JP5748815B2 - Image forming apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method therefor , and a program .

  In recent years, for the purpose of preventing information leakage, there has been a demand for enhancement of security functions in information processing devices. An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that handles document information as electronic data is also equipped with various security functions, and an image forming apparatus that performs access control by user authentication or the like is known. For example, as a part of user access control, there is a method of restricting use by each user for each function of the image forming apparatus or forming (printing) only authenticated user data.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an image forming apparatus that includes a charge input device and is capable of switching between a charging management mode (for general users) and a non-charging management mode (for administrators and service personnel). In this image forming apparatus, functions that can be used by general users and managers can be appropriately restricted by making it possible to set different image forming conditions for each mode.

  In recent years, in image forming apparatuses, for example, a billing apparatus such as a coin vendor and a card reader are used in an environment shared by a general unspecified user and a specific user such as a staff member, such as a public facility. And the like are connected to both authentication devices. Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for appropriately selecting a charging management apparatus that charges for execution of a job in an image forming apparatus to which a plurality of charging management apparatuses such as a coin vendor and a card reader are connected.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-258954 JP 2007-65211 A

  However, when the user access control is performed in the image forming apparatus to which both the coin vendor and the card reader are connected as described above, there are the following problems. For example, if a specific user logs in to the image forming apparatus by card authentication using a card reader and the use permission of the apparatus is given to another user who has charged a fee to a coin vendor, the consistency of access control is improved. It may become impossible to remove. In other words, when a plurality of users having different settings regarding the use restrictions for each function are logged in, there is a case in which use by other users must be restricted for a function that is permitted for a specific user. obtain. In that case, there is a problem that it is difficult to appropriately limit the use of each function by each user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, as well as preventing the use by multiple users becomes ready, the image forming apparatus and appropriately limiting the use of each function for each user It is an object to provide a control method and a program .

The present invention can be realized as an image forming apparatus, for example. The image forming apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus; and a fee collection apparatus that collects a fee from the user who uses the image forming apparatus. and connection means for connecting, when succeeding in the user authentication using the authentication information received by the receiving means, and, in any case when the predetermined fee is put into the fee collection device, the image forming and a control means for ready use of the device, wherein the control means, wherein the image forming apparatus is ready for use by the successful to the user authentication, so that rates the fee collection device is not turned on And controlling the fee collection device .

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program that can prevent use by a plurality of users and appropriately limit the use of each function for each user. .

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of an MFP 100 according to a first embodiment. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit 101 of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table including use permission information of each function in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104 in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of access control in MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table including use permission information for each function in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an access control procedure in MFP 100 according to the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104 in the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104 in the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a job execution procedure when an additional charge for a shortage is requested during execution of a job in MFP 100 according to the third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a job execution procedure when MFP 100 according to the third embodiment requests a shortage additional charge at the start of a job.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts such as the superordinate concept, intermediate concept and subordinate concept of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
First, a system configuration example of the MFP 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a printer unit 102, a scanner unit 103, an operation unit 104, and a control unit 101, and an authentication device 130 and a billing device 140 are connected to the MFP 100. The MFP 100 is connected to host computers (PCs) 151 and 152 via a network (LAN) 150. Note that any number of PCs 151 and 152 may exist on the LAN 150.

  The control unit 101 realizes various functions in the MFP 100 by controlling the operations of the printer unit 102, the scanner unit 103, and the operation unit 104. The printer unit 102 forms an image (prints) on a recording material (paper) using the image data received from the control unit 101. The scanner unit 103 generates image data (scanned image data) by reading an image from a document. The operation unit 104 includes a keyboard and an LCD display unit. Various operation screens, instruction screens, the state of the MFP 100, and the like are displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104.

  Authentication device 130 is a device for performing authentication processing of a user who uses MFP 100. In this embodiment, a non-contact IC card reader will be described as the authentication device 130. User non-contact IC cards (hereinafter referred to as “IC cards”) used for authentication processing have user attribute information recorded in advance. User attribute information read from the IC card in the authentication device 130 is transmitted to the control unit 101 and used for authentication processing.

  Billing device 140 is a fee collection device for collecting a fee charged to a user who uses MFP 100. In the present embodiment, a coin vendor that receives cash (banknotes or coins) from a user will be described as the charging device 140. Note that the billing device 140 may be a fee collection device that collects fees using a cash card, prepaid card, electronic money, or the like. In the MFP 100, when used based on the fee collected using the coin vendor 140, the fee charged to the user is determined by the control unit 101 according to the number of prints, size, color mode, etc. of the job input by the user. Calculated. The calculated fee is collected from the user using the coin vendor 140.

(Configuration of control unit 101)
Hereinafter, a configuration example of the control unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG. Each device in the control unit 101 is connected to the CPU 110 via the internal bus 105. The CPU 110 reads out a program stored in the ROM 121 via the ROM controller 113 and controls the operation of the entire control unit 101 according to the program. Here, the ROM 121 is a rewritable ROM (Flash ROM). The RAM 122 is used as a work memory when the CPU 110 executes various processes, or as a buffer or the like for storing image data. Note that the CPU 110 accesses the RAM 122 via the RAM controller 114.

  The host I / F unit 111 transmits and receives print code data and image data described in a printer-specific language by communicating with the PCs 151 and 152 connected via the LAN 150. The scanner I / F unit 112 communicates with the scanner unit 103 and receives scan image data input from the scanner unit 103. The engine I / F unit 115 communicates with the printer unit 102 and outputs image data for printing to the printer unit 102. The HDD 116 temporarily stores image data to be printed or transmitted by FAX or the like, or stores data to be saved by the BOX function or the like.

  An authentication device 130 is connected to the authentication device I / F unit 119. The CPU 110 controls the authentication device 130 via the authentication device I / F unit 119 and performs user authentication based on information received from the authentication device 130. Based on the authentication result, CPU 110 permits the user to execute the function of MFP 100. Further, a charging device (coin vendor) 140 is connected to the charging device I / F unit 120. The CPU 110 controls the charging device 140 via the charging device I / F unit 120 and collects the fee charged to the user using the charging device 140.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed without the operation of the operation unit 104 being performed, the power saving control unit 117 turns off the power of the printer unit 102 and the controller power supply unit 118 to shift the MFP 100 to the power saving mode. . The host unit I / F unit 111 is energized even during the power saving mode, and monitors reception of data from the outside. When the host I / F unit 111 detects reception of data from the outside, the power saving control unit 117 returns the MFP 100 to the normal operation mode by turning on the printer unit 102 and the controller power source unit 118. Let

  MFP 100 having the above configuration implements various functions under the control of CPU 110 of control unit 101. In MFP 100, for example, a print job is realized as follows. First, settings and data related to a print job are received from the external PC 151 or PC 152 via the LAN 150 via the host I / F unit 111. The control unit 101 performs processing for expanding data described in PDL into a bitmap format for the job, and generates image data to be printed according to designated information. Further, the control unit 101 transmits the generated image data to the printer unit 102 via the engine I / F unit 115, and starts print processing.

  In the MFP 100, a copy job (color or monochrome) is realized as follows. A user inputs a setting and execution instruction regarding a copy job via the operation unit 104. The control unit 101 starts execution of a copy job according to the input setting information such as paper size information and color mode information. First, under the control of the control unit 101, the scanner unit 103 reads an image from a document and generates image data. The CPU 110 of the control unit 101 acquires the generated image data via the scanner I / F unit 112 and performs image processing on the image data according to the setting information. Further, the CPU 110 transmits the image data to the printer unit 102 via the engine I / F unit 115 and starts the printing process.

<Access control in image forming apparatus>
In this embodiment, each user starts using the MFP 100 by authenticating through the authentication device 130 using an IC card in which his / her attribute information is recorded, or by charging a coin vendor 140. To do. When the use is started by card authentication using an IC card, the MFP 100 realizes user access control by restricting usable functions based on attribute information acquired by the authentication. When the use is started by charging a fee to the coin vendor 140, the MFP 100 realizes access control by permitting a user who uses the coin vendor 140 to use a predetermined function. Further, in any case, when the MFP 100 shifts to the usable state (login state), it is prohibited from being used by another user.

  Hereinafter, the access control using the authentication device 130 and the coin vendor 140 in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, in MFP 100 in a state where no user is logged in (logoff state), CPU 110 determines in step S101 whether or not use by the user has started. The use of the MFP 100 is started by card authentication using the authentication device 130 or by charging a fee to the coin vendor 140. In the case of card authentication, each user uses his or her IC card to cause the authentication device 130 to read information (such as attribute information) recorded in advance on the card. If the CPU 110 determines that either card authentication or charging of the coin vendor 140 has been performed, the CPU 110 proceeds to S102. On the other hand, when it is determined that none of these is performed, the determination process is repeated. In S101, a screen including a message for guiding either authentication with an IC card or charging may be displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104. Thereby, a user's convenience can be improved.

  In step S102, the CPU 110 determines whether the operation performed in step S101 is card authentication using the authentication device 130. If it is determined that the operation is card authentication, the process proceeds to S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation is not card authentication but charging of the coin vendor 140, the process proceeds to S105. In S <b> 103 and S <b> 105 and subsequent steps, the CPU 110 executes processing for making the MFP 100 usable.

(Transition process to authentication mode)
In S103, based on the authentication result of card authentication, CPU 110 shifts MFP 100 to an available state (login state) in an authentication mode that permits the user to use MFP 100. Furthermore, in S104, the CPU 110 restricts the functions that can be used in accordance with the user attribute information acquired by card authentication. Specifically, the CPU 110 refers to the management table 300 as shown in FIG. 3 stored in advance in the rewritable ROM 121, and reads the use permission information of each function associated with the acquired attribute information. Further, by restricting the function according to the use permission information, only the permitted function can be used for the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S107. It should be noted that use permission information shown in the management table 300 may be recorded in advance on the IC card instead of the user attribute information. In that case, MFP 100 implements the use restriction according to the use permission information recorded on the IC card.

  Here, in the management table 300, attribute information of each user who uses card authentication and a job (function) 301 usable in the MFP 100 are set in association with each other. According to the management table 300, for example, the user A (302) having the attribute information “manager” can use all the functions, while the user B (303) having the attribute information “general job”. Can use functions other than color copying. In the management table 300, use permission information of each function for the user 304 who uses the coin vendor 140 is also set in advance, and this is used in a charge collection mode to be described later.

  In addition, although the case where different attribute information is set in the management table 300 for each job type (management job, general job) is shown as an example, different attribute information may be set for each user. In addition, for example, by setting attribute information for each department in the office, functions usable for each department may be managed. As described above, according to the judgment of the administrator of MFP 100, setting of attribute information and use permission information corresponding to the attribute information can be freely set in advance.

(Transition process to charge collection mode)
On the other hand, in S <b> 105, based on the fee collected using the coin vendor 140, the CPU 110 shifts the MFP 100 to a usable state in a fee collection mode that allows the user to use the MFP 100. Further, in S106, CPU 110 restricts the functions that can be used in accordance with the use permission information in the fee collection mode preset in management table 300. As a result, only the functions permitted for the user using the coin vendor 140 can be used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S107.

  For example, according to the management table 300, the CPU 110 allows the user using the coin vendor 140 to use only the monochrome copy function and the color copy function on condition that a predetermined fee is paid, and other functions. Limit the use of. With this process, when the coin vendor 140 is used by an unspecified user, use restrictions different from card authentication can be performed. Thus, for example, if the transmission or FAX function for transmitting document data via a network or the BOX function for storing document data in the HDD 116 or the like of the MFP 100 is restricted, the risk of information leakage via the MFP 100 is reduced. obtain.

  In step S <b> 107, the CPU 110 executes processing for prohibiting the use of the MFP 100 by another user until the use ends in the usable state in the authentication mode or the fee collection mode. For example, the CPU 110 disables the authentication device 130 to prevent other users from logging in using the IC card. Furthermore, it is prohibited to collect charges using the coin vendor 140. That is, when another user puts a fee into the coin vendor 140, it may be discharged directly to the return port. Alternatively, the charge entry port of the coin vendor 140 may be locked. The processing in S107 prevents the use by a plurality of users from being enabled, and allows the use of each function to be appropriately restricted for each user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S108.

  In step S108, the CPU 110 receives input of job setting information via the operation unit 104 and the like, and starts executing the set job. When inputting a job to the MFP 100, for example, an operation screen 400 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104. A user can input job settings using the operation screen 400 by operating a touch panel arranged on the LCD display unit.

  Here, the operation screen 400 is displayed according to the setting of the management table 300. For example, when the user B (303) uses in the authentication mode, color copying is restricted, so that only the monochrome copying (monochrome) can be selected and displayed on the button 402. In the fee collection mode, “Send / Fax” and “Box” corresponding to the functions restricted on the tab 401 are not displayed. Furthermore, the processing in S107 prevents the MFP 100 from being in a state where it can be used simultaneously by a plurality of users, so that a plurality of users who are given different usage permissions do not share the operation screen 400. Therefore, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment can perform an appropriate display on the operation screen 400 based on the use permission information of the user.

  In the case of a print job for printing image data transmitted from the PC 151 or the like via the LAN 150, job setting information is input to the MFP 100 together with the image data. In this case, in the authentication mode, instead of card authentication, MFP 100 may receive authentication information input via an operation screen displayed on PC 151 or the like, and may acquire attribute information based on the authentication information. .

  After executing the job in S108, in S109, the CPU 110 determines whether to end the use of the MFP 100. When the CPU 110 detects that the user has pressed a key for instructing the transition to the log-off state, such as a cancel key in the operation unit 104, the CPU 110 determines that the use is finished, and transitions to the log-off state. Even when the job is being executed, if the cancel key or the like of the operation unit 104 is pressed, the execution of the job may be stopped and the logoff state may be entered. On the other hand, in step S109, when a job is newly input, the CPU 110 returns to step S108 by determining that the use is not ended, and executes the job again.

  In the fee collection mode, it is determined that the use is finished even when the balance of the coin vendor 140 is exhausted. The fee input to the coin vendor 140 is collected according to the use of each function according to the setting of the management table 300, but the user can replenish the fee to the coin vendor 140 even during the execution of the job. .

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can use both the authentication apparatus for authenticating the user and the charge collection apparatus for collecting the charge from the user who charges the user. User access control is realized by using. Specifically, when the attribute information of the user is acquired by authentication using the authentication device, the image forming device restricts the functions that can be used and collects the fee by the fee collection device. In such a case, the preset function is limited. In any of these cases, in a state where the user is usable, use by another user is prohibited until the use of the user is completed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the use by a plurality of users and to appropriately limit the use of each function for each user.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, 2nd Embodiment in this invention is described. Only the configuration and technology different from the first embodiment will be described below. The MFP 100 according to the first embodiment is characterized in that, in the authentication mode, usable functions are restricted and use by other users is prohibited in accordance with the acquired user attribute information. On the other hand, when an additional fee is thrown into the coin vendor 140 by a user who is in use rather than another user, the user may be permitted to use the restricted function according to the additional fee. It may be desirable. Therefore, the present embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, use of restricted functions is permitted for a user in use according to collection of an additional fee.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, access control using the authentication device 130 and the coin vendor 140 in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, S201 and S202 are the same as S101 and S102 of FIG. After the transition from S202 to S203, the CPU 110 executes a transition process to the authentication mode in S203 and S204, similarly to S103 and S104. In S204, the CPU 110 refers to the management table 600 as shown in FIG. 6 and reads the use permission information of each function associated with the attribute information acquired by the user authentication process. Further, by restricting the function according to the use permission information, only the permitted function can be used for the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S205.

  In S205, the CPU 110 determines whether or not an additional fee has been collected by the coin vendor 140. Here, when an additional fee is input from the user to the coin vendor 140, the CPU 110 determines that the additional fee has been collected, and proceeds to S206. In S206, the CPU 110 allows the user to use the function whose use is restricted according to the attribute information of the user in S204 by referring to the management table 600 according to the collected additional fee. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S209. On the other hand, in S205, if the additional fee has not been input to the coin vendor 140, the CPU 110 determines that no additional fee has been collected, and proceeds to S209.

  Here, according to the management table 600, the user B (602) can use functions other than the color copy function as well as the user B (302) setting of the management table 300, while using the color copy function. Permission is not given beforehand. However, when the user B wants to use the color copy function, the use of the function is permitted by payment of an additional fee preset in the management table 600 in the processing of S205 and S206. Further, as can be seen by comparing the use permission information of the user B (602) and the user C (603) in the management table 600, different additional charges may be set for each function for each user. In the management table 600, the usage permission information for the coin vendor using user can be set in the same manner as the management table 300 of the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the transition process to the charge collection mode in S207 and S208 is realized by the same process as in S105 and S106. Furthermore, the processing of S209 to S211 is also realized by the same processing as S107 to S109. In S210 and S211, the CPU 110 refers to the management table 600 again when the balance of the coin vendor 140 changes due to the execution of a job or the addition of a charge to the coin vendor 140. Thus, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the balance satisfies the condition set in the management table 600 for the function permitted in S206, and enables the function as long as the condition is satisfied. .

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment shifts to the usable state by authenticating the user by the authentication apparatus, the function whose use is limited according to the attribute information of the user is described. The use is permitted subject to the collection of a predetermined additional fee. Thereby, in addition to the effects in the first embodiment, it is possible to flexibly permit the use of each function based on the collection of additional charges, and to improve the convenience of management related to the use restriction for each function. it can.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS. Hereinafter, only configurations and techniques different from those in the first and second embodiments will be described. In this embodiment, as a modification of the second embodiment, when a copy job including image formation (printing) or a print job is executed in the authentication mode, the maximum number of sheets that can be printed according to user attribute information It is characterized by restricting.

  In MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, CPU 110 implements access control using authentication device 130 and coin vendor 140 in accordance with the procedure of FIG. In the following, since the case of shifting to the fee collection mode is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the case of shifting to the authentication mode will be described.

  In S101 to S103, when the card authentication is executed using the authentication device 130, the CPU 110 shifts to the authentication mode. In S110, the CPU 110 restricts functions that can be used in accordance with user attribute information acquired by card authentication. At that time, when the CPU 110 permits the use of a function such as a copy job including print or a print job, the CPU 110 further restricts the upper limit number of sheets permitted to be printed by the function according to the attribute information. Information regarding the upper limit number is stored in advance in the ROM 121 in association with user attribute information. Alternatively, the information may be recorded in advance on the IC card.

  Thereafter, after the process of S107, the process proceeds to S108. Hereinafter, the details of the processing in S108 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. In this embodiment, when the number of prints preset for a job exceeds the upper limit number, the MFP 100 charges the user an additional fee necessary to print the shortage number of sheets, and uses the coin vendor 140. Collect. Note that the charge is collected when a job is collected when the number of prints reaches the upper limit after the job is started, or when the fee is collected before the job is started. For this reason, the following description will be divided into these two cases.

<When collecting additional charges during job execution>
First, a case where an additional fee is collected during job execution will be described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 301, the CPU 110 displays an operation screen 400 on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104 to accept input of job setting information. In step S302, the CPU 110 starts executing the input job in response to a start instruction from the user. When the job execution is started, in S303, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the counter for counting the number of printed sheets has reached the upper limit number. If it is determined that the upper limit number has not been reached, the process proceeds to S306. On the other hand, if it is determined that the upper limit number has been reached, the process proceeds to S304. The counter is managed in the ROM 121 in association with, for example, user attribute information.

  In S <b> 304, the CPU 110 executes display control for displaying a screen 801 including a message 802 urging to insert an additional fee into the coin vendor 140 as shown in FIG. 8 on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104. As a result, the CPU 110 charges the user an additional fee necessary to continue the execution of the job. Further, in S305, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the fee input to the coin vendor 140 is sufficient for a predetermined amount necessary for printing at least one sheet. If it is determined that the charged fee is sufficient, the process proceeds to S306. If it is determined that the charge is not sufficient, the process returns to S304 and the display of the screen 801 is continued. Note that when the cancel button 803 on the screen 801 is pressed by the user, the execution of the job may be stopped.

  In step S <b> 306, the CPU 110 executes printing on one sheet and outputs the job execution result by discharging the sheet. In step S307, if the upper limit number has not yet been reached, the CPU 110 counts up a counter that counts the number. If the upper limit has already been reached, the fee is collected by subtracting the fee required for one print from the balance of the additional fee. Thereafter, in step S308, the CPU 110 determines whether or not to finish the job execution by confirming whether or not all the prints set for the job have been executed. If it is determined that the job is to be terminated, the series of processing shown in the flowchart is terminated, and the process proceeds to S109 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is not to be ended, the process returns to S303 and the job execution is continued.

<When collecting additional charges before job execution starts>
Next, a case where an additional fee is collected before the job execution starts will be described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 401, the CPU 110 receives an input of job setting information by displaying the operation screen 400 on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104 as in step S <b> 301. In step S402, the CPU 110 calculates a difference value between the counter for counting the number of printed sheets and the upper limit number, thereby determining whether or not the number of sheets necessary for executing the job remains. If it is determined that the necessary number of sheets remains, the process proceeds to S407. On the other hand, if it is determined that the necessary number of sheets does not remain, the process proceeds to S403.

  In step S <b> 403, the CPU 110 calculates a shortage number exceeding the upper limit number when executing the job. Further, in S404, an additional fee necessary for printing the shortage is calculated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S <b> 405, and the CPU 110 executes display control for displaying a screen 901 including a message 902 for prompting the addition of an additional fee on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 104 as illustrated in FIG. 9. As a result, the CPU 110 charges the user for the necessary additional fee. Furthermore, in S406, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the fee charged to the coin vendor 140 is sufficient for the necessary amount. Here, if it is determined that the charged fee is sufficient, the process proceeds to S407, and if it is determined that the charge is not sufficient, the process returns to S405 and the display of the screen 901 is continued. Note that when the user presses a cancel button 903 on the screen 901, the execution of the job may be stopped.

  In step S407, the CPU 110 starts executing the set job, and sequentially discharges the sheets after execution of printing. After executing the job, in step S408, if the CPU 110 executes the job without collecting an additional fee, the CPU 110 counts up the counter by the number of sheets printed by the job. When a job is executed with an additional fee collected, the fee is collected by subtracting the fee required to execute the job from the balance of the additional fee. As described above, the series of processes shown in the flowchart is finished, and the process proceeds to S109 in FIG. Note that the processing in S109 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment shifts to the usable state by performing user authentication by the authentication apparatus, the upper limit of printable sheets is determined according to the attribute information of the user. Limit the number of sheets. In addition, when printing on the number of sheets set for the job, if the upper limit is exceeded, the user is charged for the shortage and the job is executed on condition that the shortage is collected. To do. Thereby, in addition to the effect in the first embodiment, when the number of prints exceeds the upper limit number during execution of one job, it is possible to prevent the job from being canceled during execution of the job. As a result, there is an effect that the user is not required to re-input the canceled job and can effectively use up to the set upper limit number.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus,
Receiving means for receiving authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
A connection means for connecting the image forming apparatus to a charge collecting apparatus that collects a charge from a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
If the user authentication is successful using the authentication information received by the receiving means, and, in any case of when the predetermined fee to the fee collection device is turned also usable the image forming apparatus state And a control means to
Wherein the control means, the the image forming apparatus is ready for use by the successful to the user authentication, charge controlling said charge collection device so as not to be put into the fee collection device,
An image forming apparatus. The reception means, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized that you receive the authentication information from the IC card reader for reading authentication information of the user from the IC card. Said control means further by prohibiting the reading of the authentication information by the IC card reader, an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized that you prohibit the use of the image forming apparatus according to another user . Claim wherein the control means, said when the image forming apparatus by the user authentication is successful is ready for use, where the fee collection device, and wherein a call to lock the price inlet of the fee collection device The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3. When the user authentication using the authentication information received by the receiving unit is successful, the control unit determines a usable function of the image forming apparatus based on the attribute information of the authenticated user. , when the fee to the fee collection device is turned on, based on preset information, any of claims 1 to 4, characterized and Turkey to determine the available functions of the image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus control method comprising:
A receiving step of receiving authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
A determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined fee is charged in a fee collection device connected to the image forming device and collecting a fee from a user who uses the image forming device;
In any case where the user authentication using the authentication information received in the receiving step is successful, and when it is determined that the predetermined fee has been inserted into the fee collection device, the image forming device is A first control step for enabling use;
A second control step of controlling the fee collection device so that a fee is not charged to the fee collection device when the image forming device becomes usable due to the success of the user authentication;
A control method for an image forming apparatus. In the computer that controls the image forming apparatus ,
A receiving step of receiving authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
A determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined fee is charged in a fee collection device connected to the image forming device and collecting a fee from a user who uses the image forming device;
In any case where the user authentication using the authentication information received in the receiving step is successful, and when it is determined that the predetermined fee is charged in the fee collection device, the image forming device is A first control step for enabling use;
A second control step of controlling the fee collection device so that a fee is not charged to the fee collection device when the image forming device becomes usable due to the success of the user authentication;
Program for the execution.

Images