JP4899833B2 - Image forming apparatus use management system, image forming apparatus restriction method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system and method for restricting use of an image forming apparatus such as an MFP.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses called “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)” or “MFPs” that integrate various functions such as copy, scanner, fax, PC print, box, and file transfer have become widespread.

  An organization such as a government office or a company is required to manage the use of an image forming apparatus by employees in view of energy saving and cost saving. Therefore, it is conceivable to manage the use by a method as described in Patent Document 1.

  According to the method described in Patent Document 1, a server is provided in a network constituted by a plurality of multifunction peripherals. The server registers user information received from the multifunction peripheral. The multifunction device executes processing in accordance with an instruction from the authenticated user, and transmits the user ID, management item ID, count value, and multifunction device ID data of the user to the server. The server adds the received count value for each management item to the accumulated count value stored in advance. In addition, the server sends instruction data for displaying a warning screen to the multifunction device when the accumulated count value is greater than or equal to the warning value and less than the limit value, and when the accumulated count value reaches the limit value. The instruction data for displaying the usage restriction screen is transmitted to the multifunction device, and the function restriction data is transmitted to the multifunction device to prohibit the user from using the multifunction device.

As a result, the user is notified of the exact usage details of the multifunction device in real time, and appropriate material management of the multifunction device is performed based on the usage details.
JP 2004-70708 A

  By the way, in an organization such as a government office or a company, the usage amount of the image forming apparatus is often managed. It is important not only to collect statistics of actual usage, but also to determine the usage amount (hereinafter referred to as “usable amount”) that is allowed to be used for the group during a predetermined period in advance. It is. Further, the usable amount is often given to the user every predetermined period.

  If management of the usable amount is strictly performed, it is desirable not to allow the user to use the image forming apparatus exceeding the usable amount of the user. However, this may impair convenience for the user.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience for the user as compared with the prior art while maintaining the strictness of restrictions on the use of the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus usage management system according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus usage management system that performs management related to use of an image forming apparatus, and is a usable amount that is a usage amount of the image forming apparatus that is permitted to a user. The usable amount data storage means for storing the usable amount data for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users and the user of the image forming apparatus according to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus A usable amount allocating means for allocating a predetermined usage amount as an allocated usable amount from the usable amount data of the group to the image forming apparatus; and the allocated usable amount allocated to the image forming apparatus include: The availability of the group of users of the image forming device is reduced from the current available amount of the group of users of the image forming device. Updating amount data, and the assigned time updating means, when refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the available amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group is a negative value Has an update unit at the time of addition for updating the usable amount data so that a difference between the supplemented used amount and the absolute value of the usable amount is newly indicated, and the usable amount allocation When allocating the allocated usable amount in response to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus, the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus is the allocated usage. If the image forming apparatus does not have incomplete image processing commanded by the user when the amount is less than the possible amount, the usage amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus within the range of the usable amount. If the image forming apparatus has incomplete image processing instructed by the user, the usable amount is allowed to be negative, and the allocated usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus. , characterized in that.

An image forming apparatus usage management system according to another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus usage management system that performs management related to the use of an image forming apparatus, and uses the amount of the image forming apparatus that is permitted to a user. In accordance with an allocation request from the image forming apparatus and usable amount data storage means for storing usable amount data indicating a usable amount for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users, the image formation is performed. A usable amount allocating means for allocating a predetermined usage amount as an allocated usable amount to the image forming apparatus from the usable amount data of the group of the user of the apparatus; and the allocated usable amount for the image forming apparatus. When the allocation is performed, the allocated usable amount is currently indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. A normal processing means for updating the usable amount data so that a difference between the usable amount and the allocated usable amount is newly indicated when the amount is equal to or less than the capacity, and the allocated use to the image forming apparatus When the available amount is assigned, if the assigned available amount is larger than the available amount currently indicated in the available amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus, 0 is newly indicated. Updating the usable amount data as described above, so that the difference between the allocated usable amount and the usable amount is reduced from the current usable amount of any other group. Lending data storage for lending data that updates possible amount data and shows the usage amount related to the group, other group, and the difference as the borrower, lender, and lending usage amount, respectively It is stored in the stage, and insufficiency processing means, when refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the lending data which the group is shown as the borrower is stored in the balance data storage means Updating the available amount data of the other group so that the loan usage amount shown in the loan data is added to the current available amount of the other group shown as a lender in the loan data; A processing unit at the time of addition that updates the usable amount data of the group so that a difference between the supplemented usage amount and the borrowed usage amount is newly indicated, and deletes the loan data from the loan data storage unit The usable amount allocating means allocates the allocated usable amount in response to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus. In a case where the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user is smaller than the allocated usable amount, if there is no incomplete image processing instructed by the user in the image forming apparatus, the If the usage amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus within the range of the usable amount, and the incomplete image processing commanded by the user is in the image forming apparatus, the usable amount becomes a negative value. And allowing the allocated usable amount to the image forming apparatus .

An image forming apparatus usage management system according to another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus usage management system that performs management related to the use of an image forming apparatus, and uses the amount of the image forming apparatus that is permitted to a user. Usable amount data storage means for storing usable amount data indicating a certain usable amount for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users, and the usable amount common to all the users of the group Common usable amount data storage means for storing common usable amount data indicating the common usable amount, and the usable amount data of the group of users of the image forming apparatus according to an allocation request from the image forming apparatus assigned to the image forming apparatus a predetermined amount as assigned usable amount from the usable amount allocating means, prior to the image forming apparatus When the allocated usable amount is allocated, and the allocated usable amount is equal to or smaller than the usable amount currently indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus, the usable amount When the allocated usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus and the normal processing means for updating the usable amount data so that the difference between the allocated usable amount and the allocated usable amount is newly indicated. When the available amount is larger than the available amount currently indicated in the available amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus, the available amount data is updated so that 0 is newly indicated, Update the common usable amount data so that the difference between the allocated usable amount and the usable amount is reduced from the current common usable amount, and to the group and the difference That the loan data indicating usage is stored in the balance data storage means, and insufficiency processing means, when refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, the balance data to which the group is shown as borrower the If stored in the loan data storage means, the common use amount data is updated so that the loan use amount indicated in the loan data is added to the current common use amount, and the supplement is used. A processing unit at the time of addition that updates the usable amount data of the group and deletes the loan data from the loan data storage unit so that a difference between the amount and the borrowed usage amount is newly indicated. The usable amount allocating unit allocates the group usable amount of the user of the image forming apparatus when allocating the allocated usable amount in response to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus. In a case where the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group is smaller than the allocated usable amount, the image forming apparatus does not have the incomplete image processing commanded by the user in the image forming apparatus. A usage amount is allocated to the apparatus within the range of the usable amount, and if the image forming apparatus has incomplete image processing commanded by the user, the usable amount is allowed to be a negative value. The allocation usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus .

  The usable amount can be defined by the number of printed materials or copies obtained by processing the image forming apparatus, the size of data to be processed by the image forming apparatus, or the usage time of the image forming apparatus. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user as compared with the prior art while maintaining the strictness of restrictions on the use of the image forming apparatus.

  1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system GSS, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 3 is an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the intermediate authentication server 2, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user account database DSA.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system GSS includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 (1A, 1B,...), One intermediate authentication server 2, one general-purpose authentication server 3, one, or a plurality of units. The personal computer 4 and the communication line 5 are configured.

  Each image forming apparatus 1, intermediate authentication server 2, general-purpose authentication server 3, and each personal computer 4 can be connected to each other via a communication line 5. These apparatuses cooperate with each other as appropriate, and perform various processes that will be described later.

  Hereinafter, a case where the image processing system GSS is constructed and used in a company having a plurality of departments (departments) will be described as an example. Therefore, the user of the image processing system GSS is an employee of this company. For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the copy of the document is a single-sided copy. Also, in other printing processes, printing is performed only on one side of the paper and not on both sides.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an image processing apparatus that integrates various functions such as copy, scan, fax transmission, fax reception, PC printing, scan transmission, and box. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  The “PC print function” is a function for receiving image data from the personal computer 4 and printing an image on paper. It may also be called “network printer function” or “network printing function”.

  The “scan transmission function” is a function for transmitting image data of an image of a document read by a scanner to an apparatus designated by a user based on TCP / IP and a related protocol (e-mail, FTP, or the like). This function is sometimes called “SCAN-TO-EMail” or “SCAN-TO-FTP” depending on the transmission method of image data.

  The “box function” provides a storage area corresponding to a folder or directory in a personal computer called “box” or “personal box” for each user, and the user can store a document such as an image file in his / her storage area. This function allows you to save data. Sometimes called “document server function”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, a hard disk 10d, an operation panel 10e, a scanner unit 10f, a printing unit 10g, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 10h, a modem 10i, and other various circuits. Consists of.

  The operation panel 10e includes a screen for giving a message or an instruction to the user, a screen for inputting a job type and processing conditions desired by the user, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. indicate. Further, the user can give a job command to the image forming apparatus 1 or specify processing conditions by touching a predetermined position on the operation panel 10e. As described above, the operation panel 10 e serves as a user interface of a user who operates the image forming apparatus 1.

  The scanner unit 10f optically reads an image of a document that is written on a sheet and includes a document, a mathematical expression, a symbol, a photograph, a chart, an illustration, or the like, and generates image data.

  The printing unit 10g prints on the paper an image formed based on the image data obtained by the scanner unit 10f or a print job transmitted from a personal computer or the like.

  The NIC 10h is an interface for performing data communication with other devices using a protocol such as TCP / IP. The modem 10i is an interface for performing data communication via a public line by a FAX protocol such as G3 or G4 with a FAX terminal external to the image processing system GSS.

  The hard disk 10d or ROM 10c includes a user ID etc. receiving unit 101, a user ID etc. transmitting unit 102, an available amount allocation requesting unit 103, an available amount receiving unit 104, a job command receiving unit 105, an access right as shown in FIG. Applications for realizing functions such as an inquiry unit 106, a job execution availability determination unit 107, a job execution control unit 108, a remaining usable amount return unit 109, and an allocation counter storage unit 121 are installed. These programs and data are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary, and the programs are executed by the CPU 10a.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the intermediate authentication server 2 includes data indicating which user is allowed to execute which type of job of the image forming apparatus 1 (that is, access rights for each user) and to which department. Data indicating how much the image forming apparatus 1 is allowed to be used by the user (that is, permitted usage) is managed. Further, it requests the general-purpose authentication server 3 described later to perform user authentication of a user who intends to use any of the image forming apparatuses 1. That is, the intermediate authentication server 2 centrally manages the use of the image forming apparatus 1 provided in the image processing system GSS.

  The hard disk of the intermediate authentication server 2 includes a user ID reception unit 201, a user authentication request unit 202, an authentication result relay unit 203, an allocation request reception unit 204, an available amount allocation unit 205, an access right answer, as shown in FIG. Installed with programs and data for realizing the functions of the unit 206, the remaining use permission amount receiving unit 207, the counter value updating unit 208, the access right storage unit 211, the overall counter storage unit 212, and the allocated prescribed amount storage unit 213. ing. These programs and data are loaded into the RAM as necessary, and the programs are executed by the CPU. A so-called server machine or workstation is used as the intermediate authentication server 2.

  The general-purpose authentication server 3 performs centralized management and user authentication of user accounts given to each user one by one.

  Specifically, the general-purpose authentication server 3 performs user account data indicating a user ID, a user name, a password, a department ID of a department to which the user belongs, a name (department name), and the like as shown in FIG. It has a user account database DSA that stores 7A. Then, user authentication processing is performed in response to a request from the intermediate authentication server 2.

  As the general-purpose authentication server 3, an existing server that provides a directory service such as Microsoft's Active Directory or Novell's NDS (Novell Directory Service) can be used.

  The personal computer 4 is installed with a driver for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 in addition to an application such as a text creation application or an image creation application.

  The user can use the image forming apparatus 1 by causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job. The job execution command can be performed by directly operating the image forming apparatus 1, but can also be performed remotely by operating the personal computer 4. However, the image forming apparatus 1 can be used only within a predetermined access right and usage amount. This will be described later.

  6 is a diagram showing an example of access right data 7B, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of counter data 7C, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of allocation counter data 7D, and FIG. 9 is an example of allocation prescribed amount data 7E. FIG.

  Next, processing contents of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 and each unit of the intermediate authentication server 2 shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 3, the user ID etc. accepting unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 displays on the operation panel 10 e a screen requesting to input the user ID and password of a user who desires to use the image forming apparatus 1 from now on. Let And the user ID and password which the user input here are received.

  However, when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1 remotely by the personal computer 4, the user ID and password input to the personal computer 4 by the user are received via the communication line 5.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 inputs the department ID of the department to which the user belongs together with the user ID and the password.

  The user ID transmission unit 102 transmits the user ID and password received by the user ID reception unit 101 to the intermediate authentication server 2. Thereby, a request for user authentication of the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 1 is made to the intermediate authentication server 2.

  In FIG. 4, the user ID etc. receiving unit 201 of the intermediate authentication server 2 receives the user ID and password from the image forming apparatus 1. Thereby, a request for user authentication is accepted.

  The user authentication request unit 202 sends a user ID and password received by the receiving unit 201 such as a user ID to the general-purpose authentication server 3, thereby requesting user authentication of the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 1. To do.

  Then, the general authentication server 3 performs user authentication by a conventional method based on the user ID and password and the user account database DSA. The result is returned from the general-purpose authentication server 3 to the intermediate authentication server 2.

  The authentication result relay unit 203 of the intermediate authentication server 2 receives the result of user authentication by the general-purpose authentication server 3 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 1 that is the request source. That is, the result of user authentication is relayed.

  As described above, the intermediate authentication server 2 serves as an intermediary for causing the general-purpose authentication server 3 to execute user authentication of the user of the image forming apparatus 1.

  If the intermediate authentication server 2 obtains a result indicating that the user is a correct user, the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 1 is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 until the user logs out. The use of the image forming apparatus 1 within the range is permitted.

  The access right storage unit 211 of the intermediate authentication server 2 stores information regarding the access right of each user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, data indicating whether to permit use for each function provided in the image forming apparatus 1 and whether to designate for each processing condition relating to color is stored for each user. Hereinafter, this data is referred to as “access right data 7B”.

  In the access right data 7B, the “user ID” field indicates the user ID of the user to whom the access right data 7B is given.

  Each field of “copy” or “accumulation” indicates whether or not the function provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted.

  That is, the “copy” field indicates whether or not the function of reading an image written on a document by the scanner unit 10f and printing it on a sheet by the printing unit 10g, that is, the use of the copy function. If the value of the field is “◯”, it means that the user is permitted to use the copy function in principle, and if it is “X”, it means that the use of the copy function is prohibited. The meaning of the value of the field related to other functions is the same. If it is `` ○ '', it means that the use of the function is permitted in principle, and if it is `` X '', the use of the function is prohibited. Means.

  The “PC print” field is a function for transmitting image data stored in the personal computer 4 to the image forming apparatus 1 and printing an image on a sheet based on the image data by the printing unit 10 g of the image forming apparatus 1, that is, PC print. Indicates whether to use or not.

  The “scan transmission” field has a function of transmitting image data of a document image read by the scanner unit 10 f of the image forming apparatus 1 to another apparatus designated by the user based on TCP / IP and a related protocol. Indicates whether or not use is permitted. That is, it indicates whether the scan transmission function is used. For example, the image data is transmitted to an e-mail address designated by the user based on an e-mail protocol. Alternatively, the data is transmitted to the personal computer 4 having the IP address designated by the user based on FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

  The “fax transmission” field indicates whether or not the function of transmitting the image data of the image of the document read by the scanner unit 10f of the image forming apparatus 1 to the fax terminal designated by the user based on the fax protocol, that is, whether or not to use the fax transmission function. .

  The “transmission data print” field indicates whether or not to use a function of printing an image related to image data transmitted to another apparatus by a scan transmission function or a fax transmission function on a sheet by the printing unit 10g. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as “transmission data print function”.

  The “accumulation” field indicates whether or not the function of accumulating (storing) image data transmitted from the personal computer 4 or the fax terminal or the image data obtained by the scanner unit 10f in the box, that is, the use of the box function.

  Each field of “color printing” and “monochrome printing” relates to whether or not to specify color conditions when outputting (printing or printing) an image on paper using the functions of copy, PC print, and transmission data print. .

  The “color printing” field indicates whether or not designation of color (full color, two color printing, or one color printing) output is permitted when using these functions. If the value of the field is “◯”, it means that it is permitted in principle, and if it is “x”, it means that it is prohibited. The meanings of the values in the fields "Monochrome printing", "Color transmission", and "Monochrome transmission" are the same. "○" permits the specification in principle, and "X" prohibits the specification. Means that.

  The “monochrome printing” field indicates whether or not monochrome output designation is permitted when using these functions.

  Each field of “color transmission” and “monochrome transmission” relates to whether or not to specify a color condition when transmitting image data using each function of scan transmission or fax transmission.

  The “color transmission” field indicates whether or not to permit designation of image data of a color image as a transmission target when using these functions. The “monochrome transmission” field indicates whether or not to permit designation of image data of a monochrome image as a transmission target when using these functions.

  The contents of the access right data 7B are arbitrarily set by the administrator of the image processing system GSS according to the user's job or job title.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the overall counter storage unit 212 stores information on the usage amount of the image forming apparatus 1 that is permitted for each department. Specifically, the overall counter storage unit 212 stores counter data 7C for each department as shown in FIG. The counter ID of the department is associated with the counter data 7C.

  The counter data 7 </ b> C includes counters for various processes executed by the image forming apparatus 1. In the example of FIG. 7, a counter for 29 processes is provided.

  Each counter indicates how much the member (user) in the department is allowed to execute the process related to the counter in the future.

  Each time a user in the department causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a process, the value of the counter related to the process is counted down according to the amount of the process, that is, the usage amount of the image forming apparatus 1. When the value is equal to or less than “0”, the user in the department cannot execute the process related to the counter unless a specific condition is satisfied. This specific condition will be described later. The countdown mechanism will also be described later.

  The processing involved in each counter is as described in “Count contents” in the figure, but for the sake of convenience, some counters will be described in detail here.

  The counter whose counter type is [NumberOfOriginals] relates to the number of scanned originals. That is, this counter counts down the number of originals from the current value as the image forming apparatus 1 reads the originals, and indicates how many originals are allowed to be read by the user in the department. cure. It does not matter which function is used for reading.

  The counter whose counter type is [NumberOfPrints] relates to the number of printed sheets. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing, this counter counts down the number of printed sheets from the value that it currently has, and determines how many sheets of printing (generation of printed matter) are allowed to the users in that department. Show again. It does not matter which function is used for printing and its conditions (such as paper size and print color conditions).

  The counter whose counter type is [Copy.Total] relates to the number of printed sheets by the copy function. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs copying, this counter counts down the number of copies from the current value, and how many copies (production of copies) are allowed to the users in the department. Restate. There is no limitation on the size of the copy destination paper and the condition of the print color.

  The counter whose counter type is [Copy.Total.Large] is particularly suitable for printing on paper of a predetermined size or larger (for example, B4 size or larger; hereinafter referred to as “large size”) during printing by the copy function. Regarding the number of prints. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs copying on a large size sheet, this counter counts down the number of copies from the current value, and how many more copies (copies of copies) are copied onto the large size sheet. Re-create whether the user in that department is allowed to There are no restrictions on the printing color conditions.

  The counter whose counter type is [Copy.Black] relates to the number of copies in monochrome printing (monochrome copy) among the printing by the copy function. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs copying in the monochrome mode, this counter counts down the number of copies from the current value, and performs copying (generation of a copy) in the monochrome mode. Show whether the user is allowed to There are no restrictions on the size of the paper.

  The counter whose counter type is [Copy.Black.Large] relates to the number of sheets of monochrome printing (monochrome copy) on a large size paper among the printing by the copy function. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs copying on a large size paper in the monochrome mode, this counter counts down the number of copies from the current value, and after that, how many sheets in the monochrome mode are large size paper. Indicate whether the user in the department is allowed to copy.

  In addition, a plurality of counters corresponding to the print color, the paper size, or a combination thereof are prepared as counters related to printing by the copy function.

  The counter whose counter type is [Print.Total] relates to the number of printed sheets by the PC print function or the transmission data print function. That is, this counter counts down the number of prints from the current value as the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing based on one of both functions, and how many sheets are printed by both functions. Re-explain whether to allow users in the department.

  In addition, as with the [Copy. To] counters described above, a plurality of counters corresponding to the print color, paper size, or combination thereof are prepared as counters related to printing by the PC print function or the transmission data print function. ing.

  Counters with a counter type of [ScanFax.Print] can be used for printing with image data that has been backed up (saved or stored) in a box among image data sent to other devices using the fax transmission function or scan transmission function. This relates to the number of prints (for example, prints associated with receiving a fax) using image data transmitted from the apparatus. In other words, this counter counts from the value that the number of prints currently has in accordance with the image forming apparatus 1 performing printing using image data backed up in a box or image data transmitted from another apparatus. Count down and use these types of image data to show how many more prints are allowed for users in that department. The paper size and print color conditions are not critical.

  The counter whose counter type is [ScanFax.Scans] relates to the number of originals read to transmit image data to another apparatus by the fax transmission function or the scan transmission function. In other words, this counter counts down from the current number of documents as the image forming apparatus 1 reads the document in accordance with the fax transmission function or the scan transmission function, and the fax transmission function or the scan transmission function. The number of copies of the manuscript that accompanies this is shown again. The size of the original paper does not matter.

  The counter whose counter type is [FAX.TX] relates to the number of fax transmissions. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs fax transmission, this counter counts down the number of fax transmissions from the current value, and shows again how many fax transmissions are allowed to the users in the department. .

  A counter whose counter type is [Color Total] relates to the number of color printing (full color printing, color two-color printing, or color one-color printing). That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs color printing, this counter counts down the number of color prints from the value that it currently has, and shows again how many color prints are allowed for users in that department. . Which function is used for color printing and the size of the paper do not matter.

  The counter whose counter type is [B & W Total] relates to the number of monochrome prints. That is, as the image forming apparatus 1 performs monochrome printing, this counter counts down the number of monochrome prints from the current value, and re-indicates how many monochrome prints are allowed to the user in the department. . It does not matter which function is used for monochrome printing and the paper size.

  As described above, the counter data 7C indicates the amount of use of the image forming apparatus 1 that can be permitted for use in the future for the users in the department. Hereinafter, this amount used is referred to as “usable amount”.

  In this company, the usable amount to be given to each department every predetermined period (for example, every month) is defined. How much usable amount is given to which department is set according to the work and the number of people of each department. Hereinafter, this predetermined period is referred to as “predetermined period TM”.

  In accordance with this rule, the counter value update unit 208 performs an update process to replenish (increase) the value of each counter of the counter data 7C of each department, that is, the usable amount every time a new predetermined period TM starts.

  Therefore, it can be said that the counter data 7C indicates the usable amount of the department until the current predetermined period TM ends in the future.

  In addition, when the predetermined period TM ends, the handling when the remainder of the usable amount is large (when it is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount) is arbitrary. For example, a remainder exceeding a predetermined amount may be invalidated.

  In addition, when the value of all or part of the counter data 7C is negative at the end of the predetermined period TM, the negative part is offset by all or part of the usable amount supplemented this time. . That is, the difference between the usable amount supplemented this time and the absolute value of the counter value is newly indicated in the counter data 7C.

  By the way, the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 1 unless a part or all of the usable amount shown in the counter data 7C of the department to which the user belongs is allocated to the image forming apparatus 1 and secured. . Further, the user can use the image forming apparatus 1 only within the usable amount range secured in the image forming apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 3, the allocation counter storage unit 121 of the image forming apparatus 1 stores information on the usable amount allocated and secured to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, allocation counter data 7D as shown in FIG. 8 is stored.

  The allocation counter data 7D includes counters (hereinafter referred to as “allocation counters”) corresponding to the 29 processes described above with reference to FIG. Each allocation counter indicates how much the user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 is allowed to execute the processing related to the allocation counter. Each time the user causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute processing, the value of the allocation counter is counted down according to the amount of processing, that is, the usage amount of the image forming apparatus 1. When the value becomes “0” or less, the user cannot cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the process related to the allocation counter.

  Each process related to 29 allocation counters shown in the allocation counter data 7D corresponds to each process of 29 shown in the counter data 7C of FIG. 7 and has the same meaning. The initial values of the allocation counters in the allocation counter data 7D are all “0”.

  A single job performed by the image forming apparatus 1 may include a plurality of processes. For example, a copy job includes at least two processes of scanning and printing. One process may correspond to a plurality of processes related to the allocation counters shown in FIG. For example, a full-color copy job on a large-size sheet includes two processes of scanning and printing. Among them, the scan process corresponds to only one process related to the [NumberOfOriginals] allocation counter, but the print process is [NumberOfPrints], [Copy.Total], [Copy.Total.Large], [Copy.FullColor]. ], [Copy.FullColor.Large], and [Color Total] corresponding to each allocation counter, that is, six processes. In this case, all the corresponding allocation counters count down according to the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when a five-page original is copied in full color on a large size sheet in three copies, the [NumberOfOriginals] allocation counter counts down “5”, and the remaining six allocation counters count down “15”.

  The available amount allocation requesting unit 103 requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to allocate the available amount to the image forming apparatus 1 when the user login to the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted.

  In FIG. 4, the allocation request reception unit 204 of the intermediate authentication server 2 receives a request for allocation of the usable amount from the image forming apparatus 1. In response to the request, the available amount allocation unit 205 sends a part of the usable amount indicated in the counter data 7C of the department to which the user currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 belongs to the image forming apparatus 1 or Process to assign all. Such processing is based on the assigned prescribed amount data 7E stored in the assigned prescribed amount storage unit 213 in principle.

  Here, the allocation prescribed amount data 7E will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the assigned prescribed amount data 7 </ b> E is stored in the assigned prescribed amount storage unit 213 for each image forming apparatus 1.

  The allocated specified amount data 7E indicates how much usable amount is allocated (given) to each of the 29 processes described above with reference to FIG. 7 in response to a single request from the image forming apparatus 1. Has been.

  Each process of 29 shown in the allocation prescribed amount data 7E corresponds to each process of 29 shown in the counter data 7C of FIG. 7, and has the same meaning.

  The assigned specified amount data 7E may be set according to the processing speed of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, with respect to the assigned specified amount data 7E of the image forming apparatus 1 having a high printing speed, the usable amount of processing relating to printing is set to be larger than that of the image forming apparatus 1 having a low printing speed.

  Returning to the description of the usable amount allocating unit 205, the usable amount allocating unit 205 supplies the usable amount for the image forming apparatus 1 to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in the allocation specified amount data 7 E of the request source image forming apparatus 1. Assign. At this time, the usable amount allocation data 8A indicating the usable amount is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 and is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 currently stored in the overall counter storage unit 212. The usable amount is counted down from each counter of the counter data 7C of the department to which the user belongs.

  The usable amount receiving unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the usable amount allocation data 8 </ b> A from the intermediate authentication server 2. Then, each usable amount indicated in the usable amount allocation data 8A is added to each corresponding allocation counter in the allocation counter data 7D stored in the allocation counter storage unit 121.

  As a result, a part or all of the usable amount of the user's department that is centrally managed by the intermediate authentication server 2 is allocated to the image forming apparatus 1 that is logging in the user.

However, the available amount allocation unit 205 cancels the allocation when there is no remaining usable amount related to any counter of the counter data 7C. Or, allocate only the remaining amount. Alternatively, when both of the following two requirements are satisfied, the counter value is allowed to be negative, and allocation is performed.
(Requirement A) The current date and time does not correspond to a specific time in the predetermined period TM currently in progress.
(Requirement B) The image forming apparatus 1 that is a request source has a job that has been started but is not yet completed. In other words, there is a job being executed.

  The specific time of (Requirement A) is set based on the management policy of the image forming apparatus 1 in this company. For example, if it is defined that the end of the predetermined period TM is a time for encouraging savings, this end may be set as this specific time. Whether or not (Requirement B) is satisfied can be known by making an inquiry to the requesting image forming apparatus 1.

  The job command accepting unit 105 transmits a job command desired by the user and execution conditions of the job (the color used for printing is any one of full color, two colors, one color, and monochrome, or is transmitted) Designation of which one of color image and monochrome image is to be used. The job command and execution condition designation may be made directly on the image forming apparatus 1 by the operation panel 10e or may be made remotely by the personal computer 4.

  The access right inquiry unit 106 gives the commander of the job the access right to execute the job that the job execution control unit 108 is to execute under the processing conditions (execution conditions) indicated in the job data of the job. The intermediate authentication server 2 is inquired as to whether or not it has been registered.

  Then, the access right answering unit 206 of the intermediate authentication server 2 determines whether or not such an access right is given to the user based on the access right data 7B of the user (see FIG. 6). Then, the result is returned to the image forming apparatus 1 as the inquiry source.

  For example, when the user gives a copy job command and specifies full color as the execution condition, the access right answering unit 206 indicates that the value of the “copy” field of the access right data 7B of the user is “◯” and If the value of the “color printing” field is “◯”, it is determined that the access right is given, and a response to that effect is given. If any one of them is “x”, it is determined that the access right is not given, and the fact is answered.

The job execution permission / non-permission determining unit 107 determines whether or not the job according to the user command may be executed based on whether or not the following (Requirement 1) and (Requirement 2) are satisfied.
(Requirement 1) The intermediate authentication server 2 has received a reply that the access right to execute the job is given to the user.
(Requirement 2) Of the allocation counters of the allocation counter data 7D stored in the allocation counter storage unit 121, none of the allocation counter values related to the processing associated with the job is less than “0”.

  For example, in order to satisfy (Requirement 2) when the job according to the user command is a copy job and the condition according to the user command is copying in full color on a large size sheet, [NumberOfOriginals], [ NumberOfPrints], [Copy.Total], [Copy.Total.Large], [Copy.FullColor], [Copy.FullColor.Large], and [Color Total] are all less than "0". None is needed.

  Only when both requirements are satisfied, it is determined that the job may be executed, and when neither of the requirements is satisfied, it is determined that execution is not permitted.

  However, if (Requirement 2) is not satisfied, the available amount allocation request unit 103 requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to allocate the available amount of the department to which the commander of the job belongs. Also good. As a result, when (Requirement 2) can be satisfied, the job execution availability determination unit 107 determines that the job may be executed on the assumption that (Requirement 1) is satisfied. Good.

  When the job execution control unit 108 determines that the job can be executed, the job execution control unit 108 executes each hardware and software as usual so that the job is executed according to the execution condition. Control. On the other hand, if it is determined that execution is not permitted, the job is canceled. Or, defer running the job until both requirements are met.

  Each time the process included in the job is executed, the allocation counter corresponding to the process counts down.

  If the allocation counter of the process to be performed next becomes “0” or less, the job is interrupted before the process is executed. In this case, the available amount allocation request unit 103 may request the intermediate authentication server 2 again to perform allocation. Then, when the allocation counter is replenished, the process may be resumed. Alternatively, when the allocation counter becomes less than a predetermined value (usable amount), it may be requested again to perform allocation. Instead of re-requesting the allocation of the available amount for all processes, it is only necessary to re-request the allocation of the available amount that is deficient or near to be insufficient.

  The remaining usable amount return unit 109 returns (returns) the remaining usable amount among the usable amounts allocated from the intermediate authentication server 2 to the intermediate authentication server 2 at a predetermined timing as follows.

  Data indicating the current usable amount of each allocation counter of the allocation counter data 7D stored in the allocation counter storage unit 121 is transmitted to the intermediate authentication server 2 as the remaining usable amount data 8B. The remaining usable amount data 8B is associated with the department ID of the department to which the user of the image forming apparatus 1 belongs. Then, all allocation counters of the allocation counter data 7D are reset to “0”.

  That is, the usable amount remaining in the image forming apparatus 1 that is not used by the user is returned to the intermediate authentication server 2. The process of returning may be performed, for example, when the user logs out from the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, it may be performed when the user has not performed any operation for a predetermined time or longer.

  The remaining use permission amount receiving unit 207 of the intermediate authentication server 2 receives the remaining usable amount data 8B from the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the usable amount indicated in the remaining usable amount data 8B is added to each counter corresponding to the counter data 7C of the department related to the remaining usable amount data 8B stored in the overall counter storage unit 212. . In other words, a usable amount that has been allocated to the image forming apparatus 1 but is not consumed is returned.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the intermediate authentication server 2.

  Next, the overall processing flow of allocation counter management in the image forming apparatus 1 and the overall processing flow of counter management in the intermediate authentication server 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11. .

  In FIG. 10, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the input of the user ID and password of the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 1 (# 1), the intermediate authentication server 2 performs the user authentication of the user. (# 2).

  If authentication is not obtained (No in # 3), the user is prompted to input the user ID and password again.

  If the authentication is obtained (Yes in # 3), the user is permitted to log in and requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to allocate the usable amount (# 4).

  When the usable amount allocation data 8A is received from the intermediate authentication server 2, each corresponding usable amount indicated in the usable amount allocation data 8A is added to the allocation counter of each process of the allocation counter data 7D (see FIG. 8). (# 5).

  When a job command is given by the user (Yes in # 7), the intermediate authentication server 2 is inquired whether the user has access right (# 8), and the amount necessary to execute the job It is checked whether or not it has a usable amount (# 9). If both are present (Yes in # 10), the job is executed (# 11). At this time, the allocation counter corresponding to each process included in the job is counted down by the amount used (# 12).

  When the user logs out (Yes in # 6), the usable amount currently remaining in each allocation counter is returned to the intermediate authentication server 2 (# 13).

  In FIG. 11, when the intermediate authentication server 2 receives some data from the image forming apparatus 1 (# 21), the intermediate authentication server 2 executes the following processing according to the type of the data.

  When the user ID and password are received, that is, when a request for user authentication is received (Yes in # 22), the general authentication server 3 is caused to execute user authentication (# 23), and the result is sent to the requesting image forming apparatus 1. (# 24).

  When the data related to the request for allocation of the usable amount is received (Yes in # 25), the allocation amount indicated in the allocation prescribed amount data 7E (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the request source image forming apparatus 1 is checked. (# 26).

  When the counter data 7C of the department to which the user of the image forming apparatus 1 belongs indicates an available amount that is greater than the allocated amount, that is, when the available amount for allocation remains for the department. (Yes in # 27), the usable amount corresponding to the allocated amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 29).

  On the other hand, if there is no available amount greater than the allocated amount, that is, if the available amount remaining for the department is not enough (No in # 27), it is listed above (requirement A). ) And (Requirement B) are satisfied (Yes in # 28), the usable amount corresponding to the allocated amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 29). Due to the current allocation, the value (usable amount) of a part or all of the counter data 7C of the department becomes negative.

  When data related to the access right inquiry is received (Yes in # 30), the access right (see FIG. 5) of the user of the image forming apparatus 1 as the inquiry source is checked (# 31), and the result is answered (#). 32).

  When the remaining usable amount data 8B is received (Yes in # 33), the usable amount indicated in that, that is, the remaining usable amount is added to the counter of the original counter data 7C (# 34).

  The intermediate authentication server 2 appropriately executes these processes until the service is stopped.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing when two image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B are used at the same time by users in the same department.

  Next, the flow of processing of the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B and the intermediate authentication server 2 when the users UA and UB belonging to the same department K use the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B at the same time are shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  Currently, it is in the middle of a certain predetermined period TM. No one is logged in to the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B, and the initial value “0” is stored in each allocation counter of the allocation counter data 7D of both apparatuses. The intermediate authentication server 2 stores data indicating the usable amount X as the counter data 7C of the department K.

However,
Usable amount X = (x1, x2,..., X29)
Each element of x1, x2,..., X29 indicates the usable amount of processing of [NumberOfOriginals], [NumberOfPrints],..., [B & W Total] in FIG. The same applies to each element included in the usable amounts P and N described later.

  Hereinafter, the allocation counter data 7D of the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B will be described separately from “allocation counter data 7DA” and “allocation counter data 7DB”.

  When the user UA inputs the user ID and password to the image forming apparatus 1A, the image forming apparatus 1A requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to perform user authentication of the user UA (# 101 in FIG. 12).

  When the intermediate authentication server 2 accepts the request (# 201), it causes the general-purpose authentication server 3 to execute user authentication of the user UA (# 202). The image forming apparatus 1A is answered (# 203).

  When the image forming apparatus 1A receives a response indicating that the user is a legitimate user (# 102), the image forming apparatus 1A recognizes the login of the user UA and requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to allocate a usable amount (##). 103).

  When the intermediate authentication server 2 receives the request (# 204), the intermediate authentication server 2 assigns a predetermined usable amount to the image forming apparatus 1A (# 205). Here, it is assumed that only the usable amount X, that is, all usable amounts remaining in the department K are allocated. Therefore, the value of all the counters of the counter data 7C of the department K becomes “0” by this allocation (# 206).

  When the image forming apparatus 1A receives the allocation of the usable amount X (# 104), it adds the usable amount X to the allocation counter data 7DA (# 105). Since the initial values of the allocation counters of the allocation counter data 7DA are all “0”, the allocation counter data 7DA indicates the usable amount X here.

  Thereafter, the user UA can use the image forming apparatus 1A within the range of the allocation counter data 7DA and his / her access right until logging out.

  On the other hand, the user UB inputs his / her user ID and password to the image forming apparatus 1B in order to use the image forming apparatus 1B. Then, the image forming apparatus 1B requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to perform user authentication of the user UB (# 151).

  When the intermediate authentication server 2 accepts the request (# 207), it causes the general-purpose authentication server 3 to execute user authentication of the user UB (# 208). The image forming apparatus 1B is answered (# 209).

  When the image forming apparatus 1B receives a reply indicating that the user is a legitimate user (# 152), the image forming apparatus 1B acknowledges the login of the user UB and requests the intermediate authentication server 2 to allocate a usable amount (##). 153).

  When the intermediate authentication server 2 receives the request (# 210) and confirms that (requirement A) and (requirement B) are satisfied, the intermediate authentication server 2 allocates a predetermined amount of usable amount to the image forming apparatus 1B. Here, since the image forming apparatus 1B has not yet received a job, at least (Requirement B) is not satisfied. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1B is answered to reject the assignment (# 211).

  When the current predetermined period TM expires and the next predetermined period TM starts (# 217), the intermediate authentication server 2 sets the usable amount N for the next predetermined period TM in the counter data 7C of the department K. Add (# 218).

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user as compared with the related art while maintaining the strictness of the management of the usable amount.

  In this embodiment, the case where a user account that performs user authentication in the general-purpose authentication server 3 has been described as an example. However, the user account that the image forming apparatus 1 itself performs user authentication, that is, a local user account (for example, a temporary image) The present invention is also applied to a case where a guest public user account that uses the forming apparatus 1, an administrator account that performs overall management of the image forming apparatus 1, or a box administrator account that manages boxes is used. Can be applied.

  Alternatively, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a user logs in using a user account (so-called group account) commonly used by members of a department.

  In the present embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, the case of single-sided copying has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the image forming apparatus 1 having a special copying function. In this case, the rules for consumption of the usable amount can be arbitrarily determined. For example, in the case of double-sided copying, only “1” may be consumed per copy in accordance with the number of sheets consumed, or one copy is a copy of two pages. In view of this, only “2” may be consumed. Similarly, in the case of 2-in-1 copying, the usable amount may be consumed according to the number of copies, or the usable amount may be consumed according to the number of copied pages.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 receives the available amount allocation at the timing when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1 and returns the surplus allocation at the time when the user logs out. Good. For example, the available amount may be allocated at a timing when a job command is given by the user, and the remaining allocation after the end of the job may be returned. At this time, the available amount may be allocated according to the type or processing condition of the job.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the loan data 7F. In the above embodiment, even when the usable amount of a certain department is insufficient, if the predetermined requirement is satisfied, the allocation to the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted, and the minus amount is newly supplemented in the next predetermined period TM. Offset by available volume. In this way, instead of borrowing in advance from the next predetermined period TM of the department itself, when the usable amount of the department becomes zero, borrow the available amount of the shortage from the other department, and borrow the borrowed amount to the next You may make it repay by the usable quantity newly replenished in the predetermined period TM.

  In this case, the intermediate authentication server 2 stores the borrowed data 7F indicating the borrowed usable amount, the lender, and the borrower each time lending is performed. Then, the counter value update unit 208 (see FIG. 4), when replenishing the usable amount to each department, based on the borrowing data 7F, the available use that has been rented from the department related to the borrower to the department related to the lender Update processing is performed so that the amount is repaid.

  Alternatively, a usable amount that can be shared by a plurality of departments may be prepared separately from the usable amount for each department. Then, when the usable amount of a certain department is insufficient, the shortage may be borrowed from the shared usable amount.

  In this case, the counter data 7C indicating the shared usable amount may be prepared in the entire counter storage unit 212 to manage the shared usable amount.

  When the usable amount of the department managed by the intermediate authentication server 2 is consumed more than a predetermined amount and is about to become insufficient, or when it becomes “0”, the fact is notified to the administrator by e-mail etc. May be.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 displays the information of the job instructed by the user, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the information depending on whether it is waiting to receive the allocation of the usable amount from the intermediate authentication server 2 or has already received the allocation. May be different.

  An indication of the job being executed by borrowing the available amount from the next predetermined period TM, borrowing from the available amount of other departments, or borrowing from the shared (common) available amount (for example, job name) May be distinguished from other jobs.

  In addition, the entire image processing system GSS, the image forming apparatus 1, the intermediate authentication server 2, or the configuration of each unit, the processing content, the processing order, the configuration of the database, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an image processing system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of an intermediate authentication server. It is a figure which shows the example of a user account database. It is a figure which shows the example of access right data. It is a figure which shows the example of counter data. It is a figure which shows the example of allocation counter data. It is a figure which shows the example of allocation regulation amount data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of an intermediate | middle authentication server. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing when two image forming apparatuses are used at the same time by users in the same department. It is a figure which shows the example of loan data.

Explanation of symbols

GSS image processing system 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Intermediate authentication server 205 Usable amount allocation unit 208 Counter value update unit 212 Overall counter storage unit 7C Counter data 7D Allocation counter data 7F Loan data 8A Usable amount allocation data 8B Remaining usable amount data

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus use management system for managing the use of an image forming apparatus,
Usable amount data storage means for storing usable amount data indicating the usable amount that is the amount of use of the image forming apparatus that is permitted for a user for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users. When,
Usable amount allocating means for allocating a predetermined usage amount from the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus as an allocated usable amount in accordance with an allocation request from the image forming apparatus. When,
The usable amount data of the group of the user is updated so that the allocated usable amount assigned to the image forming apparatus is reduced from the current usable amount of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. , Update method at the time of allocation,
When refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the available amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group is a negative value, the amount and the usable amount of the replenishing Update means for updating the usable amount data so that a difference from the absolute value of
The usable amount allocating means assigns the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus when the allocated usable amount is allocated in response to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus. When the amount is less than the allocated usable amount, if the image forming apparatus does not have incomplete image processing commanded by the user, the amount used within the usable amount range for the image forming apparatus. If the image forming apparatus has incomplete image processing instructed by the user, the usable amount is allowed to be negative, and the allocated usable amount is set to the image forming apparatus. assign,
And an image forming apparatus use management system. An image forming apparatus use management system for managing the use of an image forming apparatus,
Usable amount data storage means for storing usable amount data indicating the usable amount that is the amount of use of the image forming apparatus that is permitted for a user for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users. When,
Usable amount allocating means for allocating a predetermined usage amount from the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus as an allocated usable amount in accordance with an allocation request from the image forming apparatus. When,
When the allocated usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus, the allocated usable amount is equal to or smaller than the usable amount currently indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. A normal time processing means for updating the usable amount data so that a difference between the usable amount and the allocated usable amount is newly indicated;
When the allocated usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus, the allocated usable amount is larger than the usable amount currently indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. The usable amount data is updated so that 0 is newly indicated, so that the difference between the allocated usable amount and the usable amount is reduced from the current usable amount of any other group. Lending data storage means that updates the usable amount data of the other group and indicates the borrowed data, the other group, and the usage amount related to the difference as the borrower, the lender, and the borrowed usage amount, respectively. A shortage processing means to be stored in
When refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the lending data which the group is shown as the borrower is stored in the balance data storage means, loan amount shown on the balance data Updating the available amount data of the other group so as to be added to the current available amount of the other group indicated as the lender in the loan data, and replenishing the used amount and the borrowed used amount An update processing unit that updates the usable amount data of the group so as to newly indicate the difference and deletes the loan data from the loan data storage unit,
The usable amount allocating means assigns the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus when the allocated usable amount is allocated in response to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus. When the amount is less than the allocated usable amount, if the image forming apparatus does not have incomplete image processing commanded by the user, the amount used within the usable amount range for the image forming apparatus. If the image forming apparatus has incomplete image processing instructed by the user, the usable amount is allowed to be negative, and the allocated usable amount is set to the image forming apparatus. assign,
And an image forming apparatus use management system. An image forming apparatus use management system for managing the use of an image forming apparatus,
Usable amount data storage means for storing usable amount data indicating the usable amount that is the amount of use of the image forming apparatus that is permitted for a user for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users. When,
Common usable amount data storage means for storing common usable amount data indicating the common usable amount that is the usable amount common to all the users of the group;
Usable amount allocating means for allocating a predetermined usage amount from the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus as an allocated usable amount in accordance with an allocation request from the image forming apparatus. When,
When the allocated usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus, the allocated usable amount is equal to or smaller than the usable amount currently indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. A normal time processing means for updating the usable amount data so that a difference between the usable amount and the allocated usable amount is newly indicated;
When the allocated usable amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus, the allocated usable amount is larger than the usable amount currently indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. The usable amount data is updated so that 0 is newly indicated, and the common usable amount is such that the difference between the allocated usable amount and the usable amount is subtracted from the current common usable amount. A deficiency processing means for updating the data and storing the loan data indicating the usage amount related to the group and the difference in the loan data storage means;
When refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the lending data which the group is shown as the borrower is stored in the balance data storage means, loan amount shown on the balance data , Update the common usable amount data to be added to the current common usable amount, and the usable amount of the group so that the difference between the supplemented used amount and the borrowed used amount is newly indicated. An addition time processing means for updating the quantity data and deleting the loan data from the loan data storage means,
The usable amount allocating means assigns the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus when the allocated usable amount is allocated in response to the allocation request from the image forming apparatus. When the amount is less than the allocated usable amount, if the image forming apparatus does not have incomplete image processing commanded by the user, the amount used within the usable amount range for the image forming apparatus. If the image forming apparatus has incomplete image processing instructed by the user, the usable amount is allowed to be negative, and the allocated usable amount is set to the image forming apparatus. assign,
And an image forming apparatus use management system. The image forming apparatus adds the allocated usable amount to the allocation counter, counts down the allocation counter as the image processing is executed,
The image processing apparatus makes the allocation request to the available amount allocation unit when the allocation counter becomes 0 or a predetermined value or less during execution of image processing.
The image forming apparatus use management system according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus restriction method for restricting use of an image forming apparatus,
Usable amount data indicating a usable amount that is a usage amount of the image forming apparatus that is permitted for a user is stored in a storage unit for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users,
Wherein according to the assignment request from the image forming apparatus performs allocation to allocate processing as the predetermined amount from the available amount data used allocatable amount of the group of users with respect to the image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus,
The usable amount data of the group of the user is updated so that the allocated usable amount assigned to the image forming apparatus is reduced from the current usable amount of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. ,
When refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the available amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group is a negative value, the amount and the usable amount of the replenishing as the difference between the absolute value is shown anew in, updating the available amount data,
In the allocation process, when the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus is smaller than the allocated usable amount, the incomplete image processing instructed by the user If the image forming apparatus is not in the image forming apparatus, a usage amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus within the usable amount range. Allowing the possible amount to be a negative value and allocating the allocated usable amount to the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus limiting method, comprising: Usable amount data storage means for storing usable amount data indicating the usable amount that is the amount of use of the image forming apparatus that is permitted for a user for each group constituted by one or a plurality of users. A computer program used for a computer that manages the image forming apparatus,
In the computer,
A usable amount allocation process for allocating a predetermined usage amount as an allocated usable amount from the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming device to the image forming device in accordance with a request from the image forming device; ,
The usable amount data of the group of the user is updated so that the allocated usable amount assigned to the image forming apparatus is reduced from the current usable amount of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus. Update process at the time of allocation,
When refilling the usable amount to use doses of the group, if the available amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group is a negative value, the amount and the usable amount of the replenishing An update process at the time of updating the available amount data so that the difference from the absolute value of
Was executed,
In the usable amount allocation process, if the usable amount indicated in the usable amount data of the group of the user of the image forming apparatus is smaller than the allocated usable amount, the user has instructed If the image forming apparatus does not have the image processing in the image forming apparatus, a usage amount is allocated to the image forming apparatus within the usable amount range. , Allowing the computer to execute a process of allowing the usable amount to become a negative value and allocating the allocated usable amount to the image forming apparatus.
A computer program characterized by the above.

Images