JP2020010083A - Image processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve a problem in which, in a conventional method, a user cannot select which of a method of charging for each section and a method of charging for each network is applied.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus having a plurality of network interfaces each of which is connected to a different network enable either one of a plurality of network interface billing settings or a section-based billing setting within the same network, and sets whether to charge each of the plurality of network interfaces in a state where the billing setting of the plurality of network interfaces is enabled. Further, with the billing setting for each section being valid, the necessity of billing for each section is set. The charging process is performed according to the charging settings set as described above.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus (hereinafter, MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) including an image reading unit, a printing unit, an image storage unit, and a communication unit and capable of executing copying, printing, scanning, facsimile transmission and reception, and the like is known. Such an MFP has a function of recording the number of prints for each department to which the user who has executed a function such as copying belongs. It is used for upper limit management of the number of sheets. For this reason, in the MFP, one user ID is assigned to each user, a unique department ID is assigned to each department, and settings are made to associate the department ID with the user ID. Is being done. (See, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2)
In an apparatus having a plurality of network I / Fs, charging is set for each network I / F. Patent Literature 3 describes that a different network is assigned to each department, and billing is performed for each department.

JP-A-2000-163353 JP-A-2015-101012 JP-A-2006-170618

  Which of the charging method based on the department ID and the charging method based on the network to be used can be used to appropriately perform the charging process depends on how the user uses the MFP. Depends on

  In the conventional method, the user cannot select which of the charging method for each department and the charging method for each network is applied. For example, Patent Literature 3 describes that one network is allocated to one department and charging is performed for each network. However, in the method of Patent Document 3, users belonging to the same department but using different networks are charged separately.

  An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems of the related art.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows a user to select which of a charging method for each department and a charging method for each network is applied, and that enables flexible charging settings. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
Multiple network interfaces, each connected to a different network,
A first setting unit that effectively sets any one of the charging settings of the plurality of network interfaces or the charging setting of each department in the same network;
Second setting means for setting whether or not to charge each of the plurality of network interfaces in a state where the first setting means has enabled charging settings for the plurality of network interfaces;
A third setting unit configured to set whether or not billing is required for each section in a state where the first setting unit has enabled the charging setting for each section;
Charging means for performing charging processing according to the charging setting set by the second setting means or the third setting means.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, there is an effect that a user can select which of a charging method for each department and a charging method for each network is applied, and a flexible charging setting can be performed.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in and constitute a part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation mode information stored in memories 128 and 129 of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of operation mode information stored in an authentication server 126 connected to the IP network 113. 9 is a flowchart for describing processing from when the MFP according to the embodiment receives a setting of a charging process to when the setting is stored. 5 is a flowchart for explaining charging processing by the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting whether to charge for each network or for each department in the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the setting of “billing for each network” is set to “valid” and an OK button is pressed in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which a transition is made when an OK button is pressed in a state where the setting of “account for each department” is set to “valid” in the screen of FIG. 6;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. .

  As a specific example of the device shown in the embodiment, a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) is given. In the embodiment, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an MFP as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to an image processing apparatus having a single function such as a printing function and an image reading function.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the MFP includes a scanner 101, a printer 102, an operation unit 111, and an ID card reader 125 with a main unit 103 at the center. The scanner 101 can scan a document placed on a platen and read an image thereof. Further, the scanner 101 can also read the originals of the original bundle loaded on the original feeder (ADF) one by one. The printer 102 can print an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by reading a document by the scanner 101 or image data transferred via the IP networks 113 and 118. Further, the printer 102 can print an image on a sheet based on image data from the connected storage device (HDD 117) and FAX unit 122.

  The operation unit 111 includes a keyboard and a pointing device for an operator to input instruction data and the like, a unit for the operator to input instruction data and the like, and a display unit for displaying document information and the like. Functions as an interface. Note that the operation unit 111 may have a touch panel function. The ID card reader 125 is connected to the control unit 107 via the IC card reader interface unit 124, and reads authentication information when the user uses the MFP from the ID card. The FAX unit 122 is connected to the public line 121 and performs processing of a transmitted and received FAX image.

  The main unit 103 includes main components such as a scanner I / F 104, a printer I / F 105, an image processing unit 106, a control unit 107, and an operation control unit 109. Further, a hard disk HDD 117 installed inside the MFP and a hard disk controller 116 are provided as storages. Further, network interfaces 110 and 115 are provided as an interface unit with the outside. These are connected via a bus 112. The HDD 117 is used for temporarily storing scanned images, temporarily storing printed images, and temporarily storing various data. The image processing unit 106 performs optimal image processing for transferring image data obtained by the scanner 101 to each unit. For example, when image data is transferred to the HDD 117 or when image data is transferred via the network I / F 110, compression processing is performed. The image processing unit 106 performs image processing for obtaining a print output from the printer 102. Further, image processing is also performed on image data transferred via the IP network networks 113 and 118 and the network I / Fs 110 and 115. The image processing unit 106 performs various types of image processing such as decompression processing and resolution conversion so that a document can be optimally printed out from each image data source. The control unit 107 controls the image processing unit 106, the scanner I / F 104, and the printer I / F 105 connected via the bus 112, and handles image data. The operation control unit 109 controls the operation unit 111 and converts the instruction data from the operator into a form in which the control unit 107 can perform instruction control. The power unit 120 converts an AC voltage supplied from a general commercial power supply into a DC (Direct Current) voltage, and supplies power to each connected unit.

  The control unit 107 controls the entire MFP. The control unit 107 has a memory 108 including a ROM 114 for storing a control program executed by the CPU 114 and a work RAM serving as a temporary use memory. The ID card reader 125, the IC card reader interface 124, and the associated authentication servers 126 and 127 will be described later.

  Personal computers 119 and 130 owned by the user are connected to the IP network 113. Using these personal computers, the user can instruct the MFP 102 to print an image, read the original by the scanner 101, and the like by using the MFP via the IP network 113.

  Further, personal computers 123 and 131 owned by the user are connected to the IP network 118. Using these personal computers, the user can instruct the MFP to print an image and the scanner 101 to read an original from the MFP via the IP network 118. The network I / Fs 110 and 115 have memories 128 and 129 for storing operation mode information, respectively. The operation mode information stored in the memories 128 and 129 is information for determining how to handle print jobs and scan jobs sent via the connected IP network networks 113 and 118, respectively. The operation mode information includes the functions of MFPs that can be used by terminal devices connected through the respective network I / Fs 110 and 115, for example, the personal computers 119, 130, 123, and 131, conditions for permitting the use, and the like. . More specifically, the operation mode information includes, for example, MFP functions provided to the user for each of a plurality of network I / Fs, such as color printing / monochrome printing, conditions for executing the functions, billing, and the like. Is information indicating whether or not is necessary. For example, by setting the necessity of charging for each IP network, it is possible to independently manage the necessity of charging and the like between the user using the IP network 113 and the user using the IP network 118. it can.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation mode information stored in the memories 128 and 129 of the MFP according to the embodiment.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the memory 128 stores information on the IP network 113. As the operation form information, information indicating the personal computers 119 and 130 as members who do not charge is stored. The memory 129 stores information on the IP network 118. Here, as the operation form information, information on the personal computers 123 and 131 is stored as members to be charged. Members using the MFP from the IP network are charged based on the operation mode information stored in the memories 128 and 129.

  For example, a job issued from the personal computer 119 is transferred to the MFP via the IP network 113 and the network I / F 110 while holding the used route as transfer via information. The transfer via information is information indicating that the transfer has been performed using the IP network 113 and the network I / F 110. The MFP spools the received job temporarily in the HDD 117 together with the transfer via information.

  When detecting the spooled job of the HDD 117, the CPU 114 of the control unit 107 determines that the job is received via the network I / F 110 from the transfer via information accompanying the job. Then, operation mode information is read from the memory 128 of the network I / F 110, and for example, a billing process is performed based on the information. Since the details of the specific billing process are not the gist of the present invention, the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an authentication server 126 that performs authentication from a login ID and a password is connected to the IP network 113. Similarly, an authentication server 127 that performs authentication based on a login ID and a password is connected to the IP network 118. In the embodiment, an example in which an authentication server is provided for each network will be described. However, a common server may be used as the authentication server. The card reader interface unit 124 acquires authentication information from an IC card carried by the user via the ID card reader 125 and the IC card reader interface unit 124. Based on the authentication information thus obtained, authentication is performed by the authentication server 126 via the network I / F 110 and the IP network 113. Similarly, authentication is performed by the authentication server 127 from the acquired authentication information via the network I / F 111 and the IP network 115. The operation unit 111 is released to the user who has been authenticated in this way, and functions and services provided by the MFP can be received. For example, access to a personal storage area and a personal storage box of the HDD 117 becomes possible. Also, the personal computers 119, 130, 123, and 131 connected to the respective network networks are permitted to connect to the network network by the ID and the password, and are simultaneously permitted to use the MFP.

  Generally, MFPs shared by companies and public institutions can be used only by registered users because of the need for billing, maintenance, and security, and such an authentication system is employed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of operation mode information stored in the authentication server 126 connected to the IP network 113. Here, for example, information indicating whether charging is necessary is registered for the group name and the group members. In this way, information on the necessity of charging can be acquired in association with the group member to be authenticated.

  For example, it is assumed that user A, user B, and connectable personal computers 119 and 130 are registered in the IP network 113 as users who can perform personal authentication. At this time, the group member: the personal computer 119 and the user A belong to the group name: the medical department, and are given information indicating that billing is unnecessary. On the other hand, the group member: the personal computer 130 and the user B belong to the group name: the accounting department, and are provided with information indicating that charging is required.

  In this way, even if the charging information is given to the authentication server 126, for example, even if the charging information is given to the authentication server 126, it is possible to set whether charging is possible for each of the users A and B and the personal computers 119 and 130.

  As described above, when the operation mode information stored in the memory 128 or 129 of each of the network I / Fs 110 and 115 is used, the necessity of charging is determined for each of the networks 113 and 118.

  On the other hand, when the operation mode information of the authentication server is used, billing can be distinguished for each department even in the same network. Note that, in the embodiment, an example is described in which an authentication server is used when charging is performed for each department, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an authentication unit may be provided in the MFP, and the authentication unit may determine whether authentication processing and charging are necessary or not based on the table shown in FIG.

  As described above, by selecting one of the operation mode set in the network I / F and the operation mode set in the authentication server, a means that can flexibly cope with the MFP installation environment at the user's site is provided. Will be needed.

  Next, a process of setting whether to perform the accounting process based on the department name (department ID) or the accounting process based on the network group will be described with reference to FIG.

  Further, a charging process executed based on the charging setting set by the process of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the MFP according to the embodiment receives a setting of a charging process and saves the setting. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 114 expanding a program stored in the HDD 117 into the memory 108 and executing the program.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 114 displays a charge setting screen on the screen of the operation unit 111. Next, proceeding to S402, the CPU 114 proceeds to S403 when accepting the billing setting via the screen. In S403, the CPU 114 determines whether the received charging setting is charging for each department or charging for each network. If charging is performed for each department, the process proceeds to S406, and if charging for each network is performed, the process proceeds to S404.

  In S404, the CPU 114 enables the accounting process for each network, and in S405, disables the accounting process using the department name, and proceeds to S408. On the other hand, in S406, the CPU 114 enables the accounting process using the department name, and then in S407, the CPU 114 disables the accounting process for each network, and proceeds to S408.

  If it is determined in S403 that neither charging for each network nor charging for each section is performed, the flow proceeds to S409, and the CPU 114 invalidates the charging processing and proceeds to S408. In step S408, the CPU 114 stores the setting of the billing process based on the user's selection in, for example, the HDD 117, and ends the process.

  In this way, the user can set whether or not to perform the billing process, and when performing the billing process, whether to perform the billing process for each network or the department.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a charging process performed by the MFP according to the embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 114 expanding a program stored in the HDD 117 into the memory 108 and executing the program.

  First, in S501, the CPU 114 determines whether or not to charge based on the set value. If it is determined that the accounting process is not to be performed, the process ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in S501 that the accounting process is to be performed, the process proceeds to S502. In S502, the CPU 114 determines whether to charge for each section or for each network based on the set values stored in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the CPU 114 advances the processing to S503 if it is determined to charge for each network, and advances the processing to S505 if it determines to charge for each department.

  In S503, the CPU 114 specifies the network being used, and proceeds to S504. In S504, the CPU 114 performs charging based on the network being used and the charging table for each network, and ends this processing. On the other hand, in S505, the CPU 114 acquires the department ID, and proceeds to S506. In S506, the CPU 114 performs charging based on the department ID and the charging table for each department, and ends this processing. These billing tables are stored in the HDD 117.

  With this process, the charging process can be executed based on the charging settings set by the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting whether to charge for each network or for each department in the MFP according to the embodiment. The screen in FIG. 6 is a setting screen that can be opened, for example, by the administrator inputting a password or the like.

  On this screen, a button for enabling or disabling the setting for charging for each network is displayed. Also, a button for enabling or disabling the setting for charging for each section is displayed.

  In the embodiment, when one of the settings of “bill for each network” and “bill for each department” is selected as “valid” by a user operation, the other setting is automatically set to “invalid”. Is set. That is, both settings cannot be made “valid” at the same time. In the example of FIG. 6, “charge per network” is set to “valid”, and “charge per section” is set to invalid.

  In this way, the setting for enabling “billing for each network” and the setting for enabling “billing for each department” can be made exclusive. If neither "Charge for each network" nor "Charge for each department" is performed, the user can set both of them invalid. When the OK button is pressed in this state, a detailed setting screen of the setting set as “valid” is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the setting of “bill for each network” is set to “valid” and the OK button is pressed in FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 7, when printing is performed in accordance with a print instruction from a device on the network 113 connected via the network I / F 110, it is possible to set whether or not billing is required. Similarly, on this screen, when printing is performed in accordance with a print instruction from a device on the network 118 connected via the network I / F 115, it is possible to set whether or not billing is required. In the screen example of FIG. 7, it is set that billing processing is required in the case of a print instruction from either the network 113 or the network 118. When the OK button is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7, the settings are stored in the MFP. That is, the accounting table for each network is stored in an updated state.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the OK button is pressed in a state where the setting of “billing by department” is set to “valid” on the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 8, when printing is performed in accordance with a print instruction from a user belonging to the medical department, it is possible to set whether or not billing processing is required. The department information can be displayed by acquiring identification information (“medical department” or “accounting department”) of the department to be set by the MFP from the authentication server. The timing of acquiring the identification information of this section is not particularly limited. Any timing, such as when the MFP is activated or when the screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, can be set. When the MFP manages the billing settings for each section, the MFP may manage the identification information of the section to be set.

  Similarly, when printing is performed in accordance with a print instruction from a user belonging to the accounting department, it is possible to set whether or not billing processing is required. In the screen of FIG. 8, it is set so that a fee is charged in the case of a print instruction from a user belonging to the medical department, and no fee is charged in the case of a print instruction from a user belonging to the accounting department. When the OK button is pressed on this screen, the settings on this screen are transmitted to the authentication server and stored in the authentication server. That is, the accounting table for each department is stored in an updated state.

  The MFP according to the embodiment can perform the processing of S506 or S504 of FIG. 5 according to the content set by the setting processing described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to select one of a charging operation form set in the network I / F and a charging operation form set in the authentication server, for example, for each department. Accordingly, it is possible to flexibly cope with the MFP installation environment at the user's site.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or the apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the following processing. Further, it can be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to make the scope of the present invention public.

  101 scanner unit, 102 printer unit, 103 controller unit, 104 scanner I / F, 105 printer I / F, 106 image processing unit, 107 control unit, 108 memory, 125 ID card reader

Claims (8)

Multiple network interfaces, each connected to a different network,
A first setting unit that effectively sets any one of the charging settings of the plurality of network interfaces or the charging setting of each department in the same network;
Second setting means for setting whether or not to charge each of the plurality of network interfaces in a state where the first setting means has enabled charging settings for the plurality of network interfaces;
A third setting unit configured to set whether or not billing is required for each section in a state where the first setting unit has enabled the charging setting for each section;
A billing unit for performing a billing process according to a billing setting set by the second setting unit or the third setting unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first setting unit exclusively or ineffectively sets a charging setting of the plurality of network interfaces and a charging setting of each of the departments. 3.   The second setting means displays a button for setting necessity of each of the plurality of network interfaces, and determines whether each of the plurality of network interfaces needs to be charged according to a user operation on the button. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The third setting means displays a button for setting whether charging is required for each section, and sets whether charging is required for each section in response to a user operation on the button. The image processing device according to claim 1.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of network interfaces includes a memory configured to store whether billing is set by the second setting unit. A storage unit for storing charging information for each of the plurality of network interfaces, and charging information for each section,
6. The accounting unit according to claim 1, wherein the accounting unit refers to the accounting information stored in the storage unit and performs an accounting process according to an accounting setting set by the second setting unit or the third setting unit. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A control method for controlling an image processing apparatus having a plurality of network interfaces, each of which is connected to a different network,
A first setting step of effectively setting either the billing setting of the plurality of network interfaces or the billing setting of each department in the same network;
A second setting step of setting whether or not to charge each of the plurality of network interfaces in a state where the charging setting of the plurality of network interfaces is set to be valid in the first setting step;
A third setting step of setting whether or not billing is required for each section in a state where the billing setting for each section is enabled in the first setting step;
A charging step of performing charging processing according to the charging setting set in the second setting step or the third setting step;
A control method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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