Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and program
The image formation device manages fax data printing through two operations to control paper usage and prevent excess charges by storing data until necessary, addressing the challenge of unknown print limit exceedance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023113586
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing image formation devices face challenges in managing paper consumption when printing fax data, as users often exceed the maximum print limit unknowingly, leading to additional charges.
Implementing a mechanism in the image formation device to manage fax data printing by allowing two operations: a first operation where data is stored without immediate printing and a second operation where printing is allowed only when necessary, based on predefined limits and user instructions.
This approach effectively reduces paper consumption and prevents unexpected additional charges by controlling when fax data is printed, ensuring users stay within their print limits.
Smart Images
Figure 2025011460000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]
[0002] Image forming devices having a printing function, a FAX function, and a scanner function have been known for some time. The image forming device may perform printing using a fixed-price printing method based on, for example, a subscription. In the fixed-price printing method, a user who uses the image forming device pays a fixed amount every predetermined period, and can print a preset number of sheets (maximum number of sheets) within the amount. When the user performs printing by operating the image forming device himself, he can know the number of sheets of paper required for the printing. In contrast, when data received by the FAX function is printed, it is difficult for the user to know the number of sheets of paper required for the printing. For this reason, when the number of sheets printed by the image forming device within the predetermined period approaches the maximum number and data received by the FAX function is printed, the number of sheets printed may increase further without the user's knowledge, and may eventually exceed the maximum number, resulting in an additional charge. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for setting a print limit number (maximum number of sheets printed) for each print job. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-187902 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, for example, the number of pages required to print one piece of data received using the FAX function is less than the print limit, but if the data is printed multiple times, the total number of pages exceeds the print limit.
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a mechanism for reducing paper consumption caused by printing facsimile data. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving means for receiving facsimile data; a printing means capable of printing the facsimile data received by the receiving means as the image; an operation means for performing an operation to instruct the printing means to execute the printing; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of prints that can be printed by the printing means within a predetermined period and the number of prints already printed by the printing means within the predetermined period; a storage means for storing the facsimile data received by the receiving means; and a judgment means for judging, based on the predetermined number of prints and the number of prints acquired by the acquisition means, whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation means. Effect of the Invention
[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce paper consumption caused by printing facsimile data. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system; [Diagram 2] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of user data, plan data, and contract data stored in a contract management server. [Figure 3A] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining setting values that can be set in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3B]11 is a flowchart showing a process for setting a threshold value for the remaining printable number in the remaining printable number setting. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram for explaining the number of sheets already printed by the printer unit in the plan. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to perform a first operation or a second operation (memory reception). [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for resetting a print count. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exert the same function. In addition, any configuration may be added.
[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing system. As shown in Fig. 1, the image processing system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 101 that forms an image, a contract management server (server) 121, and a PC 131, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 141 such as a LAN or a WAN. A contract is made between the image forming apparatus 101 and the contract management server 121, with a user who uses the PC 131 as the contractor, to use a subscription. The contract management server 121 manages contract information. The PC 131 updates the contract information of the contract management server 121 by user operations via, for example, a web browser or a dedicated application.
[0011] The image forming apparatus 101 is, for example, an MFP, and includes a controller unit (control unit) 102, a display unit 103, an operation unit (operation means) 104, a printer unit (printing means) 105, and a scanner unit 106. The display unit 103 includes, for example, an LED or a liquid crystal display, and can display the contents of a user's operation and internal information of the image forming apparatus 101. The operation unit 104 includes, for example, a plurality of operation buttons, and can accept an operation from a user by the user operating the operation buttons. Note that the operation unit 104 may be configured as a touch display together with the display unit 103. The printer unit 105 accepts a print execution instruction from the controller unit 102, and prints image data transmitted from the controller unit 102 on paper. Note that the operation of the print execution instruction for the printer unit 105 is performed by the user operating the operation unit 104 (operation process). The scanner unit 106 accepts a read instruction from the controller unit 102, and performs an operation of reading an original. Then, the scanner unit 106 transmits image data acquired by the reading operation to the controller unit 102. There are two modes of the reading operation: a pressure plate mode in which a document placed on a glass platen is read, and an ADF mode in which a document is read while being transported by an automatic document feeder (ADF).
[0012] The controller unit 102 includes a CPU 107, a ROM 108, a RAM 109, a HDD (storage means) 110, an EEPROM 111, a network I / F 112, a MODEM 113, and an NCU (reception means) 114. The CPU 107 is an execution medium (computer) of a control program built into the image forming apparatus 101, and controls the operation of devices connected to the controller unit 102 via each I / F and memory of the storage medium. The ROM 108 is a read-only memory, and stores a boot program and the like required for starting the system. The RAM 109 is a volatile memory, and is a work memory required when executing the control program. The HDD 110 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, and stores the control program, image data, and the like. The control program includes, for example, a program for causing the CPU 10 to execute each part and each means (a control method of the image forming apparatus) of the image forming apparatus 101. The EEPROM 112 is a non-volatile memory, and stores setting values and the like required when the control program is executed. The EEPROM 112 also stores information on the contract plan notified by the contract management server 121. The MODEM 113 demodulates a modulated signal received from the telephone line 151, and modulates a signal from the image forming apparatus 101 and transmits it to the telephone line 151. The NCU 114 can receive a signal from the telephone line 151, i.e., facsimile data, and transmit it to the MODEM 113 (receiving process). This facsimile data is temporarily stored in, for example, the HDD 110 (storing process). Note that the capacity of the HDD 110 is ensured to be sufficient to store the facsimile data, regardless of the size of the facsimile data. The facsimile data stored in the HDD 110 is then printed as an image by the printer unit 105 (printing process). The NCU 114 can also perform line control to switch the telephone line 151 to the telephone set 161.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the contract management server 121 includes a CPU 122, a ROM 123, a RAM 124, a HDD 125, and a network I / F 126. The CPU 122 is an execution medium for the server function of the contract management server 121. The ROM 123 is a read-only memory, and stores a boot program and the like required for system startup. The RAM 124 is a volatile memory, and is a work memory required for executing a program for the server function. The HDD 125 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, and stores a program for executing the server function, user data, plan data, contract data, and the like. The contract management server 121 is capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 131, and provides the PC 131 with a contract information update service for the image forming apparatus 101.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user data, plan data, and contract data stored in the contract management server. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of user data. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of plan data. FIG. 2(c) shows an example of contract data. These data are stored in advance in, for example, the HDD 125 of the contract management server 121. The image forming apparatus 101 is capable of printing in a subscription-based fixed-price printing method. In the fixed-price printing method, a user pays a fixed amount every predetermined period, and can print a preset number of sheets (maximum number of prints) within the amount, that is, a predetermined number of prints that can be printed within a predetermined period, on the image forming apparatus 101. The user data 201 shown in FIG. 2(a) includes a user ID 202, a password 203, an address 204, and a payment method 205 as information related to the user. The user ID 202 and the password 203 are used to distinguish users when the PC 131 provides a contract information update service for the image forming apparatus 101. The address 204 is the address of each user, and is used, for example, when issuing or sending invoices or receipts. The payment means 205 is a means (method) for a user to pay a fee when using the image forming apparatus 101 on a subscription. There is no particular limitation on the payment means 205, and examples of the payment means include credit card payment and bank withdrawal. Note that, in this embodiment, the user data 201 includes the above four items, but is not limited to these.
[0015] Plan data 211 shown in FIG. 2B includes plan 212, printable number 213, and fee 214 as information related to subscription plans. Plan 212 is the type of subscription plan, and is a one-month plan in this embodiment. Fee 214 is the fee for each plan, and is a one-month fee in this embodiment. Printable number 213 is the upper limit number of printable sheets (predetermined number of prints) stipulated in each plan, and is the predetermined number of printable sheets in one month in this embodiment. For example, in plan A, if you pay 3,000 yen per month, you can print up to 500 sheets for one month within that fee. Note that in plan A, you can print even if you exceed 500 sheets, but in this case, you may move to the next plan after plan A, that is, change the plan (the same applies to plan B and plan C). In addition, the excess amount may be charged on a pay-per-use basis, that is, plan A may remain the same and additional charges may be incurred (the printing cost per sheet may increase). Therefore, the "printable number of sheets 213 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "printable number of sheets")" is the upper limit of printable sheets defined in each plan, but is not the upper limit of printing restrictions. Note that the plan data 211 includes the above three items in this embodiment, but is not limited to these.
[0016] The contract data 221 shown in FIG. 2(c) includes a serial number 222, a user ID 223, and a plan 224 as information related to the contract. The serial number 222 is an ID for identifying the image forming apparatus 101, and contract information is managed for each serial number. The user ID 223 is an ID of a user who has made a contract with the image forming apparatus 101, and is one of the user IDs 202 in the user data 201. The plan 224 is a contract plan for the image forming apparatus 101, and is one of the plans 212 in the plan data 211. Note that the contract data 221 includes the above three items in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto. As described above, the user data 201, the plan data 211, and the contract data 221 are each based on a subscription.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining setting values that can be set in the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3A, the setting values include a print limit number setting 301, a memory reception setting 302, and a menu 303. The print limit number setting 301, the memory reception setting 302, and the menu 303 are stored in the EEPROM 111, but may be stored in the HDD 125. The menu 303 also includes a printable remaining number setting (setting means) 304. The printable number 213 in the subscription plan is set in the print limit number setting 301. In FIG. 3A, as an example, the printable number "500" in the plan A is set in the print limit number setting 301. As described above, the printable number 213 is stored in advance in the contract management server 121, for example, in the HDD 125. The image forming apparatus 101 can acquire the printable number 213 from the contract management server 121 via the network I / F (acquisition means) 126 (acquisition process). The value set in the print limit number setting 301 is maintained as is until the plan is changed. If a fixed-price printing contract by subscription has not been made, the print limit number setting 301 has no setting value, i.e., there is no limit.
[0018] In the memory reception setting 302, either ON or OFF can be selected and set. When the memory reception setting 302 is set to OFF, a first operation (first printing) is performed in which the facsimile data stored in the HDD 110 is printed by the printer unit 105 even if there is no instruction to execute printing from the operation unit 104. When the memory reception setting 302 is set to ON, a second operation (second printing) is performed in which the facsimile data stored in the HDD 110 is printed by the printer unit 105 if there is an instruction to execute printing from the operation unit 104. In other words, when the memory reception setting 302 is set to ON, the facsimile data remains stored in the HDD 110 until there is an instruction to execute printing from the operation unit 104. Hereinafter, the second operation may be referred to as "memory reception".
[0019] In the menu 303, either ON or OFF can be selected and set. When ON is set in the menu 303, if the remaining number of sheets until the printable number set in the print upper limit number setting 301 becomes relatively small, the second operation is forcibly performed regardless of the ON / OFF setting in the memory reception setting 302. Hereinafter, the remaining number of sheets until the printable number is reached is referred to as the "remaining printable number of sheets". When OFF is set in the menu 303, the ON state in the menu 303 is canceled. The remaining printable number of sheets is acquired by calculating the difference between the printable number set in the print upper limit number setting 301 and the number of sheets already printed by the printer unit 105 in the plan having the printable number by the CPU 107 (acquisition means). In the printable remaining number setting 304, a threshold value of the remaining printable number of sheets can be set. The threshold value is set to a value equal to or greater than zero and less than the printable number of sheets, i.e., a value less than the printable number of sheets. 3A, as an example, "50" is set in the remaining printable number setting 304. In addition, the threshold value can be changed in the remaining printable number setting 304. As a result, if the remaining printable number setting 304 is set to "50", it can be changed to, for example, "40", "60", etc.
[0020] 3B is a flowchart showing a process for setting a threshold value of the remaining printable number in the remaining printable number setting. As shown in FIG. 3B, in step S801, the CPU 107 receives through the operation unit 104 that a setting value (the remaining printable number of sheets to be forcibly received in memory) as a threshold value of the remaining printable number is set in the remaining printable number setting 304.
[0021] In step S802, CPU 107 determines whether the setting value received in step S801 is equal to or greater than zero and less than the value (printable number of sheets) set in the upper limit printing number setting 301. If it is determined in step S802 that the setting value is equal to or greater than zero and less than the value set in the upper limit printing number setting 301, processing proceeds to step S803. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that the setting value is equal to or greater than zero and is not less than the value set in the upper limit printing number setting 301, processing proceeds to step S804.
[0022] In step S803, the CPU 107 stores the setting value received in step S801 in the EEPROM 111, and the process ends.
[0023] In step S804, the CPU 107 displays a setting error on the operation unit 104 as a UI (User Interface) to the effect that the setting value received in step S801 is inappropriate, and the process ends.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the number of sheets already printed by the printer unit in a plan. The print count 401 shown in FIG. 4 indicates the number of sheets already printed by the printer unit in a plan. As an example, FIG. 4 shows that the number of sheets already printed is "252" for plan A, which has a printable number of sheets of "500." The number of sheets in this print count 401 is stored in the EPROM 111. Note that while the print count 401 is the number of sheets already printed in this embodiment, it can also be the remaining number of sheets that can be printed.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus. A screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the operation unit 104 during memory reception. The screen 500 includes an inbox 501, a display area 502, a detail display button 503, an image display button 504, a delete button 505, a send button 506, a print button 507, a display area 508, and a display area 509. The inbox 501 is the header of the screen 500. The display area 502 displays facsimile data stored in the HDD 110 on a received job basis. By selecting facsimile data on the display area 502 and operating the detail display button 503, detailed information on the job can be referenced. In addition, by selecting facsimile data on the display area 502 and operating the image display button 504, an image of the job can be previewed. In addition, by selecting facsimile data on the display area 502 and operating the delete button 505, the facsimile data can be deleted. Moreover, by selecting facsimile data on display area 502 and operating send button 506, it is possible to transition to a screen (not shown) for performing processing to transmit the facsimile data to an image forming apparatus or a file server other than image forming apparatus 101. Moreover, by selecting facsimile data on display area 502 and operating print button 507, it is possible to instruct printer unit 105 to print the facsimile data. Note that whether or not printing is possible on printer unit 105 depends on the remaining number of pages that can be printed.
[0026] In the display area 508, either ON or OFF is highlighted depending on the setting value of the memory reception setting 302. For example, when the memory reception setting 302 is set to ON, "ON" is highlighted in the display area 508. When the memory reception setting 302 is set to OFF, "OFF" is highlighted in the display area 508. In the display area 509, a status message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 101 is displayed. Note that the display area 509 is displayed regardless of the type of screen displayed on the operation unit 104, whether it is a function screen or a menu screen. In FIG. 5, as an example, "Fax memory reception setting in progress" is displayed in the display area 509.
[0027] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to perform the first operation or the second operation (memory reception). The program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is executed by CPU 107 reading the program from ROM 108 into RAM 109. As shown in Fig. 6, in step S601, CPU 107 controls reception of facsimile data, that is, FAX reception. In this control, NCU 114 receives a modulated image signal from the sender via telephone line 151. Then, MODEM 113 demodulates the signal received by NCU 114 to extract image data and loads it in RAM 109. After step S601 is executed, the process proceeds to step S602.
[0028] In step S602, CPU 107 reads out the setting value of menu 303, ON or OFF, stored in EEPROM 111, and judges whether the read setting value is ON. If it is judged in step S602 that the setting value is ON, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S602 that the setting value is not ON, the process proceeds to step S605.
[0029] In step S603, CPU 107 reads the set value of upper limit print count setting 301, the set value of remaining printable number setting 304, and the set value of print count 401, all stored in EEPROM 111. CPU 107 (determination means) then determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the set value of print count 401 from the set value of upper limit print count setting 301, i.e., the remaining printable number, is equal to or less than the set value (threshold) of remaining printable number setting 304 (determination step). If it is determined that the remaining printable number is equal to or less than the threshold, processing proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining printable number is not equal to or less than the threshold, i.e., the remaining printable number exceeds the threshold, processing proceeds to step S605.
[0030] In step S604, if there is an instruction to execute printing from the operation unit 104, the CPU 107 performs a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the HDD 110 by the printer unit 105, that is, memory reception. At this time, even if the setting in the memory reception setting 302 is OFF, the message "Fax memory reception setting in progress" is displayed in the display area 509 of the screen 500. This display enables the user to understand why the data was not printed. After step S604 is executed, the process proceeds to step S607.
[0031] In step S605, CPU 107 reads out the setting value, ON or OFF, of memory reception setting 302 stored in EEPROM 111, and determines whether the read setting value is ON. If it is determined in step S605 that the setting value is ON, the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that the setting value is not ON, the process proceeds to step S606.
[0032] In step S606, CPU 107 performs a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in HDD 110 by printer unit 105 even if there is no instruction to execute printing from operation unit 104, that is, executes printing of the facsimile data as is.
[0033] In step S607, CPU 107 determines whether or not a print command has been issued from operation unit 104, that is, whether or not a print command has been issued. If it is determined in step S607 that a print command has been issued, processing proceeds to step S608. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S607 that a print command has not been issued, processing remains in standby at step S607. Note that if it is determined that a print command has not been issued, processing may end without remaining in standby at step S608.
[0034] In step S608, CPU 107 causes printer unit 105 to print the facsimile data stored in HDD 110, that is, executes printing of the facsimile data.
[0035] However, when facsimile data is printed, it is difficult for the user to grasp the number of sheets of paper required for the printing. Therefore, when the facsimile data is printed in a state where the number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus 101 is close to the number of printable sheets that can be printed as specified in the subscription plan, the number of printed sheets may increase without the user's knowledge. Then, the number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus 101 may eventually exceed the number of printable sheets, and additional charges may be incurred. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 101 can determine whether to perform the first operation, i.e., to perform printing as is, or the second operation, i.e., to hold printing until a print instruction is received, depending on the remaining number of printable sheets. This makes it possible to prevent the number of printed sheets from increasing and eventually exceeding the number of printable sheets without the user's knowledge when the facsimile data is printed. With this control, it is possible to suppress the consumption of paper due to the printing of facsimile data and prevent the occurrence of additional charges. In printing at the image forming apparatus 101 according to a print job from the PC 131, unlike printing of facsimile data, the print job is not temporarily stored in the HDD 110, but is executed as is, that is, printed.
[0036] The image forming apparatus 101 may be configured to detect that the print limit setting 301 has been changed from an unset state to a set state, that is, to detect that a fixed-price printing contract has started. Then, in response to this detection, the CPU 107 may change the memory reception setting 302 to ON. The image forming apparatus 101 may be configured to detect the number of sheets required to print facsimile data prior to printing in step S608. In this case, for example, if the remaining number of printable sheets is 30 sheets and the number of sheets required to print the facsimile data is 10 sheets, printing is performed. On the other hand, if the remaining number of printable sheets is 30 sheets and the number of sheets required to print the facsimile data is 50 sheets, printing may not be performed and a notification to that effect may be given.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for resetting the print count. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the CPU 107 reading the program from the ROM 108 to the RAM 109. Note that this program is executed when the image forming apparatus 101 is started or after a certain time has elapsed after the contract period (predetermined period) of the subscription plan has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 7, in step S700, the CPU 107 judges whether or not a fixed-price printing contract by subscription has been made. This judgment is made based on whether or not the CPU 107 reads the setting value of the print upper limit number setting 301 from the EEPROM 111 and the setting value is not set. If the setting value is not set, it is judged that a fixed-price printing contract has not been made. If the setting value is not not set, that is, if a numerical value is set in the print upper limit number setting 301, it is judged that a fixed-price printing contract has been made. Then, if it is judged that a fixed-price printing contract has been made as a result of the judgment in step S700, the process proceeds to step S701. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S700 that a fixed-rate printing contract has not been made, the process ends.
[0038] In step S701, the CPU 107 operates the network I / F 112 to communicate with the contract management server 121 via the network 141 and obtain the current date and time from the contract management server 121. The current date and time is obtained from the contract management server 121, for example, to prevent the count reset process in step S703 from malfunctioning due to an erroneous change in the date and time setting in the image forming apparatus 101.
[0039] In step S702, CPU 107 determines whether the contract period (one month in this embodiment) stipulated in the fixed-rate printing contract has passed based on the date and time acquired in step S701. If it is determined in step S702 that the contract period has passed, processing proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that the contract period has not passed, processing ends. As a result, even if the determination in step S603 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is Yes and memory reception is selected, when the contract period is updated, the determination in step S603 becomes No. Operation becomes possible according to memory reception setting 302.
[0040] In step S703, the CPU 107 resets the number of printed pages in the print count 401 stored in the EEPROM 111 to "0", i.e., returns it to its initial state. As described above, in this embodiment, the print count 401 is the number of printed pages, but it can also be the number of remaining printable pages. Even if the print count 401 is the number of remaining printable pages, the remaining number of printable pages is reset to "0" in step S703. Also, when a new fixed-rate printing contract is made, the number of printable pages under that contract is obtained again from the contract management server 121. This number of printable pages can be used in a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.
[0041] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors of a computer in the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.
[0042] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus for forming an image, comprising: A receiving means for receiving facsimile data; a printing means capable of printing the facsimile data received by the receiving means as the image; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the printing unit to execute the printing; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of sheets that can be printed by the printing means within a predetermined period and a number of sheets that have already been printed by the printing means within the predetermined period; a storage means capable of storing the facsimile data received by the receiving means; and a determination means for determining whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, based on the specified number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquisition means. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the determining unit determines to perform the second operation when the difference between the predetermined number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets is equal to or smaller than a threshold value. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the determination means determines to perform the first operation when the difference between the predetermined number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets exceeds the threshold value. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the acquisition means acquires the specified number of printed sheets again after the specified period has elapsed, and resets the number of printed sheets to its initial state. (Configuration 5) An image forming apparatus for forming an image, comprising: A receiving means for receiving facsimile data; a printing means capable of printing the facsimile data received by the receiving means as the image; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the printing unit to execute the printing; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of printable sheets that can be printed within a predetermined period of time defined by the printing means and a remaining number of sheets until the predetermined number of printable sheets is reached within the predetermined period of time; a storage means capable of storing the facsimile data received by the receiving means; and a determination means for determining, based on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means, whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation means. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the determining unit determines to perform the second operation when the remaining number is equal to or smaller than a threshold value. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the determination unit determines to perform the first operation when the remaining number exceeds the threshold value. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the acquiring means acquires the predetermined number of print sheets again after the predetermined period has elapsed, and resets the remaining number of print sheets to an initial state. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, 3, 6 or 7, further comprising a setting means capable of setting the threshold value to a value equal to or greater than zero and smaller than the predetermined number of prints. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, wherein the setting means is capable of changing the threshold value. (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus is connected to a server so as to be able to communicate with the server, 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the predetermined period and the predetermined number of prints are based on a subscription between the image forming apparatus and the server. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image, comprising the steps of: a receiving step of receiving facsimile data; a printing step capable of printing the facsimile data received in the receiving step as the image; an operation step of performing an operation to instruct the printing step to execute the printing; an acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined number of printable sheets that can be printed within a predetermined period in the printing step and a number of printed sheets that have already been printed in the printing step within the predetermined period; a storage step capable of storing the facsimile data received in the receiving step; a determination step for determining whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, based on the specified number of prints and the number of printed sheets acquired in the acquisition step. (Method 2) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image, comprising the steps of: a receiving step of receiving facsimile data; a printing step capable of printing the facsimile data received in the receiving step as the image; an operation step of performing an operation to instruct the printing step to execute the printing; an acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined number of printable sheets that can be printed within a predetermined period in the printing step and a remaining number of sheets until the predetermined number of printable sheets is reached within the predetermined period; a storage step capable of storing the facsimile data received in the receiving step; a determination step for determining, based on the remaining number acquired in the acquisition step, whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation step. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]
[0043] 101 Image forming device 104 Operation unit (operation means) 105 Printer unit (printing means) 107 CPU 110 HDD (storage means) 114 NCU (receiving means) 121 Contract management server (server) 126 Network I / F (acquisition method) 304 Printable remaining number setting (setting means)
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image, A receiving means for receiving facsimile data; a printing means capable of printing the facsimile data received by the receiving means as the image; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the printing unit to execute the printing; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of sheets that can be printed by the printing means within a predetermined period and a number of sheets that have already been printed by the printing means within the predetermined period; a storage means capable of storing the facsimile data received by the receiving means; and a determination means for determining whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, or whether to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, based on the specified number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquisition means.
2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines that the second operation should be performed when the difference between the predetermined number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets is equal to or smaller than a threshold value.
3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determining unit determines that the first operation is to be performed when the difference between the predetermined number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets exceeds the threshold value.
4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the predetermined number of printed sheets again after the predetermined period has elapsed, and resets the number of printed sheets to an initial state.
5. An image forming apparatus for forming an image, A receiving means for receiving facsimile data; a printing means capable of printing the facsimile data received by the receiving means as the image; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the printing unit to execute the printing; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of printable sheets that can be printed within a predetermined period of time defined by the printing means and a remaining number of sheets until the predetermined number of printable sheets is reached within the predetermined period of time; a storage means capable of storing the facsimile data received by the receiving means; and a determination means for determining, based on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means, whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation means, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage means by the printing means if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation means.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the determining unit determines to perform the second operation when the remaining number is equal to or smaller than a threshold value.
7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determining unit determines that the first operation should be performed when the remaining number of sheets exceeds the threshold value.
8. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the predetermined number of print sheets again after the predetermined period has elapsed, and resets the remaining number of print sheets to an initial state.
9. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a setting unit capable of setting the threshold value to a value equal to or greater than zero and smaller than the predetermined number of prints.
10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the setting unit is capable of changing the threshold value.
11. the image forming apparatus is communicably connected to a server; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period and the predetermined number of prints are based on a subscription between the image forming apparatus and the server.
12. 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus for forming an image, comprising: a receiving step of receiving facsimile data; a printing step capable of printing the facsimile data received in the receiving step as the image; an operation step of performing an operation to instruct the printing step to execute the printing; an acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined number of printable sheets that can be printed within a predetermined period in the printing step and a number of printed sheets that have already been printed in the printing step within the predetermined period; a storage step capable of storing the facsimile data received in the receiving step; a determination step for determining whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, or whether to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, based on the specified number of printed sheets and the number of printed sheets acquired in the acquisition step.
13. 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus for forming an image, comprising: a receiving step of receiving facsimile data; a printing step capable of printing the facsimile data received in the receiving step as the image; an operation step of performing an operation to instruct the printing step to execute the printing; an acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined number of printable sheets that can be printed within a predetermined period in the printing step and a remaining number of sheets until the predetermined number of printable sheets is reached within the predetermined period; a storage step capable of storing the facsimile data received in the receiving step; a determination step for determining whether to perform a first operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step even if there is no instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, or to perform a second operation of printing the facsimile data stored in the storage step in the printing step if there is an instruction to execute the printing from the operation step, based on the remaining number of sheets acquired in the acquisition step.
14. 12. A program for causing a computer to execute each unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Printer and print system
JP2016187902A