JP6582947B2 - Printing device, server, and printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a printing function, a server capable of communicating with the printing apparatus, and a printing system having the printing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a restriction function that restricts the print amount for each user.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus having a printing function, restriction control is known in which a printable remaining amount is set for each user and execution of printing exceeding the printable remaining amount is restricted. For example, there is Patent Document 1 as a document relating to restriction control. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which the number of prints is managed for each of a plurality of departments, and a higher-order department and a lower-order department are set. However, there is disclosed a technique for requesting permission of printing from the upper department if the limit number of the upper department has not been reached, and continuing printing on condition that the permission of printing has been obtained.

JP 2006-123290 A

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. That is, when an individual user (a user in a lower department) uses the printable number of sheets of a group (upper department) to which the user belongs, permission from the group administrator is required. Therefore, it takes time for the group manager. On the other hand, if the permission of the group manager is not required at all, the use may be biased to specific users, and the use is not fair.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. In other words, the problem is to provide a technology that can achieve both the reduction of the labor of the group manager and the suppression of the bias of use to specific users in the printing apparatus having the restriction function. It is in.

  A printing apparatus for solving this problem includes a printing unit, a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, and a usage attribute for each user. , A storage unit that accepts a print request, a communication unit, and a control unit, and the usage attribute does not permit the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs for the target user Thus, if there is a first attribute that can be printed using the printable remaining amount of the group and the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs for the target user, the remaining printable amount of the group is used. And the second attribute that can be printed can be set, and when the control unit receives a print request via the reception unit, the print amount requested by the print request is the print request. Done When the printable remaining amount of the user is not exceeded, printing based on the print request is executed, and based on the executed print amount, the printable remaining amount of the user who has made the print request is reduced, and the print request is The print amount requested in this case exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs If the total value does not exceed, the use attribute of the user who made the print request is determined. If the use attribute is the first attribute, printing based on the print request is executed, and the executed print amount and the Based on the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs is reduced, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request is set to 0, Use attribute If the attribute is the second attribute, the communication unit sends a use confirmation request to inquire whether or not printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is permitted to the manager of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs. When a response that allows printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is received via the communication unit, printing based on the print request is executed. Based on the executed print amount and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs is reduced, and the user who made the print request can print When the remaining amount is set to 0 and the requested print amount in the print request exceeds the total value of the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, or in front The printing based on the print request is not executed when a response permitting printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is not received via the communication unit. .

  The printing apparatus disclosed in this specification stores a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, and a use attribute for each user, and the group's It is determined whether or not the remaining printable amount can be used. That is, the printing apparatus prints a print job up to the remaining printable amount for each user. For printing jobs that exceed the printable remaining amount for each user and are within the total number of printable remaining amounts for each user and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, the printing device depends on the usage attribute of the user of the print job. Perform different actions. In other words, for a print job of a user with the first attribute, a print request is executed without obtaining the permission of the group manager, and for a print job of a user with the second attribute, a confirmation request for inquiring whether the group administrator can execute the print job. Send.

  That is, in the printing apparatus disclosed in this specification, a user who inquires permission of printing using the printable remaining amount of the group to the administrator of the group to which the user belongs according to the use attribute of the user who made the print request, Sort users who are not inquiring. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor of the administrator as compared with the case where all users make an inquiry to the administrator. Moreover, if the inquiry to the administrator is unnecessary for all users, it becomes difficult to suppress the bias in use for each user. In the printing apparatus, users who need to make inquiries can be set according to the user's usage attributes, so that users who need inquiries can be set as appropriate. As a result, it can be expected to suppress the bias of use for specific users.

  Further, the present specification includes a storage unit that stores a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, and a use attribute for each user, a communication unit, a control unit, The usage attribute includes a first attribute that enables printing using the printable remaining amount of the group without permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, and the target user. If there is permission from the manager of the group to which the target user belongs, the second attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable remaining amount of the group can be set, and the control unit determines whether printing is possible. When the print determination request to which the user and the print amount are added is received from the printing apparatus via the communication unit, the print amount added to the print determination request However, If the printable remaining amount of the user added to the request is not exceeded, a response indicating that printing is possible is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the communication unit, and based on the print amount added to the print determination request The printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request is reduced, and the print amount added to the print determination request exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request; If the sum of the printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs is not exceeded, the use attribute of the user added to the print determination request is determined. If the use attribute is the first attribute, a response to enable printing is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the communication unit, and the print amount added to the print determination request and the print determination request are performed. User Based on the remaining printable amount, the remaining printable amount of the group to which the user who made the print determination request belongs is reduced, the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print determination request is set to 0, and the use attribute is the first attribute. If there are two attributes, the communication unit sends a use confirmation request for inquiring whether or not to allow printing using the printable remaining amount of the group to the manager of the group to which the user added to the print determination request belongs. When a response that permits printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is received via the communication unit, a response that enables printing is sent to the communication unit. A group to which the user who made the print determination request belongs based on the print amount added to the print determination request and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print determination request of The printable remaining amount is reduced, the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print determination request is set to 0, and the requested print amount in the print determination request is the user's printable remaining amount added to the print determination request. When the total value of the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs is exceeded or a response that allows printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is made via the communication unit A server is disclosed that, when not received, transmits a response indicating that printing cannot be performed to the printing apparatus via the communication unit.

  Further, the present specification includes a printing system having a printing device and a server that communicates with the printing device, the printing device including a printing unit, a receiving unit that receives a print request, a communication unit, A control unit, wherein the server stores a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, a use attribute for each user, a communication unit, and a control unit. A first attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable amount of the group without permission of an administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, For the user, if the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs has permission, the second attribute that allows printing using the printable remaining amount of the group can be set, and the control of the printing apparatus can be performed. Department of the reception When the print request is received via the user, the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print request, the remaining printable amount of the group to which the user belongs, and the usage attribute of the user If the print amount obtained from the server via the communication unit and requested by the print request does not exceed the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, printing based on the print request is executed. Based on the executed print amount, a reduction command for reducing the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request is transmitted to the server via the communication unit of the printing apparatus, and requested by the print request. The total amount of the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs Beyond If not, the use attribute of the user who made the print request is determined. If the use attribute is the first attribute, printing based on the print request is executed, and the executed print amount and the print request are executed. Based on the printable remaining amount of the user, a reduction command for reducing the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs and setting the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request to 0 If it is transmitted to the server via the communication unit of the printing apparatus and the use attribute is the second attribute, the remaining printable amount of the group is notified to the manager of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs. A use confirmation request for inquiring whether or not to permit printing to be used is transmitted via the communication unit of the printing apparatus, and a response that permits printing using the printable remaining amount of the group according to the use confirmation request. The above When received via the communication unit of the printing apparatus, printing based on the print request is executed, and the print request is determined based on the executed print amount and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request. Reducing the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the request belongs, and sending a reduction command to make the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request 0 to the server via the communication unit of the printing device, When the requested print amount in the print request exceeds the total printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, or in response to the use confirmation request If the response that permits printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is not received via the communication unit of the printing apparatus, the control unit of the server does not execute printing based on the print request. Is When a weight reduction request is received from the printing device via the communication unit of the server, the printable remaining amount for each user or the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs is reduced based on the received weight reduction request. A system is disclosed.

  In addition, the present specification stores, for each user, the user's printable remaining amount and the user's use attribute indicating the printable amount that can be printed by the user. A storage unit that stores a printable remaining amount of a group indicating a printable amount that can be shared and printed by users belonging to each group, a reception unit that receives a print request, a communication unit, and a control A first attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable amount of the group without permission of an administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, For the user, if the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs has permission, the second attribute capable of printing using the printable remaining amount of the group can be set. Reception If the print request requested by the print request does not exceed the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, printing based on the print request is executed. The printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request is reduced based on the executed print amount, and the print amount requested by the print request exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request. If the total printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs is not exceeded, the usage attribute of the user who made the print request is determined. When the usage attribute is determined to be the first attribute, printing based on the print request is executed, and the remaining execution amount obtained by subtracting the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request from the executed print amount The mark If the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the request belongs is reduced, the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request is set to 0, and the use attribute is determined to be the second attribute, the print request A use confirmation request for inquiring whether or not printing using the remaining printable amount of the group is permitted is sent to the manager of the group to which the user who performed the operation belongs. Accordingly, when a response permitting printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is received via the communication unit, printing based on the print request is executed, and the user who made the print request from the executed print amount The remaining execution amount after subtracting the printable remaining amount is reduced from the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request is set to 0, If a response not permitting printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is received via the communication unit, printing based on the print request is not executed, and the request in the print request A printing device that does not execute printing based on the print request when the print amount exceeds the total printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs Is disclosed.

  A control method for realizing the functions of the printing apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also new and useful.

  According to the present invention, in a printing apparatus having a restriction function, a technique capable of achieving both a reduction in the effort of a group administrator and a suppression of bias in use for a specific user is realized.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an MFP according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a management table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a usage-amount table. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an attribute determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an attribute setting process. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a server. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a printing judgment process.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that has a printing function and is shared by a plurality of users.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 of this embodiment includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, and an operation panel 40. The image forming unit 10 is configured to print an image on a sheet. The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. MFP 100 of this embodiment may be a device capable of forming a color image or a device dedicated to monochrome images. Further, MFP 100 may be a device capable of double-sided printing or a device only for single-sided printing.

  The image reading unit 20 has a configuration for reading an image of a document. The reading method may be a CCD method or a CIS method. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment may be a device capable of color reading or a device only capable of monochrome reading. Further, MFP 100 may be a device that can perform double-sided reading or a device that only performs single-sided reading.

  The MFP 100 includes a paper feed tray 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a manual feed tray 13. The paper feed tray 11 accommodates printing sheets. The paper discharge tray 12 accommodates printed sheets. The manual feed tray 13 accepts insertion of a printing sheet by manual feed. The MFP 100 prints a sheet stored in the paper feed tray 11 or a sheet inserted from the manual feed tray 13 using the image forming unit 10, and discharges the printed sheet to the paper discharge tray 12.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 22 having a function of conveying a document to be read. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 22 is provided on the upper portion of the casing of the MFP 100 and includes a document tray 24 and a document discharge tray 25. The image reading unit 20 conveys one of the documents placed on the document tray 24 to the ADF 22, reads an image of the document during conveyance, and discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 25.

  The ADF 22 of the image reading unit 20 is rotatable around one side on the left back side in FIG. A reading glass is provided below the ADF 22, and the MFP 100 can also read a document placed on the reading glass. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a reading instruction without a sheet on the document tray 24 of the ADF 22, the MFP 100 reads the document on the reading glass.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal display 41 and a button group 42. The MFP 100 causes the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40 to display various types of information such as operation statuses and messages to the user. The liquid crystal display 41 is an example of a notification unit. The liquid crystal display 41 of the MFP 100 may be a touch panel that allows input operations. In that case, the MFP 100 displays various buttons on the liquid crystal display 41 and receives various instructions based on the pressed position.

  The button group 42 includes a power button, an execution button, a cancel button, a numeric keypad, and the like. When the MFP 100 receives an operation on the button group 42, the MFP 100 receives various instruction inputs by receiving a signal transmitted by the button.

  Next, an electrical configuration of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 34. The MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a network IF (interface) 37, a USB IF 38, and an operation panel 40, and these are electrically connected to the controller 30.

  The ROM 32 stores various control programs for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The NVRAM 34 is used as an area for storing data such as image data, various settings, user information, and the like. The NVRAM 34 is an example of a storage unit.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 according to the control program read from the ROM 32 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be a control unit. The controller 30 in FIG. 2 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the MFP 100 such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The network IF 37 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The network IF 37 is an example of a reception unit and a communication unit. The USBIF 38 is hardware for connecting a flash memory such as a USB memory and communicating with the connected flash memory.

  As shown in FIG. 2, various devices 1, 2, 3, etc. used by each user are connected to the network. Each device may be a personal computer (PC) or a portable device such as a smartphone. The MFP 100 can communicate with devices 1, 2, 3, etc. used by each user via a network. The MFP 100 stores the address information of each device 1, 2, 3, etc. in the NVRAM 34 in association with the user who uses the device. That is, the MFP 100 receives instruction information such as a print job of each user from the devices 1, 2, 3, etc. via the network, and transmits notification information such as a message to each user to the devices 1, 2, 3, etc. To do.

  Next, control for limiting the printable usage amount for each user in MFP 100 of the present embodiment will be described. The limited use amount is a print amount that can be printed by the MFP 100 within a predetermined management period. For example, among the print number, the number of print pages, the number of print jobs, the number of stored sheets, and the use amount of the coloring material One or more quantities. In the following description, it is assumed that the usage amount is “number of printed sheets”. For example, it is assumed that the usage amount of one printing is “1” in both single-sided printing and double-sided printing, and the manual sheet and the storage sheet are not distinguished. Note that the usage amount may be set as appropriate according to the amount to be subject to restriction control.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 stores, in the NVRAM 34, a management table 51 that stores information on a group to which a user belongs and a printable amount for each user or group. The contents of the management table 51 can be edited by a user having administrator authority of the MFP 100. That is, a user having administrator authority can change the number and attributes stored in the management table 51 and add or delete users.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the management table 51 stores “group name”, “group printable number”, “user name”, “user printable number”, and “attribute”. “Group name” is the name of each group. A group is a group of one or more users, and each user belongs to one of the groups. The “user name” is the name or user ID of each user, and is stored in association with the “group name” of the group to which the user belongs.

  Each group has a group manager. The manager of the group may be a member of the group or a user other than the member. In association with each group, the MFP 100 stores an administrator name of the group and device address information used by the administrator in the NVRAM 34. The address information of the manager may be stored as a part of the management table 51, or may be stored in another location.

  The “user printable number” is a set value of the printable print amount assigned to the individual of the user. The “printable number of groups” is a set value of a print amount that is assigned to a group and can be shared and printed by users belonging to the group separately from the printable number of users. In other words, for the entire group, in addition to the total number of printable sheets of all users belonging to the group, the use of the printable number of groups is permitted.

  The “group printable number” and the “user printable number” are the number of prints permitted to be used within the same management period. The management period is, for example, one month. That is, for example, if the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets for one month is within the “user printable number” stored in the management table 51, the MFP 100 does not restrict the use by the user.

  “Attribute” is a type of use restriction set for each user, and there are “1” type and “2” type. When the MFP 100 receives an instruction to print a number exceeding the user's usable number within the management period, if the user attribute is “1” type, the MFP 100 uses the printable number of the group to which the user belongs. Execute printing. On the other hand, if the attribute of the user is “2” type, MFP 100 executes printing using the printable number of sheets of the group to which the user belongs, depending on whether or not the group administrator permits. To decide. In other words, the use of the printable number of groups has a limit corresponding to the user attribute. The usage restrictions on the number of printable groups will be described later.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 100 stores in the NVRAM 34 a usage amount table 52 that stores the remaining number that each user can print during the current management period. The usage amount table 52 stores “user name”, “remaining number of users”, “used number of groups”, and “remaining number of groups” for each user. The usage amount table 52 is initialized at the beginning of each management period.

  The “user name” is information common to the “user name” in the management table 51. The “remaining number of users” is an unused portion of the user's printable number of sheets assigned in the management period at the present time. The “user remaining number” is set to “user printable number” in the management table 51 at the beginning of the management period, and is decremented by one for each printing execution by the user. Each user does not need to obtain special permission until his or her “remaining user count” becomes zero, and can print. “Number of remaining users” is an example of a remaining printable amount for each user.

  “Number of used sheets for group” is the number of printable sheets allocated to the group to which the user belongs, which the user used during the management period. The “group usage count” is set to 0 at the beginning of the management period, and whenever the user performs printing using the printable number of pages in the group, the number of prints is added to the “group usage count” of the corresponding user. Is added.

  The “group remaining number” is a currently unused portion of the printable number of groups allocated in the management period. The “group remaining number” is set to “group printable number” in the management table 51 at the beginning of the management period, and is printed each time a user belonging to the group executes printing using the group printable number. The number of sheets is subtracted. The “group remaining number” is an example of the remaining usable amount of the group.

  When the MFP 100 of this embodiment receives a print job, the MFP 100 compares the number of print jobs of the print job with the remaining number of users of the print job and the remaining number of groups of the group to which the user belongs. Then, if the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the remaining number for the user, MFP 100 prints the print job. Further, if the number of printed sheets exceeds the total number of remaining users and groups, the MFP 100 does not execute print job printing.

  The MFP 100 reads the user attribute of the print job if the number of printed sheets exceeds the remaining number for the user and is equal to or smaller than the total number of the remaining number for the user and the remaining number for the group. If the user attribute is “1”, printing of the print job is executed. On the other hand, if the user attribute is “2”, a usage confirmation request including an inquiry as to whether or not to permit printing is transmitted to the device used by the manager of the group to which the user belongs.

  The administrator receives a use confirmation request at the device to be used, and responds to the request by operating the device. The device used by the administrator transmits a signal including response information to MFP 100 in accordance with the operation of the administrator. The MFP 100 receives a signal from a device used by the administrator and acquires response information. If the acquired information is permission for printing, the MFP 100 executes printing of the print job. If the acquired information is not printable, the MFP 100 does not print the print job. Since the administrator receives an inquiry only regarding printing of a user whose user attribute is “2”, the number of times the administrator receives an inquiry is smaller than when the inquiry is received for all users.

  For example, in the example of the management table 51 shown in FIG. 3 and the usage amount table 52 shown in FIG. 4, the device used by the administrator of the group “IP001” is the device 1, and the device used by the user A is the device 2. And When the MFP 100 receives a print job from the device 2 and the number of prints is 50 or less, the MFP 100 prints the print job and subtracts the number of prints from the remaining number of users in the usage amount table 52 from 50. Change to a number. On the other hand, if the number of printed sheets is 451 or more, the print job is not printed.

  If the number of printed sheets is 51 or more and 450 or less, the MFP 100 transmits a use confirmation request for inquiring whether or not printing is possible to the device 1. When the MFP 100 receives a print permission response from the device 1, the MFP 100 prints the print job. Further, the remaining number for the user in the usage amount table 52 is set to 0, the used number for the group is set to the number obtained by subtracting 50 from the number of printed sheets, and the remaining number for the group is changed to a number obtained by subtracting the number of printed sheets from 450. Further, when the number of printed sheets is 51 or more and 450 or less and a response indicating that printing is not permitted is received from the device 1, printing of the print job is not executed.

  Next, a print processing procedure for realizing the above-described print restriction operation in MFP 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This print processing is executed by the CPU 31 when the MFP 100 receives a print job.

  In this printing process, the CPU 31 first acquires the user information of the print job based on the basic information of the received print job (S101). Reception of a print job is an example of accepting a print request. Then, the CPU 31 acquires the number of prints of the received print job (S103).

  The MFP 100 receives a print job, for example, from a device used by the user via the network IF 37. The MFP 100 acquires user information of the print job based on the information of the device that is the transmission source of the print job. MFP 100 also accepts a print instruction by an operation on operation panel 40. MFP 100 requests login before accepting a print instruction. For example, the MFP 100 receives an input of a user ID and a password and performs user authentication. For example, when a print instruction such as copying is received after successful user authentication, the MFP 100 acquires user information of the print job based on the user information of the logged-in user.

  Next, the CPU 31 reads the management table 51 and the usage amount table 52 from the NVRAM 34 (S105). Then, the CPU 31 compares the number of remaining users stored in association with the user acquired in S101 and the number of printed sheets of the print job acquired in S103, and the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the number of remaining users. It is determined whether or not (S107).

  If it is determined that the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the remaining number for the user (S107: YES), the CPU 31 causes the image forming unit 10 to print the received print job (S108). Then, the CPU 31 updates the usage amount table 52 (S109). Specifically, the CPU 31 changes the remaining number for the user in the usage amount table 52 to a number obtained by subtracting the current print number from the stored previous value.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of printed sheets is greater than the remaining number for the user (S107: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the total number of the remaining number for the user and the remaining number for the group. (S113). If the CPU 31 determines that the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the total number of remaining users and groups (S113: YES), the CPU 31 executes attribute determination processing (S115). The attribute determination process is a process for determining whether or not to execute printing of the print job according to the user attribute.

  The procedure of attribute determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the attribute determination process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the attribute of the user who requests printing is “1” based on the management table 51 (S201).

  When it is determined that the user attribute is “1” (S201: YES), the CPU 31 executes an attribute setting process for determining whether the user attribute is set to “2” (S202). The attribute setting process is a process of setting the attribute of a user who has a short period until the set number of printable sheets for the user is used up to “2”.

  Next, the procedure of attribute setting processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the attribute setting process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the current number of remaining users of the user requesting printing is 0 (S301). If it is determined that the current remaining number for the user is 0 (S301: YES), the CPU 31 ends the attribute setting process. For the user whose remaining number is already 0, the CPU 31 does not perform the setting by the attribute setting process.

  On the other hand, if the current remaining number for the user is not 0, the user whose remaining number for the user becomes 0 by the execution of the current print job. If it is determined that the current number of remaining users is not 0 (S301: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the management period is shorter than a predetermined threshold time (S303). If it is determined that the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the threshold time (S303: NO), the CPU 31 ends the attribute setting process. For users who have a long period until the remaining number of users is used up, there is no need to monitor and there is no need to change the attributes.

  On the other hand, a user who has a short time from the start of the management period until the user can use up the printable number of prints may be a cautionary user who has a lot of useless printing. Therefore, when it is determined that the elapsed time is shorter than the threshold time (S303: YES), the CPU 31 inquires of the group manager to which the user belongs whether or not to set the attribute (S305).

  Specifically, the MFP 100 transmits a command including a setting confirmation request, which is an inquiry as to whether or not to set the attribute of the user to “2”, to the device used by the group manager. At this time, the MFP 100 may transmit the user name, the current print job name, the remaining number of groups, and the like together with the setting confirmation request. The device that has received the setting confirmation request displays the received information and accepts an instruction input from the administrator. Based on the displayed information, the administrator determines whether to set the user attribute to “2” and inputs a response to the device. The device transmits a command including the input response to MFP 100.

  The CPU 31 of the MFP 100 determines whether a response from the administrator has been received (S306). When determining that it has not been received (S306: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (S307). If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S307: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S306 and waits for a response from the administrator.

  When a response from the administrator is received (S306: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the content of the response is a setting permission (S308). If it is determined that the setting is permitted (S308: YES), or if it is determined that a timeout has occurred (S307: YES), the CPU 31 sets the attribute of the user to “2” (S310), The attribute setting process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the content of the response indicates that the setting is not permitted (S308: NO), the CPU 31 ends the attribute setting process without changing the attribute.

  That is, for a user whose current attribute is “1” and the user's printable number has been used up in a short period of time, the attribute is set to “2” with the permission of the administrator. Users who have used up the printable number of individual users at an early stage tend to be wasted, and it is preferable to require the permission of the group manager to perform printing using the printable number of groups.

  Then, according to the printing status of the user, the administrator receives a setting confirmation request that is an inquiry as to whether or not to change the attribute. At this point, the administrator can select whether or not to change user attributes. For example, although a user usually has a small print amount, the print amount may temporarily increase. If the user automatically sets the print amount, the attribute of such a user also becomes “2”. Therefore, when setting the attribute to “2”, it is preferable to inquire the administrator in advance. Since the setting confirmation request is not required for every printing like the print permission request, it is unlikely that the administrator's trouble is significantly increased by the setting confirmation request.

  When the administrator registers a new user in the management table 51, an initial value is set as the user attribute. The initial value of the user attribute is, for example, “1”. In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, the attribute of the user who tends to be wasted is automatically set to “2” by having the attribute setting process. Therefore, by setting the initial value of the attribute of each user to “1”, the attribute can be appropriately distributed depending on whether or not the user tends to be wasted. That is, the administrator does not need to accurately predict the printing tendency of each user in advance, and can flexibly respond to the usage situation, thereby further reducing the administrator's trouble.

  Returning to the attribute determination process of FIG. 6, after the attribute setting process of S202, it is determined that printing of the received print job is permitted (S210), and the attribute determination process is terminated. Since the user attribute at the time of receiving the print job is “1”, the administrator's permission is not required for printing the current print job. The CPU 31 determines to perform printing using the printable number of sheets for the group without making an inquiry to the administrator.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the user attribute is not “1” (S201: NO), the CPU 31 uses the printable number of sheets for the group to the manager of the group to which the user of the print job belongs. An inquiry is made as to whether or not printing of the print job is permitted (S204). For example, the CPU 31 transmits a command including a use confirmation request to the device used by the group manager via the network IF 37. At this time, the CPU 31 may transmit information such as the user name, the number of printed sheets, the number of remaining users, the number of remaining groups, and the like together with the use confirmation request.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a response from the administrator has been received (S205). If it is determined that it has not been received (S205: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the transmission of the use confirmation request has exceeded a predetermined time-out time and has timed out (S206). If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S206: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S205 and waits for a response from the administrator.

  When the response from the administrator is received (S205: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the content of the response is permission for printing (S207). If it is determined that the content of the response is permission for printing (S207: YES), the CPU 31 determines that printing of the received print job is permitted (S210), and ends the attribute determination process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S206: YES), or when it is determined that the content of the response from the administrator indicates that printing is not permitted (S207: NO), the CPU 31 prints the received print job. It is determined not to permit (S213), and the attribute determination process is terminated. The CPU 31 determines that it is not permitted when there is no response even if the elapsed time after the use confirmation request is transmitted exceeds a predetermined timeout time. Note that the user of the print job may be notified that the administrator's permission has not been obtained.

  Returning to the description of the printing process in FIG. 5, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to permit printing in the attribute determination process in S115 (S116). If it is determined that printing is permitted (S116: YES), the CPU 31 causes the image forming unit 10 to print the received print job (S108). Then, the CPU 31 updates the usage amount table 52 (S109). Specifically, the CPU 31 subtracts the remaining number for the user from the number of printed sheets, adds the result of the subtraction to the used number for the group of the user, and subtracts the remaining number for the group of the user's group. Further, the remaining number of users of the user is set to 0.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the attribute determination process in S115 that it is determined that printing is not permitted (S116: NO), or it is determined that the number of printed sheets is greater than the total number of remaining user and group remaining sheets. In the case (S113: NO), the CPU 31 notifies that printing is impossible (S117). Further, after S109 or after S117, the CPU 31 notifies the remaining number (S110) and ends the printing process. The CPU 31 notifies the latest number of remaining users and the remaining number of groups by displaying on the liquid crystal display 41 of the MFP 100, transmitting a print job to a device used by the user, a voice message, and the like.

  In S110, both the number of remaining individual users and the number of remaining groups are notified, so that the user can grasp the maximum remaining printable amount at the time of notification. The notification timing is not limited to when printing is completed. For example, notification may be repeated during the login period, or may be notified when a notification instruction from the user is received.

  The determination of the user attribute setting is not limited to the length of the period until the user prints out the printable number of sheets as described above. For example, the number of groups used within a predetermined period may be used. The predetermined period is a period shorter than the management period, for example, one week.

  For example, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the number of used sheets for the group in the usage amount table 52 is greater than a predetermined threshold number after one week has elapsed since the user used up the personal printable number. The threshold number is an example of the threshold printing amount. When it is determined that the number of used sheets for the group is greater than the predetermined threshold number, the attribute of the user is changed to “2”. A user who uses a large number of sheets for the group will require the administrator's permission to use the printable number of sheets for the group. In this case as well, prior to setting the attributes, it is preferable to send a setting confirmation request to the group manager and obtain a response.

  Users with a large number of prints using the group printable number within a predetermined period tend to be wasted, and the group manager's permission is required to print using the group printable number of sheets. Is preferred. Note that the predetermined period and the threshold number may be different for each user.

  As described above in detail, in the management table 51, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment stores the printable number of sheets for each user, the printable number of groups to which the user belongs, the attributes for each user, and the like. The usage amount table 52 stores the number of remaining users and the number of remaining groups. Then, MFP 100 executes printing if the number of print jobs received is within the remaining number of users of the print job. Further, if the number of print jobs of the received print job exceeds the remaining number of users of the print job and is within the total number of the remaining number of users and the remaining number of groups of the group to which the user belongs, the MFP 100 Whether or not the remaining number of groups can be used is determined based on each attribute. Specifically, if the user attribute is “1”, the MFP 100 executes printing without the permission of the group manager. On the other hand, if the user attribute is “2”, the permission of the group manager is requested, and printing is executed when the permission is obtained. MFP 100 does not execute printing when the number of print jobs exceeds the total number of remaining users and the remaining number of groups in the group to which the user belongs. That is, when using the printable number of groups, a user who needs the approval of the manager and a user who does not need the administrator are provided, and the determination is made based on the attribute of each user. Therefore, compared with the case where the approval of the manager is required for all users, the labor of the manager is small. In addition, compared to a case where all users can freely use the printable number of groups, it is possible to suppress the bias of use to specific users.

  Next, a second embodiment in which the server according to the present invention is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a server that is connected to a plurality of devices having a printing function via a network and is shared by a plurality of users.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the server 200 of this embodiment includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, and an HDD 234. The server 200 includes a network IF 237, a display 241, and an operation unit 242, and is electrically connected to the CPU 231 and the like. The server 200 of this embodiment is connected to the network via the network IF 237.

  A plurality of devices (MFPs 101, 102, 103, etc.) having a printing function are connected to the network. An apparatus having a printing function is not limited to an MFP, and may be a printer or a copier. Furthermore, various devices 1, 2, 3, etc. used by each user are also connected to the network. The devices 1, 2, 3, etc. are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The MFPs 101, 102, 103, etc. accept print jobs from the devices 1, 2, 3, etc. via the network.

  In this embodiment, unlike the MFP 100 of the first embodiment, the MFPs 101, 102, 103, and the like do not execute the above-described print processing, attribute determination processing, and attribute setting processing. Further, the MFPs 101, 102, 103, etc. do not store the management table 51 or the usage amount table 52. Upon receiving a print job, the MFPs 101, 102, 103, etc. transmit a print determination request for requesting determination as to whether or not printing is possible to the server 200.

  When the MFP 101, 102, 103, or the like receives a response indicating that printing is possible from the server 200, it executes printing based on the accepted print job. On the other hand, when the MFP 101, 102, 103, or the like receives a response indicating that printing is not possible from the server 200, the MFP 101, 102, 103, or the like does not execute printing based on the accepted print job. If printing is not possible, the MFPs 101, 102, 103, etc. may send a notification to the effect that printing is not possible to the device that sent the received print job.

  On the other hand, the HDD 234 of the server 200 of this embodiment stores a management table 51 and a usage table 52 similar to those described in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the number of printed sheets is the total number of printed sheets in each of a plurality of MFPs. In this embodiment, the server 200 manages the number of printable sheets. That is, when receiving a print determination request from a plurality of connected MFPs or the like, the server 200 according to the present embodiment is similar to the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, based on the stored management table 51 and usage amount table 52. , Judge whether to execute printing. Then, the determination result is transmitted to the MFP or the like that has transmitted the print determination request.

  Next, the procedure of the print determination process for realizing the above-described print determination operation in the server 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This print determination process is executed by the CPU 231 of the server 200 when a transmission of a print determination request is received from the MFP or the like. The print determination process is different from the print process of FIG. 5 in that the determination of whether printing is possible is performed based on reception of a print determination request from the MFP, and the determination result is transmitted to the MFP. The same processing as the printing processing is denoted by the same reference numeral and description thereof is omitted.

  In the print determination process, the CPU 231 acquires user information and the number of prints based on the information added to the received print determination request (S401). The MFP or the like transmits, to the server 200, information on the user who transmitted the print job and the number of prints together with the print determination request.

  Next, the CPU 231 reads the management table 51 and the usage amount table 52 from the HDD 234 (S405). Then, the CPU 231 compares the number of remaining users stored in association with the user acquired in S401 and the number of printed sheets acquired in S401, and determines whether or not the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the remaining number of users. Is determined (S107).

  If it is determined that the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the remaining number for the user (S107: YES), the CPU 231 transmits a response to enable printing to the MFP or the like (S408). Then, the CPU 231 updates the usage amount table 52 (S109) and ends the print determination process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of printed sheets is greater than the remaining number for the user (S107: NO), the CPU 231 determines whether the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the total number of the remaining number for the user and the remaining number for the group. (S113). If the CPU 231 determines that the number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the total number of remaining users and groups (S113: YES), the CPU 231 executes attribute determination processing (S115). The attribute determination process is the process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Then, the CPU 231 determines whether or not it has been determined to permit printing in the attribute determination process of S115 (S116). If it is determined that printing is permitted (S116: YES), the CPU 231 transmits a response to enable printing to the MFP or the like (S408). Then, the CPU 231 updates the usage amount table 52 (S109) and ends the print determination process.

  Also, when it is determined that printing is not permitted in the attribute determination process of S115 (S116: NO), or when it is determined that the number of prints is greater than the total number of remaining user and group remaining In (S113: NO), the CPU 231 transmits a response indicating that printing is not possible to the MFP or the like (S416), and ends the print determination process. Note that after S109 or after S416 and before the end of the print determination process, the remaining number of users and the remaining number of groups may be transmitted to the MFP and displayed on an operation panel or the like of the MFP. Good.

  As described above in detail, according to the server 200 of the second form, as in the first form, when setting attributes for each user and using the printable number of groups, the administrator's There are users who require approval and users who do not. Therefore, compared with the case where the approval of the manager is required for all users, the labor of the manager is small. In addition, compared to a case where all users can freely use the printable number of groups, it is possible to suppress the bias of use to specific users. In particular, in the environment where each user can use a plurality of MFPs or the like, it is preferable to limit the use for each user, because the server 200 of this embodiment can add up the number of printed sheets in each device.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the printing apparatus is not limited to a printer, but can be applied to any apparatus having a printing function, such as a copying machine, a multifunction machine, and a FAX apparatus. The server may be a dedicated device, one of the printing devices may be used, or one of the devices may be used.

  Further, for example, the attribute is not limited to two types, and may be three or more types. For example, there may be a third attribute indicating a user who cannot use the printable number of groups. In this case, the user with the third attribute cannot print any more when the remaining number of users is exhausted.

  Further, for example, instead of storing the number of remaining users and the number of groups used, the number of printed pages of the user may be stored. In this case, the remaining number for the user and the used number for the group are calculated from the difference between the printable sheet number of the user, the printable sheet number of the group, and the printed sheet number of the user. In this case, if the number of printed sheets of the user is equal to or less than the number of printable sheets of the user, the number obtained by subtracting the number of printed sheets of the user from the number of printable sheets of the user is an example of the remaining printable amount for each user. When the number of printed pages of the user is larger than the number of printable pages of the user, the number obtained by subtracting the number of printable pages of the user from the number of printed pages of the user is the number of used pages for the group. The difference from the number of minutes used is an example of the remaining usable amount of the group. In other words, the printable remaining amount is the remaining amount of printing that can be performed, and is calculated by storing the actually used amount instead of storing the corresponding amount directly and subtracting it from the total printable amount. May be.

  Further, for example, in the embodiment, the attribute is automatically changed, but it may be manually set. That is, there is no need for attribute setting processing. In the attribute setting process, the administrator is inquired when the attribute is changed. The timing for actually changing the attribute may be after the printing of the print job is completed.

  In the first embodiment, the MFP 100 stores the management table 51 and the usage amount table 52, and the MFP 100 determines whether printing is possible. In the second embodiment, the server 200 stores the management table 51 and the usage amount table 52, and the server 200 determines whether printing is possible. Instead of these, a system may be used in which storage and determination are performed by different devices. For example, the management table 51 and the usage amount table 52 may be stored in the server 200, and the MFP 100 may receive information on each table from the server 200 and determine whether or not printing is possible. Further, the management table 51 and the usage amount table 52 may be combined into one database.

  In addition, when the number of print jobs to be printed exceeds the total number of remaining users and groups, it is not necessary to complete printing based on the print job. Specifically, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which printing is not performed. For example, a configuration in which only the remaining number of users is printed may be used.

  The processing disclosed in this embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

10 Image forming unit 31, 231 CPU
34 NVRAM
37,237 Network IF
41 Liquid crystal display 100 Printer 200 Server 234 HDD

Claims (9)

A printing section;
A storage unit that stores a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, and a use attribute for each user for printing in the printing unit;
A reception unit for receiving a print request;
A communication department;
A control unit;
With
The usage attribute includes
For the target user, a first attribute that can be printed using the printable remaining amount of the group without the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs;
If the target user has the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, the second attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable amount of the group,
Can be set,
The controller is
When a print request is received through the reception unit,
If the print amount requested by the print request does not exceed the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, the printing based on the print request is executed, and the print amount is executed based on the executed print amount. Reduce the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print request,
The print amount requested by the print request exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the group to which the user belongs can be printed. If the total value with the remaining amount is not exceeded, the usage attribute of the user who made the print request is determined,
If the use attribute is the first attribute, printing based on the print request is executed, and the user who made the print request is based on the executed print amount and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request. Reduce the remaining printable amount of the group to which the user belongs, and set the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print request to 0,
If the usage attribute is the second attribute, a usage confirmation request for inquiring whether or not printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is permitted is made to the manager of the group to which the user who made the printing request belongs. When a response that is transmitted via the communication unit and is permitted to print using the remaining printable amount of the group according to the use confirmation request is received via the communication unit, printing based on the print request is performed. The user who made the print request by reducing the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs based on the executed print amount and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request Set the remaining printable amount to 0,
When the requested print amount in the print request exceeds the total printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, or in response to the use confirmation request If the response that permits printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is not received via the communication unit, printing based on the print request is not executed.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
For each user, the print amount printed using the printable remaining amount of the group within a predetermined period is stored in the storage unit,
A user's use attribute whose print amount stored in the storage unit is larger than a threshold print amount is set as the second attribute;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
For each user, a usage attribute of the user whose time taken for the remaining printable remaining amount assigned to each user to be 0 is shorter than a threshold time is set in the second attribute.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. In the printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The controller is
An initial value of the use attribute is set in the first attribute;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. In the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The controller is
If an attribute other than the second attribute is stored in the use attribute of the user to be set when the condition for setting the use attribute to the second attribute is satisfied, the manager of the group to which the user to be set belongs In response to this, a setting confirmation request for inquiring whether or not to permit use attribute setting is transmitted via the communication unit, and a response that is permitted to be set according to the setting confirmation request is received via the communication unit. In this case, the usage attribute of the user to be set is set in the second attribute.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. In the printing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5,
With a notification section,
The controller is
Notifying the notification unit of a printable remaining amount of a user who can make a print request and a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. A storage unit that stores a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, and a use attribute for each user;
A communication department;
A control unit;
With
The usage attribute includes
For the target user, a first attribute that can be printed using the printable remaining amount of the group without the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs;
If the target user has the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, the second attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable amount of the group,
Can be set,
The controller is
A print determination request for requesting whether or not printing is possible, when the print determination request to which a user and a print amount are added is received from the printing apparatus via the communication unit;
If the print amount added to the print determination request does not exceed the printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request, a response indicating that printing is possible is sent to the printing apparatus via the communication unit. Reducing the printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request based on the print amount added to the print determination request,
The print amount added to the print determination request exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request, and the user's printable remaining amount added to the print determination request belongs to the user. If the total printable remaining amount of the group is not exceeded, the user use attribute added to the print determination request is determined, and
If the use attribute is the first attribute, a response indicating that printing is possible is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the communication unit, and the print amount added to the print determination request and the user who made the print determination request The printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print determination request belongs is reduced based on the printable remaining amount of the user, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print determination request is set to 0,
If the usage attribute is the second attribute, the usage confirmation inquiring whether to permit printing using the printable remaining amount of the group to the manager of the group to which the user added to the print determination request belongs. A response that enables printing when a request is transmitted via the communication unit and a response that permits printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is received via the communication unit in response to the use confirmation request. Is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the communication unit, and the print determination request is made based on the print amount added to the print determination request and the printable remaining amount of the user who has made the print determination request. Reduce the remaining printable amount of the group to which the user belongs, and set the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print determination request to 0,
The requested print amount in the print determination request exceeds the total printable remaining amount of the user added to the print determination request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, or the use confirmation In response to a request, if a response permitting printing using the remaining printable amount of the group is not received via the communication unit, a response indicating that printing is not possible is transmitted to the printing device via the communication unit. Do,
A server characterized by that. A printing system having a printing device and a server in communication with the printing device,
The printing device includes:
A printing section;
A reception unit for receiving a print request;
A communication department;
A control unit;
With
The server
A storage unit that stores a printable remaining amount for each user, a printable remaining amount of a group to which the user belongs, and a use attribute for each user;
A communication department;
A control unit;
With
The usage attribute includes
For the target user, a first attribute that can be printed using the printable remaining amount of the group without the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs;
If the target user has the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, the second attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable amount of the group,
Can be set,
The control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
When a print request is received through the reception unit,
The printable remaining amount of the user who has made the print request, the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, and the usage attribute of the user are acquired from the server via the communication unit of the printing apparatus,
If the print amount requested by the print request does not exceed the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, the printing based on the print request is executed, and the print amount is executed based on the executed print amount. A weight reduction command for reducing the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print request is transmitted to the server via the communication unit of the printing apparatus;
The print amount requested by the print request exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the group to which the user belongs can be printed. If the total value with the remaining amount is not exceeded, the usage attribute of the user who made the print request is determined,
If the use attribute is the first attribute, printing based on the print request is executed, and the user who made the print request is based on the executed print amount and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request. A reduction command for reducing the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs and setting the printable remaining amount of the user who has made the print request to 0 is transmitted to the server via the communication unit of the printing apparatus,
If the usage attribute is the second attribute, a usage confirmation request for inquiring whether or not printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is permitted is made to the manager of the group to which the user who made the printing request belongs. When a response is received via the communication unit of the printing apparatus that is transmitted via the communication unit of the printing apparatus and is permitted to print using the printable remaining amount of the group according to the use confirmation request. , Executing printing based on the print request, and reducing the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs based on the executed print amount and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request , A reduction command for reducing the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request to 0 is transmitted to the server via the communication unit of the printing apparatus,
When the requested print amount in the print request exceeds the total printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, or in response to the use confirmation request If a response that permits printing using the printable remaining amount of the group is not received via the communication unit of the printing apparatus, printing based on the print request is not executed.
The control unit of the server
When a weight reduction request is received from the printing device via the communication unit of the server, the printable remaining amount for each user or the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs is reduced based on the received weight reduction request.
A printing system characterized by that. A printing section;
For each user,
The remaining printable amount of the user, indicating the printable amount of the user,
Remember the user's usage attributes,
For each group,
With users belonging to the group,
A storage unit that stores a printable remaining amount of the group that indicates a printable amount that can be shared and printed by users belonging to each group;
A reception unit for receiving a print request;
A communication department;
A control unit;
With
The usage attribute includes
For the target user, a first attribute that can be printed using the printable remaining amount of the group without the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs;
If the target user has the permission of the administrator of the group to which the target user belongs, the second attribute that can be printed using the remaining printable amount of the group,
Can be set,
The controller is
When a print request is received through the reception unit,
If the print amount requested by the print request does not exceed the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, the printing based on the print request is executed, and the print amount is executed based on the executed print amount. Reduce the remaining printable amount of the user who made the print request,
The print amount requested by the print request exceeds the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the group to which the user belongs can be printed. If the total value with the remaining amount is not exceeded, the usage attribute of the user who made the print request is determined,
If it is determined that the use attribute is the first attribute, printing based on the print request is executed, and the remaining execution amount obtained by subtracting the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request from the executed print amount is obtained. The printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who has made the print request belongs is reduced, and the printable remaining amount of the user who has made the print request is set to 0,
If it is determined that the use attribute is the second attribute, the administrator of the group to which the user who has made the print request belongs is inquired whether printing using the remaining printable amount of the group is permitted. Send a usage confirmation request via the communication unit,
If a response permitting printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is received via the communication unit, printing based on the printing request is executed, and the printing is performed from the executed printing amount. The remaining execution amount after subtracting the printable remaining amount of the user who made the request is reduced from the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user who made the print request belongs, and the printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request is reduced. 0,
If a response not permitting printing using the printable remaining amount of the group in response to the use confirmation request is received via the communication unit, printing based on the print request is not executed.
If the requested print amount in the print request exceeds the total printable remaining amount of the user who made the print request and the printable remaining amount of the group to which the user belongs, printing based on the print request Do not run,
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

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