JP2013011930A - Control device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique for allowing a user to appropriately recognize a mismatch between first information and second information is provided.
[Solution]
The control device connected to the management server that stores the first usage information includes processing control means, storage means, and output control means. The processing control unit controls execution of specific image processing in accordance with an instruction from the user. The storage means stores second usage information that is updated when specific image processing is executed by the control device. The output control means outputs warning information when the first usage information at a specific timing does not match the second usage information stored in the storage means at the specific timing.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device and a control program connected to a management server.

  Conventionally, a technique for identifying unauthorized use of a device by comparing the first usage information stored in the first device with the second usage information stored in the second device There is. For example, in Patent Document 1, in a system that includes a print server that manages the usage status of a printer and a printer, the number of copies stored in the print server is compared with the number of times of printing (counter value) stored in the printer. Whether or not it is in a state is specified.

JP 2004-310212 A

  However, since Patent Document 1 aims to prevent a user from issuing a print instruction to the printer without going through the print server, the number of copies to be stored in the print server is managed for each individual device that has given the print instruction. Not. In other words, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to compare the first usage information and the second usage information described above for each device for which printing has been instructed. The user could not recognize that printing was instructed illegally. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a user to appropriately recognize a mismatch between the first usage information and the second usage information. And

To achieve this object, the first device of the present invention is a control device connected to a management server that stores first usage information, and the first usage information is connected via a network. Information that is updated when specific image processing is executed in one or a plurality of the devices including the control device, and in response to an instruction from the user, Processing control means for controlling execution, storage means for storing second usage information updated by execution of the specific image processing in the control device, and the first usage information at a specific timing, Output control means for outputting warning information when the second usage information stored in the storage means does not match at the specific timing;
It is characterized by providing.

  With this configuration, warning information can be output when the first usage information and the second usage information do not match. For example, warning information can be output when the first usage information and the second usage information do not match as a result of execution of specific image processing by a device other than the control device. As a result, it is possible to make the user recognize that specific image processing has been executed by a device other than the control device.

  Further, in the above apparatus, the acquisition unit that acquires the first usage information from the management server, the first usage information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the first information stored in the storage unit. And determining means for determining whether or not the two pieces of usage information coincide with each other, and the output control means uses the determining means to determine the first usage information at the specific timing and the specific timing. Preferably, the warning information is output when it is determined that the second usage information stored in the storage means does not match.

  With this configuration, the control device can determine whether or not the first usage information matches the second usage information. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the first usage information matches the second usage information without transmitting the second usage information to the management server.

  In the above apparatus, the first usage information is information managed for each specific user, and the second usage information is information managed for each specific user. Preferably it is a feature.

  With this configuration, it is possible to manage the first usage information and the second usage information for each specific user. As a result, the specific user can recognize that the specific image processing has been executed by a third party other than the specific user.

  Further, the device is connected to an authentication server that performs authentication processing using authentication information received from the control device, and the first usage information is for each specific user authenticated by the authentication server. It is preferable that the second usage information is information managed for each specific user authenticated by the authentication server.

  With this configuration, it is possible to manage the first usage information and the second usage information for each specific user authenticated by the authentication server. As a result, for example, the specific user can recognize the presence of a third party other than the specific user who has succeeded in the authentication.

  In the above apparatus, the first usage information is the number of recording media stored in the management server as being used as a result of the specific user instructing execution of the specific image processing, The second usage information may be the number of recording media stored in the control device as being used as a result of the specific user instructing execution of the specific image processing.

  With this configuration, it is possible to specify whether or not the first usage information matches the second usage information depending on the number of recording media.

  In the above apparatus, the first usage information is history information stored in the management server indicating that the specific user has instructed execution of the specific image processing, and the second usage information The information may be history information stored in the control device indicating that the specific user has instructed execution of the specific image processing.

  With this configuration, it is possible to specify whether or not the first usage information and the second usage information match with the history information.

  Further, in the above device, when the warning information is output, the change is made to change the second usage information so that the first usage information matches the second usage information. It is preferable to provide a means.

  With this configuration, the second usage information can be changed to match the first usage information. As a result, once the warning information is output, the output of the warning information due to the same cause can be suppressed a plurality of times.

  Further, in the above apparatus, the changing means may change the second recording unit so that the number of recording media indicated by the first usage information matches the recording media indicated by the second usage information. The number of the recording media indicated by the usage information may be changed.

In the above apparatus, the changing unit may add the history information that is history information included in the first usage information and is not included in the second usage information to the storage unit. It may be a feature.

  In the above apparatus, the specific image processing may be printing processing.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a control device, a method executed by the control device, a computer program for realizing the function of the method or device, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like. it can.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the network system in 1st Example. The figure which shows the information contained in the utilization information table of PC. The figure which shows the information contained in the user information table of a management server. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing information included in a usage information table of MFP. The figure which shows the information contained in the authentication table of an authentication server. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print processing executed in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the screen of the warning information output in 1st Example. 10 is a flowchart showing print processing executed in the second embodiment. The figure which shows the screen of the warning information output in 2nd Example. 10 is a flowchart showing print processing executed in a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing print processing executed in a fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A. First embodiment:
A-1. Network system configuration:
A-1-1. PC configuration:
A-1-2. Management server configuration:
A-1-3. MFP configuration:
A-1-4. Authentication server configuration:
A-2. Printing process:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
D. Summary:

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Communication system configuration:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network system in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system includes a PC 10, a management server 100, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 200, and an authentication server 300. The devices 10, 100, 200, and 300 are connected to each other via a LAN (local area network) 70.

A-1-1. PC configuration:
The PC 10 includes a control unit 20, a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, and a network interface 63, which are connected by a bus line.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU 30 and a memory 40. The CPU 30 executes processing according to the image processing program 41 stored in the memory 40. When the CPU 30 executes processing according to the image processing program 41, the functions of the units 51 to 56 are realized. The memory 40 stores an image processing program 41 and a usage information table 42. The usage information table 42 includes later-described number information 42a and log information 42b. The memory includes one or more types of storage media among a plurality of types of storage media such as ROM, RAM, and hard disk.

  The display unit 61 includes a panel and displays various screens. The operation unit 62 includes a keyboard and a pointing device. The user selects items displayed on the display unit 61 by operating the operation unit 62.

  The control unit 20 can cause the MFP 200 to execute printing by instructing the MFP 200 to execute printing via the LAN 70 connected to the network interface 63.

  Here, the usage information table 42 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows information included in the usage information table 42 stored in the memory 40. The number information 42a is obtained by executing one of a plurality of image processing functions (FAX function, copy function, scan function, print function) that can be executed by the MFP 200 by a user who is assigned a corresponding user ID. This is information indicating the cumulative number of consumed sheets. For example, the user having the user ID “user1” has already used 30 sheets by executing a specific image processing function from the PC 10. The number of sheets consumed by executing the FAX function means the number of transmissions consumed when FAX data is transmitted to the transmission destination. The number of sheets consumed by executing the scan function means the number of scans determined according to the number of scan executions.

  Next, the log information 42b will be described. The log information includes the number of sheets consumed as a result of executing any one of the specific image processing by the user to whom the corresponding user ID is assigned, and the date and time when the execution of the function of the specific image processing is instructed. It is information to show. For example, the user with the user ID “user1” indicates that 25 sheets have been used by instructing execution of specific image processing from the PC 10 on January 1, 2011 at 21:45.

  Although only the usage information table related to the user ID “user1” is illustrated in FIG. 2, the usage information table for each of a plurality of user IDs managed by the management server 100 is stored in the memory 40.

A-1-2. Management server configuration:
The management server 100 includes a control unit 120 and a network interface 163, which are connected by a bus line. The control unit 120 includes a CPU 130 and a memory 140. The memory 140 stores a user information table 142. The user information table 142 will be described later.

  Next, a user information table held by the management server 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated, the user information table 142 includes three types of information (number information 142a and log information 142b) associated with each of a plurality of user IDs.

  First, the number information 142a will be described. The number-of-sheets information 142a is used by the user to whom the corresponding user ID is assigned by executing one of the above-described functions, and the user will use it by a specific date in the future. This is information indicating the number of usable sheets, which is the number of sheets that can be printed. For example, when the number of sheets that can be used by each user is determined per month, the specific date is the last day of the month. When a specific date elapses, the usable number is updated anew. For example, it is indicated that the user with the user ID “user1” has already used 35 sheets, and can use 20 sheets by a specific date in the future. Instead of the number information, information indicating the amount of consumables such as the amount of ink may be stored.

  Next, the log information 142b will be described. The log information 142b is information indicating from which device the user assigned the corresponding user ID has instructed execution of the above-described function. For example, the user with the user ID “user1” indicates that 25 sheets of paper have been used by instructing printing from the device name “PC10” on January 1, 2011 at 21:45. Instead of the device name, information indicating network location information such as an IP address may be stored.

  In the first embodiment, the management server 100 transmits the number information 142 a corresponding to the user ID to the PC 10 in accordance with an instruction from the PC 10.

  Here, four cases assumed regarding the execution of a specific function will be described using the log information 142b shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, case (1) indicates that printing is instructed from the device name “PC10” using the user ID “user1”. Case (2) indicates that printing is instructed from the device name “PC10” using the user ID “user2”. In both cases (1) and (2), execution of printing is instructed from the PC 10. Therefore, both the user information table 142 of the management server 100 and the usage information table 42 of the PC 10 are updated.

  On the other hand, Case (3) indicates that printing is instructed from the device name “MFP 200” using the user ID “user1”. Case (4) indicates that printing is instructed from “PC (undefined)” using the user ID “user1”. “PC (undefined)” indicates a PC other than the PC 10. For the case (4), for example, a third party other than the user who can use the user ID “user1” illegally acquires the user ID “user1” and the password of the user with the user ID “user1”. It is assumed that printing is instructed from “PC (undefined)”. “PC (undefined)” is a PC other than the PC 10 specified by the management server 100. In both cases (3) and (4), execution of printing is instructed from a device other than the PC 10. Therefore, although the user information table 142 of the management server 100 is updated, the usage information table 42 of the PC 10 is not updated. As a result, the user information table 142 of the management server 100 does not match the usage information table 42 stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10.

A-1-3. MFP configuration:
The MFP 200 includes a control unit 220, a display unit 261, an operation unit 262, a network interface 263, a reading unit 264, and a print execution unit 265, which are connected by a bus line. The control unit 220 includes a CPU 230 and a memory 240. The memory 240 stores a usage information table 242.

  The display unit 261 includes a panel and displays various screens. The operation unit 262 includes a plurality of buttons. The user selects items displayed on the display unit 261 by operating the operation unit 262. The display unit 261 may be a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 261 also functions as the operation unit 262, and the user selects an item by touching a partial area in the screen displayed on the display unit 261.

  The reading unit 264 includes a scan mechanism including a CCD or the like, and generates scan data by scanning a document. The print execution unit 265 includes a printing mechanism such as a laser method.

  The MFP 200 can execute a FAX function, a copy function, a scan function, and a print function. When the MFP 200 receives an instruction from the PC 10 to execute a specific function by a user authenticated by the authentication server 300 described later, the MFP 200 executes a function based on the instruction.

  In addition, as shown in a third embodiment and a fourth embodiment described later, instead of a configuration in which an instruction to execute a specific function is received from the PC 10, the user can specify a specific function to the MFP 200 from the operation unit 262 of the MFP 200. May be instructed directly.

  Here, the usage information table 242 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows information included in the usage information table 242 stored in the memory 240. The sheet number information 242a is information indicating the cumulative number of sheets used by the user to whom the corresponding user ID is assigned by executing one of the above-described plurality of image processing functions. For example, the user with the user ID “user1” indicates that the user has already used two sheets by instructing the MFP 200 to execute a specific function.

  Next, the log information 242b will be described. The log information 242b is information indicating the number of sheets used when the user to which the corresponding user ID is assigned instructs execution of a specific function, and the date and time when the specific function is specified. For example, the user with the user ID “user1” indicates that two sheets of paper have been used by instructing execution of a specific function from the MFP 200 on January 1, 2011 at 20:40.

  If the configuration of the network system of the first embodiment is adopted, the MFP 200 does not need to store the user information table 142 and the authentication table 342. Therefore, the capacity of the memory 240 of the MFP 200 can be reduced. Further, when a plurality of MFPs are provided in the network system of the first embodiment, by providing the management server 100 and the authentication server 300, a plurality of MFPs can be managed collectively. For example, the administrator of the network system only needs to update the user information table 142 of the management server 100 and the authentication table 342 of the authentication server 300 when a new user uses the network system of the first embodiment. That is, the network system administrator does not have to register a new user for each of the plurality of MFPs.

A-1-4. Authentication server configuration:
The authentication server 300 includes a control unit 320 and a network interface 363, which are connected by a bus line. The control unit 320 includes a CPU 330 and a memory 340. The memory 340 stores an authentication table 342. In the authentication table 342, for each of a plurality of user IDs, the user ID and a password are associated with each other. The administrator of the network system 2 can update the authentication table 342 by inputting a combination of a user ID and a password from an operation unit (not shown) of the authentication server 300.

  Here, the authentication table 342 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated, the authentication table 342 stores authentication information 342a in which a user ID and a password are associated with each other for each of a plurality of user IDs. The administrator of the network system can update the authentication information 342a by inputting a combination of a user ID and a password from an operation unit (not shown) of the authentication server 342.

  When the authentication server 300 receives a combination of a user ID and a password from an external device (for example, the PC 10), the authentication server 300 executes an authentication process. Specifically, the authentication server 300 determines whether or not the combination of the received user ID and password is recorded in the authentication table 300. When the combination of the received user ID and password is recorded in the authentication table 310, the authentication server 300 transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the external device described above. On the other hand, when the combination of the received user ID and password is not recorded in the authentication table 342, the authentication server 300 transmits an authentication result indicating an authentication failure to the external device described above.

A-2. Printing process:
Next, image processing executed in the first embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, as an example of image processing, a case where printing processing is executed will be described. Note that the present invention is applicable even when different processing (FAX processing, copy processing, scanning processing, etc.) is executed instead of the printing processing.

  The printing system executed in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In the first embodiment, the user instructs the MFP 200 to perform printing by instructing printing from the PC 10.

  The communication process of FIG. 6 is started when a login process is executed from the PC 10 by the user operating the operation unit 62 (S100). Specifically, the process in FIG. 6 is started when the user inputs a user ID (for example, “user1”) and a password (for example, “111”).

  When the login process is executed by the user, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 transmits authentication request information including the input user ID and password to the authentication server 300.

  When receiving the authentication request information from the PC 10, the control unit 320 of the authentication server 300 executes an authentication process. Specifically, control unit 320 determines whether or not the received combination of user ID and password is recorded in authentication table 342.

  When the combination of the received user ID and password is recorded in the authentication table 310, the control unit 320 transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the PC 10. On the other hand, when the combination of the received user ID and password is not recorded in the authentication table 342, the control unit 320 transmits an authentication result indicating an authentication failure to the PC 10.

  When the authentication result indicating the authentication success is received from the authentication server 300 and it is confirmed that the print instruction is executed from the user (S102), the control unit 20 of the PC 10 stores the number of sheets stored in the memory 140 of the management server 100. The information 142a is requested to be transmitted (S104). When receiving the number information request, the control unit 120 of the management server 100 refers to the number information 142a associated with the user ID and transmits the number information 142a to the PC 10. In the first embodiment, information indicating the cumulative use number (hereinafter referred to as A page) and the usable number (hereinafter referred to as B page) is transmitted to the PC 10.

  When receiving the number information 142a from the management server 100, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 refers to the memory 40 of the PC 10 and acquires the number information 42a stored in the memory 40 (S106).

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 includes information indicating the accumulated used number included in the number information 142a acquired from the management server 100, and the accumulated used number (hereinafter referred to as C) included in the number information 42a acquired from the memory 40 of the PC 10. The information indicating "page" is compared (S108).

  Here, the case where the cumulative use number stored by the management server 100 and the cumulative use number stored by the PC 10 coincide with each other will be described. As described above, when the cumulative number of used sheets matches (that is, when A = C), it indicates that all print instructions executed using the user ID have been issued from the PC 10. On the other hand, if the cumulative number of used sheets does not match (that is, if A> C), it is confirmed that the print instruction executed using the user ID has been issued from the PC 10 and another device other than the PC 10. means.

  When the accumulated used number indicated by the number information 142a stored in the management server 100 matches the accumulated used number indicated by the number information 42a stored in the PC 10 (YES in S108), the control unit 20 of the PC 10 moves the process to S116. To do. On the other hand, when the accumulated used number indicated by the number information 142a stored in the management server does not match the accumulated used number indicated by the number information 42a stored in the PC 10 (NO in S108), the control unit 20 of the PC 10 displays the display unit 61. Warning information is output to (S110). Specifically, a warning screen SC1 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows warning information output in the first embodiment. As illustrated, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 outputs a warning screen SC1 indicating that printing has been performed from a device other than the PC 10. From the warning screen SC1, it can be seen that the cumulative use number stored in the PC 10 as a result of the print instruction from the PC 10 is 30, whereas the cumulative use number stored in the memory 140 of the management server 100 is 35. In other words, it is understood that a print instruction is issued from a device other than the PC 10 and five sheets are used in accordance with the print instruction.

  After outputting the warning information of FIG. 7, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 waits until acquiring information indicating that the user has confirmed the warning display (S112). Specifically, it waits until the user presses button B1 in warning screen SC1 in FIG.

  When the information indicating that the user has confirmed the warning information is acquired, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 updates the number information 42a stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10 (S114). Specifically, the value of the cumulative used number (page C) indicated by the number information 42a stored in the memory 40 is set to the value of the cumulative used number (page A) indicated by the number information 142a stored in the memory 140 of the management server 100. Rewrite the value. For example, when the warning display of FIG. 7 is output, the control unit 20 changes the value of the cumulative use number indicated by the number information 42a to 35. By doing so, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 once outputs warning information, and then logs in next time, as long as there is no discrepancy in the cumulative number of used images held by the two devices due to different causes. It is not necessary to output warning information.

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 specifies whether or not the number of sheets used as a result of execution of the print instruction by the user is equal to or less than the usable number (B pages) (S116). If the number is greater than the usable number (NO in S116), the control unit 20 outputs to the display unit 61 that printing cannot be executed (S118), and ends the printing process of FIG. In the case of outputting that printing cannot be performed, various modes such as displaying a character string “printing impossible” on the display unit 61 are conceivable.

  On the other hand, when the number is less than the usable number (page B) (YES in S116), the control unit 20 instructs the MFP 200 to execute printing (S122). In addition, the control unit 20 notifies the management server 100 of the number of sheets used as a result of instructing execution of printing (S124). When the number of sheets is received, the control unit 120 of the management server 100 updates the number information 142 a included in the user information table 142.

  Further, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 updates the accumulated used number indicated by the number information 42a stored in the memory 40 (S126), and ends the printing process of FIG. Alternatively, the MFP 200 may be instructed to execute printing after updating the number information 42a stored in the memory 40. Further, after updating the number information 42a stored in the memory 40, the number of sheets used as a result of instructing execution of printing may be notified to the management server 100.

B. Second embodiment:
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed in the second embodiment. Note that the configuration of each device (PC 10, management server 100, MFP 200, authentication server 300) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which whether or not to output a warning display is compared by comparing the accumulated used number stored in the management server 100 with the accumulated used number stored in the PC 10. In contrast, the second embodiment employs a configuration in which whether or not to output warning information is compared by comparing the log information 142b stored in the management server 100 and the log information 42b stored in the PC 10. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the parts different from the first embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment starts when a login process is executed from the PC 10 (S100a). When the login process is executed by the user, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 transmits authentication confirmation information including the input user ID and password to the authentication server 300 and receives an authentication result. When the authentication result indicating the authentication success is received from the authentication server 300 and it is confirmed that the print instruction is executed from the user (S102a), the control unit 20 transmits the log information 142b stored in the memory 140 of the management server 100. The management server 100 is requested to do this (S202). When receiving the log information request, the control unit 120 of the management server 100 refers to the log information 142b associated with the user ID and transmits the number information 142a and the log information 142b to the PC 10. As described above, in the second embodiment, in addition to the log information 142b, information on the cumulative number of used sheets (hereinafter referred to as A page) and the number of usable sheets (hereinafter referred to as B page) indicated by the number information 142a is provided. , To PC10.

  When receiving the number information 142a and the log information 142b from the management server 100, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 refers to the memory 40 of the PC 10 and acquires the log information 42b stored in the memory 40 (S204).

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 compares the log information 142b acquired from the management server 100 with the log information 42b acquired from the memory 40 of the PC 10 (S206).

  Here, as a result of comparing the log information, the case where the log information stored in the management server 100 and the log information stored in the PC 10 match each other will be described. As described above, when the log information matches (that is, the used number and date / time in the log information 42b acquired from the memory 40 of the PC 10 match the used number and date / time in the log information 142b acquired from the management server 100). Indicates that all print instructions executed using the user ID have been issued from the PC 10. On the other hand, if the log information does not match (that is, log information not included in the log information 42b acquired from the memory 49 of the PC 10 is included in the log information 142b acquired from the management server 100), the user ID is changed. This indicates that the print instruction executed using the device is performed at least once from a device other than the PC 10.

  If the log information 142b stored in the management server 100 does not include the log information 42b not stored in the PC 10 (NO in S206), the control unit 20 of the PC 10 performs the process in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The process proceeds to S116a. On the other hand, when the log information 42b stored in the management server 100 includes the log information 42b that is not stored in the PC 10 (YES in S206), the control unit 20 displays the display unit 61 as in the first embodiment. The warning information is output to (S110a). Specifically, a warning screen SC2 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows the warning information output in the second embodiment. As illustrated, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 outputs a warning screen SC2 indicating that printing has been performed from a device other than the PC 10. From SC2, it can be seen that there are two cases instructed to print from other than the PC 10. More specifically, it can be seen that a print instruction is issued from “MFP 70” and “PC 200”.

  After outputting the warning display of FIG. 9, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 waits until the user acquires information indicating that the warning display has been confirmed (S112a). Specifically, the process waits until the user presses button B2 in warning screen SC2 in FIG.

  When the information indicating that the user has confirmed the warning information is acquired, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 updates the log information 42b stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10 (S208). Specifically, of the log information 142b of the management server 100, the log information that is not included in the log information 42b of the memory 40 of the PC 10 is rewritten so as to be added. In this way, after the warning information is output once, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 warns the next log-in unless there is a mismatch between the log information held by the two devices due to different causes. There is no need to output information.

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 executes the printing process as in the first embodiment (S116a to S124a). If the print instructed number does not exceed the printable number (S116a YES), the control unit 20 executes 122a and 124a and then updates the log information 42b stored in the memory (S210). ).

  As described above, by using the log information, the date and time when the print instruction is given to the MFP 200 and the device can be specified, so that the user can easily recognize the print instruction that he / she does not recognize.

C. Third embodiment:
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed in the third embodiment. Note that the configuration of each device (PC 10, management server 100, MFP 200, authentication server 300) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the user instructs the execution of printing from the PC 10, and the PC 10 compares the cumulative number of sheets used. On the other hand, the third embodiment employs a configuration in which the user issues an instruction to execute printing (that is, execution of a copy function) from the MFP 200 and the MFP 200 compares the cumulative number of sheets used. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the parts different from the first embodiment.

  As illustrated, the processing from S100b to S120b executed by the control unit 220 of the MFP 200 is the same as the processing from S100 to S120 executed by the control unit 20 of the PC 10 in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when the print instructed number does not exceed the printable number (S116b YES), the MFP control unit 220 instructs the print execution unit 265 included in the MFP 200 to execute printing (S302). ). Thereafter, the control unit 220 notifies the management server 100 of the number of sheets used (S124b), as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, the number information 242a stored in the memory 240 is updated (S126b).

D. Fourth embodiment:
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed in the fourth embodiment. Note that the configuration of each device (PC 10, management server 100, MFP 200, authentication server 300) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the user instructs execution of printing from the PC 10 and the log information is compared on the PC 10. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the user instructs execution of printing from the MFP 200 and the MFP 200 compares the log information. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the parts different from the second embodiment.

  As illustrated, the processing from S100c to S120c executed by the control unit 220 of the MFP 200 is the same as the processing from S100a to S120a executed by the control unit 20 of the PC 10 in the second embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, when the number of prints instructed does not exceed the usable number (YES in S116c), the MFP control unit 220 instructs the print execution unit 265 in the MFP 200 to execute printing (S410). . Thereafter, the control unit 220 notifies the management server 100 of the number of used sheets, similarly to the first embodiment (S124c). Thereafter, the number information 242a stored in the memory 240 is updated (S126c).

D. Summary In the above description, among the printing programs executed by the control unit 20, S116 to S122 in FIG. 6 correspond to the processing executed by the processing control means of the present invention. Moreover, S126 of FIG. 6 is corresponded to the process performed by a memory | storage means. Further, S110 and S112 in FIG. 6 correspond to processing executed by the output control means. Moreover, S104 of FIG. 6 is equivalent to the process performed by the acquisition means of this invention. Further, S106 and S108 in FIG. 6 correspond to the processing executed by the determination unit. Moreover, S114 of FIG. 6 is corresponded to the process performed by a change means.

  The user information table 142 stored in the memory 140 of the management server 100 corresponds to the first usage information of the present invention, and the usage information table 42 stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10 is the second usage information of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  As described above, the PC 10 controls the execution of the printing process in accordance with an instruction from the user. When printing is executed, the PC 10 updates the usage information table 42 stored in the memory 40. Further, the PC 10 includes the number information 142a or log information 142b indicated by the user information table 142 stored in the memory 140 of the management server 100, and the number information 42b or log information 42c indicated by the usage information table 42 stored in the memory 40. Is not matched, the warning screen SC1 is output to the display unit 61. Thus, by outputting the warning screen SC1, it is possible to make the user recognize whether or not the printing process has been executed by a device other than the PC 10.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes as described below.

  (1) In the first and second embodiments described above, it has been described that the usage information table 42 is stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10. However, another configuration may be used. That is, the usage information may be stored in the memory 40 and the usage information when the MFP 200 instructs to execute printing may be stored in the memory 240 of the MFP 200.

  (2) In each of the embodiments described above, after the PC 10 (or MFP 200) requests the number information 142a or log information 142b from the management server 100, the number information 142a or log information 142b is acquired from the management server 100. However, another configuration may be used. For example, when it is confirmed in the authentication server 300 that authentication has been performed, the management server 100 does not request the management server 100 to transmit the number information 142a or the log information 142b. 142a or log information 142b may be transmitted.

  The process of comparing the number information 142a or log information 142b of the management server 100 with the number information 42a or log information 42b of the PC 10 (or the number information 242a or log information 242b of the MFP 200) is logged in by the user. It may be executed when a driver (not shown) stored in the memory 40 is activated.

  (3) In each embodiment described above, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 compares the number information 42a or log information 42b stored in the memory 40 with the number information 142a or log information 142b acquired from the management server 100. (S106 in FIG. 5) has been described, but another configuration may be used. For example, the control unit 20 may transmit the number information 42a or log information 42b stored in the memory 40 to the management server 100, and the control unit 120 of the management server 100 may compare the number information 42a or the log information 42b. In other words, the process of S <b> 106 in FIG. 6 may be executed by the management server 100.

  (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the number information 42a stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10 (or the number information 242a stored in the memory 240 of the MFP 200) is not related to the function of each executed image processing. However, instead of this, the number of sheets used for each image processing function may be stored separately.

  (5) In each of the embodiments described above, when the FAX function is executed, the log information 42b stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10 (or the log information 242b stored in the memory 240 of the MFP 200) includes the FAX Information of a data transmission destination may be stored.

  (6) In each embodiment described above, the control unit 20 of the PC 10 does not match the number information 42a or log information 42b stored in the memory 40 with the number information 142a or log information 142b acquired from the management server 100. In this case, it is described that warning information is output, but information that prompts the user to change the password for the user ID may be output.

  By doing so, it is easy to suppress the execution of each image processing function by a third party other than the user.

  (7) In each embodiment described above, the usage information table 42 stored in the memory 40 of the PC 10 (or the usage information table 242 stored in the memory 240 of the MFP 200) is stored separately for each user ID. However, instead of this, all user IDs may be stored in one table.

  (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the management server 100 and the authentication server 300 are described as being connected to the MFP 200. However, different configurations may be used. For example, if the configuration in which the MFP 200 stores the user information table 142 is adopted, the MFP 200 can acquire the user information table from within the MFP 200, and the management server 100 need not be provided. If the MFP 200 employs a configuration in which the authentication table 342 is stored, the MFP 200 itself can execute the authentication process, and the authentication server 300 is not required.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the units 51 to 56 are realized by the CPU 30 executing processing according to the image processing program 41. At least one of the units 51 to 56 is a logic circuit or the like. It may be realized by hardware.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 20 ... Control part, 30 ... CPU, 40 ... Memory, 41 ... Print program, 42 ... Usage information table, 42a ... Sheet number information, 42b ... Log information, 51 ... Processing control means, 52 ... Storage means, 53 ... output control means, 54 ... acquisition means, 55 ... determination means, 56 ... change means, 61 ... display section, 62 ... operation section, 63 ... network interface, 70 ... LAN, 100 ... management server, 120 ... control section, 130 ... CPU, 140 ... memory, 142 ... user information table, 142a ... number information, 142b ... log information, 163 ... network interface, 200 ... MFP, 220 ... control unit, 230 ... CPU, 240 ... memory, 242 ... usage information table 242a ... Number information, 242b ... Log information, 261 ... Display part, 262 ... Operation part, 263 ... Tsu network interface, 264 ... reader, 265 ... printing unit, 300 ... authentication server 320 ... controller, 330 ... CPU, 340 ... memory, 342 ... authentication table, 342a ... credentials, 363 ... network interface

Claims (9)

A control device connected to the management server for storing the first usage information,
The first usage information is a device connected via a network, and is information that is updated when specific image processing is executed in one or a plurality of the devices including the control device,
Processing control means for controlling execution of the specific image processing in accordance with an instruction from the user;
Storage means for storing second usage information updated by the specific image processing being executed by the control device;
Output control means for outputting warning information when the first usage information at a specific timing does not match the second usage information stored in the storage means at the specific timing;
A control device comprising: The control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
Obtaining means for obtaining the first usage information from the management server;
Determination means for determining whether or not the first usage information acquired by the acquisition means matches the second usage information stored in the storage means;
The output control means determines that the first usage information at the specific timing does not match the second usage information stored in the storage means at the specific timing by the determination means. In this case, the control device outputs the warning information. The control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The first usage information is information managed for each specific user,
The control device according to claim 2, wherein the second usage information is information managed for each specific user when the specific user uses the control device. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control device is connected to an authentication server that executes authentication processing using authentication information received from the control device;
The first usage information is information managed for each specific user authenticated by the authentication server,
The control device according to claim 2, wherein the second usage information is information managed for each specific user when the specific user authenticated by the authentication server uses the control device. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first usage information is the number of recording media stored in the management server as being used as a result of the specific user instructing execution of the specific image processing,
The second usage information is the number of recording media stored in the control device as being used as a result of the specific user instructing execution of the specific image processing. . The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first usage information is history information stored in the management server indicating that the specific user has instructed execution of the specific image processing;
The control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second usage information is history information stored in the control apparatus indicating that the specific user has instructed execution of the specific image processing. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
When the warning information is output, it comprises a changing means for changing the second usage information so that the first usage information matches the second usage information. Control device. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image processing is printing processing. A program that causes a computer connected to a management server that stores first usage information to function as each means,
The first usage information is a device connected via a network, and is information that is updated when specific image processing is executed in one or a plurality of the devices including the control device,
In the computer,
Processing control means for controlling execution of the specific image processing in accordance with an instruction from the user;
Storage means for storing second usage information updated by the specific image processing being executed by the control device;
A program that functions as output control means for outputting warning information when the first usage information at a specific timing does not match the second usage information stored in the storage means at the specific timing.

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