JP4748004B2 - Print management apparatus, print management apparatus control method, and print management apparatus control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print management apparatus, a control method for the print management apparatus, and a control program for the print management apparatus, and in particular, a print management apparatus for managing the number of prints for each user, a control method for the print management apparatus, and a control for the print management apparatus. Regarding the program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image printing system has been constructed by connecting an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), a facsimile apparatus, and a printer and a device such as a PC (Personal Computer) to a network. It is also known to manage and charge for the use of consumables by counting the number of copies performed.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus that counts the number of sheets for a corresponding department when there is a sub-address when receiving a facsimile, and counts the number of counters dedicated to unspecified persons when there is no sub-address. ing.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a network facsimile apparatus that prevents receiving unnecessary e-mail such as direct mail, for example, by restricting the source e-mail address of the received e-mail or the domain name of the source e-mail address. is doing.

Patent Document 3 discloses a network facsimile apparatus that prevents unauthorized use of an unauthorized user by accepting an image information transfer request only to a user with a registered domain name mail address.
JP-A-11-136414 JP-A-11-355347 JP-A-10-341306

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, it is conceivable to manage the number of copies performed and prevent the number of copies exceeding the upper limit from being made.

  However, for example, when an image is transmitted from a certain MFP to a nearby MFP by using a function such as Internet FAX (iFAX), the user can obtain a copy of the document. There was a problem that the same function could be used without limitation. Note that the Internet FAX here enables transmission of high-quality images by transmitting an image data file by designating a mail address instead of a telephone number as a transmission destination.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a print management apparatus, a control method for the print management apparatus, and a control program for the print management apparatus that can accurately perform user management. It is aimed.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, a print management apparatus that manages the number of printed sheets for each user uses an image data transmission function as a data file to transmit an image from a transmission source apparatus to a transmission destination apparatus. When data is transmitted and printing is performed at the transmission destination apparatus, the number of prints is counted for the user of the transmission source apparatus.

  Preferably, the print management apparatus does not count the user of the transmission source apparatus when at least one of the transmission source apparatus and the transmission destination apparatus is not a management target.

  Preferably, the print management apparatus does not count the user of the transmission source apparatus when the transmission destination apparatus is not in the vicinity of the transmission source apparatus.

Preferably the printing management apparatus, if the destination device does not belong to the transmission source apparatus and the same group does not perform the count of the user of the transmission source device.

  Preferably, the print management device is a device other than a device registered as a device used mainly by a user of the transmission source device, or a device other than a device that registers information related to the user. Is not counted for the user of the transmission source device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control method for a print management apparatus that manages the number of printed sheets for each user uses the function of transmitting image data as a data file, and the image data is transmitted from the transmission source apparatus to the transmission destination apparatus. , And the number of prints is counted for the user of the transmission source apparatus when printing is performed at the transmission destination apparatus.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control program for a print management apparatus that manages the number of prints for each user uses the function of transmitting image data as a data file to transfer image data from a transmission source apparatus to a transmission destination apparatus. When the printing is performed at the transmission destination apparatus, the computer is caused to execute a step of counting the number of printed sheets for the user of the transmission source apparatus.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to provide a print management apparatus, a control method for the print management apparatus, and a control program for the print management apparatus that can accurately manage users.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system including a print number (upper limit) management system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The image forming system performs upper limit management of function execution for each user (may be an individual user or a user as a group having a plurality of individuals such as departments, and so on). For example, an environment for managing an upper limit value such as the number of copies is provided.

  At the time of Internet FAX reception, the number of prints is recorded in the upper limit management counter based on the transmission source information. Alternatively, a restriction is added at the time of Internet FAX transmission. This prevents unauthorized output from bypassing the upper limit management by the Internet FAX.

  In the following embodiments, Internet FAX is used as an example. However, if the apparatus can transmit high-quality images by transmitting image data as a data file from one device to another device, The invention can be implemented.

In the present embodiment, the following management is executed.
(1) When printing using the Internet FAX function is performed in an environment in which the number of printed sheets is managed for each user, the number of printed sheets is counted (charged) to the transmission source user.

  (2) In the above (1), when the following conditions (a) to (d) are satisfied, the transmission source user is not counted, and the public user is counted (charged) at the transmission destination. That is, it does not count for a specific user, but counts for a department or the like.

    (A) The sending device or sending device is not registered in the print count management system.

    (A) In the case of receiving an Internet FAX from a device other than the set nearby device when reception is performed by a device that can receive the Internet FAX from a nearby device. This is because if the Internet FAX is transmitted from a distance, it is difficult to consider that the purpose is copying.

    (C) In the case of Internet FAX reception from a device other than a device belonging to the same group or a device other than a device in a certain environment.

    (D) When the destination device is a device other than the device registered as the primary device used by the user who performed the transmission. Or it is a device other than the device that registers information about the user who sent it.

  (3) Note that the Internet FAX function may be prohibited without counting (charging) the number of printed sheets for the transmission source user.

  (4) When the Internet FAX function is prohibited, alternative means may be presented, or transmission may be automatically executed by the alternative means.

  In the above (2) (a), it can be determined as follows whether the device is a nearby device.

(A) Devices on the same LAN are automatically set as nearby devices.
(B) Based on the IP address, it is determined whether it is a nearby device and is automatically set.

  (C) A device on the LAN that does not cross the router or firewall is automatically set as a nearby device.

(D) Determine whether it is a nearby device from the mail address of the sender.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the upper limit management system in the present embodiment.

  Referring to the figure, it is assumed that MFPs (devices) α, β, and δ are placed under the environment of the upper limit management system, and MFP γ is placed outside the environment of the upper limit management system. The MFP α is a Home MFP registered as a device mainly used by the user A, and is connected to the MFPs β and δ via a LAN. MFP α and β are adjacent MFPs in the same department, and MFP δ is an MFP at a position (for example, a different floor) away from MFP α and β. MFPγ is an MFP in a city different from MFPα, β, δ.

That is,
MFPα is an MFP registered in the upper limit management system.

  MFPβ is an MFP registered in the upper limit management system, and is close to MFPα.

MFPγ is an MFP that is not registered in the upper limit management system.
MFPδ is an MFP registered in the upper limit management system, and is not close to MFPα.

  User A is a user who is subject to upper limit management, and user B is a user who is not subject to upper limit management.

  When user A uses the Internet FAX function, the following restrictions are imposed by the MFP used.

  (1) Transmission / reception between MFPs α and β: prohibited, or the number of prints is added to the user A counter. This is because transmission / reception is performed within the upper limit management system, and both devices are close to each other.

  (2) Transmission / reception between MFPs α and δ: Permit, do not add to user A's counter. This is because transmission and reception within the upper limit management system are devices that are not close to each other.

  (3) Transmission / reception between MFPs α and γ: Permit, do not add to user A's counter. This is because transmission to a device outside the upper limit management system or transmission from a device outside the upper limit management system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of one MFP.
The MFP 100a includes a CPU 101, a RAM 103, a ROM 105, a touch panel type operation panel 107, a scanner unit 109, a printer unit 111, a storage device 113, and a network interface card (NIC) 115 as main components.

  The NIC 115 is an interface for receiving print job data from the PC 200a via the LAN and transmitting / receiving image data in scanning and FAX transmission.

  The scanner unit 109 is a known device that scans a set document and obtains image data of the document.

  The printer unit 111 converts the image data created by the scanner unit 109 into data for printing as print data by a known electrophotographic method, and prints an image such as a document based on the converted data. It is a device to do.

  The operation panel 107 is a liquid crystal display device on which a touch panel is laminated on the surface for performing image quality of copying, paper setting, registration / selection of a scan transmission destination, and the like.

  The CPU 101 reads a necessary program from the ROM 105 and controls functions of the entire system. The ROM 105 stores a program for controlling the entire MFP. The RAM 103 serves as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program. The RAM 103 temporarily stores image data read by the scanner unit 109 and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the device / user counter stored in the storage device 113.

  Here, no. The number of operations performed by the user is counted for each user, divided into 33 items of 1-33. For example, if user A makes a copy and outputs five sheets, No. “5” is added to the item 5 for user A. As a result, it is possible to count the operation and charge for each user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of counter addition when each function of the MFP is used.
Referring to the figure, when user A uses the Internet FAX (iFAX) function, No. 1 is a counter for scanning / fax reading. The 25 user A counter is incremented by one. In addition, the scan / fax transmission counter No. The counter of 33 user A is incremented by one. As a result of the condition determination, if the print is added to the Public user, the scan / fax print counter No. The 27 Public counter is incremented by one.

  When the user A uses the ScanToPrint function (scanning original document and printing image data on a device different from the scanned device), No. 2 is a scan / fax reading counter. The 25 user A counter is incremented by one. In addition, the print counter No. The 15 user A counter is incremented by one.

  When user A uses the ScanToEmail function (scanning a document and sending the image data by Email), No. 1 is a counter for scanning / fax reading. The 25 user A counter is incremented by one. In addition, the scan / fax transmission counter No. The counter of 33 user A is incremented by one. If the user B receives the email and prints the image data, the print counter No. The counter of 15 users B is incremented by 1.

  By such processing, the operations performed for each user can be counted. The counter may be incremented by 1 for each job execution, or may be incremented by 1 for each operation (for example, one scan operation, one print operation).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when Internet FAX is executed.
In step S101, the user A performs an image scan with the MFP α (device α). In step S103, the scanned data is transmitted to the MFP β (device β) by Internet FAX.

  As a result of the processing in step S101, the counter No. 25 is incremented by one.

  The MFP β that has received the Internet FAX in step S151 performs processing of the image data received in step S153, and executes printing. This process will be described later.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when ScanToPrint is executed.
In step S201, the user A executes an image scan with the MFP α (device α). In step S203, the scanned data is transferred to MFP β (device β).

  As a result of the processing in step S201, the counter No. 25 is incremented by one.

  The MFP β that has received the data in step S251 processes the image data received in step S253 and executes printing.

  As a result of the processing in step S253, the counter No. 15 is incremented by 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when ScanToEmail is executed.
In step S301, the user A performs an image scan with the MFP α (device α). In step S303, the scanned data is transmitted to the MFP β (device β) by Email.

  As a result of the processing in step S301, the counter No. 25 is incremented by one.

  The MFP β that has received Email in step S351 stores it in the BOX (area of the storage device 113) in step S353. In step S355, user B logs in to MFPβ.

  In step S357, an e-mail image information browsing screen (FIG. 8) is displayed on the operation panel 107 of the MFP β. In step S <b> 359, the user B inputs whether to perform printing on the operation panel 107.

  In the case of printing (YES in S361), Email printing is executed in step S363. If it is not printed, the process ends.

  As a result of the processing in step S363, the counter No. 15 is incremented by 1.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on operation panel 107 of MFPβ in step S357 of FIG.

  The received image data is displayed on the right side of the screen, and the reception date, transmission source, subject name, and the like are displayed on the left side. When it is desired to print the image data, the user presses the “print” button, and when not printing, the user presses the “end” button.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts showing details of the Internet FAX transmission process executed by the MFP.

  Referring to the figure, it is assumed that user A logs in to MFP α in step S401. Further, it is assumed that MFPβ is designated as a destination of Internet FAX.

  In step S403, the MFP α determines whether the device is on the upper limit management system. If YES, in step S405, the MFP β determines whether the devices are on the same upper limit management system.

  If YES in step S405, it is determined in step S407 whether MFPβ is in the vicinity of MFPα. If YES, it is determined in step S409 whether user A is a user whose number of used sheets is managed by the upper limit management system.

  If YES in step S409, Internet FAX transmission is executed in step S471 (FIG. 10). At this time, the number of sheets used is counted for user A. This is because if YES in step S409, it is considered that the process is equivalent to printing (copying) performed by the user of the transmission source device.

  If NO in any of steps S403 to S409, Internet FAX transmission is executed in step S451. At this time, the number of sheets used is counted for Public.

  Here, the determination in steps S403 to S409 is performed at the time of transmission to determine whether to count the number of prints for Public or to count the number of prints for User A. You may perform this process at the time of reception.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a modification of FIG.
Whether to execute the flow of FIG. 10 or the flow of FIG. 11 is changed by the user's mode selection.

  If “YES” in the step S409 in FIG. 9, it is determined in a step S411 in FIG. 11 whether or not a prescribed value for the alternative process is set in the MFP. If YES, an alert screen (FIG. 12) is displayed in step S413, and the contents of the alternative process are notified to the user. In step S415, it is determined whether the alternative process is ScanToPrint. If NO, it is determined in step S417 whether the alternative process is ScanToEmail.

If NO in step S417 (substitute process cancellation), the process ends.
If NO in step S411, an alert screen (FIG. 13) is displayed in step S453. This screen is a screen that allows the user to select either ScanToPrint or ScanToEmail as an alternative process. In step S455, the user is allowed to select the content of the alternative process or cancel the alternative process, and the process proceeds to step S415.

  If “YES” in the step S415, ScanToPrint is executed in a step S457. As a result, the print counter No. “1” is added to 15.

  If YES in step S417, ScanToEmail is executed in step S459. As a result, when the user A prints the received mail with his / her login, the user A's counter No. “1” is added to 15.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the screen displayed in step S413 of FIG.
Referring to the figure, the transmission of Internet FAX to MFP β is prohibited, and the contents of alternative processing are displayed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the screen displayed in step S455 of FIG.
Referring to the figure, the transmission of Internet FAX to MFP β is prohibited, and an alternative processing selection screen is displayed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP on the Internet FAX receiving side.
Referring to the figure, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the sender mail address is a specific address. If NO, it is determined in step S503 whether the mail address of the transmission source belongs to a specific domain.

  If “NO” in the step S503, it is determined whether or not the received FAX is set to be immediately printed by the public in a step S505. If YES, the image data received in step S507 is printed. At this time, Public No. of MFPβ “1” is added to the 27 counters.

  If YES in any of steps S501 and S503, or NO in step S505, the image data received in step S551 is stored in the BOX. For example, it is assumed that the user B logs in to the MFP in step S553 and browses the received image (FIG. 8) in step S555.

  In step S557, if printing or termination selection is received from the user and printing is to be performed (YES in S559), printing is executed (S561). , The user B No. of MFPβ “1” is added to 15 counters.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flowchart of FIG.
Here, it is assumed that user A logs in to the system using MFPα in step S601. It is assumed that MFP β is designated as the destination MFP.

  In step S603, the MFP β determines whether it belongs to the same group as the MFP α. If NO, in step S605, the MFP β determines whether it is the user A's Home MFP. Here, the Home MFP refers to an MFP registered as a main use by the user A and an MFP for registering information regarding the user A.

  If NO in step S605, Internet FAX transmission is executed in step S607.

  On the other hand, if YES in step S603 or S605, ScanToPrint is executed instead of Internet FAX in step S609.

  Here, if YES in step S603 or S605, an alternative to Internet FAX is being performed, but if YES in step S603 or S605, the number of prints of user A is counted and NO. For example, the user A may not count the number of prints.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a charging process based on the count.
When the counter value is acquired in step S701, a charging process for each user is performed based on the counter value in step S703.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation restriction processing based on the count.
In step S751, it is determined whether or not the count value has reached the upper limit. If NO, a process such as printing indicated by the counter is executed. If YES, the process is not executed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an operation exceeding the upper limit value from being performed.

[Effects of the embodiment]
Conventionally, printing by Internet FAX reception has been executed as a Public user at a receiving device. For this reason, even in an environment where the upper limit of the number of output sheets is managed for each user, there is a problem that the user can escape from the upper limit management and obtain a high-resolution image output by using the Internet FAX.

  According to the above embodiment, the upper limit management system basically counts the number of output sheets for the user (or prohibits printing under a predetermined condition) even in the print output using the Internet FAX. Thus, there is an effect that accurate management can be performed.

[Others]
The processing shown in the flowchart may be executed by the MFP, or may be executed by a separately provided server. In other words, the MFP may be used as the print management apparatus, and the server may be the print management apparatus.

  Further, when the user A reaches the upper limit value in the counting process of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, switching may be performed to execute the flowchart of the alternative process of FIG. 11.

  The present invention can be implemented for an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and a PC.

  Further, the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, it should be thought that the said embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the upper limit management system in embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of one MFP. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a device-specific / user-specific counter stored in a storage device 113. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of counter addition when each function of the MFP is used. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the case of performing Internet FAX. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the case of performing ScanToPrint. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the case of performing ScanToEmail. FIG. 8 shows a screen displayed on operation panel 107 of MFP β in step S357 of FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating details of an Internet FAX transmission process executed by the MFP. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by step S413 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by step S455 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP on the Internet FAX receiving side. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the accounting process based on a count. It is a flowchart which shows the restriction | limiting process of the operation | movement based on a count.

Explanation of symbols

  101 CPU, 103 RAM, 105 ROM, 107 operation panel, 109 scanner unit, 111 printer unit, 113 storage device, 115 network interface card.

Claims (7)

In a print management apparatus that manages the number of prints for each user,
When the image data is transmitted from the transmission source device to the transmission destination device using the function of transmitting the image data as a data file, and printing is performed at the transmission destination device, the number of prints to the user of the transmission source device A print management apparatus characterized by counting the number of times.   The print management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when at least one of the transmission source apparatus and the transmission destination apparatus is not a management target, the user of the transmission source apparatus is not counted.   The print management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the transmission destination apparatus is not in the vicinity of the transmission source apparatus, counting is not performed for a user of the transmission source apparatus. Wherein the destination apparatus if that does not belong to the transmission source device and the same group, said not perform counting of the user of the transmission source device, the print management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .   When the transmission destination device is a device other than a device registered as a user of the transmission source device or a device other than a device that registers information about the user, the transmission The print management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a count for a user of the original apparatus is not performed. In a control method of a print management apparatus that manages the number of printed sheets for each user,
When the image data is transmitted from the transmission source device to the transmission destination device using the function of transmitting the image data as a data file, and printing is performed at the transmission destination device, the number of prints to the user of the transmission source device A control method for a print management apparatus, characterized in that In a control program of a print management apparatus that manages the number of printed sheets for each user,
When the image data is transmitted from the transmission source device to the transmission destination device using the function of transmitting the image data as a data file, and printing is performed at the transmission destination device, the number of prints to the user of the transmission source device A control program for a print management apparatus that causes a computer to execute a step of counting the number of times.

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