JP4125033B2 - Management system, information processing apparatus and management method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printer (printing apparatus), a scanner, a copier, and a multifunction device (MFP) that integrates them connected to the network in a network environment in which a user is composed of a client computer, a server computer, and the like. The present invention relates to a system for managing the usage when peripheral devices such as the above are used.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when a user uses a peripheral device such as a printer (printing apparatus), a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction device (MFP) integrating them through a network, the amount of use or use of the device There is known an information processing apparatus that manages information related to data processing performed by the computer.
[0003]
In such an information processing apparatus, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-161823 and US Pat. No. 6,220,092, one server computer manages the use in peripheral devices.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional technology as described above, when the number of peripheral devices is large, one server computer has to take charge of many peripheral devices. In this case, peripheral devices that can be managed by one server computer are limited to those in the same building or room.
[0005]
Therefore, it has been difficult to manage the usage status of peripheral devices in an integrated manner over a wide range or a plurality of sites using a communication path such as the Internet. In addition, even if multiple server computers are installed at each site, the multiple server computers only manage the usage and usage status of the peripheral devices under their jurisdiction, and the information collected by each server computer Were used individually and independently.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to be able to centrally manage the use of peripheral devices over a wide range or at multiple locations. Like that.
[0007]
Furthermore, information collected in a wide range or at multiple locations is collected efficiently and without increasing the load.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a management system according to the present invention includes a management device that manages information related to data processing performed in a device as job information, and an integration that acquires and manages job information managed by a plurality of management devices. A management system including a management device, wherein the integrated management device acquires all job information managed by the management device from a specified management device among the plurality of management devices; Difference acquisition means for acquiring job information for the added amount of job information managed by the management device from a specified management device.
[0009]
In the management system according to the present invention, the difference acquisition unit acquires job information for the amount added after the job information was acquired last time.
[0010]
Further, in the management system according to the present invention, the integrated management apparatus acquires a time for acquiring the job information by the all acquisition unit or the difference acquisition unit, an interval for acquiring the job information by the all acquisition unit, the all acquisition unit And a display control means for displaying on the display unit a screen for setting at least one of the times for acquiring job information.
[0011]
In the management system according to the present invention, the integrated management apparatus acquires job information by the all acquisition unit or acquires job information by the previous period difference acquisition unit based on the contents set on the screen. It has the determination means which determines these.
[0012]
Further, in the management system according to the present invention, the management apparatus acquires job information from the apparatus or an information processing apparatus that has requested the apparatus for data processing, as information related to data processing performed by the apparatus. It has the means.
[0013]
In the management system according to the present invention, the data processing is print processing based on print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus, and the job information includes job identification information for identifying data processing, and print data. Information indicating the created application program, information indicating the number of logical pages of the print data, information indicating the document name of the print data, information indicating the start time of the data processing, information indicating the end time of the data processing, information indicating the paper size Information indicating the number of physical pages printed, information indicating whether double-sided printing has been performed, information indicating the name of the user who requested data processing, information indicating the number of discharged pages, and the number of discharged sheets And at least one of information indicating the device that has performed data processing.
[0014]
In the management system according to the present invention, the device is at least one of a printing device, a copier, a multifunction device, and a facsimile device.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system that is a premise of an embodiment of a job account system of the present invention. The printers 108 to 110, which are preferable examples of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, which are members of FIG. 1, will be described.
[0017]
The printer operates differently depending on the functions it has. For example, the printer 108 is the most general one and prints data received from the transmission unit on the client computer side. Note that data processing requested for a device is called a job, and in particular, printing processing based on print data is called a print job. At the end of the job, the printer 109 returns the total number of discharged pages of the job to the transmission unit on the client computer 101 side. The printer 110 stores job information in a storage device in the printer after printing.
[0018]
In the client computer 101 of FIG. 1, printing is performed as follows. The application 102 operates the OS GDI 104 (subsystem for processing graphic drawing) by calling an API (application programming interface). The printer driver 105 converts the request from the GDI 104 into a format suitable for the printer that performs printing, and transmits the request to the spooler 106.
[0019]
In the client computer 101, the job account client 118 hooks (monitors and recognizes) the GDI call of the application 102. The job account client 118 obtains the number of discharged sheets or the number of pages of the job issued by the application by counting APIs for page break or paper discharge. The job information acquired in this way is called a hook log.
[0020]
The job account client 118 can receive job information from the printer driver in the client computer by defining a protocol with the printer driver in advance and communicating with the printer driver. The job information acquired in this way is called a driver log.
[0021]
Further, the job account client 118 periodically monitors the spooler, and if there is a spooled job, the job account client 118 acquires the job information by the API, thereby acquiring the number of discharged sheets or the number of pages of the job. The acquired job information is referred to as an API log.
[0022]
Further, the job account client 118 defines the protocol with the transmission unit and communicates to acquire the total number of discharged pages returned by the printer. The job information thus acquired is referred to as a transmission unit log.
[0023]
In the case of a printer that stores job information in the printer, such as the printer 110, which is a preferred example of an image forming apparatus, the job account server acquires job information from the printer by defining a protocol with the printer and communicating with the printer. . The job information thus acquired is referred to as a device log. Although the device log is stored in the RAM or HDD in the printer, it is often impossible to store all information such as the document name transmitted from the transmission unit due to storage capacity limitations. Note that the image forming apparatus includes, in addition to a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, a copying system combining a printer and a scanner, which is a kind of copying machine, and a complex machine of these.
[0024]
The job account client 118 sets a priority order for selecting one of a hook log, a driver log, an API log, a transmission unit log, and a device log, and transmits one of them to the job account server.
[0025]
The job account server 121 selects a job log in response to a request from a person who wants to browse, and performs aggregation processing by unit period, device, job issuer, and the like.
[0026]
1 will be described in more detail.
[0027]
A client computer 101 includes a standard PC or workstation. When printing is instructed from the application 102, print data is transmitted to any one of printers 107, 108, and 109 via the transmission unit 107. A job account client 118, which is a software module executed by the CPU in the client computer, collects logs relating to various printing processes and transmits the logs to the job account server 121 via the job log transmission unit 117. At this time, the job log transmission unit that is a part of the job account client may control the transmission unit provided by the OS and transmit the log to the job log reception unit.
[0028]
When the client computer 101 issues a print instruction to the application 102, the application 102 makes a GDI call for drawing. The 103 hook unit is incorporated by the 117 job account client, hooks a GDI call, and accumulates information such as which GDI call is called with what parameters and the number of times the GDI call is called. A history created based on this information is referred to as a hook log 111.
[0029]
An example of the hook log 111 is shown in FIG. The hook unit 103 changes the document name depending on the case based on a predetermined determination criterion. The document name and the change process will be described later.
[0030]
The printer driver 105 converts the GDI call into print data that can be interpreted by the printer in accordance with the print settings, transmits the print data to the spooler 106, extracts print information from the converted contents, and transmits it as the driver log 112 to the job account client 117. .
[0031]
The job account client 117 always monitors the spooler 106 for jobs. If there is a job, an API defined by the OS is issued, print information is acquired, and it is acquired as an API log 113.
[0032]
The transmission unit 107 communicates with a printer designated by any one of the applications 108, 109, and 110 via the network, and transmits print data if the printer is ready. At this time, for example, if the above-mentioned HP Job Job Language command is used, the number of pages discharged by the job after the discharge of all pages of the print job in the printer 109 is completed. Is possible to get. The transmission unit (port monitor) 106 transmits job information such as the number of pages received from the 109 printer to the 110 job account client. A print log created based on this information is referred to as a transmission unit log 114.
[0033]
As described above, the job account client 110 (acquisition unit) acquires and creates four logs, that is, a hook log, a driver log, an API log, and a transmission unit log, for one print job. However, four logs are not always obtained. For example, if the application 102 sends print data directly to the spooler 106, the hook log 111 and the driver log 112 cannot be acquired. If the protocol is not defined between the printer driver 105 and the job account client 117, the 112 driver log cannot be acquired. When there is no function for notifying the transmission unit of the number of discharged pages like the printer 108, the discharged page information of the transmission unit log 114 cannot be acquired. However, by acquiring logs in a plurality of processes related to a job, even if it is impossible to acquire logs in some processes, the probability that a log can be acquired is increased overall.
[0034]
The printer 108 interprets the job sent from the transmission unit 107 and executes printing. The printer 109 interprets the job sent from the transmission unit 107 and executes printing. After the printing is completed, the number of discharged pages and the number of discharged sheets are returned to the 107 transmitting unit. The printer 110 interprets the job sent from the transmission unit 107 and executes printing. After printing, job information is stored in 304 HDD (described later).
[0035]
The job log merge unit 116 merges the hook log, driver log, API log, and transmission unit log, and sends the merged log to the job log transmission unit 117. The merge process will be described later. The job log transmission unit 117 transmits the job log to the job log reception unit 122 of the job account server 121.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the client computer and the server computer constituting the job account system shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU, that is, a central processing unit, which controls the entire computer device and performs arithmetic processing. Reference numeral 202 denotes a ROM, that is, a read-only memory, which is a storage area for information such as system startup programs. Reference numeral 203 denotes a RAM, that is, a random access memory, which is a data storage area with no usage restrictions. Software modules such as an operating system, an application 102, a hook unit 103, a GDI 104, a printer driver 105, a transmission unit 107, and a job account client 118 are provided. This is an area in which programs such as communication control are loaded from the HD unit 205 and the ROM 202 and executed by the CPU 201. Reference numeral 204 denotes a KBC, that is, a keyboard control unit, which receives input data from the keyboard and transmits it to the CPU. Reference numeral 205 denotes a CRT, that is, a display control unit (display control means), which controls display on the display device. Reference numeral 206 denotes an external storage device such as an FD or floppy (R) disk device or an HD or hard disk device or an SRAM or non-volatile storage device, which stores and stores programs and data, and refers to the RAM or RAM as needed during execution. To load. A communication unit 207 performs network communication control and can communicate with other computers and peripheral devices connected to the network as described with reference to FIG. 1, and includes a transmission unit 107, a job log transmission unit, and the like. 117 is controlled. A system bus 208 is to be a data path between the above-described components.
[0037]
In principle, the job account server 121 can have the same configuration in terms of hardware. The job account server 121 stores a job log merging unit 123, a job log recording unit 124, a job log receiving unit 122, and a job log totaling unit 125 in the HDD. Further, the job log receiving unit 122 controls the communication unit 207.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printer that constitutes the job account system shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 305 denotes a controller unit that controls the entire printer. As an internal configuration of the controller, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, that is, a central processing unit, which controls the controller and performs arithmetic processing. Reference numeral 302 denotes a ROM, that is, a read-only memory, which is a storage area for information such as system startup programs. Reference numeral 303 denotes a RAM, that is, a random access memory, which is a data storage area having no use restriction, and 304 denotes a HD, that is, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or SRAM.
[0039]
The RAM 303 is an area where programs such as an operating system, communication control, and engine control are loaded and executed. Reference numeral 306 denotes an engine unit of this apparatus, which performs a printing operation and an image reading operation under the control of the controller. A communication unit 307 performs network communication control and can communicate with a client computer or a server computer as described with reference to FIG. A user operation input / output unit 308 performs an interactive setting operation with the user. Reference numeral 309 denotes a system bus, which should serve as a data path between the above-described components.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map of the job account server 121 illustrated in FIG. Reference numeral 41 denotes a basic I / O program. Reference numeral 42 denotes a memory map in a state where an operating system such as a window system is loaded into the RAM 203 and becomes executable. Reference numeral 43 denotes a memory map in a state where the program of the present invention is loaded into the RAM 3 and becomes executable. Reference numeral 44 denotes a memory map in a state where related data is loaded into the RAM 3 and becomes executable. Reference numeral 45 denotes a memory map of work memory used by each program.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration content of the FD in which a job account program and related data are stored as an example of the embodiment of the present invention. A job account program and related data, which are an example of an embodiment of the present invention, are recorded in a floppy (R) disk (FD). Volume information 51, directory information 52, application execution file 53, and job account program related data file 54 are recorded in the recording area 50 of the floppy (R) disk (FD). The recording area 50 may be a DVD or an HDD (not shown) in an external server connected to the computer 62 via a network, and the job account program of the present invention (in the client computer shown in FIG. 1). Needless to say, each module and each module in the job account server 121 may be downloaded and installed via a network. The computer 62 is equivalent to the computer shown in FIG.
[0042]
FIG. 6 is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of loading a job account program and related data recorded in an FD into a computer system. The job account program and related data recorded on the floppy (R) disk (FD) 60 can be loaded into the computer 62 via the FD drive (DKC) 61. When the floppy (R) disk (FD) 60 is set in the FD drive (DKC) 61, a program module for realizing the job account program under the control of the operating system 42 and the basic I / O program 41, etc. The related data is read from the floppy (R) disk (FD) 60, loaded into the RAM 203, and can be used. The computer 62 can be used to implement the client computer 101 and the job account server 121 described in FIG. Also, the program module for realizing the job account program corresponds to each software module in the client computer 101 or the job account server 121 described in FIG. Needless to say, the storage medium is not limited to the FD and includes a DVD, a CD-ROM, and the like.
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hook log according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the hook log, a job ID (job identifier), application name, number of logical pages, and document name can be acquired. The job ID can be acquired from the GDI when the GDI is instructed to start printing, and the print job of the client computer 101 can be uniquely specified.
[0044]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a driver log in the present embodiment. The driver log is history information that can be acquired from the driver when the job account client executes printing. In the driver log, it is possible to acquire a job ID that is an identifier of a job related to print execution, a paper size of print data included in the job, N-UP information, information on the number of physical pages, and duplex single-sided information. The paper size, N-UP information, the number of physical pages, and double-sided / single-sided information are acquired from the print settings that are set by printing or default input to the printer driver. N-UP is a setting for how many logical pages are allocated to a sheet. The number of physical pages is a unit in which one side of a sheet output at the time of printing is counted as one.
[0045]
For example, if the logical page is 4 pages and the 2-UP printing process is performed by double-sided printing, the physical page becomes 2 pages. Then, the physical page is printed on the front and back of the sheet, and one sheet is output and discharged. The first page and the second page of the logical page are printed on the table, and the third page and the fourth page of the logical page are printed on the back side.
[0046]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an API log according to the present embodiment. In the API log, the job ID, job owner name, and spool data size can be acquired.
[0047]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission unit log according to the embodiment of this invention. In the monitor log, the job ID can be acquired. In the case of transmission to the 108 printer, the number of discharged sheets can be acquired.
[0048]
In any of the hook log, driver log, API log, and transmission unit log, an area for recording flag information indicating whether or not the job has been processed and information indicating the type of log is provided.
[0049]
Here, the operation of the job log merge unit 116 in the client computer will be described. The job log merging unit 116 receives each log and records the contents in an HDD or the like. Then, it is periodically activated at a preset cycle, and a log merging process is performed for each job.
[0050]
In this embodiment, logs are merged (merge processing) using the job ID as a key, but may be merged using a document data name or a new document data name described later as a key.
[0051]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a merge log generated by the merge process. As shown in the figure, this merge log includes items of a hook log, a driver log, an API log, and a transmission unit log.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the job account server 121 will be described. A 122 job log acquisition unit, which is a preferred example of the acquisition unit of the present invention, acquires and accumulates jobs sent from the job log transmission unit 117. Also, the 110 printer 3 is periodically polled, and if there is job information that has not yet been acquired, it is acquired. This job information is used as a device log. The device log is stored in the 303 RAM or 304 HDD, but it is not desirable to store all the information such as the document name transmitted from the 107 transmission unit due to the limitation of the storage capacity. Here, it is assumed that the upper limit of the document name is 8 characters. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device log.
[0053]
The device job log merging unit 123, which is a preferred example of the management unit of the present invention, merges the merge log 127 and the device log 115 sent from the job account client. The job log recording unit 124 receives the job log from the device job log merging unit 123 and stores it in 206HD or the like. The job log totaling unit 125 performs a totaling process such as obtaining the number of printed pages for each unit period or obtaining the number of printed pages for each owner according to an instruction from the viewer.
[0054]
The job log merging unit 123 searches the unprocessed device log to determine whether there is a log with the same document name item as the merge log. Replace or add to
[0055]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a final log generated by the job log merging unit 123. The job log merging unit 123 transmits the final log to the 124 job log recording unit.
[0056]
FIG. 14 is a basic configuration diagram of the entire management system as the present embodiment. 101A and 101B are client computers. Reference numeral 1400 denotes a base server computer. Reference numeral 1410 denotes an integrated server computer.
[0057]
Reference numerals 108 to 110 denote printers. However, it is assumed that the printer 110 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a function for holding a print history (print history holding function), and the printers 108 and 109 do not have a print history holding function. The MFP 110 has a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a print history holding function.
[0058]
Computers 101A, 101B, 1400, and 1410, printers 109 and 108, and MFP 110 can each communicate with other devices via a network.
[0059]
In the client computer 101A, when the application 102A calls a GDI (Graphics device Interface) 104A, the GDI 104A generates print data in response to an instruction from the application 102A, and transmits the print data to the spooler 106A.
[0060]
The job account client application 118A monitors (hooks) the application 102A calling the GDI 104A, and accumulates a hook log relating to the print data.
[0061]
The spooler 106A communicates with the peripheral device via the network, and transmits print data if the peripheral device is ready. If the client computer 101B functions as a print server, the print data generated by the GDI 104A is transmitted to the spooler 106B.
[0062]
The job account client application 118 </ b> A transmits the merge log periodically accumulated to the job account server application 121.
[0063]
In the client computer 101B, the application 102B, the GDI 104B, and the spooler 106B operate in the same manner as the application 101A, the GDI 104A, and the spooler 106A, respectively.
[0064]
The job account client application 118B periodically monitors the spooler 106B. If there is a print job spooled in the spooler 106B, the job account client application 118B uses the API (Application Program Interface) to acquire information about the print job. Specifically, the number of discharged sheets and the number of pages of the print job are acquired. Then, the job account client application 118B transmits the accumulated merge log to the job account server application 121.
[0065]
If the OS has a function of transmitting the status change of the spooler 106B to another application, the job account client application 118B may not periodically monitor the spooler 106B. The OS may tell the job account client application 118B that the print job has been spooled in the spooler 106B.
[0066]
102A and 102B are equivalent to 102 in FIG. 1, 104A and 104B are equivalent to 104 in FIG. 1, 106A and 106B are equivalent to 106 in FIG. 1, and 118A and 118B are 1 of 118 is equivalent.
[0067]
In the server computer 1400, the job account server application 121 includes a user information management module 1401, a device information management module 1402, a log management module 1403, and a usage status management module 1404. Among these, the user information management module 1401 stores and manages user information in a storage device 1405 (not shown) in the server computer 1400.
[0068]
Further, the device information management module 1402 investigates whether a peripheral device connected to the network has a device log holding function, and stores information on a device having the device log holding function and other device information. It is stored and managed in the storage device 1405 in the server computer 1400.
[0069]
The user information includes the computer login name of the user who uses the peripheral device (the name that the user inputs to log in to the computer) and the network login name (the name that the user inputs to log in to the network system). Information for identifying (identifying) a user who uses a peripheral device. Also, the device information includes peripheral device printing speed, color information, network address, and the like.
[0070]
The log management module 1403 receives the merge log 127 from the job account client applications 118A and 118B, and also stores the merge log in the storage device 1405. In addition, the log management module 1403 requests a device log from a peripheral device (for example, the printer 1140) having a function of holding the device log 115, and acquires the device log via the usage status input / output module 1404. This process may be performed periodically. Further, when the storage capacity of the device log storage unit (not shown) of the peripheral device is reduced, this is notified to the utilization status input / output module, and at this time, this processing may be performed.
[0071]
The usage status input / output module 1404 acquires a usage status including a device log from a peripheral device having a device log holding function. Further, the usage status input / output module 1404 can also output the usage status report (report indicating how many users have executed the job) to the printer or monitor of the peripheral device.
[0072]
The administrator can obtain the usage status of the peripheral device by causing the usage status input / output module 1404 to output the usage status. The usage status input / output module 1404 outputs various usage statuses based on user information, device information, and print history information (job information in which a plurality of final logs in FIG. 13 are collected) stored in the storage device 1405. The administrator designates the output format (output format) for the usage status input / output module. The output of the usage status is displayed on, for example, a display unit (not shown) of the server computer 1400. Further, output data related to the usage status output may be transmitted to the client computers 101A and 101B, and the usage status output may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the client computer.
[0073]
In the usage status output, the usage amount for each user (the number of sheets and the amount of toner used for output) and the usage time of peripheral devices are output. In addition, the usage status is output for each operation mode (function) of peripheral devices such as color printing and double-sided printing. In addition, the usage status is output for each used paper size and used paper type.
[0074]
Further, since the usage fee of the peripheral device is set in the device information, the usage amount is output for each peripheral device or for each user. In addition, the usage fee for each operation mode, the usage fee for each paper size, and the usage fee for each paper type are set, so which user, which paper, which operation mode, which peripheral device, which Just print it out and output how much it is spent.
[0075]
In addition, the administrator can set use restrictions for each function, each user, each user department, and each device used, via the user information management module 1401 and the device information management module 1402. The limit information that can be set includes items such as a usage fee, the number of pages, and the number of sheets. The usage status entry / exit module 1404 monitors and compares the set restriction (restriction information) with the print history information, and outputs that effect when the use exceeds the restriction. This may be a display output on the screen, a mail or other communication output.
[0076]
In addition, when the log management module 1403 monitors and collates the limit set for each user and the print history information, and the use of a certain user exceeds the limit, the client computer 101A and the peripheral device itself have Deny the user's use. Alternatively, the user may be warned by display on the screen, mail, or other communication means.
[0077]
The integrated server computer 1410 and the base server computer 1400 can communicate via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. Note that one or more base server computers 1400 may communicate with one integrated server computer.
[0078]
In the integrated server computer 1410, the job account integrated server application 1411 includes a user information reference module 1412, a device information reference module 1413, a log reference module 1414, a usage status reference module 1415, and a base server information input / output module 1416. Including.
[0079]
Among these, the user information reference module 1412 can refer to the user information stored in the storage device 1417 by the base server information input / output module 1416.
[0080]
Needless to say, the storage device 1417 may be stored and managed in the integrated server computer 1410 or may be stored and managed on another computer that can communicate with the integrated server computer 1410.
[0081]
In addition, the device information reference module 1413 can refer to the device information stored in the storage device 1417 by the base server information input / output module 1416.
[0082]
The log reference module 1414 can refer to the print history information stored in the storage device 1417 by the base server information input / output module 1416.
[0083]
The usage status reference module 1415 can refer to information regarding the usage status of the device stored in the storage device 1417.
[0084]
The base server information input / output module 1416 acquires user information, device information, and print history information from the base server computer 1400. Also, the base server information input / output module 1416 outputs the output of the usage status report of the base server computer 1400 (report indicating which user of which base server computer 1400 has executed how many jobs) to the printer of the peripheral device. Or output to a monitor.
[0085]
The administrator can make the base server information input / output module 1416 output the usage status and obtain the usage status of the peripheral device. The base server information input / output module 1416 outputs various usage statuses based on the base server information, user information, device information, and print history information stored in the storage device 1417.
[0086]
The administrator designates the output format (output format) to the base server information input / output module 1416. The output of the usage status is displayed on, for example, a display unit (not shown) of the integrated server computer 1410. Further, output data related to the usage status output may be transmitted to the client computer 101A, and the usage status output may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the client computer.
[0087]
In the usage status output, the usage amount (the number of sheets and the amount of toner used for output) for each user registered in each base server computer 1400 and the usage time of peripheral devices are output. In addition, the usage status is output for each operation mode (function) of peripheral devices such as color printing and double-sided printing. In addition, the usage status is output for each used paper size and used paper type.
[0088]
Further, since the usage fee of the peripheral device is set in the device information, the usage amount is output for each peripheral device or for each user. In addition, the usage fee for each operation mode, the usage fee for each paper size, and the usage fee for each paper type are set, so which user, which paper, which operation mode, which peripheral device, which Just print it out and output how much it is spent.
[0089]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing performed in the client computer 101 (101A and A101B) and the base server computer 1400.
[0090]
First, in step S1501, when a user instructs printing using the application 102 of the client computer 101, the application 102 edits a document, an image, or the like according to the user's instruction, and outputs a print request.
[0091]
Next, in step S1502, the job account client application 1014 acquires a hook log, a driver log, an API log, and a transmission unit log, generates a merge log from them, and transmits the merge log to the base server computer.
[0092]
In step S1503, print data is output to the printer 1130 via the spooler 106 based on an instruction from the job account server application.
[0093]
On the other hand, in the base server computer 1400, when the log management module 1403 acquires the merge log in step S1504, the process advances to step S1505 to perform print permission determination processing.
[0094]
Next, in the case of permitting in step S1506, the process proceeds to step S1507 and a print permission instruction is issued. If not permitted, the process advances to step S1508 to transmit a print cancel instruction to the printer or client computer.
[0095]
Next, processing when the integrated server computer 1410 acquires various information from the base server computer 1400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0096]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a schedule for the integrated server computer 1410 to acquire print history information of the base server computer 1400.
[0097]
In this screen, it is assumed that the integrated server computer 1410 acquires the print history information of the base server computer 1400 at a fixed time every day. In addition, when there are a large number of base server computers 1400, if the processing for acquiring all the print history information is performed at the same timing, the load on the integrated server computer 1410 becomes large. However, different settings can be made.
[0098]
This screen includes a number input column 101 for specifying how many times print history information is to be acquired, a time input column 102 for specifying the execution time of processing for acquiring all or difference print history information, Next, a month input field 103 and a date input field 104 for specifying the date and time for acquiring all data next time, an OK button 105 for confirming the information input in these fields, and this information without confirming the information. And a cancel button 106 for exiting the diagram.
[0099]
When the time entered in the time input field 102 is reached, the integrated server computer 1410 issues a request to the base server computer 1400 to acquire print history information. At this time, normally, only the print history information that has been newly added and increased is acquired, and all the print history information of the base server computer 1400 is acquired for each number of times entered in the number input field 101. The former is called differential data update processing, and the latter is called all data acquisition processing.
[0100]
In the all data acquisition process, all the print history information of the target base is acquired after deleting all the already acquired print history information. On the other hand, in the differential data update process, only the print history information added by the base server computer after the previous acquisition is acquired. Therefore, when a department, user, device, or the like is added at the base server computer after all data acquisition processing, it is determined that the added data is unknown in the differential data update processing.
[0101]
Therefore, when it is desired to manage the added department, user, device, etc., all data acquisition processing is performed. Further, by performing the difference data update process after all the data acquisition process is performed, it is possible to eliminate inconsistencies in the print history information.
[0102]
The reason why the next execution date and time for performing all data acquisition processing can be specified in the month input field 103 and the day input field 104 is that when there are a large number of base server computers 1400, the date for acquiring print history information is shifted, This is because it is possible to perform load distribution for the integrated server computer 1410. In particular, in the all data acquisition process, since a large amount of print history information may be transferred, it is particularly effective to be able to specify the execution date and time for each base server computer.
[0103]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing when the integrated server computer 1410 acquires print history information of the base server computer 1400.
[0104]
First, in step S <b> 1701, it is determined whether or not the administrator has instructed a request for updating difference data of the base server computer 1400 in the job account integration server application 1071.
[0105]
If instructed, it is determined in step S1702 whether or not all data acquisition processing has been performed previously. If not, the difference print history information is acquired from the base server computer 1400 in step S1703. Note that the processing in step 1703 is referred to as difference data update processing.
[0106]
If all data has been acquired before, the process returns to step S1701.
[0107]
If the difference data update request is not instructed in step S1701, it is determined in step S1704 whether the periodical update process is the designated time.
[0108]
The regular update process indicates a print history information update process performed at the time set on the schedule setting screen of FIG. If it is not the designated time, the process returns to step S1701. When the designated time is reached, the setting contents are confirmed, and it is confirmed whether the acquisition process of all data or the update process of difference data is performed.
[0109]
When the difference data update process is performed, the difference print history information is acquired from the base server computer 1400 in step S1703. When all data acquisition processing is performed, all print history information is acquired from the base server computer 1400 in step S1706.
[0110]
The processes shown in the flowcharts shown in the drawings (FIGS. 15, 17, etc.) in this embodiment, and the units and modules shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 are executed by each computer based on a program. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to a client computer from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0111]
As described above, the system or apparatus can be obtained by supplying the storage medium storing the program code of the software that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments to the system or apparatus, or downloading the storage medium from an external server (not shown). It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.
[0112]
In this case, the program code itself such as the job account server or the job account client program read from the storage medium realizes the new function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Will do. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, DVD, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, or the like can be used.
[0113]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Further, a function expansion board in which a program code transmitted from a predetermined external server device (not shown) or read from a storage medium is inserted into a computer or a function expansion connected to the computer After being written in the memory provided in the unit, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the function is realized is also included.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, all the job information managed by the management apparatus is acquired from the management apparatus that manages information related to data processing performed by the device as job information, or is managed by the management apparatus. By controlling whether or not to add job information for the added amount of job information, it is possible to collect job information collected in a wide range or a plurality of locations efficiently and without increasing the load. In addition, even if unknown information is included by acquiring differential job information, it is possible to acquire all job information managed by the management device, so that the tabulation was performed based on the job information Inconsistencies can be corrected.
[0115]
In addition, the difference acquisition unit acquires job information for the amount added after the previous acquisition of job information, so that job information collected in a wide area or multiple locations can be efficiently and without increasing the load. Can be collected.
[0116]
Also, in order to set at least one of the time for acquiring all the job information or acquiring the added job information, the interval for acquiring all the job information, and the time for acquiring all the job information By displaying the above screen on the display unit, the time for acquiring job information can be set for each management device, preventing the concentration of job information acquisition and temporary concentration of processing load and communication load. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system that is a premise of an embodiment of a job account system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a client computer and a server computer.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer.
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map of a job account server 121. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration content of an FD in which a job account program and related data are stored.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of loading a job account program and related data recorded in an FD into a computer system.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hook log.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a driver log.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an API log.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission unit log.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a merge log generated by merge processing.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device log.
13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a final log generated by a job log merge unit 123. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a basic configuration diagram of the entire management system.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed in the client computer 101 (101A and A101B) and the base server computer 1400.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a schedule for the integrated server computer 1410 to acquire print history information of the base server computer 1400;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the integrated server computer 1410 acquires print history information of the base server computer 1400;
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Client computer
102 applications
104 GDI
106 Spooler
108 Printer
109 printer
110 MFP
121 Job account server
118 Job Account Client
1400 Site server computer
1410 integrated server computer

Claims (13)

A plurality of management apparatuses for managing job information including a device log from the user information and printing equipment that has issued the job to a information on data processing performed by the printing device and a client device,
A management system comprising a unified management apparatus that acquires manages job information managed by the plurality of management apparatuses,
The integrated management device includes:
Delete all job information acquired by the integrated management device from the specified management device among the plurality of management devices, and acquire all job information managed by the management device from the management device;
Difference acquisition means for acquiring job information for the amount added from previously acquired job information among job information managed by the management device from a specified management device among a plurality of management devices;
Job information acquisition time can be specified so that the job information acquisition frequency by the difference acquisition means is less than the job information acquisition frequency by all acquisition means, and the job information acquisition time of all acquisition means can be set to multiple management devices. A management system comprising: designation means that can be designated for each . The integrated management device includes:
Time for acquisition of job information by the total acquisition means or said difference obtaining means, said interval for the acquisition of the job information by total acquisition means, said at least one of the time for acquisition of job information by all acquisition means 2. The management system according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying a screen for designating by the designation means on the display unit. The integrated management device includes:
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to acquire job information by the all acquisition unit or to acquire job information by the difference acquisition unit based on content set on the screen. The management system according to 1 or 2. The management device
From the printing device, or an information processing apparatus which has requested the data processing on the print device, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a job information obtaining means for obtaining information about the data processing performed in the printing equipment as job information The management system in any one of thru | or 3. The data processing is print processing based on print data transmitted from an information processing device,
The job information includes job identification information for identifying data processing, information indicating the application program that created the print data, information indicating the number of logical pages of the print data, information indicating the document name of the print data, and start of data processing Information indicating the time, information indicating the end time of the data processing, information indicating the paper size, information indicating the number of printed physical pages, information indicating whether double-sided printing has been performed, and the name of the user who requested the data processing 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of information, information indicating the number of discharged sheets, information indicating the number of discharged sheets, and information indicating a printing apparatus that has performed data processing. A management system according to any one of the above. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is at least one of a printing apparatus, a copier, a multifunction machine, and a facsimile apparatus. It is communicable with a management device that manages information relating to data processing performed by the printing device, including user information that issued the job and information including a device log from the printing device, and managed by the management device. An information processing apparatus that acquires and manages job information,
All acquisition means for acquiring all job information managed by the management device from the management device;
Difference acquisition means for acquiring job information for the added amount of job information managed by the management device from the management device;
Job information acquisition time can be specified so that job information acquisition frequency by the difference acquisition means is less than job information acquisition frequency by all acquisition means, and job information acquisition times of all acquisition means can be specified by a plurality of management devices. An information processing apparatus comprising: designation means that can be designated for each .   The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the difference acquisition unit acquires job information for an amount added after the previous acquisition of job information.   At least one of the time for acquiring job information by the all acquisition unit or the difference acquisition unit, the interval for acquiring job information by the all acquisition unit, and the time for acquiring job information by the all acquisition unit is set. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising display control means for displaying a screen to be displayed on the display unit. Information related to data processing performed in the printing device, which is managed by the management device, communicates with a plurality of management devices that manage the user information that issued the job and the information including the device log from the printing device as job information. A management method for acquiring and managing job information,
Remove the job information of the integrated management apparatus acquired from the plurality of management apparatuses, from the management apparatus, and the total acquisition step of acquiring all of the job information managed by the management device,
A difference acquisition step for acquiring job information for the amount added from previously acquired job information among job information managed by the management device from the plurality of management devices;
Job information acquisition time can be specified so that the job information acquisition frequency in the difference acquisition step is less than the job information acquisition frequency in all acquisition steps, and the job information acquisition time in all acquisition steps can be set to multiple management devices. And a designation step that can be designated for each . Time for acquisition of job information by the total acquisition step and said difference obtaining step, said interval for the acquisition of the job information by total acquisition step, wherein said at least one of the time for acquisition of job information by all acquisition step The management method according to claim 10, wherein a screen for designating by the designating unit is displayed on the display unit. Information related to data processing performed in the printing device, which is managed by the management device, communicates with a plurality of management devices that manage the user information that issued the job and the information including the device log from the printing device as job information. A management program for acquiring and managing job information,
Remove the job information of the integrated management apparatus acquired from the plurality of management apparatuses, from the management apparatus, and the total acquisition step of acquiring all of the job information managed by the management device,
A difference acquisition step for acquiring job information for the amount added from the previously acquired job information among the job information managed by the management device from the management device;
Job information acquisition time can be specified so that the job information acquisition frequency in the difference acquisition step is less than the job information acquisition frequency in all acquisition steps, and the job information acquisition time in all acquisition steps can be set to multiple management devices. A management program that causes a computer to execute a designated step that can be designated for each . Communication with a management apparatus that manages information relating to data processing performed in the printing device as job information, and a computer readable program that stores and manages the job information managed by the management apparatus A recording medium, wherein the management program is
Delete all job information acquired by the integrated management device from the management device, and acquire all job information managed by the management device from the management device;
A difference acquisition step for acquiring job information for the amount added from the previously acquired job information among the job information managed by the management device from the management device;
Job information acquisition time can be specified so that the job information acquisition frequency in the difference acquisition step is less than the job information acquisition frequency in all acquisition steps , and the job information acquisition time in all acquisition steps can be set to multiple management devices. A recording medium characterized by causing a computer to execute a designation step that can be designated for each .

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