JP6197355B2 - Image processing apparatus, control method and control program when management server is down - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that can be connected to one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses and a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus by a user, a control method and a control program when the management server in the apparatus is down .

  In an office environment in recent years, a plurality of image processing apparatuses such as multifunction digital image forming apparatuses called MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) are connected to a network, and a user can Any of these can be used to execute a job.

  In such an environment, a usage management server is provided to centrally manage the usage for the user. The usage amount management server is configured to manage a usable amount for each user and perform data communication with each of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to the network. When a job is executed in any of the image processing apparatuses, the image processing apparatus and the management server perform data communication, and the management server provides a certain usable amount to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus acquires The job is executed based on the available amount.

  After the job is executed, the remainder of the usage amount acquired from the management server is returned to the management server and redistributed. In the case of a print job, since the reception of all the originals has not been completed at the start of the job, the amount (number of sheets) required for the job has not been determined. It is provided to the processing equipment.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151820 discloses a technique in which when the copying machine reports to the host computer that the number of copies has reached the maximum copyable number, the host computer distributes or redistributes the maximum copyable number.

  Also, in Patent Document 2, the print management server gives a part of the remaining printable number of a user whose print permission number does not reach the upper limit value to a user who needs a print permission number exceeding the upper limit value. The technique to transfer is disclosed.

JP 2003-195703 A JP 2008-77492 A

  By the way, in the configuration in which the usage amount management server connected to the network manages the usage amounts of the plurality of image processing apparatuses as described above, after the management server provides the usable amount to the image processing apparatus, the server trouble or the network Trouble may occur. When such a trouble occurs, communication between the image processing apparatus and the management server cannot be established, and as a result, the image processing apparatus cannot return the remaining usable amount to the management server and is held in the image processing apparatus. However, other image processing apparatuses cannot communicate with the management server and cannot execute jobs.

  In this case, it is conceivable that the surplus usable amount is transferred to another image processing apparatus and the job is executed. However, every time a job is designated, the image processing apparatus holds the surplus usable amount. In the process of searching for and transferring the usable amount, there is a problem that the load on the network increases or it takes time to become usable.

  Note that the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above are processes performed by the host computer, and provide a technique in the case where communication between the image processing apparatus and the host computer cannot be established due to the host computer being down or the like. It was not a thing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and even when the usage management server is down and communication between the image processing apparatus and the management server cannot be established, the job can be processed. Provide an image processing apparatus that can execute a job smoothly without searching for an image processing apparatus that has a surplus available amount each time it is instructed and having the amount transferred be transferred Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control method and a control program when the management server in the apparatus is down.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) Connection means for connecting to a management server for managing the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user, and information relating to the usable amount from the management server when the first user uses the own apparatus When the first usable amount acquisition unit and the first usable amount acquisition unit acquire information about the usable amount from the management server, when the connection with the management server cannot be established, Search means for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus having a remaining usable amount from among the image processing apparatuses, and a device other than the own apparatus having a remaining usable amount extracted by the search by the search means A second usable amount acquisition unit configured to acquire information relating to a remainder of the usable amount from the image processing apparatus; and the usable unit acquired by the second usable amount acquisition unit. When the connection between the job execution means for executing the job instructed by the first user and the management server cannot be established using the information on the remainder of the image, images other than the own apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses A notification means for notifying the processing apparatus that the self apparatus substitutes for the management server; and a control means for causing the self apparatus to substitute the management server after notification by the notification means. An image processing apparatus.
(2) When there is a request for information relating to the usable amount from an image processing device other than its own device, the control means transmits information relating to the usable amount necessary for the image processing device and from the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to item 1, wherein a return of information relating to the remainder of the usable amount is received.
(3) The image processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), further comprising monitoring means for monitoring whether or not a connection with the management server is established at a predetermined timing after the start of the function as the management server.
(4) If the connection with the management server is established as a result of the monitoring by the monitoring unit, the control unit returns information on the usable amount held by the own device to the management server. An image processing apparatus according to 1.
(5) If the connection with the management server is established as a result of monitoring by the monitoring unit, the notification unit notifies the image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus of the end of replacing the management server. Or the image processing apparatus according to 4.
(6) If there is a remaining usable amount for the user who has instructed the job, the job execution unit executes the job using information relating to the usable amount, and the search unit includes the remaining amount. 6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 5, which searches for another image processing apparatus having a remainder of the usable amount only when the usable amount is insufficient for job execution.
(7) a connection unit for connecting to a management server that manages a usage amount for each of a plurality of image processing apparatuses, a first usable amount acquisition unit that acquires information on the usable amount from the management server, If the connection with the management server cannot be established when the first usable amount acquisition unit acquires information on the usable amount from the management server, the remainder of the usable amount is selected from the plurality of image processing apparatuses. And a search means for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, and information relating to a remainder of the usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus having a remaining usable amount extracted by the search by the search means a second usable amount acquiring means for acquiring, using information about remainder obtained the usable amount by the second usable amount acquiring unit, the job A job execution unit configured to line, when the connection to the management server can not be established, to the plurality of image processing apparatus the image processing other than the own device in the device, to notify that the own device is a substitute for the management server A notification unit; and a control unit that causes the own device to substitute for the management server after notification by the notification unit. When the job is executed by the own device, the control unit executes the job to the job execution unit. In addition, when there is a request for information relating to the usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than its own apparatus, the image processing apparatus transmits the information to the requested image processing apparatus.
(8) A connection step for connecting to a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user, and information relating to the usable amount is acquired from the management server when the first user uses the apparatus. When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server by the first usable amount obtaining step and the first usable amount obtaining step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, A search step for searching for an image processing device other than the own device having a usable amount remaining from among the image processing devices, and a device other than the own device having a remaining usable amount extracted by the search in the search step A second usable amount obtaining step for obtaining information on the remainder of the usable amount from the image processing apparatus, and obtaining the second usable amount When the connection between the job execution step for executing the job instructed by the first user and the management server cannot be established using the information on the remaining available amount acquired by the step, the plurality of images A notification step for notifying the image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus in the processing apparatus that the own apparatus substitutes for the management server; and a control step for causing the own apparatus to substitute for the management server after notification by the notification step; And a control method when the management server is down in the image processing apparatus.
(9) a connection step for connecting to a management server that manages a usage amount for each user for a plurality of image processing apparatuses; a first usable amount acquisition step for acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server; When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server in the first usable amount acquisition step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, the remainder of the usable amount from the plurality of image processing apparatuses A search step for searching for an image processing device other than the device itself, and information on the remainder of the usable amount from the image processing device other than the device itself having a usable amount extracted by the search in the search step a second usable amount obtaining step of obtaining a remainder of the usable amount acquired by the second usable amount acquiring step Using information about the case where a job execution step of executing a job, can not connect the establishment with the management server, the image processing apparatus other than the own device in the plurality of image processing apparatus, the device itself the A notification step for notifying that the management server is to be replaced, and a control step for causing the own device to replace the management server after the notification in the notification step. In the control step, when executing a job on the own device The job is executed by the job execution step , and when there is a request for information on the usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, the information is transmitted to the requested image processing apparatus. A control method when the management server in the image processing apparatus is down.
(10) A connection step for connecting to a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user, and information relating to the usable amount is acquired from the management server when the first user uses the apparatus. When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server by the first usable amount obtaining step and the first usable amount obtaining step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, A search step for searching for an image processing device other than the own device having a usable amount remaining from among the image processing devices, and a device other than the own device having a remaining usable amount extracted by the search in the search step A second usable amount acquisition step for acquiring information on the remainder of the usable amount from the image processing apparatus, and the second usable amount acquisition. When the connection between the job execution step for executing the job instructed by the first user and the management server cannot be established using the information on the remaining available amount acquired by the step, the plurality of images A notification step for notifying the image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus in the processing apparatus that the own apparatus substitutes for the management server; and a control step for causing the own apparatus to substitute for the management server after notification by the notification step; , A control program for causing the computer of the image processing apparatus to execute when the management server is down.
(11) a connection step for connecting to a management server that manages a usage amount for each user for a plurality of image processing apparatuses; a first usable amount acquisition step for acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server; When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server in the first usable amount acquisition step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, the remainder of the usable amount from the plurality of image processing apparatuses A search step for searching for an image processing device other than the device itself, and information on the remainder of the usable amount from the image processing device other than the device itself having a usable amount extracted by the search in the search step a second usable amount acquisition step of acquiring, over the usable amount acquired by the second usable amount acquiring step Using information about the case where a job execution step of executing a job, can not connect the establishment with the management server, the image processing apparatus other than the own device in the plurality of image processing apparatus, the device itself the A notification step for notifying that the management server is to be replaced; and a control step for causing the own device to replace the management server after notification by the notification step. In the case of executing a job in the above-described manner, the job is executed in the job execution step , and when there is a request for usable amount information from an image processing apparatus other than its own apparatus, the information is sent to the requested image processing apparatus. A control program when the management server is down for causing the computer to execute processing to be transmitted.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (1), when a connection with the management server cannot be established when acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server when the first user uses the device, the usable amount is obtained. The other image processing apparatus having the remainder is searched, and information relating to the remainder of the usable amount is acquired from the image processing apparatus. Then, when the connection to the management server can not establish, against the self apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in a plurality of image processing apparatus, to together when JiSo location notifies that to replace the management server, to the own device to exchange the management server die. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus other than the own device is also managed server is down or the like, because it uses the image processing apparatus you alternate the management server as the management server, it is possible to smoothly execute the job instructed by the user . Moreover, each time a job execution is instructed, because there is no need to perform processing that get transferred the remainder of the image processing apparatus searches the usable amount that hold the remainder of the associated available amount, to the network There is no problem that the load is increased or that it takes time to become usable.

According to the invention as described in the preceding paragraph (2), when a request for information relating to the amount available from the image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, transmits the information about the usable amount required for the image processing apparatus, Since the return of the information regarding the remaining amount of the usable amount is received from the image processing apparatus, the function as a management server for managing the usage amount of each image processing apparatus can be effectively exhibited.

According to the invention described in (3) above, since the connection with the management server is monitored at a predetermined timing after the start of the function as the management server, the management server is restored and connected to the management server. It is possible to quickly detect that a connection has been established.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (4), when the connection with the management server is established, the management server returns the information on the usable amount held by the own device to the management server. The usable amount can be managed by incorporating the usable amount into the management data.

According to the invention described in (5) above, when the connection with the management server is established, the end of replacing the management server is notified to an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, so that the received image is received. The processing device can recognize that the management server has returned, and thereafter can perform normal processing on the management server.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (6), only when the remaining usable amount is insufficient for job execution, another image processing apparatus having the remaining usable amount is searched and the management server is replaced. because to that, it is possible to avoid the implementation of the wasteful process by Rukoto to replace the management server until when it is unnecessary.

According to the invention as described in the preceding paragraph (8), the other image processing apparatus even if the management server is down or the like, because it uses the image processing apparatus you alternate the management server as the management server, indicated by the user job The job can be executed smoothly. Moreover, each time a job execution is instructed, because there is no need to perform processing that get transferred the remainder of searching an image processing apparatus that hold the remainder of the usable amount usable amount, the load to the network There is no problem of increasing or taking a long time to become usable.

According to the invention as described in the preceding paragraph (10), the other image processing apparatus even if the management server is down or the like, a process that can use an image processing apparatus you alternate the management server as the management server, the image processing apparatus a computer Can be executed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a job execution system in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a management server. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the job execution system shown in FIG. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the job execution system shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus instructed to execute a print job by a user. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of image processing apparatuses other than the image processing apparatus used as the substitute of a management server. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image processing apparatus serving as a substitute for a management server functions as a management server.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a job execution system using an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In this job execution system, a used number management server 1 and a plurality of image processing apparatuses 2 a to 2 d are connected to each other via a network 3.

  The used number management server (hereinafter also simply referred to as a management server) 1 manages the usage amount such as the upper limit value of the usable number and the used number for job execution for each user (including department). It is composed of a personal computer.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the management server-1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage unit 14, a display device 15, an input device 16, a network interface unit (network I / F unit) 17, and the like. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the entire server-1 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12.

  The ROM 12 is a storage medium that stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and other data.

  The RAM 13 is a storage medium that provides a work area when the CPU 11 operates according to the operation program.

  The storage unit 14 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores information such as the upper limit value of the usable number for each user, the usage amount up to the present, and other various application programs and data.

  The display device 15 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal display device, and the like, and displays various messages, an input reception screen for a user, a selection screen, and the like.

  The input device 16 is used for an input operation by a user, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

  The network interface unit 17 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatuses 2 to 4 and other external devices via the network 5.

  In this embodiment, the image processing apparatuses 2a to 2d use the above-described MFP, which is a multi-function digital image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scan function, and a facsimile function. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus is also referred to as an MFP.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFPs 2a to 2d. Since the MFPs 2a to 2d have the same configuration, the MFP 2a will be described as an example.

  The MFP 2a includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a scanner unit 24, a storage unit 25, a printer unit 26, an operation panel 27, a network controller (N1C) 28, and the like.

  The CPU 21 performs overall control of the MFP 2a and controls basic functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scan function, and a facsimile function. Further, in this embodiment, when the user issues a job execution instruction, the management server 1 is requested to obtain the usable number, or when the management server 1 is down, communication with the management server 1 is not established. In addition, the MFP searches for another MFP having the usable number of sheets and acquires the usable number of sheets from the MFP, or the own apparatus determines the number of used sheets with respect to the partner MFP and other MFPs from which the usable number of sheets has been acquired. An operation such as notifying that the management server 1 to be managed becomes a substitute is performed, and a detailed description will be given later.

  The ROM 22 is a memory for storing an operation program of the CPU 21 and the like.

  The RAM 23 is a memory that provides a work area when the CPU 21 operates based on an operation program.

  The scanner unit 24 is a reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown) and outputs image data.

  The storage unit 25 is configured by a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), for example, the usable number of sheets, job history, image data of a document read by the scanner unit 24, other MFP, management Data transmitted from the server 1 or the user terminal is stored.

  The printer unit 26 prints image data of a document read by the scanner unit 24, print data from a user terminal, and the like according to an instructed mode.

  The operation panel 27 is used for various input operations and the like, and includes a display unit 271 including a touch panel type liquid crystal display for displaying a message, an operation screen, and the like, a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, and the like. A key input unit 272 is provided.

  The network controller 28 transmits and receives data by controlling communication with other MFPs on the network and other external devices such as user terminals.

  Next, the operation of the job execution system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the MFP 2b executes a job in response to a job execution instruction from the user, a connection check is performed on the management server 1 in order to acquire the usable number from the management server 1 ( Step S1).

  When the management server 1 is not down and the connection with the management server 1 is established, the management server 1 gives a predetermined usable number of copies to the MFP 2b, and the MFP 2b uses this usable number of copies to print and print. And so on. After executing the job, the MFP 2b returns the remaining usable number to the management server 1, and the management server 1 redistributes the returned usable number and manages the usage amount of each user.

  Here, it is assumed that since the management server 1 is down, there is no response to the connection check from the MFP 2b and the connection cannot be established (step S2).

  Then, the MFP 2b searches for another MFP having a usable amount. That is, the other MFPs 2a, 2c, and 2d are requested for the usable number (steps S3 to S5). Assuming that the remaining usable amount (unreturned number) cannot be returned to the management server 1 in which the other MFPs 2a, 2c, 2d are down, and the MFP 2a, 2c, 2d holds the unreturned number, By transmitting the number of unreturned sheets held by each MFP 2b that has requested the usable number of sheets (steps S6 to S8), the number of unreturned sheets is transferred to the MFP 2b. In this way, the MFP 2b acquires and holds the number of unreturned sheets from the other MFPs 2a, 2c, and 2d (step S9).

  Thereafter, the MFP 2b functions as a substitute for the management server 1, and notifies the other MFPs 2a, 2c, and 2d to that effect (step S10). In addition, printing of the own apparatus is performed using the acquired unreturned number of sheets (step S11), and when the number of usable sheets is requested from another MFP 2a, 2c, 2d, the usable number of sheets is transmitted, When the usable number is returned from the MFPs 2a, 2c, and 2d, it is received and the usage amount for each user is managed.

  After the MFP 2b starts the function as a substitute for the management server 1, the MFP 2b checks the connection with the management server 1 periodically or at a predetermined timing (step S21 in FIG. 5). If the management server 1 has not returned, communication with the management server 1 is not established (step S22).

  When the management server 1 is restored, communication with the management server 1 is established by checking the connection with the management server 1 by the MFP 2b (step S23).

  Since the management server 1 has returned, the MFP 2b performs the substitute role termination process of the management server 1 (step S25). Specifically, in step S26, the unused usable number held and managed by the own apparatus is returned to the management server 1 together with information on the number of used sheets for each user (step S26), and then the substitute server for the management server 1 is used. Is notified to the other MFPs 2a, 2c, and 2d (steps S27 to S29). Thereafter, a normal operation is performed between the MFPs 2a to 2d and the management server 1.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP instructed to execute the print job by the user among the MFPs 2a to 2d. This operation is executed by the CPU 21 of the MFP operating according to an operation program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 22.

  In step S31, the printer waits for a print request (NO in step S31). If there is a print request (YES in step S31), in step S32, the management server 1 is requested for a usable number, and then in step S33, the management server 1 Whether or not a timeout has occurred is determined by the presence or absence of a reply.

  If the timeout has not occurred (NO in step S33), the usable number obtained from the management server 1 is stored in the storage unit 25 in step S34, and then printing is started in step S35.

  Next, in step S36, it is determined whether or not the usable number is insufficient. If the usable number is not insufficient (NO in step S36), it is determined whether or not printing is completed in step S37. If not completed (NO in step S37), the process returns to step S36. When printing is completed (YES in step S37), in step S38, it is checked whether there is a remaining usable number (remaining number of sheets). If there is no remaining (NO in step S38), the process ends. If there is a remainder (YES in step S38), after connecting to the management server 1 in order to return the remainder to the management server 1 in step S39, it is determined in step S40 whether or not a timeout has occurred depending on whether or not there is a reply from the management server 1. To do.

  If not time-out (NO in step S40), the remainder of the usable number is returned to the management server 1 and the process is terminated. If it is time-out (YES in step S40), the remainder of the usable number is retained in step S41.

  If it is determined in step S33 that there is no reply from the management server 1 and time-out (YES in step S33), the process proceeds to step S44, and it is determined whether or not the own apparatus has a remaining usable number.

  When the remaining number of usable sheets is not held (NO in step S44), the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if the remainder of the usable number is retained (YES in step S44), printing is started using the usable number in step S45, and then whether or not the usable number is insufficient in step S46. Judging.

  If the usable number is insufficient (YES in step S46), the process proceeds to step S48. If the number of usable sheets is not short (NO in step S46), it is determined in step S47 whether printing has ended. If not completed (NO in step S47), the process returns to step S46. When printing ends (YES in step S47), the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S48, it is checked whether there is another MFP as a substitute for the management server 1. If there is no other MFP in the substitute role (NO in step S48), in step S49, another MFP holding an unreturned remainder among the usable number is searched, and in step S50, an unreturned remainder is left. It is determined whether there is an MFP (target MFP) that holds

  If the target MFP does not exist (NO in step S50), printing impossible is displayed on the display unit 271 in step S54, and then the process ends. If the target MFP exists (YES in step S50), in step S51, the remaining unreturned remainders are collected and acquired, and each MFP is notified that it functions as a substitute for the management server 1.

  Next, in step S52, the own apparatus is caused to function as a substitute for the management server 1. That is, the remaining number of usable sheets acquired from other MFPs is managed and redistributed as necessary. Also, when there was a request for the usable number of sheets from another MFP, the predetermined usable number of sheets was given to that MFP, and when the remaining usable number of sheets was returned from the other MFP that was donated, it was used The remainder is received and managed together with information on the user and the number of used sheets.

  Next, in step S53, it is determined whether printing is possible in response to the printing request in step S31. If printing is possible (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S35. If printing is not possible (NO in step S53), printing impossible is displayed on the display unit 271 in step S54, and then the process ends.

  In step S48, if there is another MFP as a substitute for the management server 1 (YES in step S48), the number of usable sheets is requested to the MFP as a substitute in step S55. In step S56, the management server 1 is requested. In step S57, printing is started.

  Next, in step S58, it is determined whether or not the usable number is insufficient. If the usable number is insufficient (YES in step S58), in step S62, the usable number is added to the alternative role MFP. After making the request, the process returns to step S56.

  If the number of usable sheets is not insufficient in step S58 (NO in step S58), it is determined in step S59 whether printing has ended. If not completed (NO in step S59), the process returns to step S58. When printing is completed (YES in step S59), in step S60, the presence or absence of the remaining number of usable sheets (remaining number) is checked. If there is no more (NO in step S60), the process is terminated. If there is a remainder (YES in step S60), the remainder is returned to the alternative role MFP in step S61.

  If the usable number is insufficient in step S36 (YES in step S36), the management server 1 is requested to add the usable number in step S42, and then a response is returned from the management server 1 in step S43. Whether or not a timeout has occurred is determined by the presence or absence of. If not timed out (NO in step S43), the process proceeds to step S34. If timed out (YES in step S43), the process proceeds to step S49.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a user requests a print job, when obtaining a usable number from the management server 1, if a connection with the management server 1 cannot be established, another MFP having the usable number is selected. Search and obtain the usable number from the MFP. Then, the MFP that has obtained the usable number of sheets and other MFPs are notified that the own apparatus is a substitute for the management server 1 that manages the number of used sheets, and the own apparatus is managed by managing the number of used sheets. It functions as a substitute for the management server 1. Therefore, even if the management server 1 is down, other MFPs can use the self apparatus as an alternative to the management server 1 as the management server 1, so that a print job instructed by the user can be executed smoothly. it can. In addition, every time a job execution is instructed, there is no need to find and transfer an MFP that has a surplus available amount, so that the load on the network 3 can be increased or the MFP 3 can be used. There is no problem of taking time to become.

  Moreover, even when it is not possible to connect to the management server 1, printing is performed with the remaining usable number (steps S44 and S45), and only when there is a shortage (YES in step S46), the other number having the usable number is displayed. Since the MFP is searched for and becomes a substitute for the management server 1, useless processing due to becoming a substitute for the management server 1 can be avoided even when unnecessary.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of an MFP other than the MFP that has become a substitute for the management server 1. This operation is executed by the CPU 21 of the MFP operating according to an operation program stored in a recording medium such as a ROM.

  In step S71, the process waits for an acquisition request for the remaining usable number from another MFP (NO in step S71). If there is an acquisition request (YES in step S71), it is used in the requesting MFP in step S72. Send the possible number. Next, when the requesting MFP receives a notification that the requesting MFP serves as a substitute for the management server 1 in step S73, information indicating that the MFP is a substitute for the management server 1 is stored in step S74.

  By storing such information, when the management server 1 is down and an MFP that is not a substitute for the management server 1 receives a job execution instruction from the user, the substitution of the management server 1 indicated by the information is performed. It is possible to immediately request the usable number of sheets from the role MFP.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation when an MFP serving as a substitute for the management server 1 functions as a management server.

  In step S81, it is determined whether it is time to perform a connection check for confirming whether the management server 1 has returned. The connection check may be performed periodically, for example, or may be performed at a preset irregular timing.

  If it is not the timing for the connection check (NO in step S81), it is determined in step S82 whether there is a request for the number of usable sheets from another MFP. If there is a request (YES in step S82), a predetermined usable number is transmitted to the MFP in step S83, and the process proceeds to step S84. If it is determined in step S82 that there is no request for the number of usable sheets from another MFP (NO in step S82), the process directly proceeds to step S84.

  In step S84, it is determined whether or not the remaining usable number (remaining number) is returned from another MFP. If there is a return (YES in step S84), the remaining number is received and held in step S85. Proceed to step S86. If there is no return (NO in step S84), the process proceeds directly to step S86. In step S86, the usable number of sheets including the return amount is managed, and the process returns to step S81.

  If it is the connection check timing in step S81 (YES in step S81), a connection check is performed in step S87, and it is determined in step S88 whether a timeout has occurred based on the presence or absence of a reply from the management server 1.

  If timed out (YES in step S88), the process returns to step S81. If the time-out has not occurred (NO in step S88), the management server 1 has been restored. In step S89, the usable number of sheets held as an alternative to the management server 1 is determined as the number of usable sheets for each user. After returning to the management server 1 together with the information, etc., in step S90, the other MFP is notified that the substitute role of the management server 1 has been terminated. In step S91, the function of the substitute role of the management server 1 is terminated.

  Thus, when there is a request for the number of usable sheets from an MFP other than its own device, the necessary usable amount is transmitted to the MFP and the return of the remaining usable number of sheets is accepted from the MFP. The function as a management server for managing the number of used sheets can be effectively exhibited.

  In addition, after the start of the function as the management server 1, it is monitored whether or not a connection with the management server 1 is established at a predetermined timing, so that the management server 1 is restored and a connection with the management server 1 is established. Can be detected quickly.

  Further, when the connection with the management server 1 is established, the usable number of the device itself is returned to the management server 1, so the management server 1 incorporates the usable number after the return into the management data. The number of used sheets can be managed thereafter.

  Further, when the connection with the management server 1 is established, the MFP other than its own device is notified of the termination of the substitute role of the management server 1, so that the MFP that has received the notification indicates that the management server 1 has returned. After that, normal processing for the management server 1 can be performed.

1 Used number management server 2a to 2d Image processing device 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
25 Storage Device 27 Operation Panel 28 Network Controller

Claims (11)

A connection means for connecting to a management server for managing the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user;
A first usable amount obtaining means for obtaining information on the usable amount from the management server when the first user uses the device;
If the connection with the management server cannot be established when the first usable amount acquisition unit acquires information on the usable amount from the management server, the remainder of the usable amount is selected from the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A search means for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus,
Second usable amount obtaining means for obtaining information on the remaining usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, which has a usable amount remaining, extracted by the search by the search means;
Job execution means for executing a job instructed by the first user using information on the remainder of the available quantity acquired by the second available quantity acquisition means;
A notification means for notifying the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses that the image processing apparatus replaces the management server when a connection with the management server cannot be established;
After the notification by the notification unit, a control unit that causes the own device to replace the management server;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   When there is a request for information on the usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, the control means transmits information on the usable amount necessary for the image processing apparatus, and the usable from the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a return of information relating to a surplus of quantity is received.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether a connection with the management server is established at a predetermined timing after the start of the function as the management server.   4. The control unit according to claim 3, wherein, when a connection with the management server is established as a result of monitoring by the monitoring unit, the control unit returns information on the usable amount held by the own device to the management server. Image processing apparatus.   The notification means notifies the end of substituting the management server to an image processing apparatus other than its own apparatus when a connection with the management server is established as a result of monitoring by the monitoring means. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   If there is a remaining usable amount for the user who has instructed the job, the job execution unit executes the job using information regarding the usable amount, and the search unit performs the remaining usable amount. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein another image processing apparatus having a remaining usable amount is searched only when the job execution is insufficient. A connection means for connecting to a management server for managing the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user;
First usable amount acquisition means for acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server;
If the connection with the management server cannot be established when the first usable amount acquisition unit acquires information on the usable amount from the management server, the remainder of the usable amount is selected from the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A search means for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus,
Second usable amount obtaining means for obtaining information on the remaining usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, which has a usable amount remaining, extracted by the search by the search means;
Job execution means for executing a job using information relating to the remainder of the available amount acquired by the second available amount acquisition means;
A notification means for notifying the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses that the image processing apparatus replaces the management server when a connection with the management server cannot be established;
After the notification by the notification unit, a control unit that causes the own device to replace the management server;
With
When the control unit executes a job on its own device, the job execution unit causes the job to be executed, and when there is a request for information on the usable amount from an image processing device other than its own device , there is a request An image processing apparatus that transmits the information to the image processing apparatus. A connection step for connecting to a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user;
A first usable amount obtaining step of obtaining information on the usable amount from the management server when the first user uses the device;
When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server in the first usable amount acquisition step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, the remainder of the usable amount from the plurality of image processing apparatuses A search step for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus,
A second usable amount obtaining step for obtaining information on the remaining usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, which has the remaining usable amount extracted by the search in the search step;
A job execution step of executing a job instructed by the first user using information on the remainder of the available amount acquired by the second available amount acquisition step;
A notification step of notifying the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses that the image processing apparatus replaces the management server when a connection with the management server cannot be established;
After the notification by the notification step, a control step for causing the own device to replace the management server;
A control method when the management server is down in the image processing apparatus. A connection step for connecting to a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user;
A first usable amount acquisition step of acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server;
When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server in the first usable amount acquisition step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, the remainder of the usable amount from the plurality of image processing apparatuses A search step for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus,
A second usable amount obtaining step for obtaining information relating to a remaining usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, which has a usable remaining amount extracted by the search in the search step;
A job execution step of executing a job using information on the remainder of the available amount acquired by the second available amount acquisition step;
A notification step of notifying the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses that the image processing apparatus replaces the management server when a connection with the management server cannot be established;
After the notification by the notification step, a control step for causing the own device to replace the management server;
With
In the control step, when the job is executed by the own apparatus, the job is executed by the job execution step , and when there is a request for information on the usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus , there is a request. A control method when the management server in the image processing apparatus is down , wherein the information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. A connection step for connecting to a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user;
A first usable amount obtaining step of obtaining information on the usable amount from the management server when the first user uses the device;
When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server in the first usable amount acquisition step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, the remainder of the usable amount from the plurality of image processing apparatuses A search step for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus,
A second usable amount obtaining step for obtaining information on the remaining usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, which has the remaining usable amount extracted by the search in the search step;
A job execution step of executing a job instructed by the first user using information on the remainder of the available amount acquired by the second available amount acquisition step;
A notification step of notifying the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses that the image processing apparatus replaces the management server when a connection with the management server cannot be established;
After the notification by the notification step, a control step for causing the own device to replace the management server;
Control program when the management server goes down to cause the computer of the image processing apparatus to execute. A connection step for connecting to a management server that manages the usage amount of each image processing apparatus for each user;
A first usable amount acquisition step of acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server;
When acquiring information on the usable amount from the management server in the first usable amount acquisition step, if a connection with the management server cannot be established, the remainder of the usable amount from the plurality of image processing apparatuses A search step for searching for an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus,
A second usable amount obtaining step for obtaining information relating to a remaining usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus, which has a usable remaining amount extracted by the search in the search step;
A job execution step of executing a job using information on the remainder of the available amount acquired by the second available amount acquisition step;
A notification step of notifying the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus in the plurality of image processing apparatuses that the image processing apparatus replaces the management server when a connection with the management server cannot be established;
After the notification by the notification step, a control step for causing the own device to replace the management server;
Is executed by the computer of the image processing apparatus,
In the control step, when the job is executed by the own apparatus, the job is executed by the job execution step , and when there is a request for information on the usable amount from an image processing apparatus other than the own apparatus , there is a request. A control program when the management server is down for causing the computer to execute a process of transmitting the information to the image processing apparatus .

Images