JP4197451B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine having a department management function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a copying machine having a department management function, for example, control is performed such that a limited number of sheets is set for each department and copying exceeding the limited number is prohibited. There is also a system in which a management server is installed on a network to which a plurality of copying machines are connected, and department management is performed on the management server side. In this type of system, the limit number for each department is set in the management server. Then, the management server receives the usage count of each department from each copying machine via the network, accumulates it for each department, compares the cumulative value for each department with the limit number of copies, and based on the comparison result, the copy prohibition command Is notified to the copier.
[0003]
In systems where department management is performed by the management server, information on each department and the limit number for each department are registered on the management server side. Therefore, information on each department and the limit number for each department are registered for each copier. There is no need. However, in such a system, a PC for a management server is necessary, and server software for performing department management needs to be constantly started up.
[0004]
On the other hand, when individual copiers perform department management for each copier, it is necessary to register each department's information and the limited number of sheets for each department individually in each copier. There is a problem that.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates registration of department information including a limited number of departments when each image forming apparatus performs department management for each image forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus used in a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network, first means for registering and editing department information including a departmental limited number of pieces, department information Second means for transmitting department information after registration / editing to other image forming apparatuses on the network using IP address information of other image forming apparatuses on the network Of the other image forming apparatuses on the network, for other image forming apparatuses for which the department information transmitted by the second means is not accepted, the IP address is stored as the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred. A third means for storing the department information related to the other IP address to be stored in relation to the other IP address; If department information is sent from another image forming device on the network, receive it and register it. 4 means, The fifth means for allowing the user to input a retransmission command, and when the retransmission command is input, it is determined whether or not another IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred is stored, and the department information transmission error is If the generated other IP address is stored, the section information stored as the section information that should have been transmitted to the IP address to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the stored other IP address Means for sending It is characterized by having.
[0007]
The invention described in claim 2 In an image forming apparatus used in a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network, a first means for registering / editing department information including a limited number of departments, when department information is registered / edited, Second means for transmitting department information after registration / editing to other image forming apparatuses on the network using IP address information of other image forming apparatuses on the network, among other image forming apparatuses on the network, For other image forming apparatuses for which the department information transmitted by the second means has not been accepted, the IP address is stored as the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred, and related to the stored other IP address. , Third means for storing related department information that should have been transmitted to the other IP address, other image forms on the network From the device, if the division information is sent, fourth means for registering to receive it, No. for registering and editing own IP address information 5 When the IP address information of the device is registered / edited, the IP address of the image after registration / editing to the other image forming device on the network using the IP address information of the other image forming device on the network. Sending information 6 means, Of the other image forming apparatuses on the network, for other image forming apparatuses that have not received the IP address information transmitted by the sixth means, the IP address is stored as the other IP address in which the IP address information transmission error has occurred. Seventh means to When IP address information is sent from another image forming apparatus on the network, the IP address information is received and registered as the IP address of the other image forming apparatus. 8 means, Ninth means for allowing the user to input a re-transmission command, and when the re-transmission command is input, whether another IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred is stored and an IP address information transmission error has occurred It is determined whether or not another IP address is stored. If another IP address in which a department information transmission error has occurred is stored, it corresponds to the other IP address in which the stored department information transmission error has occurred. When the department information stored as the department information that should have been transmitted to the IP address is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and another IP address in which an IP address information transmission error has occurred is stored, The stored IP address information is sent to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the other IP address where the transmission error has occurred. Chapter 10 means to trust It is characterized by having.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention applied to a copying machine will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a system composed of a plurality of copying machines.
[0010]
A plurality of copying machines 1, 2, 3, 4 are connected to each other via a LAN 5. Since the configuration of each of the copiers 1 to 4 is the same, the configuration of the copier 1 will be described.
[0011]
The copying machine 1 includes an operation / display unit 11 having various keys and a display with a touch panel, an image formation / output unit 12 for performing image formation and image output, and a LAN connection unit 13 for connection to the LAN 5. Yes. The copier 1 also includes a self IP address storage unit 14, a department information storage unit 15, a count information storage unit 16, and another IP address storage unit 17.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 2, the self IP address storage unit 14 stores its own IP address, model name, and other information. The self address and other information are input by a user operation on the operation / display unit 11 as described later. As the model name, a model name preset in the copying machine is used.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 3, the department information storage unit 15 stores the department name, its reading, and the limit number for each department code. The department code, department name, reading, and limit number are basically input by a user operation on the operation / display unit 11 as will be described later. However, when new department information is registered in one copier or when department information is changed, the contents are sent to other copiers and the contents are automatically sent to other copiers. It is supposed to be registered.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 4, the other IP address storage unit 17 stores the IP address, model name, and other information of other copying machines for each of the other copying machines connected to the LAN 5. The IP address, model name, and other information of other copiers are automatically acquired from other copiers as will be described later. As the model name, a model name preset in the copying machine is used.
[0015]
The count information storage unit 16 stores a count value corresponding to the cumulative value of the number of copies for each department. Each of the copiers 1 to 4 exceeds the limit number for each department based on the limit number for each department stored in the department information storage unit 15 and the count value for each department stored in the count information storage unit 16. It has a function to prohibit the copying operation.
[0016]
FIG. 5 shows a procedure for acquiring an IP address (another IP address) of another copier.
[0017]
First, an administrator menu is displayed according to the procedure of FIG. 6 (step 11). In other words, when the administrator inputs the administrator password given to the administrator in advance (step 1), the copying machine determines whether the input administrator password matches the registered administrator password. Determine (step 2). If they do not match, the process returns to step 1. If they match, the administrator menu is displayed on the display on the operation / display unit 11 (step 3).
[0018]
FIG. 7 shows an example of the administrator menu. The administrator menu displays a department registration list, a department registration button 101 for registering and editing department information, an IP address setting button 102 for setting a self IP address, and another IP address list. Or an IP address list button 103 and a retransmission button 131 for acquiring other IP addresses are displayed.
[0019]
When the administrator menu is displayed, the administrator presses the IP address list button 103. When the IP address list button 103 is pressed by the administrator (step 12), the copying machine displays the IP address list on the display unit on the operation / display unit 11 (step 13).
[0020]
FIG. 8 shows an example of the IP address list. In the IP address list, IP address information of other copiers stored in the other IP address storage unit 17 is displayed as a list, and another IP address search button for searching for other IP addresses and updating the list 104 and a close button 105 are displayed.
[0021]
When the administrator presses another IP address search button 104 (step 14), another device connected to the LAN 5 is searched (step 15). When the device is searched, it is determined whether or not the searched device is a recognizable copying machine (step 16). In other words, a device connected to the LAN 5 is searched using a general protocol (for example, SNMP), and whether or not it is a copier with the searched device, and if it is a copier, its model, Information such as version is exchanged, and it is determined whether or not the retrieved device is a copier having a communication function of IP address information and department information according to this embodiment. If the retrieved device is a copier having the IP address information and department information communication function according to this embodiment, it is determined that the retrieved device is a recognizable copier.
[0022]
If the retrieved device is a recognizable copier, the IP address information is acquired from the copier (step 17). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired IP address information is registered in the other IP address storage unit 17 (step 18).
[0023]
If the acquired IP address information is not registered in the other IP address storage unit 17, the acquired IP address information is registered in the other IP address storage unit 17 (step 19). Then, the process proceeds to Step 20.
[0024]
If it is determined in step 16 that the retrieved device is not a recognizable copying machine, or if it is determined that the IP address information acquired in step 18 is registered in the other IP address storage unit 17, step 20 is performed. Proceed to
[0025]
In step 20, it is determined whether there is an unsearched device. If there is an unsearched device, the process returns to step 15. If there is no unsearched device, the current IP address acquisition process ends.
[0026]
FIG. 9 shows the registration / editing procedure of the self IP address.
[0027]
First, in accordance with the procedure of FIG. 6, an administrator menu as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step 31).
[0028]
When the administrator menu is displayed, the administrator presses the IP address setting button 102. When the IP address setting button 102 is pressed by the administrator (step 32), the copying machine displays an IP address setting screen on the display on the operation / display unit 11 (step 33).
[0029]
FIG. 10 shows an example of the IP address setting screen. On the IP address setting screen, an input unit 106 for inputting its own IP address, an input unit 107 for inputting other information, a registration button 108 and a cancel button 109 are displayed. The administrator inputs necessary information to the input units 106 and 107 and then presses the registration button 108.
[0030]
When the registration button 108 is pressed (step 34), the copying machine transmits its own registered IP address information (IP address, model name and other information, see FIG. 2) to other copying machines. Perform the process. That is, whether or not there is another copier (other IP address) that has not yet transmitted its own IP address information registered (or edited) in this self IP address registration / editing process. A determination is made (step 35).
[0031]
If there is another IP address that has not been transmitted, the IP address information registered this time is transmitted to another copier corresponding to one other IP address that has not been transmitted (step 36). Then, based on the response from the other copying machine, it is determined whether or not the IP address information has been accepted by the other copying machine (step 37).
[0032]
If the IP address information is accepted by the other copying machine, the process returns to step 35. If the IP address information is not accepted by the other copying machine, an error display indicating that the IP address information has not been accepted by the other copying machine is displayed (step 38). Further, the other IP address for which the IP address information has not been accepted (the IP address of the other copier) is stored as the other IP address in which the IP address information transmission error has occurred (step 39). Thereafter, the process returns to step 35.
[0033]
In this way, when the IP address information transmission processing (including the case of error transmission) is performed for all other IP addresses, the result of step 35 is NO, and the current self IP address registration / End the editing process. The operation of another copier when IP address information is received will be described later.
[0034]
FIG. 11 shows a procedure for registering / editing department information.
[0035]
First, in accordance with the procedure of FIG. 6, an administrator menu as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step 41).
[0036]
When the administrator menu is displayed, the administrator presses the department registration button 101. When the department registration button 101 is pressed by the administrator (step 42), the copying machine displays the department registration list on the display unit on the operation / display unit 11 (step 43).
[0037]
FIG. 12 shows an example of the department registration list. In the department registration list, department information stored in the department information storage unit 15 is displayed as a list, and an add button 110, an edit button 111, a delete button 112, and a cancel button 113 are displayed.
[0038]
The administrator presses the add button 110 when adding department information, and presses the edit button 111 when editing department information. If it is desired to delete the department information, the deleted department information is selected and then the delete button 112 is pressed. When the delete button 112 is pressed, a confirmation screen including a YES button 114 and a NO button 115 is displayed as shown in FIG. When the YES button 114 is pressed, the selected department information is deleted. As described above, when only the department information is deleted, the department information is not transmitted to other copiers.
[0039]
When the add button 110 or the edit button 111 is pressed by the administrator (step 44), the copying machine displays a department registration screen on the display on the operation / display unit 11 (step 45).
[0040]
FIG. 14 shows an example of a department registration screen. On the department registration screen, input sections 116 to 119 for inputting a department code, a department name, its reading, and the limited number of sheets, a registration button 120 and a cancel button 121 are displayed. The administrator presses the registration button 120 after inputting necessary information in the input units 116 to 119.
[0041]
When the registration button 120 is pressed (step 46), the copying machine determines whether or not the department code is new (step 47). If the department code is new, the copying machine creates new department information and adds it to the department information storage unit 15 (step 48), and then proceeds to step 50. If the department code is not new, the copier corrects the existing department information and updates the corresponding department information in the department information storage unit 15 to the corrected one (step 49), then step Proceed to 50.
[0042]
In step 50 and subsequent steps, processing for transmitting the currently registered (or edited) department information (department code, department name, reading and limit number, see FIG. 3) to other copiers is performed. That is, in the current department information registration / editing process, it is determined whether there is another copier (other IP address) that has not yet transmitted the department information registered this time (step 50).
[0043]
If there is an untransmitted other IP address, the department information registered this time is transmitted to another copier corresponding to one untransmitted other IP address (step 51). Then, based on the response from the other copier, it is determined whether the department information has been accepted by the other copier (step 52).
[0044]
If the department information is accepted by the other copying machine, the process returns to step 50. If the department information is not accepted by the other copying machine, an error display indicating that the department information has not been accepted by the other copying machine is performed (step 53). Further, the other IP address for which the department information has not been accepted (the IP address of the copy machine of the other party) is stored as the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred (step 54). At this time, the department information that should have been transmitted to the other IP address is also saved in association with the other IP address to be saved. Then, the process returns to step 50.
[0045]
In this way, when department information transmission processing (including the case of error transmission) is performed for all other IP addresses, NO is determined in step 50, and the current department information registration / edit processing is performed. Exit. The operation of other copiers when department information is received will be described later.
[0046]
FIG. 15 shows a process for retransmitting the IP address or department information to another copier that could not send the IP address or department information in the registration / editing process of the own IP address or the registration / editing process of the department information. The procedure is shown.
[0047]
First, in accordance with the procedure of FIG. 6, an administrator menu as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step 81).
[0048]
When the administrator menu is displayed, the administrator presses the re-send button 131. When the department registration button 131 is pressed by the administrator (step 82), the copying machine determines whether another IP address in which an IP address information transmission error has occurred is stored (step 83).
[0049]
In the case where other IP addresses in which an IP address information transmission error has occurred are stored, the other IP addresses stored at the start of the current retransmission process include their own IP addresses in this retransmission process. It is determined whether there is another IP address that has not yet transmitted address information (step 84).
[0050]
If there is an untransmitted other IP address, its own IP address information is transmitted to another copier corresponding to one other untransmitted other IP address (step 85). Then, based on the response from the other copying machine, it is determined whether or not the IP address information has been accepted by the other copying machine (step 86).
[0051]
If the IP address information is accepted by the other copying machine, the process returns to step 84. If the IP address information is not accepted by the other copying machine, an error display indicating that the IP address information has not been accepted by the other copying machine is displayed (step 87). Further, the other IP address for which the IP address information has not been accepted (the IP address of the other copier) is stored as the other IP address in which the IP address information transmission error has occurred (step 88). Thereafter, the process returns to step 84.
[0052]
In this way, IP address information transmission processing for all other IP addresses stored as other IP addresses in which an IP address information transmission error has occurred at the start of the current retransmission processing (when an error transmission occurs) Is included), the answer is NO in step 84, and the process proceeds to step 89.
[0053]
If it is determined in step 83 that the other IP address where the IP address information transmission error has occurred is not stored, the process proceeds to step 89.
[0054]
In step 89, the copying machine determines whether another IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred is stored.
[0055]
If the other IP address where the department information transmission error has occurred is saved, the department information is not yet stored in the other IP addresses saved at the start of the current retransmission process. It is determined whether there is another IP address that has not been transmitted (step 90).
[0056]
If there is an untransmitted other IP address, the department information to be retransmitted is transmitted to the other copier corresponding to the untransmitted other IP address (step 91). Then, based on the response from the other copier, it is determined whether the department information has been accepted by the other copier (step 92).
[0057]
If the department information is accepted by the other copying machine, the process returns to step 90. If the department information is not accepted by the other copying machine, an error display indicating that the department information has not been accepted by the other copying machine is performed (step 93). Further, the other IP address for which the department information information has not been accepted (the IP address of the other copier) is stored as the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred (step 94). At this time, the department information that should have been transmitted to the other IP address is also saved in association with the other IP address to be saved. Thereafter, the process returns to step 90.
[0058]
In this way, IP address information transmission processing (even in the case of error transmission) to all other IP addresses stored as other IP addresses in which a department information transmission error has occurred at the start of the current retransmission processing. If it is included), NO is determined in step 90, and the current retransmission process is terminated.
[0059]
If it is determined in step 89 that the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred is not saved, the current retransmission process is also terminated.
[0060]
FIG. 16 shows a processing procedure of the copying machine when IP address information or department information is received.
[0061]
When IP address information or department information is received (step 61). It is determined whether the received data is IP address information (step 62). If the received data is IP address information, it is determined whether the received IP address is already registered in the other IP address storage unit 17 (step 63).
[0062]
If the received IP address is not registered in the other IP address storage unit 17, the received IP address information is additionally registered in the other IP address storage unit 17 (step 64). Then, the current reception process ends. If the received IP address is already registered in the other IP address storage unit 17, other information in the corresponding IP address information in the other IP address storage unit 17 is replaced with other information in the received IP address information. Information is updated (step 65). Then, the current reception process ends.
[0063]
If the received data is not IP address information, that is, if the received data is department information, it is determined whether or not the received department code is already registered in the department information storage unit 15 (step 66).
[0064]
If the received department code is not registered in the department information storage unit 15, the received department information is additionally registered in the department information storage unit 15 (step 67). Then, the current reception process ends. If the received department code is already registered in the department information storage unit 15, the other information in the corresponding department information in the department information storage unit 15 is updated to the other information in the received department information. (Step 68). Then, the current reception process ends.
[0065]
According to the above embodiment, the department information (department code, department name, reading and limit number) registered in one copier is automatically registered in other copiers. Work becomes easy. In this embodiment, each copying machine needs to register the IP address of another copying machine in addition to its own IP address. However, the IP address of another copying machine can be automatically acquired. Also, the registration work of the IP addresses of other copiers is facilitated.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when each image forming apparatus performs department management for each image forming apparatus, it is easy to register department information including the departmental limit number.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system composed of a plurality of copying machines.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of IP address information stored in a self IP address storage unit 14;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of department information stored in a department information storage unit 15;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of IP address information stored in another IP address storage unit 17;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an IP address (other IP address) acquisition processing procedure of another copier.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for displaying an administrator menu.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an administrator menu.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an IP address list.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a self IP address registration / edit processing procedure;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an IP address setting screen.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering / editing department information.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a department registration list.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen displayed when a delete button on a department registration list is pressed.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a department registration screen.
FIG. 15 shows a process for retransmitting an IP address or department information to another copier that could not send an IP address or department information in the self IP address registration / editing process or department information registration / editing process. It is a flowchart which shows a procedure.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the copier when IP address information or department information is received.
[Explanation of symbols]
1-4 Copier
5 LAN
11 Operation / display section
12 Image formation / output unit
13 LAN connection
14 Self IP address storage
15 Department Information Storage Department
16 Count information storage unit
17 Other IP address storage

Claims (2)

In an image forming apparatus used in a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network,
A first means for registering and editing department information including the limited number of departments;
A second means for transmitting the registered / edited department information to another image forming apparatus on the network using the IP address information of the other image forming apparatus on the network when the department information is registered / edited ;
Among other image forming apparatuses on the network, for other image forming apparatuses for which the department information transmitted by the second means is not accepted, the IP address is stored as the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred. A third means for storing the department information that should have been transmitted to the other IP address in relation to the other IP address to be stored;
When department information is sent from another image forming apparatus on the network, a fourth means for receiving and registering the department information;
Fifth means for allowing the user to input a retransmission command; and
When a re-transmission command is input, it is determined whether or not another IP address in which a department information transmission error has occurred is stored. If another IP address in which a department information transmission error has occurred is stored, it is stored. Sixth means for transmitting department information stored as department information that should have been transmitted to the IP address to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the other IP address being
An image forming apparatus comprising: In an image forming apparatus used in a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network,
A first means for registering and editing department information including the limited number of departments;
A second means for transmitting the registered / edited department information to another image forming apparatus on the network using the IP address information of the other image forming apparatus on the network when the department information is registered / edited;
Among other image forming apparatuses on the network, for other image forming apparatuses for which the department information transmitted by the second means is not accepted, the IP address is stored as the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred. A third means for storing the department information that should have been transmitted to the other IP address in relation to the other IP address to be stored;
When department information is sent from another image forming apparatus on the network, a fourth means for receiving and registering the department information;
Fifth means for registering / editing own IP address information;
When own IP address information is registered / edited, the IP address information of other image forming apparatuses on the network is used to register the own IP address information after registration / editing on other image forming apparatuses on the network. Sixth means for transmitting,
Of the other image forming apparatuses on the network, for other image forming apparatuses that have not received the IP address information transmitted by the sixth means, the IP address is stored as the other IP address in which the IP address information transmission error has occurred. Seventh means to
An eighth means for receiving IP address information from another image forming apparatus on the network and registering it as the IP address of the other image forming apparatus;
Ninth means for allowing the user to input a retransmission command; and
When the re-transmission command is input, it is determined whether or not the other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred is stored and whether or not the other IP address in which the IP address information transmission error has occurred is stored. When the other IP address in which the information transmission error has occurred is stored, it should be transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the stored other IP address in which the department information transmission error has occurred. When the department information stored as the department information is transmitted and another IP address in which an IP address information transmission error has occurred is stored, the other IP address in which the stored IP address information transmission error has occurred A tenth means for transmitting own IP address information to an image forming apparatus corresponding to
Images forming device you characterized by comprising a.

Images