JP5011232B2 - Image forming system, image forming system management server, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system that handles image data, and more particularly to an image forming system having a function of recording usage information.

  At present, image forming apparatuses such as digital copying machines and printers are widely used in various places, connected to networks, and are indispensable in workplaces that handle computers. At the same time, private use other than business is becoming a problem. There are problems such as not knowing who used it, private use is often done outside of business hours, and monitoring is inadequate. Therefore, a method has been adopted in which the use permission time of the image forming apparatus is set in advance and the operation of the apparatus is prohibited except for the permission time such as at night.

  However, the restriction by time is very inconvenient for the user.

With respect to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for temporarily canceling the operation restriction of the image forming apparatus by inputting a predetermined password when printing is performed during the use prohibited time period of the image forming apparatus. .
JP 2006-74358 A

  There are various demands for image forming systems such as prevention of unauthorized use such as private use and securing of originality of printed matter. In order to meet that demand, job information (printing time, number of prints, print file name, color / monochrome printing, etc.) related to printing used by the image forming device is saved, and whether there is unauthorized use from there That is an effective means.

  However, in the image forming apparatus connected to the network, the amount of job information flowing on the network is enormous, and it takes much time and labor for the administrator to sort and check.

  The technology of Patent Document 1 is control using a password, and once the restriction is removed, any document can be printed, which is not sufficient in terms of document management.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, a management server therefor, and an image forming apparatus that can easily manage whether printing is permitted.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of easily managing whether or not to permit printing according to time conditions, and a management server and an image forming apparatus therefor.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of managing whether or not printing is permitted depending on temporal conditions and permitting printing depending on circumstances even when the temporal conditions are not satisfied. And a management server and an image forming apparatus therefor.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of easily managing whether or not to permit printing according to time conditions and managing the number of printed sheets outside the permitted time, and a management server therefor And an image forming apparatus.

  An image forming system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a seal storage unit for storing one or a plurality of electronic seal stamp images, a seal image extraction unit for extracting a seal image from print data, and a seal stamp According to the determination result of the seal image determination means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the image extraction means matches any of the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means, and the determination result of the seal image determination means, When it is determined that the extracted seal stamp image matches one of the one or a plurality of electronic seal stamp images, a print execution means for executing printing of print data is included.

  Preferably, the image forming system includes, for each electronic seal image stored in the seal stamp storage unit, a print number storage unit for storing the number of sheets printed by the print execution unit in association with the electronic seal image. A transmission destination storage unit for storing a transmission destination of information related to the electronic seal image, and in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage unit The printer further includes print information transmission means for transmitting the corresponding print information stored in the print number storage means to the corresponding transmission destination stored in the transmission destination storage means.

  More preferably, the image forming system further includes a print management table storing a time condition for permitting printing, and when the time condition is not satisfied, the seal image determination unit determines that the seal image does not match. A charging unit for performing a charging process for printing the print data to the system user, and printing of the print data by the print execution unit when the payment for the charging process by the charging unit is confirmed. Means.

  More preferably, the print execution unit includes a plurality of image forming units, and the image forming system further includes, for each electronic seal stamp image stored in the seal stamp storing unit, image formation of an output destination related to the electronic seal stamp image. Output destination storage means for storing the means; The print execution means further transfers the print data to the image forming means stored in the output destination storage means corresponding to the electronic seal image determined by the seal image determination means to match the seal image extracted from the print data. And means for printing.

  Preferably, the image forming system displays a print prohibition display when it is determined by the determination result of the seal image determination unit that the seal image extracted from the print data does not match any of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage unit. Further includes print prohibition display means for displaying.

  More preferably, the image forming system stores the print data stored by the print execution unit when the time condition is not satisfied, and uses the print data stored by the print data storage unit. Browsing means for enabling browsing by a person.

  The management server according to the second aspect of the present invention receives a print data from an image forming apparatus and a seal stamp storing means for storing one or a plurality of electronic seal stamp images, and a seal image from the received print data A seal image extracting means for extracting the seal image, and a seal image determining means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the seal image extracting means matches the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means When the seal image determination unit determines that the extracted seal image matches one of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage unit, the print data is printed to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print data. A print permission unit for transmitting the print permission information for permitting printing, and any one of the electronic seal images in which the seal image extracted by the seal image determination unit is stored in the seal storage unit When it is determined that they do not match, the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print data, and a print inhibiting means for transmitting the print inhibition information for inhibiting printing of the print data.

  An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a print data creating unit for creating print data including a specific seal image corresponding to a user in response to a print instruction from the user, and a seal image A transmission means for transmitting the print data including the print data to the management server, and printing the print data in response to receiving the print permission information transmitted in response to the print data from the management server. A print execution unit; and a print cancel unit for canceling printing of the print data in response to the print prohibition information transmitted in response to the print data from the management server.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a print management table storing a time condition for permitting printing, and a determination unit for determining whether or not a user's print instruction satisfies the time condition. The transmission means further includes means for transmitting the print data including the seal image to the management server when the determination means determines that the time condition is not satisfied, and the determination means satisfies the time condition. And a means for executing printing of print data by the print execution means when it is determined that the print execution means is configured to transmit when the time condition is determined not to be satisfied by the determination means Billing means for performing billing processing for the user in response to the print prohibition information transmitted from the management server in response to the print data transmitted by the means; When the payment is confirmed for charging processing by, and means for executing the printing of the print data by the print execution means.

  As described above, according to the present image forming system, image formation is performed based on whether or not the seal image included in the print data is registered using the electronic seal image registered in advance and the seal image included in the print data. Control system operation. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming system capable of easily managing whether or not to permit printing, a management server and an image forming apparatus therefor.

  The image forming system further includes a table that stores temporal conditions permitting printing, and does not print unconditionally when the temporal conditions are not satisfied. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming system that can easily manage whether or not to permit printing depending on time conditions, and a management server and an image forming apparatus therefor.

  The image forming system further includes billing means for performing billing processing for printing the print data to the system user. Even if the time condition is not satisfied, if payment for the billing process is performed, printing is executed. As a result, an image forming system capable of managing whether or not to permit printing according to time conditions and permitting printing depending on circumstances even when the time conditions are not satisfied, and a management server therefor, An image forming apparatus can be realized.

  The image forming system further includes a print number storage unit for storing the number of printed sheets when the time condition is not satisfied. As a result, an image forming system capable of easily managing whether or not to permit printing according to time conditions and managing the number of printed sheets outside the permitted time, and a management server and an image forming apparatus therefor are provided. Can be realized.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
−Configuration−
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 30 includes an image forming apparatus 44 for printing an image, an information processing apparatus 42 for issuing an image data print instruction to the image forming apparatus 44, and an image forming apparatus. The server 40 for receiving the seal information from 44 and comparing it with the pre-registered seal information and issuing and transmitting the print permission information, and the network 46 to which the server 40, the information processing device 42 and the image forming device 44 are connected. Including. The server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44 can communicate with each other via the network 46.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 44. Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 44 scans a control unit 60 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 44, a bus 92 connected to the control unit 60, and a document placed on a document placement table. A document scanning unit 62 for optical reading, a read image data generation control unit 64 for generating an image data by converting an optical signal read by the document scanning unit 62, and a printing process of input image data A print control unit 66 for controlling the image, an image forming unit 68 for printing the image data input from the print control unit 66 on a paper medium, and a display unit 70 for displaying information relating to document reading and printing processing. Including.

  The image forming apparatus 44 further includes an operation unit 72 for receiving an operation instruction from a user and passing it to the control unit 60, a communication interface 74 for controlling communication with an external device, and a communication connector connected to the communication interface 74. 76, a power control unit 78 for controlling detection of power consumption of the image forming apparatus 44, setting to a standby state, power-off, and the like, and a power connector 80 connected to the power control unit 78, In a storage medium such as a temporary storage unit 82 for temporarily storing input image data, a storage unit 88 for storing various programs executed by the image forming apparatus 44, and an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. A storage medium reading unit 90 for passing the recorded information to the reading control unit 60.

  The storage unit 88 stores a seal stamp information extraction program 84 for extracting seal stamp information included in the print data, and a use permission time zone management table 86. Document scanning unit 62, read image data generation control unit 64, print control unit 66, image forming unit 68, storage unit 88, storage medium reading unit 90, display unit 70, operation unit 72, communication interface 74, power control unit 78 and The temporary storage unit 82 is connected via a bus 92, and control of each unit is performed by the control unit 60.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 40. Referring to FIG. 3, server 40 has a storage unit 152 for storing a program executed in server 40, and calls and executes the program stored in storage unit 152, thereby executing the entire server 40. Central processing unit 150 for controlling and realizing a desired function, bus 176 connected to central processing unit 150, display interface 164 connected to bus 176, and display unit connected to display interface 164 Connector 162, display unit 160 connected to display unit connector 162, operation unit 166 for accepting an operation from a user and passing it to central processing unit 150, communication interface 156 connected to bus 176, And a communication connector 158 connected to the communication interface 156.

  The storage unit 152 responds to a password issuance request from the information processing apparatus 42, issues a temporary permission password issuance program 154 for issuing a temporary permission password, a use permission time period management table 170, and saves print data. It is determined whether the print image data storage unit 172, the seal data registration information management database 174 for storing information related to the seal part data, and the seal image received from the outside are registered in the seal data registration information management database 174 A seal data registration determination program 178 is stored. The storage unit 152, the communication interface 156, the display interface 164, and the operation unit 166 are connected via a bus 176, and control of each unit is performed by the central processing unit 150.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 42. Referring to FIG. 4, information processing device 42 has a storage unit 102 for storing a program executed in information processing device 42, and information by calling and executing a program stored in storage unit 102. A central processing unit 100 for controlling the entire processing device 42 to realize a desired function, a bus 124 connected to the central processing unit 100, a display interface 116 connected to the bus 124, and a display interface 116 A display unit connector 114 connected to the display unit, a display unit 112 connected to the display unit connector 114, an operation unit 118 for accepting an operation from a user and passing it to the central processing unit 100, and communication with an external device A communication interface 108 for controlling the communication, and a communication connector 110 connected to the communication interface 108.

  The storage unit 102 generates a print image data upon receiving a print instruction from the application and transmits the data to the image forming apparatus 44. When the print instruction is issued, there is no seal information in the print image data. A request for issuing a temporary permission password is sent to the server 40 when using the seal identification / attachment processing program 106 for attaching the seal image to the print image data and the image forming apparatus 44 other than the use permission time zone. A temporary permission password processing program 122 for transmitting a password to the image forming apparatus 44 based on a user's operation is stored. The storage unit 102, the communication interface 108, the display interface 116, and the operation unit 118 are connected via a bus 124, and control of each unit is performed by the central processing unit 100.

  The seal stamp image registered in advance in the seal data registration information management database 174 stored in the server 40 is added to the seal stamp image added to the print image data by executing the seal stamp identification / assignment processing program 106. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the use permission time zone management table 180 in which the use permission time of the image forming apparatus 44 included in the image forming system 30 is set. Referring to FIG. 5, either permission or prohibition of use of image forming apparatus 44 is set in advance for each day of the week and time period.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the setting relating to the use of the image forming apparatus 44 is set in units of one hour or several hours, but setting in units of minutes is also possible. Further, as a device for storing the use permission time zone management table 180, any of the image forming device 44, the information processing device 42, and the server 40 can be used. In the present embodiment, the use permission time zone management tables 86 and 170 are stored in the image forming apparatus 44 and the server 40, respectively.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the seal data registration information management database 174 provided in the server 40 according to the present invention. The seal data registration information management database 174 includes a seal image, the name of the user of the seal, an e-mail address that is a transmission destination to which print execution information is transmitted after printing, a print destination that specifies a print destination, a color Alternatively, monochrome print permission information and color and monochrome print count information are recorded as one record. When the seal image is recorded in the seal data registration information management database 174, it is recorded in a state in which it is normalized so that the size of the seal image becomes a predetermined size. Each user of the image forming system registers in advance data including his / her own seal image, and creates a seal data registration information management database 174. The seal data registration information management database 174 also includes a record for counting the number of printed sheets within the permitted printing time, and a record for counting the number of printed sheets that have been charged and printed during overtime printing. . Those records do not have a seal image. In addition, the seal image added to the image data by the seal identification / assignment processing program 106 executed by the information processing apparatus 42 is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and transmission of the seal stamp user and print execution information is performed. The former is a system administrator. The count information is counted separately for color and black and white. The print permission information and the print destination are set separately by the system administrator.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seal data registration determination program 178 executed by the central processing unit 150 of the server 40 according to the present invention.

  This program is activated when the server 40 receives image data from the image forming apparatus 44. Referring to FIG. 7, this program extracts step S702 from the received image data, step S702 following step S702, and normalizes the extracted seal portion so as to have a predetermined size. Following step S703, it is determined whether or not the normalized seal stamp image matches the image registered in the seal data registration information management database 174 on the server 40, and the flow of control is determined according to the determination result. Step S704 to be branched, Step S706 that is executed when it is determined that the image does not match the image registered in Step S704 (in the case of NO), and Step S706 that substitutes 1 for the variable n. Step S708 for rotating the image of the copy once to the right, and following Step S708, the image of the rotated seal portion is displayed on the server 40. It is determined whether or not it matches the one registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and it is determined that it does not match the image registered in step S710 that branches the flow of control according to the determination result and step S710. Is executed (in the case of NO), and after step S712 for substituting the value of n + 1 for the variable n and step S712, it is determined whether or not the variable n satisfies the relationship of n <360. And step S714 for branching the control flow accordingly. If it is determined in step S714 that the relationship of n <360 is satisfied (in the case of YES), the control proceeds to step S708.

  If it is determined that this program matches the image registered in step S704 (in the case of YES), or if it is determined to match the image registered in step S710 (in the case of YES), “the same seal” Step S716 that outputs a result of “detection” and step S718 that is executed when it is determined in step S714 that n <360 is not satisfied (in the case of NO) and outputs a result of “no seal registration”. . After executing step S716 or step S718, this program ends.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen 200 that prompts for charging, which is displayed on the display unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 44 during printing outside the print permission time zone. Referring to FIG. 8, a display screen 200 includes a charge display area 202 for displaying the amount calculated based on the number of prints and the print type (color / monochrome print), and a print cancel button that the user presses when canceling the print. 204. When the amount displayed in the charge display area 202 is deposited into the coin vendor, printing is executed. When the user presses the print cancel button 204, the print data stored in the image forming apparatus 44 is deleted, and the print processing is stopped.

  FIG. 9 shows the central processing unit 150 of the server 40, the central processing unit 100 of the information processing device 42, and the image when the image forming apparatus 44 is used in the image forming system 30 according to the first embodiment. It is the figure which represented the control structure of the program respectively performed by the control part 60 of the formation apparatus 44 in the flowchart format.

  The connector A, the connector B, and the connector C in the flowchart of FIG. 9 are provided for the sake of simplicity in describing the configuration after the second embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed by information processing device 42 displays a log-on screen executed when information processing device 42 is activated, and after step S601 and step S601, the user inputs a user ID. Following step S602 for performing logon processing, step S603 for allowing the user to operate the application software to instruct a print request after step S602, and step S603, for the print data and the user ID input at the time of logon by the printer driver 104 And step S604 for transmitting print request information including the information to the image forming apparatus 44. After executing step S604, this program ends.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 44 extracts print data from the received print request information and stores it in the temporary storage unit 82 following steps S605 and S605 for receiving the print request information from the information processing apparatus 42. Subsequent to step S606 and step S606, the date and time when the print information is received and the use permission time zone management table 86 stored in the image forming apparatus 44 are referred to determine whether printing is permitted or not. Step S607 for branching the control flow accordingly, Step S608 executed when it is determined in step S607 that printing is not permitted (NO), and seal information is extracted from the print data and transmitted to the server 40. including.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S607 that printing is permitted (in the case of YES), and is stored in the temporary storage unit 82 following step S609 for issuing in-time permission information and step S609. Step S617 for reading the print data and executing printing.

  The program further continues to step S608, receives information from the server 40, continues to step S612, and continues to step S612 to determine whether print prohibition information has been received from the server 40, and performs control according to the determination result. Step S613 that branches the flow, step S614 that is executed when it is determined that the print permission information has been received in step S613 (in the case of YES), and displays a display screen 200 that prompts charging on the display unit 70, and step S614 Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fee has been received, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result, and when it is determined that the payment has not been made in step S615 (in the case of NO), Step S for determining whether or not the print cancel button 204 has been pressed and branching the control flow according to the determination result And a 16. If it is determined in step S613 that the print prohibition information has not been received (NO), or if it is determined in step S615 that a fee has been received (YES), step S617 is executed. If it is determined in step S616 that the print cancel button 204 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S615. If it is determined in step S616 that the print cancel button has been pressed (in the case of YES), the execution of this program is terminated.

  Further, following this step S617, this program determines whether or not print prohibition information has been received from the server 40, and receives the print prohibition information in step S618 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step S618. Step S619 is executed when it is determined that the print information is not present (NO), and print information including print count information is notified to the server 40. After step S619 is executed or when it is determined in step S618 that the print prohibition information has been received (in the case of YES), the execution of this program is terminated.

  The program executed by the server 40 receives the seal stamp information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 44, and permits printing by referring to the received seal stamp information and data registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174. Whether or not, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result is included. In step S610, printing is permitted when the received stamp information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and printing is not permitted when it is not registered. This program is further executed when it is determined in step S610 that printing is not permitted (in the case of NO), and it is determined that printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 44 and that printing is permitted in step S610. And step S620 for transmitting the print permission information to the image forming apparatus 44.

  This program further continues to step S620, receives print information including print count information from the image forming apparatus 44, and continues to step S621. In step S621, the seal data registration information management database 174 stores the corresponding seal information record. Subsequent to step S622 for registering count information and step S622, it is determined whether or not the current time is in the usage-permitted time zone, and the control flow is branched in accordance with the determination result, and used in step S623. This is executed when it is determined that the time is permitted (in the case of YES), and is printed in the seal data registration information management database 174 in the corresponding seal information record and the number of prints counted for the system administrator. Including step S624. If it is determined in step S623 that it is not the use permission time zone (NO), control proceeds to step S623 and waits until the use permission time zone is reached. After executing step S611 or step S624, the execution of this program is terminated.

―Operation―
The image forming system 30 according to the first embodiment operates as follows.

  In the image forming system 30, “permission” or “prohibition” of the operation is set in advance for each day of the week and time period for the image forming apparatus 44. The set information is stored in the use permission time zone management table 86 and stored in the image forming apparatus 44.

  Among users of the image forming system 30, a person who creates a document using an electronic seal stamp registers a seal image and various information in the seal data registration information management database 174 in advance.

  Each user of the image forming system 30 is assigned a user ID in advance. The user ID is used to identify the user when the information processing apparatus 42 is activated and the logon process is performed.

  The information processing apparatus 42 is activated, and the user inputs a user ID and performs logon processing. When the user operates the application and issues a print instruction from the information processing apparatus 42, print request information including print data and user ID information of the user using the information processing apparatus 42 is formed by the printer driver. Transmitted to the device 44. At this time, when the seal data is not included in the print data, the seal image created by the seal identification / assignment processing program 106 is added to the print data and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 44.

  The image forming apparatus 44 receives the print request information, extracts print data from the print request information, and temporarily stores it in the temporary storage unit 82. The image forming apparatus 44 further refers to the date and time when the print instruction is received and the use permission time zone management table 86 to determine whether or not the use is permitted. If it is within the use permission time, the time permission information is issued, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 is read and printing is executed. After executing the printing, the image forming apparatus 44 transmits to the server 40 print information including count information indicating how many color and black and white originals have been printed. Upon receiving the print information from the image forming apparatus 44, the server 40 registers the count information in the seal data registration information management database 174, and notifies the owner of the electronic seal stamp and the system administrator by e-mail or the like. .

  When it is outside the usage permission time, the seal stamp information included in the print data is extracted and transmitted to the server 40. The server 40 refers to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 to determine whether or not to permit printing. In the server 40, a seal data registration determination program 178 is executed to determine whether or not to permit printing. The seal stamp data registration determination program 178 extracts a seal stamp portion from the print data, normalizes it to a predetermined size, and determines whether there is a copy that matches the seal stamp data registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174. If there is no match, the extracted seal part is rotated once to the right, and the rotated image is compared with the image registered in the seal data registration information management database 174. If there is no match, the seal part is further rotated once to the right for comparison, and the process is repeated until the seal part makes one rotation (n = 360). If there is a match between the seal stamp part extracted in the meantime and the image registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174, a determination result that the same seal is detected is output, and if there is no match, a determination result that there is no seal registration is output. Is output. Then, the server 40 determines that printing is permitted if a determination result that there is a match is output in the output result of the seal data registration determination program 178, and that printing is not permitted if a determination result that there is no seal registration is output. To do.

  If the server 40 determines that printing is not permitted, the print prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 44, and the image forming apparatus that has received the print prohibition information displays a billing screen and displays the amount of money for printing. When the displayed amount is deposited, the image forming apparatus 44 reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82, executes printing, and ends. When the print cancel button 204 is pressed, the process is terminated without executing printing.

  If the server 40 determines that printing is permitted, the printing permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 44. The image forming apparatus 44 that has received the print permission information reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 and executes printing. After executing the printing, the image forming apparatus 44 transmits to the server 40 print information including count information indicating how many color and black and white originals have been printed. The server 40 that has received the print information from the image forming apparatus 44 registers the count information in the record of the seal stamp information extracted from the seal stamp data registration information management database 174. After that, it waits until the use permission time zone is reached, and when the use permission time zone comes, it notifies the owner of the electronic seal stamp and the system administrator by e-mail or the like.

  As described above, for printing within the use permission time, count information indicating how many sheets have been printed is stored on the server regardless of the seal information. For printing outside the permitted use time, the seal information included in the print data is extracted, and if the seal image is registered in advance in the seal data registration information management database 174, printing is permitted and printing is performed. After printing is performed, the count information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and when the use permission time period is reached, the user who owns the seal image and the administrator are notified of the use result outside the time by e-mail or the like. If the seal image is not registered, a charge corresponding to the print data is displayed, and printing is executed when the charge is received.

  As a result, the user whose seal information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174 can print even outside the permitted time, and the printed portion outside the time is notified by e-mail etc. when the usage permitted time zone is reached. You can check the usage status. In this way, unauthorized printing can be monitored by automatically recording information printed during a preset use-prohibited time period and notifying the user. Also, users who have not registered seal information can be printed out of hours by charging a usage fee, so it is possible to cope with cases where urgent business is required.

[Second Embodiment]
-Constitution-
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 230 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, image forming system 230 includes an image forming apparatus 244 for performing image printing, an information processing apparatus 242 for issuing an image data print instruction to image forming apparatus 244, and an image forming apparatus. A server 240 for issuing and transmitting printing permission information by receiving seal information from 244 and comparing it with pre-registered seal information, and a network 246 to which the server 240, the information processing device 242, and the image forming device 244 are connected. Including. The server 240, the information processing apparatus 242, and the image forming apparatus 244 can communicate with each other via the network 246.

  The server 240, the information processing apparatus 242, and the image forming apparatus 244 have the same hardware configuration as the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44, respectively. However, the programs stored in the storage unit 152, the storage unit 102, and the storage unit 88 are different.

  FIG. 11 shows the central processing unit 150 of the server 240, the central processing unit 100 of the information processing device 242, and the image when the image forming apparatus 244 is used in the image forming system 230 according to the second embodiment. It is the figure which represented the control structure of the program respectively performed by the control part 60 of the formation apparatus 244 in the flowchart format. In FIG. 11, the processes up to the connectors A, B, and C are executed in steps S601 to S601 of the program executed by the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44 in the first embodiment. Same as S608.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the program executed by server 240 receives the seal stamp information transmitted from image forming apparatus 244, and receives the received seal stamp information and the data registered in seal data registration information management database 174. It includes step S901 that determines whether or not to permit printing by referring to and branches the control flow according to the determination result. In step S901, printing is permitted when the received seal information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and printing is not permitted when it is not registered.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S901 that printing is permitted (in the case of YES), and the print information transmission destination associated with the seal information received by referring to the seal data registration information management database 174 is used. Step S902 for extracting a certain mail address, Step S903 for transmitting information related to printing such as print date and time, user name, printer name, color, black and white, etc. to the extracted mail address, following step S902, Subsequent to step S903, step S905 for transmitting the print permission information to the image forming apparatus 244 is included.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S901 that printing is not permitted (in the case of NO), and a print prohibition notification is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 242. Subsequently to step S907, print data is deleted. Step S909 for transmitting the notification to the image forming apparatus 244. After executing Step S905 or Step S909, this program ends.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus 242 includes step S <b> 908 following step S <b> 604 in FIG. 9, receiving a print prohibition notification from the server 240 and displaying it on the display unit 112. After executing step S908, this program ends.

The program executed by the image forming apparatus 244 continues to step S608 in FIG.
Subsequent to step S910 for receiving information from the server 240 and step S910, it is determined whether or not the print permission information has been received from the server 240, and the control flow is branched in step S911 and step S911 depending on the determination result. When it is determined that the permission information has been received (in the case of YES), the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 is read and the print permission information is received in Step S912 and Step S911. Step S913 is executed when it is determined that there is no (NO), and the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 is deleted. After executing Step S912 or Step S913, this program ends.

―Operation―
The image forming system 230 according to the second embodiment operates as follows.

  In this image forming system 230, “permitted” or “prohibited” of the operation is set in advance for each day of the week and time period for the image forming apparatus 244, as in the first embodiment. The set information is stored in the use permission time zone management table 86 and stored in the image forming apparatus 244.

  Among users of the image forming system 230, those who create documents using an electronic seal stamp register a seal image and various types of information in the seal data registration information management database 174 in advance.

  Each user of the image forming system 230 is assigned a user ID in advance. The user ID is used to identify the user when starting the information processing apparatus 242 and performing logon processing.

  In the second embodiment, the seal stamp information transmitted to the server 240 when the print instruction is issued outside the use permission time and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 are referred to. The data registration information management database 174 controls to send the print information to the mail address associated with the seal information received.

  The image forming apparatus 244 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment until the seal stamp information is extracted from the print data and transmitted to the server 240.

  The server 240 refers to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174, and determines whether to permit printing. Whether or not printing is permitted is determined by the execution result of the seal data registration determination program 178 in the server 240. When the server 240 determines that printing is permitted, the server 240 refers to the seal data registration information management database 174, extracts the mail address associated with the received seal information, and sends the print date and time to the extracted mail address. , Information on printing such as a user name, a printer name to be used, and a print type such as color and black and white is transmitted. The print permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 244, and the image forming apparatus 244 that has received the print permission information reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 and executes printing.

  If the server 240 determines that printing is not permitted, the server 240 transmits a print prohibition notice to the information processing apparatus 242, and the information processing apparatus 242 displays the print prohibition notice on the display unit and notifies the user. The image forming apparatus 244 transmits a print data deletion notification, and the image forming apparatus 244 that has received the deletion notification deletes the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82.

  As described above, when overtime printing is permitted, information regarding printing to be executed is sent to the owner of the seal stamp information by e-mail. As a result, the owner of the seal stamp information can obtain information related to printing from the contents of the mail when overtime printing is performed, and can determine whether or not the information is improperly performed. When overtime printing is not permitted, printing prohibition information is issued and displayed on the information processing apparatus to notify the user, and an instruction to delete print data is sent to the image forming apparatus. The print data stored in the temporary storage unit is deleted. As a result, it is notified to the user that the printing is out of time, and the stored data is also deleted, so that unauthorized printing can be prevented.

[Third Embodiment]
-Constitution-
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 330 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, image forming system 330 includes image forming apparatuses 344 and 346 for performing image printing, information processing apparatus 342 for issuing an image data print instruction to image forming apparatus 344, and an image. Server 340 for receiving and sending printing permission information by receiving seal information from forming apparatus 344 and comparing it with pre-registered seal information, server 340, information processing apparatus 342, image forming apparatus 344, and image formation Network 348 to which device 346 is connected. Server 340, information processing device 342, and image forming devices 344 and 346 can communicate with each other via network 348.

  The server 340 and the information processing apparatus 342 have the same hardware configuration as the server 40 and the information processing apparatus 42, respectively. However, the programs stored in the storage unit 152 and the storage unit 102 are different. The image forming apparatuses 344 and 346 have the same hardware configuration as the image forming apparatus 44. However, the programs stored in the storage units 88 of the image forming apparatuses 344 and 346 are different.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the central processing unit 150 of the server 340, the central processing unit 100 of the information processing device 342, and the control unit 60 of the image forming devices 344 and 346 in the image forming system 330 according to the third embodiment. It is the figure which represented the control structure of the program respectively performed with the flowchart format. In FIG. 13, the processes up to the connectors A, B, and C are executed in steps S601 to S601 of the program executed by the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44 in the first embodiment. Same as S608. Referring to FIG. 13, the program executed in the first image forming apparatus is the control unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 344, and the program executed in the second image forming apparatus is the control unit of the image forming apparatus 346. 60 is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the program executed by server 340 receives seal information transmitted from the first image forming apparatus, and the received seal information and data registered in seal data registration information management database 174. And step S1001 for determining whether or not to permit printing and branching the flow of control according to the determination result. In step S1001, printing is permitted when the received seal information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and printing is not permitted when it is not registered.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1001 that printing is not permitted (in the case of NO). When printing prohibition information is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, printing is permitted in step S1001. When the determination is made (in the case of YES), the image forming apparatus (herein referred to as the second image forming apparatus) that performs printing is referred to by referring to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174. Steps S1003 for extracting information, and steps for transmitting data transfer instruction information to transfer the print data to the second image forming apparatus extracted in step S1003 to the first image forming apparatus following step S1003. S1004 and the second image forming apparatus extracted in step S1003 following step S1004 And a step S1005 of transmitting the print permission information for. After execution of step S1005 or step S1002, this program ends.

  Following step S608 in FIG. 9, the program executed by the first image forming apparatus determines whether or not data transfer instruction information is received from step S1006 for receiving information from the server 340, and This is executed when it is determined in step S1008 to branch the control flow according to the determination result and in step S1008 that the data transfer instruction information has been received (in the case of YES), and is printed on the designated second image forming apparatus. And step S1013 of transferring data. After executing step S1013, the program ends.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1008 that a data transfer instruction has not been received (in the case of NO), and displays a display screen 200 for prompting charging on the display unit 70, and in steps S1009 and S1009. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fee has been received and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result, and when it is determined in step S1010 that it has not been received (in the case of NO), it is executed and printing is stopped. It is determined whether or not the button 204 has been pressed and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result, and when it is determined that the deposit has been made in step S1010 (in the case of YES), the first image is executed. Step S1012 for reading the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 of the forming apparatus and executing printing. If it is determined in step S1011 that the print cancel button 204 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S1010. If it is determined in step S1011 that the print cancel button 204 has been pressed (in the case of YES), or after execution of step S1012, this program ends.

  The program executed by the second image forming apparatus receives print data from the first image forming apparatus and stores the print permission information from the server 340 following step S1014 for storing the print data in the temporary storage unit 82 and step S1014. Step S1015, and Step S1015, following Step S1015, read out the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 of the second image forming apparatus and execute printing. After executing step S1016, the program ends.

―Operation―
The image forming system 330 according to the third embodiment operates as follows.

  In this image forming system 330, “permission” or “prohibition” of the operation is set in advance for each day of the week and time period for the image forming apparatuses 344 and 346, as in the first embodiment. The set information is stored in the use permission time zone management table 86 and stored in the image forming apparatuses 344 and 346.

  Among users of the image forming system 330, a person who creates a document using an electronic seal stamp registers a seal image and various information in the seal data registration information management database 174 in advance.

  Each user of the image forming system 330 is assigned a user ID in advance. The user ID is used to identify the user when the information processing apparatus 342 is activated to perform logon processing.

  In the third embodiment, referring to the seal stamp information transmitted to the server 340 when a print instruction is issued outside the use permission time and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174, if printing is permitted, Even if a print instruction is issued to another image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus registered in advance in association with the seal image is controlled to change the output destination.

  The image forming apparatus 344 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment until the seal stamp information is extracted from the print data and transmitted to the server 340.

  The server 340 refers to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174, and determines whether to permit printing. Whether or not printing is permitted is determined by the execution result of the seal data registration determination program 178 in the server 340. If the server 340 determines that printing is permitted, the output destination associated with the received seal information (here, the second image forming apparatus is referred to) with reference to the received seal information and the seal data registration information management database 174. ). After extracting the output destination, the first image forming apparatus that has transmitted the seal information to the server 340 transmits information including an instruction to transfer the print data to the extracted output destination, and receives the received information. One image forming apparatus transfers print data to the second image forming apparatus. The server 340 transmits the print permission information to the extracted output destination and the second image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus that has received the print permission information reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit and executes the printing. To do.

  If the server 340 determines that printing is not permitted, the print prohibition information is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus that has received the print prohibition information displays a billing screen and displays an amount related to printing. Is displayed. When the displayed amount is deposited, the first image forming apparatus reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82, executes printing, and ends. When the print cancel button 204 is pressed while the accounting screen is displayed, the print is stopped and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the output destination is registered in advance in the seal data registration information management database 174 in association with the seal information, and when performing overtime printing, the output destination is changed. As a result, it is possible to fix the printing destination at the time of overtime printing, change the output destination to an image forming apparatus that is easily noticeable, or change the output destination to an image forming apparatus that does not have a color printing function. Thus, unauthorized printing can be prevented. Also, users who have not registered seal information can be printed out of hours by charging a usage fee, so it is possible to cope with cases where urgent business is required.

[Fourth Embodiment]
-Constitution-
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 430 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, image forming system 430 includes an image forming apparatus 444 for performing image printing, an information processing apparatus 442 for issuing an image data print instruction to image forming apparatus 444, and an image forming apparatus. A server 440 for issuing and transmitting printing permission information by receiving seal information from 444 and comparing it with previously registered seal information, and a network to which the server 440, the information processing device 442, and the image forming device 444 are connected. 446. The server 440, the information processing apparatus 442, and the image forming apparatus 444 can communicate with each other via the network 446.

  The server 440, the information processing apparatus 442, and the image forming apparatus 444 have the same hardware configuration as the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44, respectively. However, the programs stored in the storage unit 152, the storage unit 102, and the storage unit 88 are different.

  15 is executed by the central processing unit 150 of the server 440, the central processing unit 100 of the information processing device 442, and the control unit 60 of the image forming device 444 in the image forming system 430 according to the fourth embodiment. It is the figure which represented the control structure of the program to be performed in the flowchart format. In FIG. 15, the processes up to the connectors A, B, and C are executed in steps S601 to S601 of the program executed by the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44 in the first embodiment. Same as S608.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the program executed in server 440 receives the seal stamp information transmitted from image forming apparatus 444, and receives the received seal stamp information and data registered in seal data registration information management database 174. It includes step S1101 for determining whether to permit printing by referring to branching the control flow according to the determination result. In step S1101, printing is permitted when the received seal information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and printing is not permitted when it is not registered.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1101 that printing is not permitted (in the case of NO), and it is determined in step S1102 that printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 444 and printing is permitted in step S1101. In step S1104 in which the print permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 444 and in step S1104, the print result information is received from the image forming apparatus 444 and the seal data registration information management database 174 stores the print permission information. Step S1105 of adding the print count information included in the received print result information to the print count information of the corresponding record. After executing step S1102 or step S1105, the program ends.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 444 follows step S608 shown in FIG. 9, receives step S1106 for receiving information from the server 440, and continues to step S1106 to determine whether print prohibition information has been received from the server 440. Step S1107 for determining and branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and when it is determined in step S1107 that the print prohibition information has been received (in the case of YES), the display screen 200 for prompting charging is displayed. Steps S1108 and S1108 are displayed in Step S1108, and Steps S1109 and S1109 determine whether or not the amount displayed in the charge display area 202 has been deposited and branch the control flow according to the determination result. It is executed when it is determined that the deposit has been made (in the case of YES), and is stored in the temporary storage unit 82. Reads the print data, and a step S1110 to execute the printing. If it is determined in step S1107 that print prohibition information has not been received (NO), control proceeds to step S1110.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1109 that no payment has been made (in the case of NO), and it is determined whether or not the print cancel button 204 has been pressed, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result. Step S1112 to be performed, and Step S1111 to transmit print result information including information on how many color and monochrome prints have been printed to the server 440 following Step S1110. If it is determined in step S1112 that the print cancel button 204 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S1109. If it is determined in step S1112 that the print cancel button 204 has been pressed (in the case of YES), or after step S1111 is executed, the program ends.

―Operation―
The image forming system 430 according to the fourth embodiment operates as follows.

  In this image forming system 430, as in the first embodiment, “permitted” or “prohibited” operation is set in advance for each day of the week and time period for the image forming apparatus 444. The set information is stored in the use permission time zone management table 86 and stored in the image forming apparatus 444.

  Among users of the image forming system 430, those who create documents using an electronic seal stamp register a seal image and various types of information in the seal data registration information management database 174 in advance.

  Each user of the image forming system 430 is assigned a user ID in advance. The user ID is used to identify the user when the information processing apparatus 442 is activated to perform logon processing.

  In the fourth embodiment, the server 440 is referred to by referring to the seal stamp information transmitted to the server 440 when a print instruction is issued outside the use permission time and the seal stamp information registered in the seal data registration information management database 174. Regardless of whether printing is permitted or not, control is performed to record count information for color printing and monochrome printing in the seal data registration information management database 174.

  The image forming apparatus 444 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment until the seal stamp information is extracted from the print data and transmitted to the server 440.

  The server 440 refers to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 to determine whether or not to permit printing. Whether or not printing is permitted is determined by the execution result of the seal data registration determination program 178 in the server 440. If it is determined that printing is permitted, printing permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 444. The image forming apparatus 444 receives the print permission information, reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit, and executes printing. After printing, the image forming apparatus 444 transmits print result information including count information for color printing and monochrome printing, and a value is added to the count information of the corresponding seal stamp information in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 of the server 440. The If it is determined that printing is not permitted, printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 444. The image forming apparatus 444 that has received the print prohibition information displays a print fee screen according to the print data and prompts the user to charge. When the fee is paid, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is read and printing is executed. To stop printing, press the print stop button to end the program.

  In the fourth embodiment, print result information including count information for color printing and monochrome printing is transmitted to the server 440 even when printing is performed with charging. In the seal data registration information management database 174 of the server 440, a value is added to the count information of the overtime charging print record.

  As described above, when overtime printing is permitted, the count information for color printing and monochrome printing during overtime printing is added to the count information registered in the seal data registration information management database 174 in association with the seal information. I remember it. As a result, the number of printed sheets for each individual during overtime printing can be grasped, and it can be observed whether the result of appropriate printing. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the stamp information is not registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and count information corresponding to the fee printed is also stored. By grasping the information printed by charging, it is possible to calculate an appropriate price from the relationship between the usage status and the cost, and it is possible to prevent cost breakage due to charging printing.

[Fifth Embodiment]
-Constitution-
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 530 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, an image forming system 530 includes an image forming apparatus 544 for performing image printing, an information processing apparatus 542 for issuing an image data print instruction to image forming apparatus 544, and an image forming apparatus. A server 540 for receiving seal stamp information from 544 and comparing it with pre-registered seal stamp information to issue and transmit print permission information, and a network to which the server 540, information processing device 542, and image forming device 544 are connected 546. The server 540, the information processing apparatus 542, and the image forming apparatus 544 can communicate with each other via the network 546.

  The server 540, the information processing apparatus 542, and the image forming apparatus 544 have the same hardware configuration as the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44, respectively. However, the programs stored in the storage unit 152, the storage unit 102, and the storage unit 88 are different.

  17 is executed by the central processing unit 150 of the server 540, the central processing unit 100 of the information processing device 542, and the control unit 60 of the image forming device 544 in the image forming system 530 according to the fifth embodiment. It is the figure which represented the control structure of the program to be performed in the flowchart format. In FIG. 17, the processes up to the connectors A, B, and C are executed in steps S601 to S601 of the program executed by the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44, respectively, in the first embodiment. Same as S608.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the program executed by server 540 receives the seal stamp information transmitted from image forming apparatus 544, and receives the received seal stamp information and data registered in seal data registration information management database 174. It includes step S1301 for determining whether or not to permit printing with reference to branching the control flow according to the determination result. In step S1301, printing is permitted when the received seal information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and printing is not permitted when it is not registered.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1301 that printing is not permitted (in the case of NO), and it is determined that printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 544, and printing is permitted in step S1301. In step S1303, which is executed in the case of YES (if YES), the print permission information for color and monochrome printing is extracted with reference to the received seal information and the seal data registration information management database 174, and the extracted color is extracted from step S1303. And step S1306 of transmitting print permission information including permission information for monochrome printing to the image forming apparatus 544. After executing step S1302 or step S1306, the program ends.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 544 determines whether or not the print permission information has been received following Step S1307 shown in FIG. 9 and Step S1307 for receiving information from the server 540 and Step S1307. Step S1308 for diverging the flow of control according to the determination result, and if it is determined in step S1308 that print permission information has not been received (in the case of NO), a display screen 200 that prompts charging is displayed on the display unit 70. Steps S1312 and S1312, and whether or not the amount displayed in the fee display area 202 has been deposited is determined, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result. This is executed when it is determined that it has not been performed (in the case of NO), and the print cancel button 204 is pressed. To determine Taka not, and a step S1314 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination. If it is determined in step S1314 that the print cancel button 204 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S1313. If it is determined in step S1314 that the print cancel button 204 has been pressed (YES), this program ends.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1308 that the print permission information has been received, and it is determined whether or not the print data stored in the temporary storage unit 82 is monochrome, and control is performed according to the determination result. Step S1309 for branching the flow, and if it is determined in step S1309 that the print data is not monochrome (NO), the print permission information received from the server 540 determines whether color printing is permitted. This is executed when it is determined that color printing is permitted (step YES) in step S1310 for branching the control flow according to the determination result and in step S1310, and stored in the temporary storage unit 82. Step S1311 for reading print data and executing printing. If it is determined in step S1309 that the print data is black and white (in the case of YES), the control proceeds to step S1311. If it is determined in step S1313 that the deposit has been made (in the case of YES), the control proceeds to step S1311. If it is determined in step S1310 that color printing is not permitted (NO), the control proceeds to step S1312. After executing step S1311, this program is terminated.

―Operation―
The image forming system 530 according to the fifth embodiment operates as follows.

  In this image forming system 530, as in the first embodiment, “permission” or “prohibition” of the operation is set in advance for each day of the week and time period for the image forming apparatus 544. The set information is stored in the use permission time zone management table 86 and stored in the image forming apparatus 544.

  Among users of the image forming system 530, those who create documents using an electronic seal register the seal image and various information in the seal data registration information management database 174 in advance.

  Each user of the image forming system 530 is assigned a user ID in advance. The user ID is used to identify the user when the information processing apparatus 542 is activated to perform logon processing.

  In the fifth embodiment, the seal stamp information transmitted to the server 540 when a print instruction is issued outside the use permission time and the seal stamp information registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 are set in advance. The operation control of the image forming apparatus 544 is performed in accordance with the setting of permission or prohibition of the color printing and monochrome printing performed.

  The image forming apparatus 544 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment until the seal stamp information is extracted from the print data and transmitted to the server 540.

  The server 540 refers to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 to determine whether or not to permit printing. Whether or not printing is permitted is determined by the execution result of the seal data registration determination program 178 in the server 540. If the server 540 determines that printing is not permitted, the printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 544. The image forming apparatus 544 that has received the print prohibition information displays a print fee screen according to color or monochrome print data, and prompts the user to charge. When the money is deposited, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is read and printing is executed. When canceling printing, a print cancel button 204 is pressed to end the program.

  If the server 540 determines that printing is permitted, it transmits print permission information including a print type permitted for color printing or monochrome printing to the image forming apparatus 544. The image forming apparatus 544 that has received the print permission information executes printing when the print data is monochrome data. If printing is color data, it is determined whether the received print permission information permits color printing. If permitted, printing is executed. If the print data is in color and color printing is not permitted, a print fee screen according to the print data is displayed to prompt the user to charge, and if payment is made, printing is executed.

  As described above, in each of the seal stamp information registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174, color and monochrome print permission information can be set, and printing permitted in the unavailable time zone can be limited. . As a result, it is possible to make a setting according to the usage status of the user, and to set a setting that does not give permission for use when color printing is unnecessary, thereby reducing the cost of printing. In addition, when a user who is not permitted to use color printing needs to perform color printing outside the usage time, printing can be performed and handled by performing a charging process.

[Sixth Embodiment]
-Constitution-
FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 630 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 18, image forming system 630 includes an image forming apparatus 644 for performing image printing, an information processing apparatus 642 for issuing an image data print instruction to image forming apparatus 644, and an image forming apparatus. A server 640 for receiving seal stamp information from 644 and comparing it with pre-registered seal stamp information to issue and transmit print permission information, and a network to which the server 640, the information processing device 642, and the image forming device 644 are connected 646. The server 640, the information processing apparatus 642, and the image forming apparatus 644 can communicate with each other via the network 646.

  The server 640, the information processing apparatus 642, and the image forming apparatus 644 have the same hardware configuration as the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44, respectively. However, the programs stored in the storage unit 152, the storage unit 102, and the storage unit 88 are different.

  FIG. 19 is executed by the central processing unit 150 of the server 640, the central processing unit 100 of the information processing device 642, and the control unit 60 of the image forming device 644 in the image forming system 630 according to the sixth embodiment. It is the figure which represented the control structure of the program to be performed in the flowchart format. In FIG. 19, the processes up to the connectors A, B, and C are executed in steps S601 to S601 of the program executed by the server 40, the information processing apparatus 42, and the image forming apparatus 44, respectively, in the first embodiment. Same as S608.

  Referring to FIG. 19, the program executed by server 640 receives seal information transmitted from image forming apparatus 644, and receives the received seal information and data registered in seal data registration information management database 174. The process includes step S1401 of determining whether to permit printing with reference to branching the control flow depending on the determination result. In step S1401, printing is permitted when the received seal information is registered in the seal data registration information management database 174, and printing is not permitted when it is not registered.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1401 that printing is not permitted (in the case of NO), and it is determined in step S1402 that printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 644 and printing is permitted in step S1401. In step S1403 in which the print permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 644 and in step S1403, the print data is received from the image forming apparatus 644, and the print image data storage unit of the server 640 is executed. Step S1404 to be stored in 172, and Step S1405 to associate the stored print data with the corresponding record in the seal data registration information management database 174 following Step S1404. After execution of step S1402, control proceeds to step S1404. After executing step S1405, this program ends.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 644 follows step S608 shown in FIG. 9, receives step S1406 for receiving information from the server 640, and continues to step S1406 to determine whether print prohibition information has been received from the server 640. Step S1407 for determining and branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and when it is determined in step S1407 that the print prohibition information has been received (in the case of YES), the display screen 200 that prompts charging is displayed. Steps S1408 and S1408 are displayed in step S1408. In step S1409 and step S1409, it is determined whether the amount displayed in the charge display area 202 has been deposited, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result. This button is executed when it is determined that payment has not been made (in the case of NO), and a print cancel button It is determined whether or not 04 has been pressed, and is executed when it is determined in step S1412 to branch the flow of control according to the determination result and in step S1409 (in the case of YES), the temporary storage unit 82 Step S1410 for reading the stored print data and executing printing, and step S1411 for transmitting the printed print data to the server 640 following step S1410. If it is determined in step S1407 that the print prohibition information has not been received (NO), the control proceeds to step S1410. If it is determined in step S1412 that the print cancel button 204 has not been pressed (NO), control proceeds to step S1409. After executing step S1411, or if it is determined in step S1412 that the print cancel button 204 has been pressed (YES), this program is terminated.

―Operation―
The image forming system 630 according to the sixth embodiment operates as follows.

  In this image forming system 630, as in the first embodiment, “permission” or “prohibition” of the operation is set in advance for each day of the week and time period for the image forming apparatus 644. The set information is stored in the use permission time zone management table 86 and stored in the image forming apparatus 644.

  Among the users of the image forming system 630, those who create documents using an electronic seal stamp register the seal image and various information in the seal data registration information management database 174 in advance.

  Each user of the image forming system 630 is assigned a user ID in advance. The user ID is used to identify the user when the information processing apparatus 642 is activated to perform logon processing.

  In the sixth embodiment, print data after execution of printing is transmitted to the server 640, and the print data transmitted to the print image data storage unit 172 of the server 640 is stored. The stored print data is controlled to be registered in association with the seal stamp information registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174.

  The image forming apparatus 644 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment until the seal stamp information is extracted from the print data and transmitted to the server 640.

  The server 640 refers to the received seal stamp information and the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 to determine whether or not to permit printing. Whether or not printing is permitted is determined by the execution result of the seal data registration determination program 178 in the server 640. If the server 640 determines that printing is not permitted, the printing prohibition information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 644. The image forming apparatus 644 that has received the print prohibition information displays a print fee screen according to the print data and prompts the user to charge. To stop printing, press the print stop button to end the program. When the fee is paid, the print data stored in the temporary storage unit is read and printed, and the print data after printing is transmitted to the server 640. If it is determined that printing is permitted, printing permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 644. The image forming apparatus 644 that has received the print permission information reads the print data stored in the temporary storage unit, executes printing, and transmits the print data after execution to the server 640.

  The server 640 stores the received print data in the print image data storage unit 172. If it is determined that printing is permitted, the print data stored in the seal stamp information registered in the seal stamp data registration information management database 174 is associated. If there is no seal information, the print data stored in the corresponding record without the seal information is associated.

  As described above, by registering the print data and the seal stamp information in association with each other, even if the electronic seal stamp is incorrect or printed due to erroneous recognition, it can be confirmed later. By storing the print data in association with the seal stamp information, the printed data and the state at the time of execution can be stored, and the print status can be confirmed at a later date. Also, by saving the charged print data, it is possible to confirm what has been printed.

  As described above, according to each illustrated embodiment, it is possible to set an available time of the image forming apparatus in order to prevent unauthorized use, automatically record information printed during that time zone, and confirm the print information An image forming system can be provided.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 30 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 44. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a server 40. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an information processing device 42. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a use permission time zone management table 180 in which a use permission time of the image forming apparatus 44 is set. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the seal data registration information management database 174 with which the server 40 is provided. It is a figure showing the program showing the operation | movement in recognition of a seal image performed by the central processing part 150 of the server 40 in a flowchart format. It is a figure which shows the display screen 200 which promotes charge displayed at the time of printing other than the printing permission time slot | zone set beforehand. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control structure of a program executed in the image forming system 30 according to the first embodiment in a flowchart format. 4 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 230 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program to be executed in the image forming system 230 according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram of the image forming system 330 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program to be executed in an image forming system 330 according to a third embodiment. It is a block diagram of the image forming system 430 which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control structure of a program to be executed in an image forming system 430 according to a fourth embodiment in a flowchart format. It is a block diagram of the image forming system 530 which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control structure of a program to be executed in a flowchart format in an image forming system 530 according to a fifth embodiment. It is a block diagram of the image forming system 630 which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program to be executed in an image forming system 630 according to a sixth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Image formation system 40 Server 42 Information processing apparatus 44 Image formation apparatus 46 Network 60 Control part 66 Print control part 68 Image formation part 70,112,160 Display part 72,118,166 Operation part 74,108,156 Communication interface 82 Temporary Storage unit 86, 170 Usage permission time zone management table 88, 102, 152 Storage unit 92, 124, 176 Bus 100, 150 Central processing unit 104 Printer driver 106 Seal identification / addition processing program 200 Display screen 202 Fee display area 204 Print Cancel button

Claims (8)

Seal storage means for storing one or more electronic seal images;
A seal image extraction means for extracting a seal image from the print data;
A seal image determination means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the seal image extraction means matches any of the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means;
If it is determined by the determination result of the seal image determination means that the extracted seal image matches one of the one or more electronic seal image, a print execution means for executing printing of the print data ;
For each electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means,
A print number storage means for storing the number of sheets printed by the print execution means in relation to the electronic seal image;
A destination storage means for storing a destination of information related to the electronic seal image,
In response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, the number of printed sheets is stored in the corresponding destination stored in the destination storage for the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage. An image forming system further comprising print information transmission means for transmitting the corresponding print information stored in the print information . Seal storage means for storing one or more electronic seal images;
A seal image extraction means for extracting a seal image from the print data;
A seal image determination means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the seal image extraction means matches any of the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means;
If it is determined by the determination result of the seal image determination means that the extracted seal image matches any of the one or more electronic seal image, a print execution means for executing printing of the print data; seen including,
It further includes a print management table storing time conditions for permitting printing,
Billing means for performing billing processing for printing the print data to the system user when the seal image determination means determines that the seal image does not match when the time condition is not satisfied When,
An image forming system further comprising: a unit for causing the print execution unit to print the print data when payment for the charging process by the charging unit is confirmed . Seal storage means for storing one or more electronic seal images;
A seal image extraction means for extracting a seal image from the print data;
A seal image determination means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the seal image extraction means matches any of the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means;
If it is determined by the determination result of the seal image determination means that the extracted seal image matches any of the one or more electronic seal image, a print execution means for executing printing of the print data; seen including,
The print execution means includes a plurality of image forming means,
The image forming system further includes:
For each of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage means, including output destination storage means for storing output destination image forming means related to the electronic seal image,
The print execution unit further includes an image forming unit stored in the output destination storage unit in correspondence with the electronic seal image determined by the seal image determination unit when it matches the seal image extracted from the print data. An image forming system including means for transferring and printing the print data . The print execution means includes a plurality of image forming means,
The image forming system further includes:
For each of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage means, including output destination storage means for storing output destination image forming means related to the electronic seal image,
The print execution unit further includes an image forming unit stored in the output destination storage unit in correspondence with the electronic seal image determined by the seal image determination unit when it matches the seal image extracted from the print data. The image forming system according to claim 2 , further comprising means for transferring and printing the print data. When it is determined that the seal image extracted from the print data does not match any of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage means based on the determination result of the seal image determination means, a print prohibition display is displayed. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a print prohibition display unit. Print data storage means for storing print data printed when the time condition is not satisfied by the print execution means;
Further comprising, an image forming system according to claim 2 and a hand stage for enabling identification of the user with respect to the print data stored in the print data storing means. Seal storage means for storing one or more electronic seal images;
Seal image extraction means for receiving print data from the image forming apparatus and extracting a seal image from the received print data;
A seal image determination means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the seal image extraction means matches the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means;
When the seal image determination unit determines that the extracted seal image matches any of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage unit, the print image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print data. Print permission means for transmitting print permission information for permitting data printing;
When the seal image determination unit determines that the extracted seal image does not match any of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage unit, the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print data Print prohibition means for transmitting print prohibition information prohibiting printing of print data ;
For each electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means,
A print number storage means for storing the number of prints of the print data in response to the image forming apparatus receiving the print permission information in relation to the electronic seal image;
A destination storage means for storing a destination of information related to the electronic seal image,
In response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, the number of printed sheets is stored in the corresponding destination stored in the destination storage for the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage. A management server of the image forming system, further comprising print information transmitting means for transmitting the corresponding print information stored in the image forming system. In response to a user's print instruction, print data creation means for creating print data including a specific seal image corresponding to the user;
And transmitting means for transmitting the print data including the seal image to the management server,
Print execution means for executing printing of the print data in response to receiving print permission information transmitted in response to the print data from the management server;
The management response from the server to the print inhibition information transmitted in response to the print data, see contains a print stop means for stopping the printing of the print data,
It further includes a print management table storing time conditions for permitting printing,
A determination unit for determining whether or not the user's print instruction satisfies the temporal condition;
The transmission means includes
Means for transmitting the print data including the seal image to the management server when the determination means determines that the temporal condition is not satisfied;
Means for causing the print execution means to print the print data when it is determined by the determination means that the temporal condition is satisfied,
Responding to the print prohibition information sent from the management server in response to the print data sent by the sending means when the judging means determines that the time condition is not satisfied Charging means for performing charging processing for the user,
Means for causing the print execution means to print the print data when payment for the billing process by the billing means is confirmed;
The management server
Seal storage means for storing one or more electronic seal images;
Seal image extraction means for receiving print data from the image forming apparatus and extracting a seal image from the received print data;
A seal image determination means for determining whether the seal image extracted by the seal image extraction means matches the electronic seal image stored in the seal storage means;
When the seal image determination unit determines that the extracted seal image matches any of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage unit, the print image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print data. Print permission means for transmitting print permission information for permitting data printing;
When the seal image determination unit determines that the extracted seal image does not match any of the electronic seal images stored in the seal storage unit, the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print data An image forming apparatus comprising: print prohibiting means for transmitting print prohibition information for prohibiting printing of print data .

Images