JP6787003B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system and an image forming method.

Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that prohibits the operation of the image forming apparatus, for example, prohibiting the execution of a new print process when communication with a computer connected by a cable is impossible.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-33460

However, in an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server connected via a network, if the operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited when the communication with the server is not possible, the usability of the user may be deteriorated.

The present application has been proposed in view of the above problems, and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method that suppresses deterioration of user's usability even when communication with a server is impossible. The purpose is to do.

The image forming apparatus according to the present application includes a housing, an image forming unit provided inside the housing, a communication unit provided in the housing and connectable to a network, and a control unit. Communication in the image forming process of causing the image forming unit to form an image using resources, the first determination process of determining whether or not the communication unit can communicate with the server via the network, and the first determination process. When it is determined that it is possible, when the amount of resources used by the image forming process reaches the first predetermined amount, it is determined that communication is not possible in the first limiting process for limiting the image forming process and the first determination process. In this case, when the amount of resources used by the image forming process reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount, a second limiting process for limiting the image forming process is executed.

In this way, even if the communication unit cannot communicate with the server via the network, the image can be formed until the amount of resources used by the image forming process reaches the second predetermined amount. It is possible to provide an image processing device that suppresses deterioration in usability.

According to the present application, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method that suppress the deterioration of usability of a user even when communication with a server is impossible.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image formation system. It is a figure which shows the electrical structure of the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the management process executed by the management server. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the monitoring process executed by the monitoring server. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the update process executed by the MFP in the standby state. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the processing content of the update printing process executed by the MFP. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the processing content of the update printing process executed by the MFP.

<Configuration of image formation system>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a management server 100, a monitoring server 200, and N MFPs (Multi-Function Peripheral) 10 connected to each other by a network 300. The N MFPs 10 have the same configuration, and when distinguishing each of them, they are described by adding a number in parentheses at the end of the code, and when they are not distinguished, they are collectively described as MFP10. .. The management server 100 is a server that manages the number of prints of N MFPs 10. The monitoring server 200 is a server that monitors the status of the management server 100. The monitoring server 200 stores the state information 201 regarding the state of the management server 100, and provides the state information 201 to the MFP 10 in response to a request. The state information 201 includes maintenance information 202. The status information 201 includes a case where the monitoring server 200 acquires and creates or updates the status information 101 including the maintenance information 102 stored in the management server 100, and a management of the monitoring server 200 which has acquired the latest status information 101. The monitoring server 200 may be created or updated by the operation performed by the person 203. The management server 100 stores the user information 103, which is information for managing the number of prints of the MFP 10, and provides the user information 103 to the MFP 10 in response to a request. The MFP 10 updates the stored user information 351 based on the provided user information 103. Details of the status information 101, 201 and the user information 103, 351 will be described later.

<Configuration of MFP>
Next, the electrical configuration of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 10 is a multifunction device having a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a fax communication function. The MFP 10 includes a housing (not shown), and has a CPU 32, a RAM 33, a ROM 34, an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 35, an image forming unit 37, an image reading unit 38, a fax communication unit 39, a user interface 40, and a network inside the housing. It includes an interface 44, a timer 50, and the like. The ROM 34 stores a program for executing a process such as an update process and an update print process described later, and the CPU 32 is connected by a bus 31 while storing the process result in the RAM 33 according to the program read from the ROM 34. Control each part. The NVRAM 35 stores user information 351 and the like. The timer 50 is for the CPU 32 to execute the timer interrupt process, and outputs a signal to the CPU 32 when the set time elapses.

The image forming unit 37 forms a color or monochrome image on the sheet by an electrophotographic method, for example, according to a printing job. In the following description, forming an image on a sheet may be described as printing. The image forming unit 37 has four process cartridges, an exposure unit, a transfer roller, a fixing unit, and the like corresponding to four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow (not shown). Each of the process cartridges has a photoconductor drum, a developing roller, a toner accommodating chamber, and the like (not shown). The exposed portion forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum. The developing roller supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image to form the toner image. The transfer roller transfers the toner image to the sheet. The fixing part heat-fixes the toner to the sheet.

The image scanning unit 38 reads an image of the original by an image scanner (not shown) and generates scanning data.

The FAX communication unit 39 transmits and receives FAX data to and from other FAX communication devices via a connected telephone line (not shown). The user interface 40 includes a touch panel 41 and operation buttons (not shown). The user interface 40 displays various setting screens, operating states of the devices, and the like on the touch panel 41. Further, a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user on the touch panel 41 and the operation buttons is output to the CPU 32. The network interface 44 communicates with the management server 100, the monitoring server 200, a PC (not shown), and the like connected to the network 300.

<Configuration of management server and monitoring server>
The management server 100 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, timer, network interface, HDD, display unit, operation unit, and the like (not shown). The HDD stores an OS (Operating System), installed application software, and the like. The CPU controls each part connected by the bus while storing the processing result in the RAM according to the program read from the ROM and the HDD. The timer is for the CPU to execute the timer interrupt process, and outputs a signal to the CPU when the set time elapses. The network interface includes an antenna (not shown) and performs wireless LAN communication. The display unit displays information according to the instructions of the CPU. The operation unit includes a keyboard and a mouse, and transmits the operation by the user as a signal to the CPU. In addition, the HDD stores the state information 101 and the user information 103.

The monitoring server is, for example, a PC server, and like the management server 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, timer, network interface, HDD, display unit, operation unit, and the like (not shown). Further, the HDD stores the state information 201.

<Overview of image formation system>
When the management server 100 is in a communicable state via the network 300, whether or not the MFP 10 performs image formation processing based on the latest user information 351 updated by receiving the user information 103 from the management server 100. To judge. On the other hand, when the management server 100 is in a non-communication state, the MFP 10 calculates the usable number Q, and determines whether or not to perform the image forming process based on the calculated usable number Q. Here, the image forming process is a process of controlling the image forming unit 37 to form an image on the sheet.

The maintenance information 102 stored in the management server 100 describes a schedule of a period during which communication is disabled due to maintenance of the management server 100. In addition to the maintenance information 102, the state information 101 includes information indicating that restoration work is in progress in the event of an unplanned failure or the like.

The user information 103 stored in the management server 100 includes user information, the total number of available sheets Qn, and the number of distributions N. Here, the management server 100 manages the total number of prints printed by the N MFPs 10 per month so as not to exceed the initial value of the total available number Qn. The number of distributions is information indicating the number of MFPs to which the total number of available Qn is assigned. Here, since the number of MFPs 10 to which the total number of available Qn is assigned is N, the number of distributions is N. The user information is information for specifying the MFP to which the total number of available Qn and the number of distributions N are applied. When the management server 100 receives the transmission request of the user information 103, the management server 100 transmits the user information 103 including the total available number Qn and the distribution number N regarding the source MFP based on the user information.

The CPU 32 of the MFP 10 uses the total number of available sheets Qn, the number of distributions N, the number of available sheets Q, the number of update requests, and the information hold flag for processing. The total number of available sheets Qn, the number of distributions N, the number of available sheets Q, and the number of update requests are stored in the NVRAM 35 as user information 351. The information hold flag is stored in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 35. When printing is started, the MFP 10 adds 1 to the number of update requests each time the printing of one sheet is completed. When the print job is completed, if the management server 100 is in a communicable state, the MFP 10 transmits the number of update requests to the management server 100. In response to this, the management server 100 sets the user information 103 in a state that reflects the number of prints printed by the MFP 10. On the other hand, when the management server 100 is in a non-communication state, the MFP 10 cannot transmit the number of update requests to the management server 100, so the information hold flag indicating whether or not the number of update requests could be transmitted is turned ON to update. Remember the requested number of sheets.

<Management server>
Next, the management process executed by the management server 100 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the management server 100 starts the management process at predetermined time intervals. First, the CPU of the management server 100 determines whether or not a request has been transmitted from the client MFP10 (S1). When it is determined that the request has been transmitted (S1: YES), it is determined whether or not the request is a request for transmitting the user information 103 (S3). If it is determined that the request is for transmission of the user information 103 (S3: YES), the CPU transmits the user information 103 to the source MFP 10 (S5), and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is not a request for transmission of the user information 103 (S3: NO), the request is for the update of the user information 103. Update. Specifically, the user information 103 is updated with the value obtained by subtracting the transmitted update request number from the total available number Qn as the total available number Qn (S7). Next, the fact that the user information 103 has been updated is transmitted to the source MFP 10 (S9), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined from the MFP 10 that the request has not been transmitted (S1: NO), then it is determined from the monitoring server 200 whether or not the request is for the transmission of the status information 201 (S11). If it is determined that the request is for transmission of the status information 201 (S11: YES), the status information 201 is transmitted to the monitoring server 200 (S17), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is not a request for transmission of the state information 201 (S11: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a timer interrupt depending on whether or not a signal from the timer is output (S13). Here, since the management server 100 manages the number of prints per month, the timer outputs a signal every month. When it is determined that there is a timer interrupt (S13: YES), the total number of available sheets Qn is reset to the initial value (S15), and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no timer interrupt (S13: NO), the process ends.

As described above, the management server 100 updates the user information 103 when the number of update requests is transmitted from the MFP 10, and provides the status information 101 to the monitoring server 200 and the MFP 10 in response to the request.

<Monitoring server>
Next, the management process executed by the monitoring server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the monitoring server 200 starts the monitoring process at predetermined time intervals. First, the CPU of the monitoring server 200 determines whether or not a request for transmission of the state information 201 has been transmitted from the client MFP10 (S21). When it is determined that the request for transmission of the status information 201 has been transmitted (S21: YES), the status information 201 is transmitted to the transmitting MFP 10 (S23), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request for transmission of the status information 201 has not been transmitted (S21: NO), the request for the creation of new maintenance information 202 from the management server 100 or the administrator 203, or the request for maintenance information 202 It is determined whether or not there is a request for renewal (S25). When it is determined that there is a request for creating / updating the maintenance information 202 (S25: YES), the maintenance information 202 is created or updated according to the request (S27). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no request for creating / updating the maintenance information 202 (S25: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a timer interrupt by the signal from the timer in order to periodically update the status information 201. (S29). When it is determined that there is no timer interrupt (S29: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a timer interrupt (S29: YES), a request for transmitting the status information 101 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S31). Next, the monitoring server 200 updates the state information 201 stored by itself (S33), and ends the process. Specifically, in step S33, when the state information 101 is transmitted from the management server 100, the state information 201 is updated based on the transmitted and acquired state information 101. For example, when the state information 101 includes the latest maintenance information 102, the monitoring server 200 updates the maintenance information 202. Further, for example, when the status information 101 includes information that the function for managing the number of prints of the MFP 10 is unavailable due to some failure, the monitoring server 200 includes the status information 201 of the management server 100. Write information that the management function is unavailable. Further, when the status information 101 is not transmitted from the management server 100, or when the management server 100 cannot communicate with the management server 100, the monitoring server 200 is in a state where the status information 201 cannot communicate with the management server 100. Write information.

As described above, the monitoring server 200 updates the state information 201 to the latest state, and provides the state information 201 including the maintenance information 202 to the MFP 10 as requested.

<Waiting MFP>
Next, the update process executed by the MFP 10 in the standby state will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the MFP 10 starts the update process at predetermined time intervals. The standby state is a state in which the MFP 10 is not executing the update printing process.

First, since the CPU 32 periodically requests the management server 100 to update the user information 103, it determines whether or not there is a timer interrupt based on the signal from the timer 50 (S41). When it is determined that there is no timer interrupt (S41: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a timer interrupt (S41: YES), it is determined whether or not the management server 100 is operating (S43). Specifically, a request for transmission of the status information 201 is transmitted to the monitoring server 200, and a determination is made based on the received status information 201. The maintenance schedule of the maintenance information 202 included in the status information 201 does not include the current time, the function managed by the management server 100 is unavailable in the status information 201, and communication with the management server 100 is not possible. If the information is not included, it is determined that the management server 100 is in operation. When it is determined that the management server 100 is not operating (S43: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S43: YES), it is determined whether or not the information hold flag is ON (S45). Here, when the information hold flag is ON, it indicates that the latest update request number has not been transmitted to the management server 100. If it is determined that the information hold flag is not ON (S45: NO), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information hold flag is ON (S45: YES), a request for updating the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S47). Further, in step S47, the CPU 32 refers to the user information 351 and transmits the number of update requests. As a result, the management server 100 executes step S7. Next, it is determined whether or not the update of the user information 103, which is transmitted by the management server 100 by executing step S9, has been transmitted (S49). If it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has not been transmitted (S49: NO), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, when it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has been transmitted (S49: YES), the number of update requests is reset to the initial value (S51). Next, the information hold flag is turned off (S53). Next, a request for transmitting the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S55). As a result, the management server 100 executes step S5. Next, the user information 351 is updated (S57) based on the user information 103 transmitted from the management server 100, and the process is terminated. Specifically, in step S57, the CPU 32 updates the total available number Qn included in the user information 351.

<MFP during printing>
Next, the update printing process executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. When the standby MFP 10 receives a job accompanied by image formation such as a print job, the standby MFP 10 starts the update print process.

First, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the management server 100 is in operation, as in step S43 (S61). When it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S61: YES), it is determined whether or not the information hold flag is ON (S81). If it is determined that the information hold flag is not ON (S81: NO), the process proceeds to step S91. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information hold flag is ON (S81: YES), a request for updating the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 as in step S47 (S83). As a result, the management server 100 executes step S7. Next, it is determined whether or not the update of the user information 103, which is transmitted by the management server 100 by executing step S9, has been transmitted (S85). If it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has not been transmitted (S85: NO), the process proceeds to step S91. On the other hand, when it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has been transmitted (S85: YES), the number of update requests is reset (S87). Next, the information hold flag is turned off (S89). Next, a request for transmitting the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S91). As a result, the management server 100 executes step S5. Next, similarly to step S57, the user information 351 is updated based on the user information 103 transmitted from the management server 100 (S93). Next, since the total number of available sheets Qn is the latest value, the value obtained by dividing the total number of available sheets Qn by the number of distributions N is defined as the available number of sheets Q. The usable number Q calculated in this way may be described as the usable number QA.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the management server 100 is not operating (S61: NO), it is determined whether or not the information hold flag is ON (S63). When it is determined that the information hold flag is ON (S63: YES), the available number Q is read from the NVRAM 35, stored in the RAM 33, and the process proceeds to step S97 (FIG. 6). On the other hand, when it is determined that the information hold flag is not ON (S63: NO), the total number of available Qn and the number of distributions N included in the user information 351 are read from the NVRAM 35 and stored in the RAM 33 (S65). Next, for example, a message is transmitted to the monitoring server 200, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring server 200 can be accessed depending on whether or not there is a reply (S67). When it is determined that the monitoring server 200 can be accessed (S67: YES), a request for transmission of the status information 201 is transmitted to the monitoring server 200 (S69). As a result, the monitoring server 200 executes step S23. Based on the maintenance information 202 included in the received status information 201, the monitoring server 200 determines whether or not maintenance is in progress (S71). When it is determined that the monitoring server 200 is not under maintenance (S71: NO), the value obtained by dividing the total number of available sheets Qn stored in the RAM 33 by the number of distributions N minus 200 is set as the available number of sheets Q, and is set in step S97. Proceed to (Fig. 7). The usable number Q calculated in this way may be described as the usable number QB1. On the other hand, when it is determined that the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71: YES), the value obtained by subtracting 300 from the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn stored in the RAM 33 by the distribution number N is defined as the available number Q. , Step S97 (FIG. 7). The usable number Q calculated in this way may be described as the usable number QB2. Further, when it is determined that the monitoring server 200 cannot be accessed (S67: NO), the value obtained by subtracting 500 from the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn stored in the RAM 33 by the distribution number N is set as the available number Q. The process proceeds to step S97 (FIG. 7). The usable number Q calculated in this way may be described as the usable number QB2. If the available sheets Qa, Qb1, Qb2, and Qb3 calculated in steps S95, S73, S75, and S77 are not integers, the values rounded down to the nearest whole number are used as the available sheets Qa, Qb1, Qb2, and Qb3. If the available sheets QB1, QB2, and QB3 calculated in steps S73, S75, and S77 are negative values, the available sheets QA, QB1, QB2, and QB3 are set to 0.

When it is determined that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO), for example, when some kind of failure occurs, the administrator who manages the management server 100 is expected to recover the management server 100 at an early stage. .. Therefore, the CPU 32 makes the value of the available number Q larger than that when the management server 100 is determined to be under maintenance (S71: YES). Further, when it is determined that the monitoring server 200 cannot be accessed (S67: NO), the MFP 10 is in a state where it cannot communicate with both the management server 100 and the monitoring server 200. Therefore, in order to bring the MFP 10 into a state where it can communicate with the management server 100, work in the MFP 10 is required, and when it is determined that the time until the MFP 10 becomes able to communicate is accessible to the monitoring server 200 (S67). : YES) may be longer. Therefore, the CPU 32 makes the value of the available number Q smaller than that when it is determined that the monitoring server 200 can be accessed (S67: YES). By doing so, even if the image formation process up to the available number Q is performed during the period when the management server 100 is not operating, it is possible to prevent the image formation process from exceeding the total available number Qn. ..

In step S97 (FIG. 7), the CPU 32 determines whether or not the available number Q stored in the RAM 33 is 0 (S97). When it is determined that the available number of sheets Q is 0 (S97: YES), an error indicating that printing is not possible is displayed on the user interface 40 to notify the user, the image formation process is stopped (S117), and step S107. Proceed to. On the other hand, if it is determined that the available number Q is not 0 (S97: NO), the image forming process is executed for one sheet based on the job (S99). Next, the available number Q is subtracted by 1 (S101). Next, the number of update requests stored in the NVRAM 35 is added by 1 (S103). Next, it is determined whether or not the printing instructed by the job is completed (S105). If it is determined that printing is not completed (S105: NO), the process returns to step S97. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is completed (S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the management server 100 is operating, as in step S43 (S107). When it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S107: YES), a request for updating the user information 103 is transmitted to the management server 100 (S109). As a result, the management server 100 executes step S7. Next, it is determined whether or not the update of the user information 103, which is transmitted by the management server 100 by executing step S9, has been transmitted (S111). When it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has been transmitted (S111: YES), the available number of sheets stored in the RAM 33 is stored in the NVRAM 35, and the update request number is reset (S113). Next, the information hold flag is turned off (S115), and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the management server 100 is not operating (S107: NO) and when it is determined that the update of the user information 103 has not been transmitted (S111: NO), the information hold flag is turned ON. (S119), the process is terminated.

Here, the MFP 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus, the network interface 44 is an example of a communication unit, the CPU 32 is an example of a control unit, and the management server 100 is an example of a server. Further, the monitoring server 200 is a communication device connected to the network, and is an example of a communication device different from the server. Further, step S61 is an example of the first determination process. Further, the usable number Qa is an example of the first predetermined amount, and the usable number Qb1 to b3 is an example of the second predetermined amount. Further, steps S97 and S117, which are executed after setting the available number Q to Qa in step S95, are examples of the first limiting process. Further, steps S97 and S117 executed after setting the available number Q to any of Qb1 to Qb3 in steps S73, S75, and S77 are examples of the second limiting process. Further, step S103 is an example of recording processing. Steps S97 and S117, which are executed after the available number Q is set to Qa in step S95 based on the total available number Qn updated by the execution of step S7, are an example of the third limiting process. Step S67 is an example of the second determination process. The total number of available Qn is an example of the total number of resources. Further, the update request number is an example of "the number of sheets in which the image forming unit formed an image", and in steps S47 and S83, "the number of sheets in which the image forming unit formed an image is transmitted to the server via the communication unit". This is an example of "processing to be performed".

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
(1) When it is determined that the management server 100 is not operating (S61: NO), the CPU 32 calculates the usable number Q when it is determined that the management server 100 is operating (S61: NO). The available number of sheets Qb1 to b3 (S73, S75, S77), which is smaller than S95), is used. In step S97 to be executed thereafter, when the CPU 32 determines that the available sheets Qb1 to b3 are not 0 (S97: NO), the image formation process is executed. As a result, even if the management server 100 is not in operation, the MFP 10 can form an image until the number of sheets used in the image forming process reaches any of the available sheets Qb1 to b3. It is possible to provide the MFP 10 that suppresses the deterioration of usability.

(2) (3) When it is determined that the management server 100 is in operation (S61: YES), the CPU 32 is based on the total number of available Qn included in the latest user information 103 acquired from the management server 100. The available number Qa is calculated. As a result, even if it is previously determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S61: NO) and the usable number Q is set to the usable number Qb1 to b3, it can be used based on the latest user information 103. Images can be formed until the number of sheets Qa is reached.

(4) (5) When it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S61: NO), the reason why the MFP 10 cannot communicate with the management server 100 depends on whether or not the monitoring server 200 can be accessed. It is determined whether it exists or is on the MFP10 side. It is determined that the number of available sheets Qb1 and Qb2 when it is determined that the monitoring server 200 is accessible (S67: YES) and the cause of the communication failure is on the management server 100 side is determined to be inaccessible to the monitoring server 200. (S67: NO), the value is set to be larger than the available number Qb3 when it is determined that the cause of the communication failure is on the MFP10 side. As a result, when it is expected that communication can be performed earlier than when it is determined that the cause of communication failure is on the MFP10 side, images can be formed until the number of available sheets Qb1 and Qb2 is reached.

(6) The usable number Qb2 when the management server 100 is determined to be under maintenance (S71: YES), and the usable number Qb1 when the CPU32 determines that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO). The value should be smaller than. As a result, when it is assumed that it will take a longer time until communication becomes possible than when it is determined that the management server 100 is not under maintenance, images can be formed until the number of available sheets Qb2 is reached.

(9) The CPU 32 transmits the number of update requests to the management server 100 in steps S47 and S83. As a result, the management server 100 can update the user information 103.
[Modification example]

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the above, when it is determined that the management server 100 is in operation (S61: YES), the CPU 32 divides the total available number Qn acquired from the management server 100 by the distribution number N to obtain the available number Qa. It was explained that it would be calculated. Not limited to this, if it has been determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S61: NO) before, a value smaller than the value obtained by dividing the total number of available Qn by the distribution number N is used. It may be the possible number Q. Here, "before" means, for example, between the time when the management server 100 executes step S15 and the time when the CPU 32 determines that the management server 100 is in operation (S61: YES). If it has been determined that the management server 100 is not in operation (S61: NO) before, there is a high possibility that it is determined that the management server 100 is not in operation again. Therefore, the available number Q is set to a small value. It is preferable to set it as.

Further, in the above, the usable number Qb2 when it is determined that the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71: YES) can be used, and when the CPU 32 determines that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO), it can be used. It was explained that the value is smaller than the number of sheets Qb1. On the contrary, the usable number Q when the management server 100 is determined to be under maintenance (S71: YES) and the usable number Q when the CPU32 determines that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO). It may be configured to have a value larger than. If the management server 100 is not under maintenance, it is assumed that some kind of failure has occurred and there is no prospect of recovery. Therefore, when it is assumed that it will take a shorter time until communication becomes possible than when it is determined that the management server 100 is not under maintenance, the image can be formed until the number of usable sheets Q is reached. More specifically, in steps S73 and S75, the value obtained by dividing the total number of available sheets by the number of distributions N is managed as compared with the case where the management server 100 determines that maintenance is in progress (S71: YES). If it is determined that the server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO), the configuration may be larger.

Further, in the above, the usable number Qb2 when it is determined that the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71: YES) can be used, and when the CPU 32 determines that the management server 100 is not under maintenance (S71: NO), it can be used. Although it has been explained that the value is smaller than the number of sheets Qb1, the value is not limited to this. For example, if it is determined that the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71: YES) and the time until the maintenance is completed is longer than the predetermined time, the available number Q may be made smaller than the predetermined value. .. The predetermined time is, for example, 24 hours, and the predetermined value is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the total number of available sheets by the number of distributions N minus 400. Further, the time is not limited to the time until the end of maintenance, and if a date for restoring the communication state is scheduled, the time may be set to the scheduled date. In addition to the comparison with the predetermined time, the mathematical formulas, tables, etc. that show the correlation between the time until the date when communication becomes possible again and the second predetermined amount are stored in advance, and until the date when communication becomes possible again. The longer the time, the larger the second predetermined amount may be.

Further, in the above, the image forming system 1 in which the management server 100 monitors N MFPs 10 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management server 100 may monitor one MFP10.

Further, in the above, the sheet is illustrated as a resource, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the resource can be applied to the amount of printing agent such as toner, the amount of electric power, and the like.

Further, in the above, as an example of limiting the image forming process, it has been described that the image forming process is stopped (S117). Not limited to this, for example, it is used for image formation by allocating a plurality of pages to one sheet and executing the image formation process by reducing the amount of toner used for image formation and executing the image formation process. The image forming process may be limited by reducing the amount of toner to be applied and the number of sheets.

Further, in the above, it has been explained that in steps S73, S75, and S77, the usable number Qb1 to Qb3 is calculated by subtracting the value of 200 to 500 from the value obtained by dividing the total usable number Qn by the distribution number N. The method for calculating the number of available sheets Qb1 to Qb3 is not limited to this. For example, in step S73, the value obtained by dividing the total number of available sheets Qn by the number of distributions N is multiplied by 0.8 to calculate the available number of sheets Qb1, and in step S75, the total number of available sheets Qn is divided by the number of distributions N to obtain the value. The usable number Qb2 may be calculated by multiplying by 0.7, and the usable number Qb3 may be calculated by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the total available number Qn by the distribution number N by 0.5 in step S77. Further, the value obtained by subtracting or multiplying the total number of available Qn by the number of distributions N is not limited to this. For example, it is preferable to set the value according to the total number of available sheets Qn, such as a value of about 10% to 20% of the total number of available sheets Qn.

Further, in the above, it has been explained that the value of the available number Q is changed depending on whether or not the management server 100 is under maintenance (S71), but step S71 is omitted and it depends on whether or not the monitoring server 200 can be accessed. (S67), the value of the available number Q may be changed.

Further, in the above, it has been explained that the usable number Q of N MFPs 10 is calculated uniformly, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the total usable number Qn is multiplied by a predetermined ratio to calculate. You may.

Further, in the above, it has been described that the step S109 is executed after it is determined that the printing is completed (S107: YES), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the step S107 is executed after the execution of the step S103, and after the step S115, the step S107 is executed. The configuration may be such that step S107 is executed and the user information is requested to be updated every time one sheet is printed.

Further, in the above description, it has been described in step S97 that it is determined whether or not the number of users is 0, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a print job is received from a PC and the image formation process is executed, the number of prints can be acquired in advance, so whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the number of prints from the available number Q is 0 or less. It may be a structure to judge.

Further, although the case where the CPU 32 is provided has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be provided with a plurality of CPUs, or may be configured by a plurality of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Further, it may be configured by any combination of the CPU and the ASIC.

Further, although the MFP 10 has been described as printing by the electrophotographic method, it can also be applied to other image processing devices that perform printing by, for example, an inkjet method. Further, although the MFP 10 has been described as a multifunction device having a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function and the like, the MFP 10 is not limited to this, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus having at least a printing function.

1 Image formation system 10 MFP
32 CPU
33 RAM
34 ROM
35 NVRAM
37 Image forming unit 44 Network interface 100 Management server 200 Monitoring server

Claims (12)

With the housing
An image forming portion provided inside the housing and
A communication unit provided in the housing and capable of connecting to a network,
With a control unit
The control unit
An image forming process that causes the image forming unit to form an image using resources,
The first determination process for determining whether or not the communication unit can communicate with the server via the network, and
When it is determined in the first determination process that communication is possible, when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches the first predetermined amount, the first limiting process for limiting the image forming process and the first limiting process.
When it is determined in the first determination process that communication is not possible, when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount, the image forming process is restricted. Second restriction processing and
When it is determined in the first determination process that communication is not possible, the second determination process for determining whether or not the cause of communication failure is on the server side is executed.
When it is determined that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side in the second determination process, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is set to a larger amount than when it is determined that the communication is not on the server side. An image forming apparatus characterized in that. The control unit
Until it is determined that communication is possible from after determining that it is not possible signal passing Te the first determination process smell, a recording process of recording the amount of the resource,
When it is determined that communication is possible after determining that communication is not possible in the first determination process, the amount of the resource used by the image forming process is obtained by subtracting the amount of the resource used from the second predetermined amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a third predetermined amount equal to or larger than the amount is reached, the third limiting process for limiting the image forming process is executed. The control unit
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third predetermined amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount of the resource from the first predetermined amount. In the second determination process, the control unit
It is determined whether or not the communication device connected to the network can communicate with a communication device different from the server.
If it is determined that communication with the communication device is possible, it is determined that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when it is determined that communication with the communication device is not possible, it is determined that the cause of the inability to communicate is not on the server side. The control unit
When it is determined in the second determination process that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side, the third determination process for determining whether or not the timing at which communication is possible can be specified again is executed.
If it is determined that can be specified in the third determination process, the second predetermined amount in the second limit process, according to claim 1 to claim, characterized in that a smaller amount than when it is determined that can not be identified The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 . The control unit
When it is determined in the second determination process that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side, the third determination process for determining whether or not the timing at which communication is possible can be specified again is executed.
If it is determined that can be specified in the third determination process, the second predetermined amount in the second limit process, according to claim 1 to claim, characterized in that a larger amount than when it is determined that can not be identified The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 . The control unit
In the second determination process, when it is determined that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side, the third determination process for determining whether or not the timing for enabling communication again can be specified is executed.
In the third determination process, when it is determined that the identification can be performed and the time until the timing at which communication becomes possible again is longer than the predetermined time, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is set from the predetermined amount. the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a small amount. The resource is a sheet on which the image forming unit forms an image.
The control unit
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the image forming unit executes a process of transmitting the number of sheets on which an image is formed to the server via the communication unit. An image forming system including an image forming device and a server.
The image forming apparatus includes a housing, an image forming unit provided inside the housing, a communication unit provided in the housing and connectable to a network, and a control unit.
The control unit
An image forming process that causes the image forming unit to form an image using resources,
The first determination process for determining whether or not the communication unit can communicate with the server via the network, and
When it is determined in the first determination process that communication is possible, when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches the first predetermined amount, the first limiting process for limiting the image forming process and the first limiting process.
When it is determined in the first determination process that communication is not possible, when the amount of the resource used by the image forming process reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount, the image forming process is restricted. Second restriction processing and
When it is determined in the first determination process that communication is not possible, the second determination process for determining whether or not the cause of the communication failure is on the server side is executed.
When it is determined that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side in the second determination process, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction process is set to a larger amount than when it is determined that the communication is not on the server side. An image forming system characterized by this. The resource is a sheet on which the image forming unit forms an image.
The server
The number of sheets on which the image forming unit formed an image is received from the image forming apparatus via the network.
The image forming system according to claim 9 , wherein the number of sheets received in a predetermined period is accumulated and stored. The server is connected via the network and a plurality of said image forming apparatus, stores the total amount and the number of the amount of the resources involved in the plurality of image forming apparatus,
In the first limiting process, the control unit
The image forming system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an amount obtained by dividing the total amount of the resources stored in the server by the number of units is defined as the first predetermined amount. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a communication unit.
An image forming step of causing the image forming unit to form an image using resources,
The first determination step of determining whether or not the communication unit can communicate with the server via the network, and
When it is determined in the first determination step that communication is possible, when the amount of the resource used by the image formation step reaches the first predetermined amount, the first restriction step that limits the image formation step and
When it is determined in the first determination step that communication is not possible, the image formation step is restricted when the amount of the resource used by the image formation step reaches a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount. The second limiting step and
When it is determined that communication is not possible in the first determination step, it has a second determination step of determining whether or not the cause of communication failure is on the server side.
When it is determined that the cause of the communication failure is on the server side in the second determination step, the second predetermined amount in the second restriction step is set to a larger amount than when it is determined that the communication is not on the server side. An image forming method characterized by this.

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