JPH09185300A - Image forming device controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately accumulate and store the number of image forming times for each user or department to which he or she belongs, even if an information recording medium is attached/detached while an image forming device continues an image forming operation. SOLUTION: When the information recording medium is inserted, an identification code which is recorded on the medium and for showing the user or department to which he or she belongs is read by an identification code reading means A and only when a judging means B judges that the identification code coincides with one of the previously registered identification codes, the image forming operation is permitted by an image forming operation permitting means C. Then, an image forming operation ongoing judging means E judges whether the image forming operation is ongoing or not and while the image forming operation is ongoing, the number of the image forming times is accumulated and stored with respect to the identification code coincident with the identification code read from the information recording medium inserted at that time of starting the image forming operation, out of the previously registered identification codes, by a storage means for the number of the image forming times D.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management apparatus for managing the cumulative number of image formations of image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers for each user or department to which the image forming apparatus belongs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to make the running cost of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine borne by a user or a department to which the user belongs, for example, the number of copies (image forming number) of the copying machine is managed separately for each department. Was. for that reason,
After the user of the copier made a note of the division of the department to which he / she belongs and the number of copies, the administrator had to count the number of copies for each department for each predetermined period. It was troublesome and complicated to manage.

In order to eliminate such inconvenience, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-55142, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 52748 or Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-3219, an identification code indicating a user or a department to which the user belongs is recorded on an information recording medium such as a magnetic card, and the information recording medium is a management device. When it is attached to the device, the identification code recorded there is read by the reading device, and it is judged whether or not the identification code matches any one of the identification codes registered in advance. A management apparatus has been proposed in which, after a copying operation (image forming operation) of a copying machine (image forming apparatus) is permitted, the number of copies made by the copying machine is cumulatively stored for each of the previously registered identification codes.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional management apparatus, when the information recording medium is pulled out by the user while the image forming apparatus continues the image forming operation, the accumulated number of image forming sheets thereafter is accumulated. Since the memory cannot be stored, there is a problem that the number of formed images and the number of sheets actually used do not match.

Further, when the information recording medium is taken out by the user while the image forming apparatus is continuing the image forming operation and a new information recording medium is inserted by another user before the end of the operation, registration is made in advance. There is also a problem that the number of formed images in the current image forming operation is cumulatively stored for the identification code that matches the identification code read from the new information recording medium among the existing identification codes.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in the image forming apparatus management apparatus, even when the user attaches and detaches the information recording medium while the image forming apparatus continues the image forming operation. It is an object of the present invention to accurately accumulate and store the number of images formed by the image forming apparatus for each user or department to which the user belongs.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, identifies the user or the department to which the user is recorded in the inserted information recording medium. An identification code reading means A for reading the identification code shown, a determination means B for determining whether the identification code read by the identification code matches any one of the identification codes registered in advance, and if the above identification code is matched by the identification code reading means A An image forming operation permitting unit C that permits the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus only when it is determined, and an image forming number storage unit D that cumulatively stores the number of images formed by the image forming apparatus for each of the previously registered identification codes. The following means is provided in the image forming apparatus management apparatus including the following.

That is, the image forming operation continuation judging means E for judging whether the image forming apparatus is continuing the image forming operation or not.
The image forming number storage means D is provided, and while the image forming operation continuation judging means E judges that the image forming operation is continuing, the image forming operation of the previously registered identification codes is performed. Is a means for accumulating and storing the number of images formed by the image forming apparatus with respect to the identification code that coincides with the identification code read from the information recording medium inserted at the start of.

When the information recording medium is inserted, the image forming apparatus management apparatus according to the present invention provides the identification code indicating the user or the department to which the information recording medium is recorded with the identification code reading means of FIG. The image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is performed by the image forming operation permission unit C only when the identification code is read by A and the identification unit B determines whether or not the identification code matches any one of the identification codes registered in advance. Allow

After that, the image forming operation continuation judging means E judges whether or not the image forming apparatus is continuing the image forming operation, and while the image forming operation is continuing, of the identification codes registered in advance by the image forming number storage means D. The cumulative number of images formed by the image forming apparatus is stored for the identification code that matches the identification code read from the information recording medium inserted at the start of the image forming operation.

Therefore, according to this image forming apparatus management apparatus, the information recording medium is pulled out by the user while the image forming apparatus is continuing the image forming operation, and another image forming operation is performed before the image forming operation is finished. Even when a new information recording medium is inserted by the user, the number of images formed by the image forming apparatus can be accurately accumulated and stored according to the user or the department to which the user belongs.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system embodying the present invention.

In this image forming apparatus management system,
A plurality of copying machines 1 are installed in the group A, a copy management apparatus (image forming apparatus management apparatus) 2 is connected to each copying machine 1, and a totaling apparatus 3 common to each copy management apparatus 2 is provided. Are connected. Further, a plurality of copying machines 4 are also installed in the group B, a copy management device 5 is connected to each copying machine 4, and a common totalizing device 3 is connected to each copy management device 5. .

Each of the copy management devices 2 and 5 reads an identification code (hereinafter referred to as "department code") indicating a department (or a user) to which the user belongs, which is recorded in the inserted information recording medium, It is determined whether or not the read department code matches any of the registered department codes, and only when the department codes match, the copying operation of the copying machines 1 and 4 is permitted, and then the copying machines 1 and 4 are permitted. The cumulative number of copies according to section codes is stored in the memory for each registered department code.

The counting device 3 counts the number of copies for each department code stored in the memories of all the copy management devices 2 and 5 every predetermined period. Of FIG.
(a) (b) is a perspective view showing an example of appearance of copy management devices 2 and 5. In the copy management devices 2 and 5, 11 is a display panel for displaying various information such as the department code, the cumulative number of copies for each department code, and the number of copies for each user (when an information recording medium is inserted). indicate.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a recall key (key switch for management), which is used for switching the contents displayed on the display panel 11, for example, the cumulative number of copies for each department code and the number of copies for each user, or a department registered in advance. It is used when setting the range of usable department codes among codes. A dip switch 13 is used to switch the operation mode of the copy management apparatuses 2 and 5 to a special mode for setting the department code range.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an encoder connection port to which a connection cable with an encoder for encoding and inputting data can be detachably inserted. Reference numeral 15 denotes a printer connection port, to which a connection cable for connecting to the printer can be removably inserted. Reference numeral 16 denotes a card insertion slot into which a magnetic card, which is an information recording medium on which a department code is recorded, can be inserted.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a power supply connection terminal, to which a connection cable for connecting to the power supply kit can be detachably inserted. 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a totaling device connection port, to which a connecting cable to the totalizing device can be detachably inserted. Reference numeral 19 is a connection cable to the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the copy management devices 2 and 5, which is a central processing unit (hereinafter "CPU").
21), ROM22, RAM23, non-volatile RA
M24, communication interface (hereinafter "interface" is referred to as "I / F") 25, input / output I / F circuit 2
6, card reader 27, display panel 11, switches 2
9, a printer I / F 30, a copying machine I / F 31, and an encoder I / F 32.

The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that controls the entire apparatus according to a program stored in the ROM 22. R
The OM 22 is a read-only memory that stores (registers) various fixed data including a program for operating the CPU 21 and all department codes. RAM 23
Is a random access memory used as a work memory or the like used when the CPU 21 processes data.

The non-volatile RAM 24 is a non-volatile memory for registering usable department codes of all department codes and the cumulative number of copies for each department code. The communication I / F 25 is an interface that communicates with the tallying device 3. The input / output I / F circuit 26 includes a card reader 27, a display panel 11, switches 29, a printer I / F 30, a copying machine I / F 31, and an encoder I.
An interface circuit for inputting / outputting data (signals) between the / F 32 and the CPU 21.

When the magnetic card 33 is inserted into the card insertion slot 16 shown in FIG. 3, the card reader 27 reads the department code recorded in the magnetic card 33. The switches 29 include the recall key 12 and the DIP switch 13 shown in FIG. 3, and can input various information.

The printer I / F 30 is an interface such as RS232C for communicating with a general-purpose printer, and the department code recorded in the magnetic card 33 inserted in the card insertion slot 16 and the cumulative number of copies thereof, etc. It is possible to send various kinds of information to a printer and print it on paper.

The copying machine I / F 31 is an interface for communicating with the copying machine, and can receive a copy count signal sent from the copying machine every copy cycle. The encoder I / F 32 is an interface that communicates with the encoder, and can receive an encoded signal sent from the encoder.

The CPU 21, the ROM 22 and the RAM 2
3, the nonvolatile RAM 24, the input / output I / F circuit 26, the card reader 27, the display panel 11, the switches 29, and the copying machine I / F 31 are the identification code reading means A shown in FIG.
The functions of the determination unit B, the image forming operation permission unit C, the image forming number storage unit D, and the image forming operation continuation determination unit E can be achieved.

Next, the operation of this embodiment thus constructed will be described. It should be noted that the illustration and description of the process relating to the display of the number of copies of the user, which is not directly related to the present invention, are omitted. First, the processing operation by the copying machine 1 (or 4) and the copy management apparatus 2 (or 5) and the operation procedure by the user will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

First, for example, a user of the department A, as shown in FIG. 5A, inserts the card slot 1 of the copy management device 2.
When a magnetic card is inserted (inserted) in 6, the copy management device 2 reads the department code recorded on the magnetic card, and checks whether the department code matches any of the pre-registered department codes. Only when the judgment is made, as shown in (d) of the figure, the copy prohibition signal to the copying machine 1 is set to the low level “L” to release the prohibition of the copying operation of the copying machine 1 (permit the copying operation). To).

After that, the user of the department A inputs the copy conditions such as the number of repeats and the magnification by operating the keys on the operation panel of the copying machine 1, and sets the original on the contact glass (the automatic original feeding device). If it is installed, it can be set on the original table, but here it is assumed that the automatic document feeder is not installed), and the start key on the operation panel as shown in FIG. 5B. Press (ON).

As a result, the copying machine 1 starts the copy operation, sets the in-operation signal to the copy management device 2 to the high level "H" as shown in FIG. When the copy count signal to the copy management device 2 is set to "H" each time the recording is finished and the copy operation for the number of repeats is completed, as shown in FIG. The operating signal is set to "L". The in-operation signal is a signal indicating a period during which the drive system of the copying machine is operating or a period during which a series of copying operations are performed.

On the other hand, the copy management device 2 judges whether or not the copying machine 1 is continuing the copying operation by monitoring the in-operation signal from the copying machine 1, and while it is continuing, the pre-registered department. The cumulative number of copies stored for the department code that matches the department code read from the magnetic code inserted at the start of the copy operation of the codes is counted every time the copy count signal becomes “H”. Up (+1).

When the copying operation for the number of repeats is completed and the user of the department A removes (removes) the magnetic card from the card insertion slot 16 of the copy management device 2 as shown in FIG. The copy management device 2 sets the copy prohibition signal to "H" to prohibit the copy operation of the copying machine 1.

Thereafter, when the user of the department B inserts the magnetic card into the card insertion slot 16 of the copy management device 2 as shown in FIG. 5A, the copy management device 2 is recorded on the magnetic card. The selected department code is read, and it is judged whether or not the department code matches any one of the department codes registered in advance.
As shown in FIG. 5, the copy prohibition signal is set to the low level "L" to cancel the prohibition of the copy operation of the copying machine 1, and thereafter, the copying machine 1 and the copy management device 2 perform the same processing operation as described above.
Users perform the same operations as described above.

Here, when the copying machine 1 used by the user of the department A continues the copying operation, that is, when the operating signal is "H" as shown in FIG. When the user mistakenly removes the magnetic card from the card insertion slot 16 of the copy management device 2 as shown in (a) of the figure, the copy management device 2 immediately sets the copy prohibition signal to "H" and makes a copy. A new copy operation of the machine 1 (copy operation by pressing the start key) is prohibited.

As a result, the copying machine 1 does not start a new copy operation, but continues the current copy operation (copy operation for already fed paper), and the copy operation is completed. At the time (for example, when the copied paper is ejected), the copy count signal is set to “H” as shown in (e) of FIG. 6, and then the operating signal is changed as shown in (c) of FIG. Set to "L".

Therefore, the copy management device 2 determines whether or not the copying machine 1 is continuing the copying operation by monitoring the in-operation signal. While the copying operation is continuing, the copying operation of the pre-registered department codes is performed. When the copy count signal becomes "H", the number of copies stored for the department code that matches the department code read from the magnetic code inserted at the start of is incremented (+1). The number of copies made by the copying machine 1 can be accurately accumulated and stored for each department to which the user belongs.

Alternatively, while the copying machine 1 used by the user of the department A is continuing the copying operation, the user mistakenly inserts the card of the copy management device 2 as shown in FIG. 7A. Remove the magnetic card from the mouth 16 and copy control device 2
Sets the copy prohibition signal to "H" to prohibit a new copy operation of the copying machine 1, and before the above-mentioned copy operation is completed, the user of the department B inserts the card insertion slot 16 of the copy management device 2 into
When a new magnetic card is inserted in the copy management device 2, the copy management device 2 sets the copy prohibition signal to "L" again to cancel the prohibition of the copy operation of the copying machine 1.

As a result, similarly to the above, the copying machine 1 continues the current copy operation as it is, and when the copy operation is completed, sets the copy count signal to "H" as shown in (e) of FIG. Thereafter, as shown in (c) of the figure, in order to set the in-operation signal to the copy management apparatus 2 to "L", the copy management apparatus 2 performs a process in accordance with the in-operation signal, so that the copying machine 1 It is possible to accurately accumulate and store the number of copies according to the department to which the user belongs.

FIG. 8 shows the CPU 2 of the copy management apparatuses 2 and 5.
3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a processing operation according to 1. This routine starts when the power is turned on, first performs initial setting such as mode setting of the CPU 21 and clearing of the RAM 23, and then code range setting processing, copy operation availability determination processing, operating signal monitoring processing, cumulative number of copies. Each processing such as storage processing and cumulative copy number display processing is sequentially performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the code range setting process of FIG. 8. First, it is judged whether or not the dip switch 13 of FIG. 3 is in the ON state, and if it is not in the ON state, the process immediately returns to the main routine. Then ON
If it is in the state, the special mode is set, and each time the recall key 12 is pressed, the display counter (not shown) is incremented (+1).

Further, each time the display counter is counted up, it is judged whether or not the count value is "6", and if it is not "6", it is as it is, and if it is "6", the display counter is "0".
After clearing to 1, processing is performed according to the count value of the display counter.

That is, if the count value of the display counter is "0", the department code "001" is displayed on the display panel 11.
If the count value of the display counter is “1”, the department code “101” is displayed on the display panel 11, and if the count value of the display counter is “2”, the department code “2” is displayed on the display panel 11.
01 ”, if the count value of the display counter is“ 3 ”, the department code“ 301 ”is displayed on the display panel 11, and if the count value of the display counter is“ 4 ”, the department code“ 401 ”is displayed on the display panel 11. If the count value of “5” is “5”, the department code “501” is displayed on the display panel 11.

After that, the number (other information or the department code itself) corresponding to the department code (leading department code) displayed on the display panel 11 is assigned to the nonvolatile RA.
By registering in the start address area of M24,
The range of usable department codes among the department codes registered in the ROM 22 is set, and the process returns to the main routine. The number registered in the start address area is called the start address number.

Table 1 shows the relationship between the department code (display department code) displayed on the display panel 11 in the special mode and the range of usable department codes.

[0044]

[Table 1]

As can be seen from this table, the display panel 1
When the department code “001” is displayed in 1, the number corresponding to the department code “001” (“1” in this example) is registered in the start address area of the non-volatile RAM 24 to enable use. The range of department code is "0
01-500 ". When the department code “101” is displayed on the display panel 11,
By registering the number corresponding to the department code “101” (in this example, “2”) in the start address area of the nonvolatile RAM 24, the range of usable department codes is set as “101 to 600”. be able to.

Further, the department code "2" is displayed on the display panel 11.
When "01" is displayed, the number (in this example, "3") corresponding to the department code "201" is stored in the nonvolatile RA.
By registering in the start address area of M24,
The range of usable department codes can be set as "201 to 700". Furthermore, the display panel 11
When the department code “301” is displayed on the screen, the number corresponding to the department code “301” (“4” in this example) is registered in the start address area of the non-volatile RAM 24 to enable use of the department. Change the code range to "3
01-800 ".

Further, the section code "40" is displayed on the display panel 11.
When "1" is displayed, the number (in this example, "5") corresponding to the department code "401" is stored in the nonvolatile RAM.
By registering in the start address area of 24, the range of usable department codes can be set as "401 to 900". Further, when the department code “501” is displayed on the display panel 11, the department code “5” is displayed.
By registering the number corresponding to "01" (in this example, "6") in the start address area of the nonvolatile RAM 24, the range of usable department codes is "501 to 1".
000 ".

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the copy operation availability judgment processing of FIG.
Whether or not a magnetic card is inserted in the card insertion slot 16 is determined by a signal from a card detection sensor (not shown), and if not inserted, the copy inhibit signal is set to "H" and the process returns to the main routine. If it is inserted, it is determined whether or not the code storage flag is "1" (whether the department code recorded on the magnetic card has been read by the card reader 27).

If the code storage flag is "1", if it is not "1", the department code recorded on the magnetic card is read by the card reader 27, and the start address number is checked. If the number is “1”, the department code range “001 to 5” in which the department code read by the card reader 27 can be used
00 "is determined.

Then, the department code range "001 to 50"
If it belongs to "0", the copy inhibit signal to the copying machine connected to this copy management apparatus is set to "L" and the process returns to the main routine.
If it does not belong to "0", an error process for displaying an error message such as "This card cannot be used" or "card reading error" on the display panel 11 is performed and the process returns to the main routine.

If the start address number is "2", it is judged whether or not the department code read by the card reader 27 belongs to the usable department code range "101 to 600", and the department code range "101". ~ 600 "
If it belongs to, the copy prohibition signal is set to "L" and the process returns to the main routine.
If it does not belong to "0", the same error processing as described above is performed on the display panel 11 and the process returns to the main routine.

Further, if the start address number is "3", it is determined whether the department code read by the card reader 27 belongs to the usable department code range "201 to 700", and the department code range "201". ~ 70
If it belongs to "0", the copy inhibit signal is set to "L" and the process returns to the main routine.
If it does not belong to "00", the display panel 11 performs the same error processing as described above and returns to the main routine.

If the start address number is "4", the department code range "301 to 80" in which the department code read by the card reader 27 can be used.
It judges whether or not it belongs to “0”, and the department code range “301
If it belongs to "~ 800", the copy prohibition signal is set to "L" and the process returns to the main routine.
1 to 800 ", the display panel 11 performs the same error processing as described above and returns to the main routine.

If the start address number is "5", it is determined whether or not the department code read by the card reader 27 belongs to the usable department code range "401 to 900", and the department code range "401". ~ 900 "
If it belongs to, the copy prohibition signal is set to "L" and the process returns to the main routine.
If it does not belong to "0", the same error processing as described above is performed on the display panel 11 and the process returns to the main routine.

If the start address number is "6", it is determined whether the department code read by the card reader 27 belongs to the usable department code range "501 to 1000", and the department code range "501". ~ 100
If it belongs to "0", the copy inhibit signal is set to "L" and the process returns to the main routine.
If it does not belong to "000", the display panel 11 performs the same error processing as described above and returns to the main routine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the in-operation signal monitoring process of FIG. 8. First, the in-operation signal from the copying machine connected to this copy management apparatus is monitored and its rising edge is detected. In that case, the department code recorded on the magnetic card inserted in the card insertion slot 16 is read by the card reader 27,
The department code is stored in the RAM 23, the memory flag is set to "1" and the process returns to the main routine. When the falling edge of the operating signal is detected, the department code stored in the RAM 23 is erased and the memory flag is stored. "0"
And return to the main routine.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the cumulative copy number storage processing of FIG. 8. First, whether the copying machine connected to this copy management apparatus continues the copy operation by monitoring the operation signal. If it is not continuing, it returns to the main routine as it is. If it is continuing, the count signal from the copying machine is monitored. If the rising edge cannot be detected, it returns to the main routine. However, if the rising edge is detected, the start address number is checked.

If the number is "1", the cumulative number of copies registered in the address area of the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the nonvolatile RAM 24 is
If it is "2", the RAM 23 in the nonvolatile RAM 24
If the cumulative number of copies registered in the address area obtained by subtracting “100” from the department code stored in “3” is “3”, the cumulative copy number is stored in the address area obtained by subtracting “200” from the department code stored in the RAM 23 in the nonvolatile RAM 24. Count up the cumulative number of registered copies (+
1) and returns to the main routine.

If the start address number is "4", the cumulative number of copies registered in the address area obtained by subtracting "300" from the department code stored in the RAM 23 in the nonvolatile RAM 24 is "5". If the cumulative copy number registered in the address area obtained by subtracting "400" from the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the non-volatile RAM 24 is "6", "500" is calculated from the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the non-volatile RAM 24.
The cumulative copy number registered in the address area obtained by subtracting is counted up, and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the cumulative copy number display process of FIG. 8. First, it is judged whether or not the storage flag is "1", and if it is not "1", the process directly returns to the main routine. However, if it is "1", the start address number is checked and the corresponding processing is performed.

That is, the start address number is "1".
If so, the cumulative number of copies registered in the address area of the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the non-volatile RAM 24, and if "2", the address obtained by subtracting "100" from the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the non-volatile RAM 24. The cumulative number of copies registered in the area
If it is "3", the RAM 23 in the nonvolatile RAM 24
The cumulative copy number registered in the address area obtained by subtracting "200" from the department code stored in is read out and displayed on the display panel 11, and the process returns to the main routine.

If the start address number is "4", the cumulative number of copies registered in the address area obtained by subtracting "300" from the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the nonvolatile RAM 24 is "5". If the cumulative copy number registered in the address area obtained by subtracting "400" from the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the non-volatile RAM 24 is "6", "500" is calculated from the department code stored in the RAM 23 of the non-volatile RAM 24.
The cumulative copy number registered in the address area minus is read out and displayed on the display panel 11, and the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, when the magnetic cards (information recording media) are inserted into the copy management apparatuses 2 and 5, the identification codes (department codes) indicating the departments of the users recorded in the magnetic cards are recorded. ) Is read by the card reader 27, it is judged whether or not the department code matches any one of the department codes registered in advance, and only when they match, the copying operation of the copying machines 1 and 4 is permitted, Judging whether or not the copying machines 1 and 4 are continuing the copying operation, and while the copying operation is continuing, it matches the department code read from the magnetic card inserted at the start of the copying operation among the department codes registered in advance. The number of copies made by the copying machines 1 and 4 is cumulatively stored for each department code.

Therefore, according to the copy management apparatuses 2 and 5, the magnetic card is removed by the user while the copying operation of the copying machines 1 and 4 is continued, and the copying operation is performed before the copying operation is finished. Even if a new magnetic card is inserted by a user of
It is possible to accurately accumulate and store the number of copies according to the department to which the user belongs.

It should be noted that the copy management devices 2 and 5 are arranged to judge whether or not the copy operation is continuing by the operating signals from the copying machines 1 and 4, respectively. It is also possible to input a signal indicating ON / OFF of the upper start key and monitor the signal to determine whether or not the copying machines 1 and 4 are continuing the copying operation.

For example, a user of the department A may copy the copy machine 1
Alternatively, it is determined that the copying machine 1 or 4 is continuing the copying operation from the time when the start key of 4 is turned on until the time when the user of the department B turns on the start key again. The number of copies stored for the code is incremented (+1) every time the copy count signal from the copying machine 1 or 4 becomes "H".

The embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a copy management apparatus for managing a copying machine have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and laser printers, LED printers,
The present invention can be applied to a management device that manages various image forming devices such as a printer such as a liquid crystal shutter printer and a dot printer, and a facsimile device.

[0068]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus management apparatus of the present invention, even when the user attaches or detaches the information recording medium while the image forming apparatus continues the image forming operation, The number of images formed by the image forming apparatus can be accurately accumulated and stored for each user or each department to which the image is formed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of appearance of copy management apparatuses 2 and 5 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of copy management apparatuses 2 and 5 in the same manner.

5 is a timing chart for explaining a normal processing operation according to the present invention by the copy management apparatuses 2 and 5 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining processing operation at the time of abnormality according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining another processing operation at the time of abnormality related to the present invention.

8 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a processing operation by the copy management apparatuses 2 and 5 of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the code range setting processing of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of copy operation availability determination processing in the same manner.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of an operating signal monitoring process in the same manner.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart similarly showing a subroutine of cumulative copy number storage processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart similarly showing a subroutine of cumulative copy number display processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 4: Copier 2, 5: Copy management device 3: Aggregation device 11: Display panel 12: Recall key 13: Dip switch 14: Encoder connection port 15: Printer connection port 16: Card insertion port 18: Aggregation device connection Port 19: Connection cable to copy machine 21: CPU 22: ROM 23: RAM 24: Non-volatile RAM 25: Communication I / F 26: Input / output I / F circuit 27: Card reader 29: Switches 30: Printer I / F 31: Copier I / F 32: Encoder I / F

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An identification code reading means for reading an identification code indicating a user or a department to which the user is recorded, which is recorded on an inserted information recording medium, and an identification code in which the identification code read by the means is registered in advance. A determination unit that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus permit the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus only when the determination code determines that the identification code matches. In the image forming apparatus management apparatus including an image forming number storage unit that cumulatively stores the number of image formed sheets according to the previously registered identification code, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus is continuing the image forming operation. An image forming operation continuation judging means is provided, and the image forming number storage means is in the image forming operation continuing judgment means. While it is determined that there is the image, the image is compared with the identification code that matches the identification code read from the information recording medium inserted at the start of the image forming operation among the identification codes registered in advance. An image forming apparatus management apparatus, which is means for accumulating and storing the number of images formed by the forming apparatus.