JP2004178306A - Job management device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to notify a message according to a user environment.
An integrated server computer sets restrictions on use of a printer from a client computer for each user or each user group. Based on a job sent from the client computer to the printer, the usage status of the printer by a user or group operating the client computer is detected. Based on the detected use situation and the set limit, it is determined whether or not the use of the printer by the user or the group exceeds the limit. On the other hand, messages created for each user or each group are stored in the storage device, and when it is determined that the use of the printer exceeds the above-mentioned limit, the user is selected from among the messages stored in the storage device. Alternatively, a message corresponding to the group is read and displayed on the display device.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a job management apparatus, and more particularly, to a job management apparatus capable of restricting the use of a peripheral device when a job is sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device.
[0002]
The information processing device is, for example, a client computer, and the peripheral device is, for example, a printer (printing device), a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction device (MFP) integrating them.
[0003]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a network environment including a client computer and a server computer, peripheral devices such as a printer (printing device), a scanner, a copier, and a multifunction device (MFP) integrating them are connected to the network. A job management apparatus that manages a job when a client computer operated by a user sends the job via a network and uses the job is known.
[0004]
In such a job management device, a limit value is set for a user's use of a peripheral device via a client computer, the use is restricted for each user, and a user who exceeds the limit value is warned or warned. Is notified.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-123860
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional job management apparatus, only a caution or warning consisting of a uniform message is given to each user, and the user specifically specifies an action to be performed next according to the user environment. There was a request to be able to communicate the message.
[0007]
As a specific example, in a case where the upper limit of the number of prints is set and the job management apparatus manages the upper limit of the number of prints so that the students do not perform useless printing at the university, the student whose number of prints exceeds the upper limit ( For example, to the assistant professor Yamada's laboratory), printing is stopped and a message such as "The upper limit has been exceeded. Please come to the staff room (assistant professor Yamada) on Building A, 2F" is displayed. If you are using the prepaid card method and managing the printing, you will be asked to the student using the prepaid card, "The remaining number of prepaid cards has been exhausted. Please give me a message like "Please."
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a job management device that can notify a message according to a user environment.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a job management apparatus capable of restricting the use of a peripheral device when a job is sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device. Setting means for setting restrictions on the use of peripheral devices from each user or for each group of a plurality of users; and a user or group operating the information processing device based on a job sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device. Detecting means for detecting the usage status of the peripheral device according to the above, based on the usage status detected by the detection device and the restriction set by the setting means, the use of the peripheral device by the user or group sets the restriction Determining means for determining whether the number has exceeded the limit, and storing a message registered for each user or group in a storage device. When the storage unit and the determination unit determine that the use of the peripheral device exceeds the limit, a message corresponding to the user or group is read from among the messages stored in the storage device. And a display means for displaying the job on a display device.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
<Job account system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic overall configuration of an embodiment of a job account system according to the present invention.
[0012]
In the figure, reference numerals 1010 and 1020 denote client computers. Reference numeral 1030 denotes a base server computer. 1070 is an integrated server computer.
[0013]
1040 and 1090 are printers. However, it is assumed that the printer 1040 has a function of holding a job (print) history (job history holding function), and the printer 1090 does not have a job history holding function. Reference numeral 1050 denotes an MFP (Multi Function Printer). The MFP 1050 has a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a job history holding function.
[0014]
Each of the computers 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1070 and the printers 1040, 1050, and 1090 can communicate with other devices via a network.
[0015]
In the client computer 1010, when the application 1011 calls a GDI (Graphics Device Interface) 1012, the GDI 1012 generates print data in accordance with an instruction from the application 1011 and transmits the print data to the spooler 1013. The job account client application 1014 monitors (hooks) the call of the GDI 1012 by the application 1011 and accumulates job information related to the print data. The job information includes the number of prints and the number of pages, the print size, the type of paper to be used, information on the user who issued the print request (user information), information on color printing (color information), and the like.
[0016]
The spooler 1013 communicates with peripheral devices (printer 1040, MFP 1050, printer 1090) via a network, and transmits print data if the peripheral device is in a ready state. When the client computer 1020 functions as a print server, the print data generated by the GDI 1012 is transmitted to the spooler 1023 of the client computer 1020.
[0017]
The job account client application 1014 transmits the periodically accumulated job information to the job account server application 1031 of the base server computer 1030.
[0018]
In the client computer 1020, the application 1021, the GDI 1022, and the spooler 1023 perform the same processing as the application 1010, the GDI 1012, and the spooler 1013 in the client computer 1010, respectively.
[0019]
The job account client application 1024 of the client computer 1020 periodically monitors the spooler 1023. If there is a print job spooled in the spooler 1023, the job account client application 1024 obtains information of the print job using an API (Application Program Interface). Specifically, the number of discharged sheets and the number of pages of the print job are acquired. Then, the job account client application 1024 transmits the stored job information to the job account server application 1031 of the base server computer 1030.
[0020]
If the OS (Operating System) of the client computer 1020 has a function of transmitting a change in the state of the spooler 1023 to another application, the job account client application 1024 does not need to periodically monitor the spooler 1023. The OS need only inform the job account client application 1024 that the print job has been spooled to the spooler 1023.
[0021]
In the base server computer 1030, the job account server application 1031 includes a user information management module 1031a, a device information management module 1031b, a job information management module 1031c, and a use status input / output module 1031d. Among these, the user information management module 1031a stores and manages user information in a storage device 1060 connected to the base server computer 1030.
[0022]
Further, the device information management module 1031b investigates whether the peripheral device connected to the network has a job history holding function, and checks information on the device having the job history holding function and other device information. Are stored in the storage device 1060 and managed.
[0023]
The user information includes the computer login name of the user using the peripheral device (the name entered by the user to log in to the computer) and the network login name (the name entered by the user to log in to the network system). This is information for identifying (identifying) a user who has used the device. The device information includes the printing speed of peripheral devices, color information, a network address, and the like.
[0024]
The job information management module 1031c receives the job information from the job account client applications 1014 and 1024, and stores the job information in the storage device 1060. Also, the job information management module 1031c requests job history information from a peripheral device (for example, a printer 1040) having a function of holding job history information, and the job history information sent as a result is used by the usage status input / output module 1031d. Via the storage device 1060. This process may be performed periodically. Further, when the storage capacity of the history information storage unit of the peripheral device in the storage device 1060 becomes small, the use status input / output module 1031d is notified of the fact and the processing may be performed at that time.
[0025]
The usage status input / output module 1031d acquires a usage status including a job history (job information) from a peripheral device having a job history holding function, and stores the obtained usage status in the storage device 1060. Further, the usage status input / output module 1031d refers to the usage status data stored in the storage device 1060, creates a usage status report (a report indicating which user has executed the job and how many jobs have been executed), Output to a printer or monitor.
[0026]
The administrator can cause the usage status input / output module 1031d to output a usage status report so that the usage status of the peripheral device can be known. The usage status input / output module 1031d outputs various usage status reports based on the user information, device information, and job (print) history information stored in the storage unit 1060. The administrator specifies the output format (output format) for the usage status input / output module 1031d. The output of the usage report is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the base server computer 1030, for example. Further, output data related to the usage status report may be transmitted to the client computers 1010 and 1020, and the usage status report may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the client computers 1010 and 1020.
[0027]
The usage status report includes the usage amount (the number of sheets and the amount of toner used for print output) and the usage time of peripheral devices for each user. In addition, usage status is described for each operation mode (function) of peripheral devices such as color printing and double-sided printing. In addition, the usage status is listed by the size of the used paper and the type of the used paper.
[0028]
If the usage fee for the peripheral device is set in the device information, the usage fee is posted for each peripheral device or for each user. Furthermore, if a usage fee for each operation mode, a usage fee for each paper size, and a usage fee for each paper type are set, which user can use which paper, which operation mode, which peripheral device, and how much Is printed, and as a result, information indicating how much money is spent is posted.
[0029]
In addition, the administrator can set restrictions on use by function, by user, by user section, and by device to be used, via the user information management module 1031a and the device information management module 1031b. The limit information that can be set includes items such as a usage fee, the number of pages, and the number of sheets. When the usage exceeds the limit, the usage status input / output module 1031d monitors and compares the set limit (restriction information) with the job (print) history information, and outputs a message to that effect. This may be a display output on the screen of the display unit, or a mail or other communication output.
[0030]
Further, the job information management module 1031c monitors and compares the print history information with the limit set for each user, and when the usage of a certain user exceeds the limit, the job information management module 1031c transmits the print history information to the client computer 1010 or the peripheral device itself. On the other hand, the use by the user is refused. Alternatively, a warning may be given to the user by displaying it on the screen of the display unit or by e-mail or other communication means.
[0031]
The integrated server computer 1070 and the base server computer 1030 perform communication via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. Note that there may be a plurality of base server computers for one integrated server computer.
[0032]
The integrated server computer 1070 has a job account integrated server application 1071. The job account integrated server application 1071 includes a user information reference module 1071a, a device information reference module 1071b, a job information reference module 1071c, and a use state reference module 1071d. And a base server information input / output module 1071e. Note that a storage device 1080 is connected to the integrated server computer 1070, and the base server information input / output module 1071e acquires user information / device information / job information / use status information from the base server computer 1030, and stores it in the storage device 1080. Store. The storage device 1080 may be provided and managed in the integrated server computer 1070, or may be provided and managed in another computer that can communicate with the integrated server computer 1070.
[0033]
The user information reference module 1071a can refer to the user information stored in the storage device 1080 by the use status reference module 1071d.
[0034]
Also, the device information reference module 1071b can refer to the device information stored in the storage device 1080 by the use status reference module 1071d.
[0035]
The job information reference module 1071c can refer to the job information stored in the storage device 1080 by the use status reference module 1071d.
[0036]
The usage status reference module 1071d can refer to the information on the usage status of the device stored in the storage device 1080 by the usage status reference module 1071d.
[0037]
The base server information input / output module 1071e acquires user information / device information / job information / use status information from the base server computer 1030. Also, the base server information input / output module 1071e stores a usage status report of the base server computer 1030 (a report indicating which user of which base server computer has executed the job and how many jobs) in the storage device 1080. It is created with reference to the user information / device information / job information / usage status information, and is output to a printer or monitor of a peripheral device.
[0038]
The administrator can cause the base server information input / output module 1071e to output a usage status report and obtain the usage status of peripheral devices.
[0039]
The base server information input / output module 1071e acquires base server information, user information, device information, and print history information from the base server computer 1030 and stores them in the storage device 1080. Output a usage report. The administrator specifies the output format (output format) for the base server information input / output module 1071e. The output of the usage report is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the integrated server computer 1070, for example. Further, the output data relating to the usage report may be transmitted to the client computer 1010, and the usage report may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the client computer 1010.
[0040]
The usage status report includes the usage amount (the number of sheets and the amount of toner used for printout) and the usage time of peripheral devices for each user registered in the base server computer 1030 (there may be a plurality of base server computers). Will be posted. In addition, usage status is described for each operation mode (function) of peripheral devices such as color printing and double-sided printing. In addition, the usage status is listed by the size of the used paper and the type of the used paper.
[0041]
If the usage fee for the peripheral device is set in the device information, the usage fee is posted for each peripheral device or for each user. Furthermore, if a usage fee for each operation mode, a usage fee for each paper size, and a usage fee for each paper type are set, which user can use which paper, which operation mode, which peripheral device, and how much Is printed, and as a result, information indicating how much money is spent is posted.
[0042]
<Computer hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client computer 1010, the client computer 1020, the base server computer 1030, and the integrated server computer 1070. FIG. 2 shows only parts common to the respective configurations.
[0043]
In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU (central processing unit). The CPU 201 controls the entire computer, performs arithmetic processing, and the like.
[0044]
Reference numeral 202 denotes a ROM (read only memory). The ROM 202 is a storage device that stores a system startup program and the like. 203 is a RAM (random access memory). The RAM 203 is a storage device that provides a data storage area with no usage limitation. An operating system (OS), application programs, device drivers (printer drivers), communication control programs, and the like are loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 201.
[0045]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a KBC (keyboard control unit). The KBC 204 receives input data from a keyboard attached to the computer and transmits the input data to the CPU 201. Reference numeral 205 denotes a CRT (display control unit) which performs display control on a display device. Reference numeral 206 denotes an HD (hard disk device). The HD 206 can be replaced with an external storage device such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk device or an SRAM (non-volatile storage memory). The HD 206 stores programs and data, and these programs and data are loaded into the RAM 203 as needed. For example, in the case of the HD inside the base server computer 1030, user information, device information, and print history information (job history database) are stored.
[0046]
A communication unit 207 controls network communication. The communication unit 207 allows the computer to communicate with other computers and peripheral devices connected to the network.
[0047]
Reference numeral 208 denotes a system bus. Data exchanged between the above components passes through this system bus 208.
[0048]
<Memory map>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in a state where the job management program is loaded into the RAM 203 and is executable by the CPU 201.
[0049]
In the figure, 31 is a basic I / O program. Reference numeral 302 denotes an operating system such as a window system. 303 is a job management program. Reference numeral 304 denotes related data. A work area 305 is used when the CPU 201 executes a program such as the job management program 303.
[0050]
Further, the job management program 303 and the related data 304 are stored in a floppy (registered trademark) disk (hereinafter referred to as “FD”) or a CD-ROM, and are supplied to the computer therefrom.
[0051]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in a state where the job management program 303 and the related data 304 are stored in the FD or the CD-ROM.
[0052]
The storage area 400 of the FD or the CD-ROM includes volume information 401, directory information 402, an execution file 403 of a job management program (application), and job account related data 404.
[0053]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a computer main body, an FD drive, and an FD.
[0054]
As a method of supplying the program and data shown in FIG. 4 to the computer, a method of storing the program and data in the FD 500 and supplying the program and data to the computer main body 502 via the FD drive 501 as shown in FIG. 5 is general. . In this case, the program code itself read from FD 500 implements the functions of the present embodiment, and a storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0055]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, in addition to the FD and the hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used. it can. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the present embodiment are realized by the processing.
[0056]
<Internal configuration of peripheral device>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of peripheral devices (printer 1040, MFP 1050, printer 1090).
[0057]
In the figure, reference numeral 605 denotes a controller for controlling the entire peripheral device. The controller unit 605 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, and an HD 604.
[0058]
The CPU 601 controls the controller unit 605 and the entire peripheral device, and performs arithmetic processing and the like. The ROM 602 is a read-only memory, and is a storage device that stores a system startup program and the like. The RAM 603 is a random access memory, and is a storage device that stores data. The HD 604 is a hard disk, and can be replaced with another nonvolatile storage device such as an SRAM. The peripheral device having the job history holding function stores the job history in the RAM 603 or the HD 604. Further, an operating system, a communication control program, and an engine control program are loaded into the RAM 603 and executed by the CPU 601.
[0059]
An engine unit 606 of the peripheral device performs a printing operation and an image reading operation under the control of the controller unit 605. The engine unit 606 is specifically composed of a printer engine, a scanner engine, or both.
[0060]
A communication unit 607 controls network communication. The communication unit 607 allows the peripheral device to communicate with the client computers 1010 and 1020 and the server computers 1030 and 1070. 608 is a system bus. Data exchanged between the above components passes through this system bus 608.
[0061]
<Job management processing>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the job information management module 1031c of the job account server application 1031 shown in FIG.
[0062]
The job information receiving unit 701 acquires job information from the job account client applications 1014 and 1024 and the peripheral devices 1040 and 1050 having a job history holding function via a network. The job information registration unit 702 registers the job information received by the job information reception unit 701 in the job history database 703.
[0063]
By referring to the job information registered in the job history database 703, the job account server application 1031 executes a job of when, who, what peripheral device, and how much (number of pages, number of discharged sheets, paper type). It is determined whether the job has been completed and a detailed job account (job management) can be performed.
[0064]
<Process by application>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing when the job information registration unit 702 registers the job information received by the job information reception unit 701 in the job history database 703.
[0065]
First, it is determined whether or not unprocessed job information exists in the job information receiving unit 701 (S801). If there is no unprocessed job information, the process ends. If there is unprocessed job information, the job information is acquired from the job information receiving unit 701 in step S802. Next, in step S803, it is determined with reference to the acquired job information whether or not the corresponding job includes a paper discharge process. If the job does not include the sheet discharging process, the process returns to step S801. If the job includes a paper discharge process, the process advances to step S804.
[0066]
The processing from step S804 to step S808 is processing for registering job information in the job history database 703. In FIG. 1, when the client computer 1020 functions as a print server of the client computer 1010, job information generated by the client computer 1010 is transmitted from both the job account client application 1014 and the job account client application 1024. It may be transmitted to the job account server application 1031. Therefore, filtering is performed in steps S804 to S807 so that duplicate job information is not registered in the job history database 703.
[0067]
That is, in step S804, it is determined whether or not the job information has been acquired from the peripheral device. If the job information is acquired from the peripheral device, there is no possibility of duplicate registration, and the process advances to step S808 to register the job information in the job history database 703. If the job information is not acquired from the peripheral device, it is determined in step S805 whether the job information is acquired by the hook.
[0068]
As one of the methods for determining whether or not the job information is obtained by a hook, there is a method of determining on which OS the job information is obtained. It is possible to determine whether or not the job information is acquired by the hook depending on the type of the OS. For example, when the client computer 1010 uses the OS1 and the client computer 1020 uses the OS2, if the job information is acquired by the OS1, the job information is acquired by the hook. If the job information is acquired by the OS 2, the job information is acquired from the spooler 1023.
[0069]
If the job information is not acquired by the hook, there is no possibility of duplicate registration, so the process proceeds to step S808 to perform registration. If the job information is obtained by the hook, in step S806, it is determined whether the output destination of the job related to the job information is a shared printer. If the output destination of the job related to the job information is not a shared printer, there is no risk of duplicate registration, and the process advances to step S808 to register.
[0070]
If the output destination of the job relating to the job information is a shared printer, in step S807, the job information is acquired from a spooler of a client computer (for example, client computer 1020) as a print server managing the shared printer. It is determined whether the received job information is the job information. If the job information has not been obtained from the spooler, there is no possibility of duplicate registration, and the process advances to step S808 to register.
[0071]
If the job information has been obtained from the spooler, the process returns to step S801.
[0072]
In step S808, the job information is registered in the job history database 703.
[0073]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of job information registered in the job history database 703.
[0074]
The job history database 703 includes items and the contents of the items. A column 901 describes an output device of a job, that is, which peripheral device has processed the job. In the case of a job that does not involve a paper discharge process, this column 901 indicates that the job is a file name (scanning of a document), a fax transmission, or another job that does not involve a paper discharge process. be written.
[0075]
A column 902 describes a method for acquiring job information. The method of acquiring job information includes acquisition by a hook, acquisition from a spooler, and acquisition from a job history holding function.
[0076]
A column 903 describes a start time or an end time of the job. A column 904 describes the type of the discharged sheet. A column 905 describes the number of output pages. A column 906 describes the number of sheets discharged. A column 907 describes whether the job has been input from the client computer to the shared printer. A column 908 describes the user name of the job issuer. A column 909 describes information for identifying a job for color printing or a job for monochrome printing.
[0077]
<Printing procedure>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed in the client computer 1010 and the base server computer 1030.
[0078]
First, in step S1101, when the user instructs printing in the application 1011 of the client computer 1010, the application 1011 edits a document or image according to the user's instruction, and outputs a print request. Next, in step S1102, the job account client application 1014 obtains a print request from the application 1011 (or hooks the print request), checks what kind of print request has been issued, and obtains it as job information. . The job information is transmitted to the job information management module 1031c of the server computer 1030.
[0079]
In step S1103, a print permission determination result is received from the base server computer 1030. Next, in step S1104, if the print permission determination result indicates that print is permitted, the process proceeds to step S1105, where the GDI 1012 receives a print request from the application 1011 and sends print data to the printer via the spooler 1013. Output. If the print permission determination result indicates that printing is not permitted, the process advances to step S1106 to acquire information about printing suspension from the base server computer 1030, and proceeds to step S1107 to display a message indicating that printing is suspended.
[0080]
When the client computer 1010 requests the information regarding the print stop from the base server computer 1030 in step S1106, the base server computer 1030 transmits the information regarding the print stop including the message information indicating the message described below to the client computer 1030. I do. At this time, the server computer 1030 reads out message information corresponding to a user or a group (all users or a class described below) from the storage device 1060 based on the job information and transmits it. The client computer 1010 receives the message information, and displays the message indicated by the message information in Step 1107.
[0081]
The server computer 1030 may also transmit the message information to the printer, and the printer may display the message based on the message information. Thus, even after the user has gone to the printer, the user can recognize that the printing has been stopped and the content of the message.
[0082]
On the other hand, in the base server computer 1030, if the job information management module 1031c acquires the job information from the client computer 1010 in step S1108, the process advances to step S1109 to determine whether to permit the execution of the printing related to the job information. Is performed, and the result is transmitted to the client computer 1010. Next, in step S1110, if the printing permission determination result indicates that printing is permitted, the process advances to step S1111 to add print history information to the storage unit 1060. If the print permission determination result indicates that printing is not permitted, the process returns to step S1108 to wait for transmission of job information from the client computer 1010.
[0083]
FIGS. 11 to 16 show examples of the GUI when the print stop instruction message transmitted to the printer or the client computer 1010 in the step S1107 of the flowchart of FIG. 10 is set by the base server computer 1030. is there.
[0084]
First, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of user information managed by the base server computer 1030 in a tree structure. Such a tree structure is displayed on the display device, and the example of FIG. 11 shows a state where “root” meaning the entire managed user is selected. When selected in this way, a dialog box shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display device. In this dialog box, the message content to be displayed can be edited. The example illustrated in the dialog box of FIG. 12 shows a message that should be displayed in common to all users when printing is not permitted. In this way, a message common to all users can be set and registered.
[0085]
FIG. 13 is also a diagram showing an example of user information managed by the base server computer 1030 in a tree structure. In this diagram, “A class” is selected in the tree structure displayed on the display device. It indicates that When such a selection is made, a dialog box shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display device. In this dialog box as well, the message content to be displayed can be edited. The example illustrated in the dialog box of FIG. 14 shows a message that should be displayed in common to all users belonging to the A class to which printing is not permitted. In this way, messages can be set and registered in units called classes.
[0086]
FIG. 15 is also a diagram showing an example of user information managed by the base server computer 1030 in a tree structure. In this diagram, “user 1” is selected in the tree structure displayed on the display device. It indicates that When such a selection is made, a dialog box shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display device. In this dialog box as well, the message content to be displayed can be edited. The example illustrated in the dialog box of FIG. 16 shows a message to be displayed for the user 1 who is not permitted to print. In this way, messages can be individually set and registered only for the user 1.
[0087]
The edited or newly generated message is stored, for example, in the storage device 1060 as message information.
[0088]
<Job information integration procedure>
Next, an acquisition process in which the integrated server computer 1070 acquires job information of the base server computer 1030 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0089]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagram screen for the integration server computer 1070 to set a schedule for acquiring job information of the base server computer 1030.
[0090]
In this diagram, it is assumed that the integrated server computer 1070 performs a job information acquisition process of the base server computer 1030 at a predetermined time every day. In addition, when a large number of base server computers are present, if the processing for acquiring the respective job information is performed simultaneously, the load on the integrated server computer 1070 becomes large. Set the timing. In addition to the process of acquiring all job information, there is also a process of acquiring only a difference.
[0091]
This diagram includes a number-of-times input field 101 for specifying how many times the difference information is to be obtained, and a time input field 102 for specifying the execution time of the processing for obtaining all or the difference job information. And a month input box 103 and a day input box 104 for designating the date and time when all acquisitions will be performed next time, an OK button 105 for confirming the information entered in those fields, And a cancel button 106 for exiting from the diagram. This diagram designates a method of acquiring job information for a certain base server computer. By providing date and time input columns 103 and 104 and designating the date and time when all acquisitions will be executed next time, The processing load on the integrated server computer 1070 is distributed. In other words, if there are a large number of base server computers, if the date and time set in the date and time input fields 103 and 104 are shifted, the date and time when the integrated server computer 1070 obtains job information from each of the base server computers will not match. The processing load of 1070 is distributed.
[0092]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process in which the integrated server computer 1070 acquires job information from the base server computer 1030.
[0093]
First, in step S1201, the job account integrated server application 1071 of the integrated server computer 1070 determines whether or not the administrator has instructed the base server computer 1030 to execute a difference data update process. If instructed, in step S1202, it is determined whether or not all the job information acquisition processing has been performed previously. If it has been performed, the process advances to step S1203 to acquire the difference job information from the base server computer 1030. If all the job information has not been obtained before, the process returns to step S1201. If it is determined in step S1201 that execution of the difference data update process has not been instructed, the process advances to step S1204 to determine whether it is time to perform the periodic update process.
[0094]
The periodic update processing refers to the job information update processing executed based on the schedule for acquiring the job information of the base server computer 1030 by the integrated server computer 1070 described above with reference to FIG. If it is not time to perform the periodic update process, the process returns to step S1201.
[0095]
If it is time to perform the periodic update process, the setting contents are confirmed (S1205). If the setting is to perform the full acquisition process, the process proceeds to step S1206. If the setting is to perform the difference acquisition process, the process proceeds to step S1203. .
[0096]
In step S1203, difference job information is acquired from the base server computer 1030. In step S1206, all job information is acquired from the base server computer 1030.
[0097]
In this manner, in the present embodiment, when the use of the peripheral device by the information processing device is restricted, the user or the user group operating the information processing device is set according to the user or the user group environment. Message can be displayed. Also, this message can be set for each peripheral device, whereby a message suitable for the characteristics and installation location of the peripheral device can be set.
[0098]
As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, and examples of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed below.
[0099]
[Embodiment 1] In a job management apparatus capable of restricting the use of a peripheral device when a job is sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device,
Setting means for setting a restriction on use of peripheral devices from the information processing apparatus for each user or for each group of a plurality of users;
Based on a job sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device, a detecting unit that detects a usage status of the peripheral device by a user or a group operating the information processing device,
Determining means for determining whether or not use of the peripheral device by the user or group exceeds the limit based on the usage status detected by the detection means and the limit set by the setting means;
Storage means for storing a message registered for each user or group in a storage device;
When the use of the peripheral device is determined to exceed the limit by the determination unit, a message corresponding to the user or group is read from among the messages stored in the storage device and is displayed on a display device. Display means to display
A job management device comprising:
[0100]
[Embodiment 2] The storage unit stores, in addition to each user or each group, a message created for each peripheral device in the storage device,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the display unit reads out a message corresponding to the user or the group and the peripheral device from among the messages stored in the storage device and displays the message on the display device. Job management device.
[0101]
Embodiment 3 The job management apparatus according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral device is at least a printer or a copier.
[0102]
[Embodiment 4] In a message display method applied to a job management device capable of restricting the use when a job is sent from an information processing apparatus to a peripheral device and the peripheral device is used,
A setting step of setting a restriction on use of peripheral devices from the information processing apparatus for each user or for each group of a plurality of users;
Based on a job sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device, a detecting step of detecting a usage status of the peripheral device by a user or a group operating the information processing device,
Based on the usage status detected by the detection step and the restriction set by the setting step, a determination step of determining whether the usage of the peripheral device by the user or group exceeds the restriction,
Storing a message created for each user or group in a storage device;
By the determining step, when it is determined that the use of the peripheral device exceeds the limit, from among the messages stored in the storage device, a message corresponding to the user or group is read and displayed on a display device. Display steps to be displayed
A message display method comprising:
[0103]
[Embodiment 5] In the storing step, in addition to each user or each group, storing a message created for each peripheral device in the storage device,
The method according to claim 4, wherein in the displaying step, a message corresponding to the user or the group and the peripheral device is read out from each message stored in the storage device and displayed on the display device. Message display method.
[0104]
Embodiment 6 The message display method according to Embodiment 4 or Embodiment 5, wherein the peripheral device is at least a printer or a copier.
[0105]
[Embodiment 7] To cause a computer to execute a message display method applied to a job management apparatus capable of restricting the use of a peripheral device when a job is sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device. In the program of
The message display method is
A setting step of setting a restriction on use of peripheral devices from the information processing apparatus for each user or for each group of a plurality of users;
Based on a job sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device, a detecting step of detecting a usage status of the peripheral device by a user or a group operating the information processing device,
Based on the usage status detected by the detection step and the restriction set by the setting step, a determination step of determining whether the usage of the peripheral device by the user or group exceeds the restriction,
Storing a message created for each user or group in a storage device;
By the determining step, when it is determined that the use of the peripheral device exceeds the limit, from among the messages stored in the storage device, a message corresponding to the user or group is read and displayed on a display device. Display steps to be displayed
A program characterized by having:
[0106]
[Eighth Embodiment] In the storing step, in addition to each user or each group, a message created for each peripheral device is stored in the storage device,
The method according to claim 7, wherein in the displaying step, a message corresponding to the user or the group and the peripheral device is read out from among the messages stored in the storage device and displayed on the display device. program.
[0107]
[Embodiment 9] A computer storing, as a program, a message display method applied to a job management apparatus capable of restricting the use of a peripheral device when a job is sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device. In a storage medium readable by
The message display method is
A setting step of setting a restriction on use of peripheral devices from the information processing apparatus for each user or for each group of a plurality of users;
Based on a job sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device, a detecting step of detecting a usage status of the peripheral device by a user or a group operating the information processing device,
Based on the usage status detected by the detection step and the restriction set by the setting step, a determination step of determining whether the usage of the peripheral device by the user or group exceeds the restriction,
Storing a message created for each user or group in a storage device;
By the determining step, when it is determined that the use of the peripheral device exceeds the limit, from among the messages stored in the storage device, a message corresponding to the user or group is read and displayed on a display device. Display steps to be displayed
A storage medium comprising:
[0108]
[Embodiment 10] The storing step stores, in addition to each user or each group, a message created for each peripheral device in the storage device,
The method according to claim 9, wherein in the displaying step, a message corresponding to the user or the group and the peripheral device is read out from each message stored in the storage device and displayed on the display device. Storage medium.
[0109]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when the use of a peripheral device by an information processing device is restricted, a user or a user group operating the information processing device is set according to the user or user group environment. The displayed message can be displayed. Also, this message can be set for each peripheral device, whereby a message suitable for the characteristics of the peripheral device and its installation location can be set. Therefore, the convenience for the user is improved, and the management efficiency for the manager of the peripheral device is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic overall configuration of an embodiment of a job account system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a client computer, a base server computer, and an integrated server computer.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in a state where a job management program is loaded on a RAM and is executable by a CPU.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where a job management program and related data are stored in an FD or a CD-ROM.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a computer main body, an FD drive, and an FD.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of a peripheral device.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a job information management module of the job account server application shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing when the job information registration unit registers the job information received by the job information reception unit in the job history database.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of job information registered in a job history database.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by a client computer and a base server computer.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information managed by the base server computer in a tree structure, in which a tree structure in which “root” is selected is displayed on a display device.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a dialog box in which a message to be commonly displayed to all users when printing is not permitted is described.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of user information managed by the base server computer in a tree structure, in which a tree structure in which “A class” is selected is displayed on a display device.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a dialog box in which a message to be displayed in common for all users belonging to class A for which printing is not permitted is described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information managed by the base server computer in a tree structure, in which a tree structure in a state where “user 1” is selected is displayed on a display device.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a dialog box in which a message to be displayed for a user who is not permitted to print is described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a diagram screen for setting a schedule by which the integrated server computer acquires job information of the base server computer.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process in which the integrated server computer acquires job information from the base server computer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1010 Client computer (information processing device)
1011 Application
1012 GDI
1013 spooler
1014 Job account client application
1020 Client computer
1021 Application
1022 GDI
1023 spooler
1024 Job account client application
1030 base server computer
1031 Job account base server application
1040 Printer with job history retention function (peripheral equipment)
1050 MFP with job history retention function
1060 Storage device
1070 Integrated server computer (job management device)
1071 Job account integration server application
1080 storage device
1090 Printer without job history retention function

Claims (1)

In a job management device capable of restricting the use of a peripheral device when sending a job from the information processing device to the peripheral device,
Setting means for setting a restriction on use of peripheral devices from the information processing apparatus for each user or for each group of a plurality of users;
Based on a job sent from the information processing device to the peripheral device, a detecting unit that detects a usage status of the peripheral device by a user or a group operating the information processing device,
Determining means for determining whether or not use of the peripheral device by the user or group exceeds the limit based on the usage status detected by the detection means and the limit set by the setting means;
Storage means for storing a message registered for each user or group in a storage device;
When the use of the peripheral device is determined to exceed the limit by the determination unit, a message corresponding to the user or group is read from among the messages stored in the storage device and is displayed on a display device. A job management device comprising: a display unit for displaying the job.

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