devices such as SRAM. An image processing apparatus having a job history holding function stores a job history in the RAM 603 or the HD 604. An operating system, a communication control program, and an engine control program are loaded into the RAM 603 and executed by the CPU 601.
[0061]
Reference numeral 606 denotes an engine unit of the image processing apparatus, which performs a printing operation and an image reading operation under the control of the controller unit. Specifically, the engine unit includes a printer engine, a scanner engine, or both.
[0062]
Reference numeral 607 denotes a communication unit that controls network communication. With this communication unit 607, the image processing apparatus can communicate with a client computer or a server computer. Reference numeral 608 denotes a system bus. Data exchanged between the above components passes through this system bus 608.
[0063]
<Job management processing>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the job information management module 1031c of the job account server application 1031. The job information receiving unit 701 acquires job information from the job account client applications 1014 and 1024 and the image processing apparatuses 1040 and 1050 having a job history holding function via a network. The job information registration unit 702 registers the job information received by the job information reception unit 701 in the job history database 703.
[0064]
Here, by referring to the data in the job history database 703, it is determined when and who executed what amount of job (number of pages, number of discharged sheets, paper type) on which image processing apparatus. Job accounts can be made.
[0065]
<Processing by application>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the job registration unit 702 registers job information received by the job reception unit 701 in the job history database 703. First, in step S802, it is determined whether unprocessed job information exists in the job receiving unit 701. If there is no unprocessed job information, the process ends. If there is unprocessed job information, job information is acquired from the job receiving unit 701 in step S802. Next, in step S803, it is determined whether the acquired job information indicates that the job is accompanied by paper discharge. If the job does not involve paper discharge, the process returns to step S801. If the job involves paper discharge, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0066]
The processing from step S804 to step S808 is processing for registering job information in the database. In FIG. 1, when the client computer 1020 functions as a print server of the client computer 1010, job information generated by the client computer 1010 is transmitted from both the job account client application 1014 and the job account client application 1024. It may be transmitted to the account server application 1031. In addition, job information about the same print may be transmitted from the client computer 1010 and an image processing apparatus having a usage history holding function. Therefore, filtering is performed in steps S804 to S807 so that duplicate job information is not registered in the job history database 703.
[0067]
First, in step S804, it is determined whether the information is log information (usage history information) acquired from the image processing apparatus (peripheral device). If the information is obtained from the image processing apparatus, the process proceeds to step S810, where registration is preferentially performed. This is because the usage history held as a result of processing in the image processing apparatus is more accurate than the job information sent from the client computer before processing.
[0068]
If the job information is not acquired from the image processing apparatus, the job information is acquired from the client computer. In step S805, it is determined whether the output destination included in the job information is a peripheral device with a log (use history) registration function. If it is job information to be output to a peripheral device with a log registration function, it is sufficient to register it in the database when acquiring usage history information from the peripheral device. In order to complement the information when registering the usage history information, only merging is performed, and the process returns to step S801.
[0069]
If it is determined in step S805 that the output destination is a peripheral device that does not have a log registration function, the process advances to step S806 to determine whether the output destination is acquired by a hook. One method of determining whether the job information is acquired by a hook is a method of determining which OS the job information is acquired. This is because it can be determined whether or not the job information is acquired by the hook depending on the type of OS. For example, when OS1 is used in the client computer 1010 and OS2 is used in the client computer 1020, if the job information is acquired by the OS1, the job information is acquired by the hook. If the job information is acquired by OS2, it is acquired from the spooler 1023.
[0070]
If the job information is not acquired by the hook, there is no possibility of duplicate registration, so the process proceeds to step S810 and registration is performed. If the job information is acquired by hooking, it is determined in step S807 whether the job output destination related to the job information is a shared printer. If the output destination of the job related to the job information is not a shared printer, there is no fear of duplicate registration, so the process proceeds to step S810 and registration is performed.
[0071]
If the output destination of the job related to the job information is a shared printer, it is acquired from the spooler of the client computer (for example, client computer 1020) as the print server that manages the shared printer in step S808. It is determined whether the received job information. If the job information has not been acquired from the spooler, there is no fear of duplicate registration, and the process advances to step S810 to register the job information in the job history database 703.
[0072]
If the job information is acquired from the spooler, it is determined to be duplicate job information because it is the job information acquired by the hook and also acquired from the spooler and output to the shared printer. Yes, the process returns to step S801.
[0073]
As one method for determining whether the job information has been acquired by a hook, there is a method for determining which OS the job information is acquired by. This is because it can be determined whether or not the job information is acquired by the hook depending on the type of OS. For example, when OS1 is used in the client computer 1010 and OS2 is used in the client computer 1020, if the job information is acquired by the OS1, the job information is acquired by the hook. If the job information is acquired by OS2, it is acquired from the spooler 1023.
[0074]
If the job information is not acquired by the hook, there is no possibility of duplicate registration, so the process proceeds to step S808 and registration is performed. If the job information is obtained by hooking, it is determined in step S806 whether the job output destination related to the job information is a shared printer. If the output destination of the job related to the job information is not a shared printer, there is no fear of duplicate registration, so the process proceeds to step S808 and registration is performed.
[0075]
If the output destination of the job related to the job information is a shared printer, it is acquired from the spooler of the client computer (for example, client computer 1020) as a print server that manages the shared printer in step S807. It is determined whether the received job information. If the job information has not been acquired from the spooler, there is no fear of duplicate registration, so the process advances to step S808 to register the job information in the job history database 703.
[0076]
If the job information has been acquired from the spooler, the process returns to step S801.
[0077]
FIG. 9 is an example of one piece of job information registered in the job history database 703. The database is composed of items and contents of the items. Reference numeral 901 denotes a job output device, that is, which image processing apparatus has processed the job. In the case of a job that does not involve paper discharge, it is stored that it is a file name (document scanning), fax transmission, or other job that does not involve paper discharge.
[0078]
Reference numeral 902 denotes a job information acquisition method. The job information acquisition method includes acquisition by hook, acquisition from a spooler, and acquisition from a job history holding function.
[0079]
Reference numeral 903 denotes the start time or end time of the job. Reference numeral 904 denotes a type of discharged paper. Reference numeral 905 denotes the number of output pages. Reference numeral 907 denotes the number of copies output. Reference numeral 907 denotes whether or not the job has been input from the client computer to the shared printer. Reference numeral 908 denotes the user name of the job issuer. Reference numeral 909 denotes whether printing is performed in the color mode or monochrome mode.
[0080]
<Print processing flow>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing performed in the client computer 1010 and the server computer 1030.
[0081]
First, in step S1101, when the user instructs printing to the application 1011 of the client computer 1010, the application 1011 edits a document, an image, or the like according to the user's instruction, and outputs a print request. Next, in step S1102, the job account client application 1014 acquires (or hooks) a print request from the application 1011, checks what print request is issued, and acquires it as job information. The job information is transmitted to the job information management module 1031c of the server computer 1030.
[0082]
In step S <b> 1103, the GDI 1012 receives a print request from the application 1011 and outputs print data to the printer 1130 via the spooler 1013.
[0083]
On the other hand, in the server computer 1030, when the job information management module 1031c acquires the job information in step S1104, the server computer 1030 proceeds to step S1105 and performs determination processing of restriction conditions and notification conditions. If printing is permitted in step S1106, the process advances to step S1107, and is added as print history information to a storage unit (not shown). If not permitted, the process advances to step S1108 to transmit a print cancel instruction to the printer or client computer.
[0084]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the limiting condition and notification condition determination processing in step S1105 of FIG.
[0085]
First, in step S1109, from the input job information and the job history stored in the storage unit, the total number of prints (or total charge) of the user when the input job is executed is calculated and set in FIG. It is compared with the restriction condition (upper limit value) of that user. If the upper limit value is larger, the process proceeds to step S1110.
[0086]
In step S1110, it is determined whether the notification condition is valid. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the check box 1301 is checked in FIG.
[0087]
If the notification condition is invalid, the process proceeds through step S1106 to step S1107, and job information is registered in the database. In the client computer 1010, since there is no instruction to stop printing, printing is directly performed by the printer.
[0088]
If the notification condition is valid, the process advances to step S1111 to determine whether the notification condition is satisfied. Specifically, a threshold value for notification is obtained from the percentage input in the input field 1302 in FIG. 13, and the notification threshold value is compared with the total number of printed sheets (or charges) of the user obtained in step S1109. As a result of the comparison, if it exceeds the notification threshold, the process proceeds to step S1112 to perform notification processing. As the notification process, for example, a notification e-mail is transmitted. The notification content may be information added with information for specifying a user, information for specifying a notification condition, information for specifying job information, and the like.
[0089]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1109 that the usage exceeds the restriction condition, the process proceeds to step S1113. In step S1113, the setting content using the dialog in FIG. 12 is referred to. If “permitted” is set, the process proceeds to step S1107 through step S1106 in FIG. If “Allow after warning” is set, the process proceeds to step S1114, a warning process is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S1107 in FIG. If “not permitted”, that is, if the print processing is set to be inhibited, the process proceeds to step S1108 in FIG. 10 to perform a print cancel instruction transmission process.
[0090]
A plurality of notification conditions may be set. In that case, a process of determining whether to notify depending on whether or not it has already been notified in the past may be performed between step S1111 and step S1112.
[0091]
10 and 11, the case where a job is generated in the client computer 1010 has been described. However, the server computer performs similar processing when job information is input from a printer 1040 with a use history holding function. .
[0092]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.
[0093]
In the above embodiment, only the case of restricting printing using an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or an MFP has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is used for an image processing apparatus such as a scanner. It is also applicable when adding restrictions or billing. That is, an information processing server that can set a scanning limit number using a scanner and can also set processing (for example, scanning prohibition processing and warning processing) that is performed when scanning exceeding the scanning limit number is requested. Are included in the scope of the present invention.
[0094]
In addition, the structure which can set the process when different restriction | limiting conditions, notification conditions, and restriction | limiting conditions are satisfy | filled with respect to each of color printing and monochrome printing may be sufficient.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium that can finely manage the use of an image processing apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of an entire job account system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer included in a job account system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where a job account server application program is loaded into a RAM and can be executed by a CPU in the job account system as an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where a job account server application program and related data are stored in an FD or a CD-ROM in the job account system as one embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram for explaining a method of supplying the program and data shown in FIG. 4 to a computer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus in a job account system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a job information management module in the job account system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when a job registration unit in the job account system as an embodiment of the present invention registers job information received by a job reception unit in a job history database.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of one job information registered in a job history database in the job account system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in a job account server computer and a job account client computer.
11 is a flowchart for explaining detailed processing of print permission determination processing in FIG. 10; FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a usage restriction setting screen in the job account system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification condition setting screen in the job account system as one embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1010 Client computer
1011 Application
1012 GDI
1013 Spooler
1014 Job account client application
1020 Client computer
1021 Application
1022 GDI
1023 spooler
1024 Job account client application
1030 Server computer
1031 Job account server application
1040 Printer with job history retention function
1050 MFP with job history holding function
1060 Printer without job history retention function

Claims (7)

An information processing apparatus that imposes restrictions on use exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
First setting means for setting the limiting threshold;
Second setting means for setting a first notification threshold value that is smaller than the restriction threshold value;
Third setting means for setting the use of the image processing device exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
A fourth setting means for setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
Determining means for determining whether or not the use of the image processing device exceeds the first and second notification thresholds and the restriction threshold;
First notification means for performing notification when it is determined that the use of the image processing apparatus has exceeded the first notification threshold;
It is a case where the third setting means is set so as to permit the use of the image processing device exceeding the limit threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing device is the first A second notification means for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for two notifications has been exceeded;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A management unit for managing the use of the image processing apparatus for each user;
The determination unit determines whether use of the image processing apparatus by any user exceeds the first or second notification threshold,
The first notification unit notifies a user who has been determined that the use of the image processing device has exceeded the first notification threshold, and the second notification unit uses the image processing device for the first time. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein notification is made to a user who is determined to have exceeded a threshold for two notifications.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first notification unit and the second notification unit perform the notification by e-mail.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is a printer, a copier, or a scanner. An information processing method for restricting usage exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
A first setting step for setting the limiting threshold;
A second setting step of setting a first notification threshold value that is smaller than the restriction threshold value;
A third setting step for setting the use of the image processing device exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
A fourth setting step of setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
A determination step of determining whether or not the use of the image processing device exceeds the first and second notification thresholds and the restriction threshold;
A first notification step of performing a notification when it is determined that the use of the image processing device has exceeded the first notification threshold;
The use of the image processing device that is set in the third setting step so as to permit the use of the image processing device exceeding the restriction threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing device is the second A second notification step for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for notification has been exceeded;
An information processing method comprising: A control program for restricting use exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
On the computer,
A first setting step for setting the limiting threshold;
A second setting step of setting a first notification threshold value that is smaller than the restriction threshold value;
A third setting step for setting the use of the image processing device exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
A fourth setting step of setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
A determination step of determining whether or not the use of the image processing device exceeds the first and second notification thresholds and the restriction threshold;
A first notification step of performing a notification when it is determined that the use of the image processing device has exceeded the first notification threshold;
The use of the image processing device that is set in the third setting step so as to permit the use of the image processing device exceeding the restriction threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing device is the second A second notification step for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for notification has been exceeded;
A control program characterized by causing A storage medium that stores a control program for restricting usage exceeding a restriction threshold of an image processing apparatus,
On the computer,
A first setting step for setting the limiting threshold;
A second setting step of setting a first notification threshold value that is smaller than the restriction threshold value;
A third setting step for setting the use of the image processing device exceeding the limit threshold to be permitted on a warning;
A fourth setting step of setting a second notification threshold that is equal to or greater than the restriction threshold;
A determination step of determining whether or not the use of the image processing device exceeds the first and second notification thresholds and the restriction threshold;
A first notification step of performing a notification when it is determined that the use of the image processing device has exceeded the first notification threshold;
The use of the image processing device that is set in the third setting step so as to permit the use of the image processing device exceeding the restriction threshold value with a warning, and the use of the image processing device is the second A second notification step for performing notification when it is determined that the threshold for notification has been exceeded;
A storage medium storing a control program for executing

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