JP2008191844A - Print aggregation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To contradict setting of user information in an image forming apparatus when updating user information through a web screen while updating user information by a billing utility.
In a print tabulation system including an image forming apparatus and a server, an operating unit in which a charging utility operates, a server generating unit that generates start information indicating the start of operation, and the start information are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. And a server information generation unit that generates operation information indicating that the server is in operation when receiving start information from the server, and a generated operation information. An operation information storage unit that stores information, a device input unit that inputs an update request for user information, and an operation determination unit that determines whether or not the operation information is stored in the operation information storage unit When the image forming apparatus is determined to be in operation, a control unit is provided on the image forming apparatus side that disables execution of update processing on user information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a print counting system including an image forming apparatus that executes image forming processing and a server that counts processing information related to the image forming processing.

  In a network environment in which an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner device, or a multi-function machine including a printer unit and a scanner unit is shared by a plurality of users, Charges are made according to the amount of toner used and the like. In recent years, for such billing processing, a print total system comprising an image forming apparatus and a print total server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network has been put into practical use and widely introduced (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the above-described print aggregation system, authority information indicating permission or prohibition of printing is preset in the image forming apparatus as user information for each personal identification number as a user PIN (Personal Identification Number). When executing the printing process using the image forming apparatus, the user inputs a password on the operation panel. When the input personal identification number is authenticated and printing is permitted, the image forming apparatus executes a printing process and generates and stores a billing log including the number of printed sheets and the amount of toner used. This billing log is transmitted to the print tabulation server in response to a transmission request from the print tabulation server, and then used for calculation of billing fees by a billing utility operating on the print tabulation server.

  In such a print aggregation system, conventionally, a print aggregation server has set and updated user information in the image forming apparatus. That is, when a billing utility is activated in the print aggregation server and a request for adding a new password, a request for changing set user information, a request for deletion, or the like is input, between the print aggregation server and the image forming apparatus. Communication has been executed, and user information stored in the image forming apparatus has been updated.

In addition, the setting and updating of the user information described above can be conventionally performed using a web screen. That is, when the administrator of the image forming apparatus displays a web screen for setting user information and performs input on the personal computer (administrator PC) for the administrator, the administrator PC displays the image forming apparatus. And updating user information.
JP 2005-178161 A

  However, when the administrator of the image forming apparatus updates the user information via the web screen displayed on the administrator PC during the update of the user information by the billing utility, there is a contradiction in the user information setting. There was a problem that occurred. Similarly, when the user information is updated by the accounting utility while the user information is being updated on the web screen displayed on the administrator PC, there is still a problem that the user information setting is inconsistent.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a print aggregation system that can prevent user information update processing by a billing utility and user information update processing via a web screen from being executed simultaneously. It is to be.

  The present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above points.

<Constitution>
The print aggregation system according to the present invention acquires user information, executes image forming processing, generates processing information including user information, and connects to the image forming device via a network. A server for receiving a plurality of pieces of processing information from the forming apparatus and performing a totaling process of the processing information for the user, and the server is an operating unit in which an application for the totaling process and the updating process of the user information is operated And a server generation unit that generates start information indicating the start of operation when the application operates, and a server transmission unit that transmits the generated start information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus stores user information. A user information storage unit that receives the start information from the server, and a device generation unit that generates operation information indicating that the application is in operation, The operation information storage unit that stores the generated operation information, the device input unit that inputs an update request for user information, and whether or not the operation information is stored in the operation information storage unit. An operation determining unit that determines whether or not there is a control unit and a control unit that disables execution of an update process on user information when it is determined that the user information is operating.

  According to the print aggregation system of the present invention, when an application for aggregation processing and user information update processing operates in the server, the operation of the application is notified from the server to the image forming apparatus, and operation information indicating that the application is in operation is provided. Stored in the image forming apparatus. When an update request for user information is input in the image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the application is in operation based on whether or not operation information is stored. Since the update is impossible, the occurrence of inconsistency in the user information setting is avoided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the present invention is applied to a print aggregation system including a multifunction peripheral and a print aggregation server will be described as an example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a print aggregation system according to the present invention.
The print tabulation system 10 of this embodiment includes a multifunction machine 11, a print tabulation server 12 connected to the MFP 11 via a network, and an administrator PC 13 connected to the MFP 11 via the network. The Using this print tabulation system 10, for example, the user can transmit image data from a user PC connected to the network to the multifunction machine 11 to execute each image forming process such as a printing process or a fax transmission process. it can.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print aggregation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The multifunction machine 11 is an image forming apparatus that executes image forming processing such as printing processing, scanning processing, and fax transmission processing, as an operation panel 14, an authentication unit 15, a processing execution unit 16, a log generation storage unit 17, a storage unit 18, A user information management unit 19, an accounting log management unit 20, an operation information management unit 21, an operation determination unit 22, and an interface unit 23 are provided.

  The operation panel 14 has a display input function, and as an acquisition unit, displays a login screen for inputting a personal identification number as user identification information of the user, acquires the input personal identification number, and sends it to the authentication unit 15. send. The operation panel 14 displays a process selection screen for selecting each image forming process, acquires selection information, and sends the selection information to the process execution unit 16 together with a password.

  When the authentication unit 15 receives the password from the operation panel 14, the authentication unit 15 uses the password to query whether the password is valid and information about each image forming process that can be selected by the user, that is, authority information. The user information management unit 19 is notified. In addition, when the authority information is received from the user information management unit 19, a process selection screen corresponding to the authority information is displayed on the operation panel 14.

  In this embodiment, the processing execution unit 16 has a function of executing monochrome printing processing, color printing processing, ScanToEmail processing, ScanToServer processing, and fax transmission processing, and responds based on selection information received from the operation panel 14. The image forming process is executed for each job.

  When the job is executed by the process execution unit 16 as a device generation unit, the log generation storage unit 17 generates a billing log as processing information and stores it in the storage unit 18. The accounting log generated by the log generation storage unit 17 includes a personal identification number, a job identification ID, a job start time, a job end time, the number of printed sheets, a toner usage amount, and the like.

  The storage unit 18 includes a non-volatile memory in this embodiment, and includes a user information storage unit 24, a charging log storage unit 25, and an operation information storage unit 26, as shown in FIG.

  In the user information storage unit 24, authority information of the user is stored in association with the password as user identification information. The personal identification number and authority information stored in the user information storage unit 24 are set as user information.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the user information storage unit.
Whether or not to permit execution of monochrome printing processing, color printing processing, ScanToEmail processing, ScanToServer processing, and fax transmission processing in the user information storage unit 24 as shown in FIG. Is stored.

  In FIG. 3, the authority information “permission” is stored in the user information storage unit 24 for each of the monochrome print item, the color print item, the ScanToEmail item, the ScanToServer item, and the fax transmission item corresponding to the personal identification number “1111”. It is remembered. In other words, the user corresponding to the personal identification number “1111” can execute all of monochrome printing processing, color printing processing, ScanToEmail processing, ScanToServer processing, and fax transmission processing in the multifunction machine 11.

  In FIG. 3, the user information storage unit 24 has authority information “permitted” for the monochrome print item, the ScanToEmail item, the ScanToServer item, and the fax transmission item corresponding to the personal identification number “2222”, and the color print item. The authority information “prohibited” is stored respectively. That is, the user corresponding to the personal identification number “2222” can execute the monochrome printing process, the ScanToEmail process, the ScanToServer process, and the fax transmission process in the multifunction machine 11, but cannot execute the color printing process.

  The charging log storage unit 25 stores the charging log generated by the log generation storage unit 17. The accounting log stored in the accounting log storage unit 25 is transmitted to the print aggregation server 12 in response to a transmission request from the print aggregation server 12.

  The operation information storage unit 26 stores operation flag information indicating whether or not an accounting utility (described later) is operating in the print aggregation server 12.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation information storage unit according to the first embodiment.
The operation information storage unit 26 stores operation flag information “ON” or “OFF” as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The operation flag information “ON” indicates that the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12 as operation information, and the operation flag information “OFF” indicates that the accounting utility is not operating, that is, the operation is stopped. It is shown that.

  The user information management unit 19 has a function of managing the user information storage unit 24. As an update unit, the user information management unit 19 updates authority information of each user, addition of a new password, deletion of a set password, and the like. Process. In addition, when the personal identification number is received from the authentication unit 15, it is determined whether the personal identification number matches any of the personal identification numbers stored in the user information storage unit 24. The password is determined to be valid, and the corresponding authority information is read out and sent to the authentication unit 15. If they do not match, the user information management unit 19 notifies the authentication unit 15 that the password is invalid.

  The charging log management unit 20 has a function of managing the charging log storage unit 25.

  The operation information management unit 21 has a function of managing the operation information storage unit 26, and as an apparatus generation unit, the operation flag information “ON” or operation flag information “ “OFF” is written in the operation information storage unit 26. Further, in response to an inquiry from the operation determination unit 22, the operation flag information stored in the operation information storage unit 26 is read and notified.

  The operation determination unit 22 has a function of determining whether or not the accounting utility is operating in the print totaling server 12 and makes an inquiry about operation flag information to the operation information management unit 21. When the operation flag information notified from the operation information management unit 21 is “ON”, the operation determination unit 22 determines that the accounting utility is operating, and when the operation flag information is “OFF”, It is determined that the operation is stopped. The operation determination unit 22 notifies the interface unit 23 of the determination result.

  The interface unit 23 has a communication function with the print aggregation server 12 and the administrator PC 13 as a device transmission unit and a device reception unit. The interface unit 23 receives start information and stop information, which will be described later, from the print aggregation server 12 and notifies the operation information management unit 21 of the reception. Further, the interface unit 23 notifies the user information management unit 19 that the update processing for the user information storage unit 24 cannot be performed when the operation determination unit 22 is notified that the accounting utility is in operation as a control unit. Then, an update failure notification for notifying update failure is transmitted to the administrator PC 13. Further, when the interface unit 23 is notified by the operation determination unit 22 that the charging utility is suspended, the interface unit 23 reads the personal identification number and authority information from the user information storage unit 24, that is, user information, to the user information management unit 19. Request. Then, the interface unit 23 transmits the read user information to the administrator PC 13.

  In this embodiment, the print tabulation server 12 is a server interface unit 27, a server storage unit 28, a billing processing unit 29, a server generating unit 30, and a server input as a server for setting user information to the multifunction device 11 and billing processing. Unit 31, server display unit 32, and server control unit 33.

  The server interface unit 27 has a communication function with the multifunction device 11 as a server transmission unit and a server reception unit, and transmits start information, stop information, an update request, and the like, which will be described later, to the multifunction device 11, and user information and accounting logs Etc. are received from the multifunction machine 11.

  The server storage unit 28 includes a non-volatile memory, and stores a charging utility, which is an application for charging processing, and a processing result by the charging processing unit 29.

  The billing processing unit 29 operates as an operating unit by reading the billing utility from the server storage unit 28 and performs billing fee calculation, that is, billing processing, and user information setting processing in the user information storage unit 24 of the multifunction machine 11. Do.

  Based on the notification from the server control unit 33, the server generation unit 30 generates start information indicating the start of operation of the charging utility and stop information indicating the stop of operation, and sends the generated information to the server interface unit 27.

  The server input unit 31 includes, for example, a mouse and a keyboard, and inputs various input information and selection information. For example, the server input unit 31 inputs an update request for user information set in the multifunction machine 11 and sends it to the server control unit 33.

  Server display part 32 consists of displays, for example, and displays various screens. For example, the server display unit 32 displays a list display screen (described later) including a list of user information received from the server control unit 33.

  The server control unit 33 has a function of controlling each unit of the print aggregation server 12. Further, the server control unit 33 monitors the operation of the billing processing unit 29 and notifies the server generation unit 30 of the start and stop of the billing utility.

  In this embodiment, the administrator PC 13 is a personal computer dedicated to the administrator of the multifunction machine 11 and includes a PC input unit 34, a PC display unit 35, a PC interface unit 36, and a PC control unit 37 as terminal devices. ing.

  The PC input unit 34 includes, for example, a mouse and a display, and inputs various input information and selection information as a terminal input unit. For example, the PC input unit 34 inputs an update request for user information set in the multifunction machine 11 and sends it to the PC control unit 37.

  The PC display unit 35 includes a display, for example, and displays various web screens as a terminal display unit having a web browser function. For example, the PC display unit 35 displays an administrator setting screen including a list of user information received from the PC control unit 37 and an execution impossibility notification screen as a notification screen for notifying that the user information cannot be updated.

  The PC interface unit 36 has a communication function with the multifunction machine 11 as a terminal transmission unit and a terminal reception unit. For example, the PC interface unit 36 transmits an update request input by the PC input unit 34 to the multi-function device 11 and receives user information and a non-update notice from the multi-function device 11.

  The PC control unit 37 has a function of controlling each unit of the administrator PC 13.

Next, the operation of the print aggregation system 10 of this embodiment will be described.
First, the flow of image forming processing in the multifunction machine 11 will be described by taking a user corresponding to the personal identification number “1111” as an example.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image forming operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the operation panel.

  When the multifunction device 11 is turned on and the warm-up operation of each unit is completed, the operation panel 14 displays a login screen 41 (FIG. 6A) (step S101).

  On the login screen 41, as shown in FIG. 6A, a message prompting the input of a password is displayed.

  When the user operates the operation panel 14 and inputs the code number “1111” on the login screen 41, the operation panel 14 acquires the input code number and sends it to the authentication unit 15 (step S102).

  Upon receiving the code number “1111”, the authentication unit 15 inquires of the user information management unit 19 whether or not the code number is valid (step S103). The user information management unit 19 compares the personal identification number “1111” received from the authentication unit 15 with the personal identification number stored in the user information storage unit 24 (FIG. 3), and determines whether or not they match. Since the matching personal identification number “1111” is stored in the user information storage unit 24 shown in FIG. 3, the user information management unit 19 determines that the personal identification number is valid and stores it correspondingly. Is read out and sent to the authentication unit 15 (step S103).

  Upon receiving the authority information from the user information management unit 19, the authentication unit 15 displays the process selection screen 42 (FIG. 6B) (step S104).

  On the process selection screen 42, as shown in FIG. 6B, image forming processes that can be executed in the multifunction machine 11 are displayed. In the present embodiment, all the image forming processes that can be executed in the multifunction machine 11 are displayed on the process selection screen 42 and can be selected. However, the user can select based on the authority information of the user. Only possible image forming processes may be displayed.

  When the user operates the operation panel 14 on the process selection screen 42 to select any image forming process, the operation panel 14 sends selection information indicating the type of the image forming process to the authentication unit 15. The authentication unit 15 determines whether the selected image forming process is permitted based on the selection information received from the operation panel 14 and the authority information received from the user information management unit 19 (step S105). . Since the user with the personal identification number “1111” is permitted to execute all image forming processes, the authentication unit 15 determines that the user is permitted and notifies the operation panel 14 of the determination result (step S105). .

  Upon receiving the notification from the authentication unit 15, the operation panel 14 further displays a selection screen 43 (FIG. 6C) for selecting the details of the image forming process, and based on the selection on the selection screen 43, The process execution unit 16 executes image formation (step S106). Further, the log generation storage unit 17 generates a charging log related to the image forming process executed by the processing execution unit 16 and stores it in the charging log storage unit 25 (step S106). End the process.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the selected image forming process is not permitted, the authentication unit 15 notifies the operation panel 14 of the determination result. In response to the notification from the authentication unit 15, the operation panel 14 displays a prohibition notification screen 44 (FIG. 6D) for notifying that the operation is not permitted (step S107). Thereby, the multifunction machine 11 ends the image forming process.

  If it is determined in step S103 that there is no password that matches the user information storage unit 24, the user information management unit determines that the password is invalid, and the operation panel 14 via the authentication unit 15 is determined. Is notified of the determination result. Upon receiving this notification, the operation panel 14 displays an invalidity notification screen 45 (FIG. 6E) indicating that the password is invalid (step S108). Thereby, the multifunction machine 11 ends the image forming process.

  As described above, in the multifunction machine 11, the image forming process is executed and the accounting log is stored.

  The charging log stored in the charging log storage unit 25 is read by the charging log management unit 20 in response to a transmission request from the print totaling server 12 and transmitted to the print totaling server 12 by the interface unit 23. Thereafter, the accounting log management unit 20 deletes the accounting log from the accounting log storage unit 25. In addition, when the print aggregation server 12 receives the charging log by the server interface unit 27, the charging processing unit 29 executes the charging process based on the charging log. In this embodiment, the billing processing unit 29 calculates a billing fee in association with the personal identification number included in the billing log, and stores the processing result in the server storage unit 28.

Next, the flow of processing when updating user information will be described.
First, a case where user information is updated using the print aggregation server 12 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the update operation in the print aggregation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the server display unit.

  When the administrator of the print aggregation server 12 operates the server input unit 31 and makes an input for starting the accounting process in the print aggregation server 12, the accounting process is performed under the control of the server control unit 33 that receives the input. The unit 29 reads the accounting utility from the server storage unit 28 and operates it (step S201). In response to the start of the operation of the charging utility, the server control unit 33 causes the server generation unit 30 to generate start information, and transmits the start information to the multi-function peripheral 11 through the server interface unit 27 (step S201).

  In the multifunction machine 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the start information from the print totaling server 12, the operation information management unit 21 that receives the notification from the interface unit 23 writes the operation flag information “ON” in the operation information storage unit 26 ( Step S202). The operation information storage unit 26 stores operation flag information “ON” indicating that the accounting utility is operating, as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, when the administrator of the print tabulation server 12 operates the server input unit 31 and performs input for user information update processing in the print tabulation server 12, the server input unit 31 inputs an update request. (Step S203). Receiving the input of the update request, the server control unit 33 controls the server interface unit 27 to transmit the input update request to the multifunction machine 11 (step S203).

  In the multifunction machine 11, when the interface unit 23 receives an update request from the print totaling server 12, the user information management unit 19 that has received the notification from the interface unit 23 stores the password and authority information stored in the user information storage unit 24. That is, the user information is read and sent to the interface unit 23. The interface unit 23 transmits the user information to the print aggregation server 12 (step S204).

  In the print aggregation server 12, when the server interface unit 27 receives user information from the multifunction machine 11, the server control unit 33 displays a list display screen 46 (FIG. 8A) including a list of personal identification numbers on the server display unit 32. It is displayed (step S205).

  On the list display screen 46, as shown in FIG. 8A, a list display area 47 for displaying a list of password numbers included in the user information received from the multifunction machine 11 and a new password number are added. An additional selection button 48 for selecting, a change selection button 49 for selecting change of the set password and authority information, and a deletion selection button 50 for selecting deletion of the password are displayed. Yes.

  When the additional selection button 48 is pressed by the server input unit 31 on the list display screen 46 (step S206), the server control unit 33 displays the user information setting screen 51 (FIG. 8B) on the server display unit 32. (Step S207).

  On the user information setting screen 51, as shown in FIG. 8B, a personal identification number area 52 for inputting a personal identification number and a user's multifunction machine 11 corresponding to the personal identification number entered in the personal identification number area 52 are displayed. Permission / prohibition of monochrome printing process execution, that is, authority selection button 53a for selecting authority, authority selection button 53b for selecting authority for color printing process, and authority selection for selecting authority for ScanToEmail processing A button 53c, an authority selection button 53d for selecting the authority for ScanToServer processing, and an authority selection button 53e for selecting the authority for fax transmission processing are displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the user information setting screen 51 displays an “OK” button 54 for confirming the selection and a “Cancel” button 55 for ending the update process. ing.

  In the user information setting screen 51, after the password input and the authority selection buttons 53a to 53e are selected by the server input unit 31, when the “OK” button 54 is pressed, the server control unit 33 is input. The password information and the authority information selected by the authority selection buttons 53a to 53e are transmitted to the multi-function device 11 by the server interface unit 27 together with the request for adding the password (step S208).

  In the multifunction device 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the addition request from the print totaling server 12 and the personal identification number and authority information, that is, user information, the user information management unit 19 notified from the interface unit 23 is notified. The personal identification number and the personal identification number stored in the user information storage unit 24 are compared to determine whether they match, that is, whether the notified personal identification number has already been set (step S209). ).

  If the password number that matches the password number notified to the user information storage unit 24 is not stored, the user information management unit 19 determines that the password number has not been set, that is, has been newly added (step S209). The password and the authority information notified from the interface unit 23 are added and stored in the user information storage unit 24, and the user information storage unit 24 is updated (step S210). Then, the user information management unit 19 notifies the update completion to the interface unit 23.

  Further, in the list display screen 46 (FIG. 8A), when any one of the passwords displayed in the list display area 47 is selected by the server input unit 31 and the change selection button 49 is pressed (step S213). The server control unit 33 displays the user information setting screen 51 (FIG. 8C) including the selected personal identification number and the authority information corresponding to the personal identification number on the server display unit 32 (step S214). .

  On the user information setting screen 51, the selected personal identification number is displayed in the personal identification number area 52, and the corresponding authority information is displayed on each authority selection button 53a-e.

  When the “OK” button 54 is pressed after the authority selection buttons 53a to 53e are selected on the user information setting screen 51, the server control unit 33 includes user information including a personal identification number and authority information, A user information change request is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 11 by the server interface unit 27 (step S215).

  In the multifunction machine 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the change request and the user information from the print totaling server 12, the user information management unit 19 that receives the notification from the interface unit 23 updates the user information storage unit 24 (step S1). S216). That is, the user information management unit 19 overwrites the notified authority information with the authority information corresponding to the notified personal identification number. Subsequently, the user information management unit 19 notifies the interface unit 23 of the update completion.

  Further, when any one of the passwords displayed in the list display area 47 is selected by the server input unit 31 on the list display screen 46 (FIG. 8) and the delete selection button 50 is pressed (step S217), server control is performed. The unit 33 displays the deletion confirmation screen 56 (FIG. 8C) on the server display unit 32 (step S218).

  On the deletion confirmation screen 56, as shown in FIG. 8C, a “Yes” button 57 for confirming the deletion and a “No” button 58 for canceling the deletion are displayed.

  When the “Yes” button 57 is pressed on the deletion confirmation screen 56, the server control unit 33 sends the personal identification number selected on the user information setting screen 51 and a deletion request for requesting deletion of the personal identification number to the server. The data is transmitted to the multifunction machine 11 by the interface unit 27 (step S219).

  In the multifunction machine 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the deletion request and the personal identification number from the print totaling server 12, the user information management unit 19 that receives the notification from the interface unit 23 updates the user information storage unit 24 (step S1). S220). That is, the user information management unit 19 deletes the notified personal identification number and the authority information corresponding to the personal identification number from the user information storage unit 24. Then, the user information management unit 19 notifies the update completion to the interface unit 23.

  Subsequently, the interface unit 23 notified of the update completion transmits an update completion notification to the print aggregation server 12.

  In the print aggregation server 12, when the server interface unit 27 receives the update completion notification from the multifunction machine 11, the server control unit 33 displays a completion notification screen for notifying the server display unit 32 of the update completion.

  Thereafter, when the operation of the accounting utility by the accounting processing unit 29 is stopped (step S211), the server control unit 33 causes the server generation unit 30 to generate the stop information, and the server interface unit 27 sends the stop information to the multifunction peripheral. 11 (step S211).

  In the multifunction device 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the stop information from the print aggregation server 12, the operation information management unit 21 that has received the notification from the interface unit 23 overwrites the operation flag information “OFF” in the operation information storage unit 26. (Step S212). As shown in FIG. 4B, the operation information storage unit 26 stores operation flag information “OFF” indicating that the operation of the accounting utility is stopped. Thereby, the update process in the print aggregation system 10 ends.

  As described above, when the accounting utility is operated in the print aggregation server 12, the operation flag information “ON” is stored in the operation information storage unit 26 of the multifunction machine 11. Further, after the update process is executed on the user information storage unit 24 of the multifunction machine 11, when the operation of the accounting utility is stopped in the print aggregation server 12, the update is stored in the operation information storage unit 26 of the multifunction machine 11. The operating flag information “ON” is rewritten to the operating flag information “OFF”.

Next, the flow of processing when the user information is updated using the administrator PC 13 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the update operation in the print aggregation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the PC display unit according to the first embodiment.

  First, a case where the accounting utility is not operating in the print aggregation server 12 will be described.

  When the administrator of the multifunction machine 11 operates the PC input unit 34 on the administrator PC 13 to input for user information update processing, the PC input unit 34 inputs an update request (step S301). . In response to the input of the update request, the PC control unit 37 controls the PC interface unit 36 to transmit the input update request to the multifunction machine 11 (step S301).

  In the multifunction device 11, when the interface unit 23 receives an update request from the administrator PC 13, the operation determination unit 22 that receives the notification from the interface unit 23 determines whether or not the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12. (Step S302). When the operation information management unit 21 reads the operation flag information “OFF” from the operation information storage unit 26, the operation determination unit 22 determines that the billing utility is stopped and notifies the interface unit 23 of the determination result. (Step S302).

  Subsequently, the user information management unit 19 that has received the notification from the interface unit 23 reads the user information stored in the user information storage unit 24 and sends it to the interface unit 23. The interface unit 23 transmits the user information to the administrator PC 13 (step S303).

  In the administrator PC 13, when the PC interface unit 36 receives user information from the multifunction machine 11, the PC control unit 37 displays an administrator setting screen 59 (FIG. 10A) including a list of personal identification numbers. (Step S304).

  On the administrator setting screen 59, as shown in FIG. 10A, a list display area 60 for displaying a list of personal identification numbers, an addition selection button 61 for selecting new addition of personal identification numbers, and A change selection button 62 for selecting the change of the personal identification number and the authority information and a deletion selection button 63 for selecting the deletion of the personal identification number are displayed.

  When the additional selection button 61 is pressed by the PC input unit 34 on the administrator setting screen 59 (step S305), the PC control unit 37 displays the user information setting screen 64 (FIG. 10B) on the PC display unit 35. (Step S306).

  On the user information setting screen 64, as shown in FIG. 10B, a personal identification number area 65 for inputting a personal identification number, and the user's multifunction machine 11 corresponding to the personal identification number entered in the personal identification number area 65 are displayed. Permission / prohibition of monochrome print processing in FIG. 1, that is, an authority selection button 66a for selecting authority, an authority selection button 66b for selecting authority for color printing processing, and authority selection for selecting authority for ScanToEmail processing A button 66c, an authority selection button 66d for selecting an authority for ScanToServer processing, and an authority selection button 66e for selecting an authority for fax transmission processing are displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user information setting screen 64 displays an “OK” button 54 for confirming the setting and a “cancel” button 55 for ending the update process. ing.

  In the user information setting screen 64, after the personal identification number is input and the authority selection buttons 66 a to 66 e are selected by the PC input unit 34, when the “OK” button 54 is pressed, the PC control unit 37 is input. The personal identification number and the authority information selected by the authority selection buttons 66a to 66e are transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 11 by the PC interface unit 36 together with the request for adding the personal identification number (step S307).

  In the multifunction device 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the addition request from the administrator PC 13 and the personal identification number and authority information, that is, user information, the user information management unit 19 notified from the interface unit 23 is notified. The personal identification number and the personal identification number stored in the user information storage unit 24 are compared to determine whether or not they match, that is, whether or not the notified personal identification number has already been set (step S308). .

  When the password number that matches the password number notified to the user information storage unit 24 is not stored, the user information management unit 19 determines that the password number has not been set, that is, has been newly added (step S308). ), The personal identification number and the authority information notified from the interface unit 23 are stored in the user information storage unit 24, and the user information storage unit 24 is updated (step S309).

  On the administrator setting screen 59 (FIG. 10A), when any one of the passwords displayed in the list display area 60 is selected by the PC input unit 34, and the change selection button 62 is pressed (step S310). The PC control unit 37 displays a user information setting screen 64 (FIG. 10B) including the selected password and authority information corresponding to the password on the PC display unit 35 (step S311).

  On the user information setting screen 64, the selected personal identification number is displayed in the personal identification number area 65, and the corresponding authority information is displayed on each authority selection button 66a-e.

  When the “OK” button 54 is pressed after the authority selection buttons 66a to 66e are selected on the user information setting screen 51, the PC control unit 37 displays the user information including the personal identification number and the authority information, The user information change request is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 11 by the PC interface unit 36 (step S312).

  In the multifunction machine 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the change request and user information from the administrator PC 13, the user information management unit 19 that receives the notification from the interface unit 23 updates the user information storage unit 24 (step S313). ). That is, the authority information corresponding to the notified password is overwritten on the notified authority information.

  On the administrator setting screen 59 (FIG. 10A), when any of the passwords displayed in the list display area 60 is selected by the PC input unit 34, and the delete selection button 63 is pressed (step S314). The PC control unit 37 displays the deletion confirmation screen 67 (FIG. 10C) on the PC display unit 35 (step S315).

  As shown in FIG. 10C, a “Yes” button 57 for confirming the deletion and a “No” button 58 for canceling the deletion are displayed on the deletion confirmation screen 67.

  When the “Yes” button 57 is pressed on the deletion confirmation screen 67, the PC control unit 37 deletes the personal identification number selected on the administrator setting screen 59 (FIG. 10A) and the personal identification number. The requested deletion request is transmitted to the multifunction machine 11 by the PC interface unit 36 (step S316).

  In the multifunction device 11, when the interface unit 23 receives the deletion request and the personal identification number from the administrator PC 13, the user information management unit 19 notified from the interface unit 23 updates the user information storage unit 24 (step S317). ). That is, the user information management unit 19 deletes the notified personal identification number and the authority information corresponding to the personal identification number from the user information storage unit 24.

  As described above, update processing for the user information storage unit 24 of the multifunction machine 11 is executed using the administrator PC 13.

  Next, the case where the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12 will be described.

  In the administrator PC 13, when an update request is input from the PC input unit 34 (step S301), the PC control unit 37 controls the PC interface unit 36 to transmit the input update request to the multifunction machine 11 ( Step S301).

  In the multifunction device 11, when the interface unit 23 receives an update request from the administrator PC 13, the operation determination unit 22 that receives the notification from the interface unit 23 determines whether or not the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12. (Step S302). The operation determination unit 22 reads the operation flag information “ON” from the operation information storage unit 26 by the operation information management unit 21, determines that the billing utility is in operation, and notifies the interface unit 23 of the determination result ( Step S302).

  When the interface unit 23 is notified that it is in operation, the interface unit 23 transmits an execution impossibility notification for notifying execution of the update process to the administrator PC 13 (step S318).

  In the administrator PC 13, when the PC interface unit 36 receives the execution impossibility notification from the multifunction machine 11, the PC control unit 37 displays an update impossibility notification screen 68 (FIG. 10D) for notifying update impossibility. 35 (step S319). Thereby, the update process in the print aggregation system 10 ends.

  As described above, when the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12, the multifunction machine 11 cannot execute the update process for the user information storage unit 24 by the administrator PC 13.

  As described above, according to the print tabulation system of the present embodiment, when the billing utility is operated in the print tabulation server, the operation flag information indicating the operation is stored in the multifunction peripheral, and when the operation is stopped, Since operation flag information indicating that the operation is stopped is stored, it is possible to determine whether or not the billing application is operating in the multifunction peripheral. When an update request for user information is input from the administrator PC, the multifunction device performs the above-described operation determination. If it is determined that the multifunction device is operating, the update process cannot be executed. The occurrence of inconsistencies in is avoided.

  In this embodiment, the operation determination of the accounting utility is performed when an update request is input from the administrator PC 13 to the multifunction device 11. However, an input for update processing is executed in the administrator PC 13, and the multifunction device is executed. 11, the operation determination can be performed again when the update process for the user information storage unit 24 is executed. Thereby, even if the accounting utility is operated in the print aggregation server 12 after the update request is input, the update process of the user information from the administrator PC 13 cannot be executed, so that the occurrence of contradiction is surely avoided.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print aggregation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the print aggregation system of the present embodiment, the configuration in which the multifunction peripheral includes an operation notification unit is different from that of the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the print tabulation system 70 of this embodiment includes a multifunction peripheral 71, a print tabulation server 12 connected to the multifunction peripheral 71 via the network, and a management connected to the multifunction peripheral 71 via the network. And a personal computer 73.

  As an image forming apparatus, the multi-function device 71 includes an operation panel 14, an authentication unit 15, a processing execution unit 16, a log generation storage unit 17, a storage unit 74, a user information management unit 19, a charging log management unit 20, and an operation information management unit 76. , An operation determination unit 77, an operation notification unit 78, and an interface unit 79.

  The storage unit 74 includes a non-volatile memory in this embodiment, and includes a user information storage unit 24, a charging log storage unit 25, and an operation information storage unit 75 as shown in FIG.

  In the operation information storage unit 75, operation flag information indicating whether or not the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12 and whether or not the administrator PC 73 is executing update processing of user information, that is, whether or not update is in progress. Update flag information is stored.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation information storage unit according to the second embodiment.
The operation information storage unit 75 stores operation flag information “ON” or “OFF” as illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12 </ b> B, 12 </ b> C, and 12 </ b> D.

  The operation information storage unit 75 stores update flag information “ON” or “OFF” as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12 </ b> B, 12 </ b> C, and 12 </ b> D. The update flag information “ON” indicates that user information is being updated in the administrator PC 73 as update information, and the update flag information “OFF” indicates that update is not being performed.

  The operation information management unit 76 has a function of managing the operation information storage unit 75. As an apparatus generation unit, the operation information management unit 76 operates according to a notification from the interface unit 79, operation flag information as operation information, and update flag as update information. It has a function of writing information to the operation information storage unit 75. Further, in response to an inquiry from the operation determination unit 77, operation flag information and update flag information stored in the operation information storage unit 26 are read and notified.

  The operation determination unit 77 has a function of determining whether or not the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12. The operation determination unit 77 has a function of determining whether or not the administrator PC 73 is updating user information. The operation determination unit 77 inquires of the operation information management unit 76 about the update flag information. If the update flag information notified from the operation information management unit 76 is “ON”, the operation determination unit 77 determines that the update is being performed. The determination result is notified to the operation information management unit 76 and the operation notification unit 78. When the update flag information is “OFF”, the operation determination unit 77 determines that the update is not being performed, and notifies the interface unit 79 of the determination result.

  In response to the notification from the operation determining unit 77, the operation notifying unit 78 sends an operation notification for notifying that the operation of the accounting utility is started in the print totaling server 12 to the interface unit 79. Further, the operation notifying unit 78 sends a stop notification for notifying that the operation of the accounting utility has been stopped to the interface unit 79.

  The interface unit 79 has a communication function with the print aggregation server 12 and the administrator PC 73 as a device transmission unit and a device reception unit.

  The print aggregation server 12 includes a server interface unit 27, a server storage unit 28, a billing processing unit 29, a server generation unit 30, a server input unit 31, a server display unit 32, and a server control unit 33.

  In this embodiment, the administrator PC 73 is a personal computer dedicated to the administrator of the multifunction machine 71, and includes a PC input unit 34, a PC display unit 80, a PC interface unit 81, and a PC control unit 82 as terminal devices. ing.

  The PC display unit 80 includes, for example, a display, and displays various web screens as a terminal display unit having a web browser function. For example, the PC display unit 35 displays an operation notification screen for notifying operation start of the accounting utility in the print aggregation server 12 and a stop notification screen for notifying operation stop.

  The PC interface unit 81 has a communication function with the multi-function device 71 as a terminal transmission unit and a terminal reception unit. For example, the PC interface unit 81 receives an operation notification or a stop notification from the multi-function device 71 and sends it to the PC control unit 82.

  The PC control unit 82 has a function of controlling each unit of the administrator PC 13. For example, when receiving the operation notification from the PC interface unit 81, the PC control unit 82 displays an operation notification screen on the PC display unit 80. Further, when receiving a stop notification from the PC interface unit 81, the PC control unit 82 causes the PC display unit 80 to display a stop notification screen.

Next, the operation of the print aggregation system 70 of this embodiment will be described.
Since the flow of the image forming process in the multi-function device 71 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
Here, the flow of processing when the user information is updated using the print aggregation server 12 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the update operation in the second embodiment of the print tabulation system according to the present invention.

  First, the flow of update processing when the administrator PC 73 is not updating user information will be described.

  In the print aggregation server 12, when the server control unit 33 that has received an input from the server input unit 31 controls the accounting processing unit 29 to read out and operate the accounting utility from the server storage unit 28, the server generation unit 30 starts. Information is generated, and the server interface unit 27 transmits the start information to the multi-function device 71 (step S201).

  In the multifunction device 71, when the interface unit 79 receives the start information from the print totaling server 12, the operation determination unit 77 that receives the notification from the interface unit 79 determines whether or not the administrator PC 73 is updating the user information. Is performed (step S401). The operation determination unit 77 reads the update flag information “OFF” from the operation information storage unit 75 (FIG. 12B) by the operation information management unit 76, determines that it is not being updated, and determines the determination result as an operation information management. The unit 76 is notified (step S401).

  The operation information management unit 76 that has received the notification from the operation determination unit 77 writes the operation flag information “ON” in the operation information storage unit 75 (step S202). Then, the user information is updated in the print aggregation server 12 and the multi-function device 71. Since the processing flow after step S203 is the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  When the operation flag information “OFF” is written in the operation information storage unit 75 in step S212, the operation determination unit 77 subsequently determines whether or not user information is being updated in the administrator PC 73 (step S212). S404). The operation determination unit 77 reads the update flag information “OFF” from the operation information storage unit 75 (FIG. 12B) by the operation information management unit 76, and determines that the update is not being performed (step S401). Thereby, the update process in the print aggregation system 70 ends.

  As described above, the accounting utility is operated in the print aggregation server 12 and the update process of the user information in the multi-function device 71 is executed.

  Next, the flow of update processing when the administrator PC 73 is updating user information will be described.

  When the accounting utility is activated in the print aggregation server 12 (step S201) and the interface unit 79 receives the start information from the print aggregation server 12 in the multi-function device 71, the operation determination unit 77 that receives the notification from the interface unit 79 manages the management. It is determined whether the user information is being updated in the operator PC 73 (step S401). The operation determination unit 77 reads the update flag information “ON” from the operation information storage unit 75 (FIG. 12C) by the operation information management unit 76, determines that the update is being performed, and sends the determination result to the operation notification unit. 78 is notified (step S401).

  The operation notifying unit 78 that has received the notification from the operation determining unit 77 sends an operation notification to the interface unit 79 in order to notify the start of operation of the accounting utility in the print totaling server 12. Then, the interface unit 79 transmits the operation notification to the administrator PC 73 (step S402).

  In the administrator PC 73, when the PC interface unit 81 receives the operation notification from the multi-function device 71, the PC control unit 82 causes the PC display unit 80 to display the operation notification screen 83 (FIG. 14A) and to update the user information. The update process is paused (step S403).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the PC display unit according to the second embodiment.
The operation notification screen 83 is a screen that is displayed while the user information is being updated on the PC display unit 80. As shown in FIG. 14A, a message that notifies the start of operation of the charging utility and the stop of updating of the user information. Is included.

  Subsequently, the PC control unit 82 transmits update suspension information for notifying update suspension of user information to the multi-function device 71 through the PC interface unit 81. In the multi-function device 71, when the interface unit 79 receives the update suspension information from the administrator PC 73, the operation information management unit 76 that receives the notification from the interface unit 79 writes the operation flag information “ON” in the operation information storage unit 75 ( Step S202). The operation information storage unit 75 stores operation flag information “ON” and update flag information “ON” as illustrated in FIG. Thereafter, the user information is updated in the print aggregation server 12 and the multi-function device 71. Since the processing flow after step S203 is the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S212, after the operation flag information “OFF” is written in the operation information storage unit 75, the operation determination unit 77 determines whether or not the user information is being updated in the administrator PC 73 (step S404). . The operation determination unit 77 reads the update flag information “ON” from the operation information storage unit 75 (FIG. 12D) by the operation information management unit 76, determines that the update is being performed, and sends the determination result to the operation notification unit. 78 is notified (step S404).

  In response to the notification from the operation determination unit 77, the operation notification unit 78 transmits a stop notification for notifying that the operation of the accounting utility in the print totaling server 12 is stopped to the administrator PC 73 through the interface unit 79 (step S405).

  In the administrator PC 73, when the PC interface unit 81 receives a stop notification from the multi-function device 71, the PC control unit 82 displays a stop notification screen 84 (FIG. 14B) on the PC display unit 80 and is suspended. The user information update process is resumed (step S406). Thereby, the update process of the user information from the print aggregation server 12 is completed.

  The stop notification screen 84 is a screen that is displayed during the suspension of user information update on the PC display unit 80, and as shown in FIG. 14B, notifies the stoppage of the charging utility and the restart of update of user information. Contains a message.

  As described above, when the accounting utility is operated in the print totaling server 12 while the user information is being updated in the administrator PC 73, the update process in the administrator PC 73 is automatically stopped by the notification from the multifunction device 71. . Thereafter, when the operation of the billing utility is stopped, the update process in the administrator PC 73 is automatically restarted by a notification from the multi-function device 71.

Next, the flow of processing when user information is updated using the administrator PC 73 will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the update operation in the second embodiment of the print tabulation system according to the present invention.

  The case where the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Here, a case where the charging utility is stopped will be described.

  In the administrator PC 73, when the PC input unit 34 inputs an update request, the PC control unit 82 transmits the update request to the multi-function device 71 through the PC interface unit 81 (step S301).

  In the multi-function device 71, when the interface unit 79 receives an update request from the administrator PC 73, the operation determination unit 77 that receives the notification from the interface unit 79 determines whether the accounting utility is operating in the print aggregation server 12. (Step S302). The operation determination unit 77 reads the operation flag information “OFF” from the operation information storage unit 75 by the operation information management unit 76, and determines that the operation is stopped (step S302).

  Subsequently, the operation information management unit 76 writes the update flag information “ON” in the operation information storage unit 75 (step S501). The operation information storage unit 75 stores update flag information “ON” as shown in FIG. 12C (step S501).

  Subsequently, the interface unit 23 transmits user information including the personal identification number and authority information to the administrator PC 73 (step S303), and updating of the user information in the administrator PC 73 is executed. Hereinafter, since it is the same as that of Example 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the accounting utility is operated in the print aggregation server 12 while the administrator PC 73 is executing the update process, the multi-function device 71 transmits an operation notification to the administrator PC 73 (step S402 in FIG. 13). Then, an operation notification screen 83 (FIG. 14A) is displayed on the PC display unit 80. Thereafter, when the operation of the accounting utility is stopped and a stop notification is received from the multi-function device 71, a stop notification screen 84 (FIG. 14B) is displayed on the PC display unit 80, and the administrator PC 73 performs the update process. It can be resumed.

  When the user information is updated in the user information storage unit 24 (steps S309, S313, and S317), the operation information management unit 76 writes the update flag information “OFF” in the operation information storage unit 75 (step S502). . Thereby, the update process in the print aggregation system 70 ends.

  As described above, when updating the user information in the administrator PC 73, the update flag information “ON” is stored in the operation information storage unit 75 of the multi-function device 71. When the update is completed, the update flag information “OFF” is rewritten. .

  As described above, according to the print tabulation system of this embodiment, when the accounting utility is operated in the print tabulation server while the screen for user information update processing is displayed on the manager PC, A screen notifying the operation is displayed, and the user information update process is automatically suspended. When the operation of the billing utility is stopped, a screen for notifying the administrator PC of the stop is displayed, and the update process can be automatically restarted. In addition to the improvement, the occurrence of contradiction in the setting of user information is reliably avoided.

  In this embodiment, if the accounting utility is activated while updating the user information in the administrator PC, the updating process being executed is automatically stopped. It is also possible to take a prohibited configuration.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a multifunction peripheral is employed as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this example. A printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine or the like can be employed instead of the multifunction machine.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing total system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a print aggregation system according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a user information storage part. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation information storage unit according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the update operation | movement in Example 1 of the printing total system which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the screen displayed on a server display part. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the update operation | movement in Example 1 of the printing total system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the PC display unit according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing total system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the operation information storage part of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the update operation | movement in Example 2 of the printing total system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on a PC display unit according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the update operation | movement in Example 2 of the printing total system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 70 Print total system 11, 71 Multifunction machine 12 Print total server 13, 73 Administrator PC
22, 77 Operation determination unit 26, 75 Operation information storage unit 78 Operation notification unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that acquires user information, executes image forming processing, and generates processing information including the user information; and a plurality of processing information from the image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network And a print aggregation system including a server for performing aggregation processing of processing information for a user,
The server
An operation unit in which an application for the aggregation process and the update process of the user information operates;
When the application operates, a server generation unit that generates start information indicating the start of operation;
A server transmission unit that transmits the generated start information to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A user information storage unit storing user information;
Upon receiving the start information from the server, a device generation unit that generates operation information indicating that the application is in operation;
An operation information storage unit for storing the generated operation information;
A device input unit for inputting an update request for the user information;
An operation determination unit that determines whether the application is in operation based on whether the operation information is stored in the operation information storage unit;
And a control unit that disables execution of an update process for the user information when it is determined that the user information is in operation.   The printing total system according to claim 1, further comprising an update unit that executes the update process when it is determined that the operation determination unit is not operating. In the server,
When the operation of the application by the operation unit stops, the server generation unit further generates stop information indicating the stop,
The server transmission unit further transmits the generated stop information to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
The printing tabulation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes the operation information from the operation information storage unit when the stop information is received from the server. When it is determined that the operation determination unit is not operating, the control unit further causes the information generation unit to generate update information indicating that the update process is being executed,
The operation information storage unit further stores the generated update information,
When the start information is received from the server, the operation determination unit further determines whether the user information is being updated based on whether the update information is stored in the operation information storage unit. Judging
2. The print tabulation system according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the update is being performed, the control unit stops the update process and deletes the update information from the operation information storage unit. In the image forming apparatus,
When it is determined that the operation determination unit is not operating, the control unit further causes the information generation unit to generate update information indicating that the update process is being executed,
The operation information storage unit further stores the generated update information,
When the start information is received from the server, the operation determination unit further determines whether the user information is being updated based on whether the update information is stored in the operation information storage unit. Judging
When it is determined that the update is in progress, the control unit notifies the server that the application cannot be operated,
In the server,
The print totaling system according to claim 1, wherein when the operation failure is notified from the image forming apparatus, the operation unit stops the operation of the application. A terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network;
The terminal device
A terminal input unit for inputting an update request to the user information storage unit;
A terminal transmission unit that transmits the input update request to the image forming apparatus,
In the image forming apparatus,
The device input unit includes a device communication unit that receives the update request from the terminal device,
When it is determined by the operation determination unit that the device is in operation, the control unit further transmits an execution impossibility notification for notifying execution of the update process to the terminal device by the device communication unit. The print aggregation system according to claim 1. When the operation determining unit determines that the device is not operating, the control unit transmits an execution permission notification that notifies the execution permission of the update process to the terminal device by the device communication unit,
The terminal device
An apparatus receiver that receives the execution permission notification from the image forming apparatus;
The print aggregation system according to claim 6, further comprising a device display unit that displays an update screen for the update process. A terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network;
The terminal device
A terminal input unit for inputting an update request to the user information storage unit;
A terminal transmission unit that transmits the input update request to the image forming apparatus,
In the image forming apparatus,
The device input unit includes a device receiving unit that receives the update request from the terminal device,
When it is determined that the operation determination unit is not operating, the control unit further causes the information generation unit to generate update information indicating that the update process is being executed,
The print aggregation system according to claim 1, wherein the operation information storage unit further stores the generated update information. In the image forming apparatus,
When the start information is received from the server, the operation determination unit further determines whether the user information is being updated based on whether the update information is stored in the operation information storage unit. Judging
When it is determined that the update is being performed, the control unit stops the update process, deletes the update information from the operation information storage unit, and sends an operation notification for notifying operation of the application to the device communication unit To the terminal device,
The terminal device
A terminal receiver that receives the operation notification from the image forming apparatus;
The print tabulation system according to claim 8, further comprising: a terminal display unit that displays a notification screen for notifying that the application is running and the update process cannot be executed. In the image forming apparatus,
When the start information is received from the server, the operation determination unit further determines whether the user information is being updated based on whether the update information is stored in the operation information storage unit. Judging
When it is determined that the update is in progress, the control unit notifies the server that the application cannot be operated,
The server
9. The print totaling system according to claim 8, wherein when the operation failure is notified from the image forming apparatus, the operation of the application is stopped.

Images