Printers and printing systems

Abstract

To provide a printer, which is configured to facilitate management of the number of printing times for each user.SOLUTION: A printer (3) has a function of limiting the number of printing times in a period of time for each user ID. When printing is performed, a computer (32) updates a counter value associated with the user ID involved in the printing, restricts the printing relating to the user ID when the counter value reaches an upper limit value, and initializes the counter value associated with the user ID relating to an individual operator, when the individual operator is operated in a supervisor PC (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printer and a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a function of counting the number of prints.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 does not have a function of counting the number of prints for each user.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to make it easier to manage the number of prints for each user in a printer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, a printer according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a printer comprising memory and a controller, wherein the printer has a function to limit the number of prints within a period for each user ID, the controller stores in the memory the period for limiting the number of prints and the upper limit of the number of prints for each user ID in response to instructions from the user interface, initializes the counter value for the number of prints for each user ID stored in the memory when the period begins, updates the counter value stored in the memory associated with the user ID related to the print when printing is performed during the period, and restricts printing for that user ID when the counter value reaches the upper limit, and has one or more user IDs and the previous The system is configured to display an operation screen on the user interface that includes the upper limit value, individual operators for each user ID, and common operators common to all user IDs; when an individual operator is operated on the user interface, the counter value stored in the memory and associated with the user ID of the operated individual operator is initialized; when an operation is performed on the user interface to input the upper limit value for a user ID, the upper limit value stored in the memory and associated with that user ID is changed to the input upper limit value; and when a common operator is operated on the user interface, the counter value stored in the memory and associated with each user ID is initialized.

[0007] The above configuration makes it easier to manage the number of prints per user. Specifically, administrators can easily initialize the counter value for each user ID, change the upper limit for each user ID, and initialize the counter value for all user IDs using a single operation screen, making it easy to accurately operate the restriction function according to the situation during the period.

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, a printer according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a printer comprising memory and a controller, wherein the printer has a function to limit the number of prints per user ID within a period, the controller stores in the memory the period for limiting the number of prints and the upper limit of the number of prints per user ID in response to instructions from the user interface, initializes the counter value of the number of prints per user ID stored in the memory when the period begins, updates the counter value associated with the user ID related to the print, stored in the memory when printing is performed during the period, and restricts printing related to the user ID when the counter value reaches the upper limit. The system is configured to display an operation screen on the user interface that includes one or more user IDs and individual operators for each user ID, and when an individual operator is operated on the user interface, the system initializes the counter value stored in the memory that is associated with the user ID that was operated, without changing the upper limit associated with the user ID that was operated, and without initializing the counter value associated with user IDs other than the user ID that was operated, and until the end of the period, the system updates the counter value associated with the user ID from the counter value initialized by the operation of the individual operator.

[0009] The above configuration makes it easier to manage the number of prints per user. In other words, administrators can easily initialize the counter value for each user ID using a single operation screen, making it easier to accurately operate the restriction function according to the situation during the period. For example, if you want to allow a specific user to print more during the current period, you can initialize the counter value for that user ID simply by operating the individual operator for that user ID.

[0010] To solve the aforementioned problems, a printing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a printing system in which a terminal, a server, and a printer are connected via a network, wherein the server comprises memory and a controller, and the controller stores in the memory a period for limiting the number of prints and an upper limit on the number of prints per user ID in response to instructions from the terminal via the network, initializes the counter value for the number of prints per user ID stored in the memory when the period begins, updates the counter value stored in the memory that is associated with the user ID of the print during the period when the printer prints, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit, the user ID of the printer The system is configured to restrict printing related to the above, display an operation screen on the terminal that includes one or more user IDs, the upper limit value for each user ID, individual operators for each user ID, and common operators common to all user IDs, to initialize the counter value stored in the memory that corresponds to the user ID of the individual operator that was operated on the terminal when the terminal operates the individual operator, to change the upper limit value stored in the memory that corresponds to the user ID of the user ID to the entered upper limit value when the terminal performs an operation to input the upper limit value for the user ID, and to initialize the counter value stored in the memory that corresponds to each user ID when the terminal operates the common operators.

[0011] The above configuration makes it easier to manage the number of prints per user by the printer. Specifically, administrators can easily initialize the counter value for each user ID, change the upper limit for each user ID, and initialize the counter value for all user IDs using a single operation screen on the terminal, making it easy to accurately operate the restriction function according to the situation during the period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to make it easier to manage the number of prints per user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the Authentication / Restriction Management Library. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the layout of the feature restriction page. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the flow of the EWS control process. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the flow of the function control process. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the configuration of the job management library. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the job control process. [Figure 8] This is the flow of the page count limit check process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] An embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below. For the sake of clarity, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, and their names and functions will also be the same. Therefore, their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0015] In this embodiment, printer 3 is a multifunction device equipped with a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. However, printer 3 according to this disclosure is not limited to having all four of these functions. Printer 3 according to this disclosure only needs to have at least a printer function.

[0016] (Configuration of Printing System 100) The printing system 100 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. As shown in Figure 1, the printing system 100 includes an administrator PC 1, a user PC 2, a printer 3, and a server 4, each of which is connected to each other via a network 5 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0017] (Configuration of Printer 3) As shown in FIG. 1, printer 3 includes a communication I / F 31, a computer 32, a memory 33, a printing engine 34, and an operation panel 35.

[0018] The communication I / F 31 is an interface for communicating with the administrator PC 1, the user PC 2, and the server 4 via the network 5. The computer 32 is an example of a controller and controls the entire printer 3. The memory 33 is a storage area for the computer 32 to read and write data. The printing engine 34 is a mechanism that receives an instruction from the computer 32 and prints the image stored in the memory 33. The operation panel 35 is used for the user to perform operations such as copying and scanning, and for the administrator to set restrictions on the number of printed pages per user.

[0019] (Configuration of Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1) As shown in FIG. 2, the authentication / restriction management LibL1 is a library that manages information of all users. The data of the authentication / restriction management LibL1 is stored in the non-volatile storage area of the memory 33 of the printer 3. The authentication / restriction management LibL1 includes login information L11, function restriction information L12, and printed page count L13.

[0020] (Configuration of Function Restriction Page RF) As shown in FIG. 3, the function restriction page RF has columns of User ListV on the vertical axis and columns of Restricted FunctionsH on the horizontal axis.

[0021] An example of a medium on which a program is stored is not limited to the memory 33 built into the printer 3, but may also be a storage medium that the computer 32 can read and write to. A storage medium that the computer 32 can read is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the example above, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Furthermore, non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the internet are a type of computer-readable signal medium, but they are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0022] Furthermore, the following processes basically represent the processing performed by computer 32 in accordance with the instructions written in the program. That is, processes such as "selection," "reception," and "control" in the following description represent the processing performed by computer 32. Processing by computer 32 also includes hardware control using the OS API. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted when describing the operation of each program. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean "program B controls hardware C using the OS API." In addition, the processing performed by computer 32 in accordance with the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language. For example, it may be written as "performed by computer 32." In addition, the processing performed by computer 32 in accordance with the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language such as "performed by program A."

[0023] Furthermore, "data" in this specification refers to a sequence of bits readable by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats shall be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Also, "to instruct" refers to the concept of outputting information to the other party that indicates that an instruction is being given. Information that indicates an instruction is also simply referred to as "instruction."

[0024] Furthermore, the process by which computer 32 determines whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or not." The process by which computer 32 determines whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

[0025] [Flow of EWS control processing on administrator PC1] Refer to Figure 4 to explain the EWS control processing on administrator PC1. EWS control processing starts when the administrator accesses EWS from administrator PC1. EWS is a web server installed on printer 3.

[0026] (S1:S stands for step) When printer 3 detects that administrator PC 1 has accessed EWS, it sends web page data to display the administrator login screen on administrator PC 1's browser. Administrator PC 1 is an example of a user interface. The web page data includes data to display each screen, including the administrator login screen, and data to display each page, including the function restriction page RF described later. When printer 3 detects that the administrator password has been entered via the administrator login screen, it sends permission data to display the administrator menu screen to display the administrator menu screen on the browser. Various pages can be selected from the administrator menu screen, such as the function restriction page RF shown in Figure 3 and various function setting pages. The function restriction page RF is an example of an operation screen.

[0027] (S2) Administrator PC1 displays the function restriction page RF shown in Figure 3, in accordance with the administrator's selection operation on the administrator menu screen.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the User ListV on the Function Restrictions page RF contains fields for Public ModeV1, UserAV2, and UserBV3. UserAV2 shows the functions permitted for UserA and the restrictions related to those functions. UserBV3 shows the functions permitted for UserB and the restrictions related to those functions. Public ModeV1 shows the functions permitted for users other than a specific user and the restrictions related to those functions. A checkmark indicates that the function and restrictions are enabled.

[0029] Restricted FunctionsH contains the fields FunctionsH1, Page LimitsH2, and Page CountersH3.

[0030] The FunctionsH1 section indicates the functions that are permitted to be used, and is divided into PrintH11, CopyH12, and ScanH13. Additionally, permission settings may be available for other functions such as Fax, USB, server connection, and applications.

[0031] (S3) If the Submit button B6 is pressed (YES in S3), administrator PC1 executes the process in S4. If the Submit button B6 is not pressed (NO in S3), administrator PC1 executes the judgment in S9. Before checking the settings, the settings will be explained.

[0032] On the Function Restrictions page RF, the Page LimitsH2 section indicates the limit on the number of pages that can be printed, and is divided into Total Page LimitsH21, Color PrintH22, and Color Page LimitsH23. Total Page LimitsH21 is further divided into OnH211 and Max. PagesH212. Max. PagesH212 is an example of the first upper limit.

[0033] Color PrintH22 indicates whether or not color printing is permitted.

[0034] Color Page LimitsH23 is divided into OnH231 and Max. PagesH232. Max. PagesH232 is an example of a second upper limit. The Color Page LimitsH23 setting is effective when Color PrintH22 is enabled.

[0035] The Page CountersH3 column shows the number of printed pages and is divided into TotalH31, B&WH32, and ColorH33.

[0036] In the authentication / restriction management LibL1's function restriction information L12, the Job execution user's Total Page Limits L121 indicates whether the function to limit the total number of monochrome and color printed pages is enabled or disabled for each user. ON indicates enabled, and OFF indicates disabled. The settings of the function restriction page RF OnH211 are reflected in Total Page Limits L121.

[0037] Total Max. PagesL122 is an example of an upper limit, representing the maximum number of printable pages (monochrome and color) per user. Total Max. PagesL122 reflects the Max. PagesH212 setting of the feature restriction page RF.

[0038] Color Page LimitsL123 indicates whether the function to limit the number of color printed pages is enabled or disabled for each user; ON means enabled, OFF means disabled. The setting of OnH231 on the function restriction page RF is reflected in Color Page LimitsL123.

[0039] Color Max. PagesL124 is an example of an upper limit, representing the maximum number of color printable pages per user. Color Max. PagesL124 reflects the Max. PagesH232 setting of the feature restriction page RF.

[0040] (S4) Administrator PC1 sends data to printer 3 indicating the settings of the function restriction page RF for which the Submit button B6 was pressed, and printer 3 checks the settings.

[0041] The settings check involves three verifications regarding the page limit setting.

[0042] Firstly, if the page limit, Total Page LimitsH21 or Color Page LimitsH23, is ON, but Max. PagesH212 or Max. PagesH232 is 0, an error will occur. This is because if Max. PagesH212 or Max. PagesH232 is 0, no pages can be printed. Alternatively, instead of checking whether it is 0 or not, you could check whether it is below a relatively small number of pages, such as 10 pages.

[0043] Secondly, if a value greater than or equal to 1 is entered for Max. PagesH212 or Max. PagesH232, even though the page limit is OFF, an error will be reported. This is because you may have forgotten to set the page limit to ON.

[0044] Thirdly, an error occurs if the Max. PagesH232 value for Color is greater than the Max. PagesH212 value for Total. Since the Total number of pages is the sum of the B&W page count and the Color page count, it is impossible for the Color page count to be greater than the Total page count. This is because there is a possibility that the administrator has entered incorrect information into the function restriction page RF.

[0045] The check to determine if a setting is possible will also result in an error if a print job is currently running. This is because if the timing coincides with setting the page limit or resetting the page counter, it becomes necessary to decide whether to run the running job with the previous settings or the updated settings, which complicates control.

[0046] If there are no errors in the (S5) check (NO in S5), printer 3 executes process S6. If there are errors in the check (YES in S5), printer 3 executes process S8.

[0047] (S6) Printer 3 stores the ON / OFF settings for Total Page LimitsH21 and Color Page LimitsH23, and the page count setting for Max. PagesH212 or Max. PagesH232 in the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1 in memory 33.

[0048] Alternatively, the web page data may include a program for checking the settings, and if administrator PC1 checks the settings and there are no errors, it may send data indicating the settings to printer 3, causing printer 3 to store those settings in the authentication / restriction management LibL1 in memory 33.

[0049] The count value is not a set value, but rather a history of the number of pages printed. Therefore, it does not change when the Submit button B6 is operated on the function-restricted page RF.

[0050] (S7) Printer 3 sends data indicating that the settings have been successfully saved, causing administrator PC 1 to display a successful submit page, such as "Submit OK".

[0051] (S8) Printer 3 sends error data to administrator PC 1, causing it to display a Submit Failure page, such as "Submit Error". The Submit Failure page contains details of the problem and instructions on how to resolve it. For example, it may display a message for the administrator stating, "If you have entered the maximum number of pages allowed, please ensure that page limits are enabled."

[0052] Before explaining S9, let's refer to Figures 5-8 to explain the flow of the print page limit control process in printer 3. The function control process shown in Figure 5 is started as a task when printer 3 receives a print job from user PC 2, when a document is scanned by a copy operation from the control panel, etc. The function control process then disappears as a task when printing is completed successfully or terminates with an error.

[0053] (S21) Computer 32 registers Job data D in Job management LibL2 shown in Figure 6.

[0054] When a print job is received from user PC2, or when an operation such as copying is performed on the printer 3's control panel 35, computer 32 registers the job data D in the Job management LibL2 in memory 33.

[0055] There are three cases for executing a print job received from user PC2. First, the print job containing the username is executed directly without being stored. Second, the print job containing the username is stored and executed when that user logs in. Third, the job containing both the username and password is stored and executed when that user enters the password.

[0056] The computer 32 of printer 3 analyzes the received print job and registers the User name D2, print settings D3, and image data D4 obtained as results of the analysis as Job data D in the Job management LibL2. Print settings D3 indicates whether it is monochrome or color printing and the paper size. Note that print settings D3 may register not only the print settings included in the print job, but also the print settings stored in the printer 3's memory 33. Print settings are an example of print conditions.

[0057] The Job Management LibL2 shown in Figure 6 is stored in the non-volatile memory area of ​​the printer 3's memory 33. Job Management LibL2 registers Job Data D, which includes JobIDD1, Username D2, Print Settings D3, and Image Data D4. JobIDD1 is assigned to each Job Data D. Username D2, Print Settings D3, and Image Data D4 are associated with JobIDD1. This allows each process to retrieve Username D2, Print Settings D3, and Image Data D4 associated with JobIDD1 by specifying the JobID.

[0058] (S22) Computer 32 instructs the Job control process to execute the Job related to Job data D registered in Job management LibL2. At this time, the function control process sends a print command including the JobID to the Job control process.

[0059] (S23) If no error has been reported from the Job control process (NO in S23), the computer 32 executes the determination in S24. If an error has been reported (YES in S23), the computer 32 executes the process in S25.

[0060] (S24) If the computer 32 is notified by the Job control process that the Job has finished executing (YES in S24), it executes the process in S26. If the computer 32 is not notified that the Job has finished executing (NO in S24), it returns to the process in S23.

[0061] (S25) Computer 32 notifies the user that an error has occurred. For example, computer 32 displays a message indicating that an error has occurred on user PC 2 or the control panel 35. After that, computer 32 executes the process in S26.

[0062] (S26) Computer 32 deletes the Job data D registered in S21 from the Job management LibL2.

[0063] The Job control process shown in Figure 7 is started in advance as a task and begins when an execution command is issued for a Job related to Job data D registered in the Job management LibL2. The Job control process then terminates when printing is completed successfully or when an error occurs. However, it remains running as a task, waiting for another Job execution command.

[0064] (S31) The computer 32 obtains the Job data D related to the Job that has been instructed to be executed from the function control process from the Job management LibL2. A print instruction including JobIDD1 is given from the function control process to the Job control process, so the computer 32 identifies the Job data D using the JobIDD1.

[0065] (S32) Computer 32 retrieves the page restriction information of the Job execution user from the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1. At this time, computer 32 compares the User name L112 registered in the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1 with the User name D2 in the Job data D to determine the Job execution user.

[0066] First, since the Job data D obtained in S31 includes the username D2, computer 32 checks whether the username D2 exists in the authentication / restriction management LibL1. If the username D2 exists, it is identified as the Job execution user. If the username D2 does not exist, or if the username D2 is Public, Public is identified as the Job execution user.

[0067] Computer 32 may also identify the current login username L111 for printer 3, stored in the authentication / restriction management LibL1, as the Job execution user. Furthermore, when printing not only received Jobs but also through copy operations and when printing image data stored on a USB memory, the login username for printer 3 is registered in the Job management LibL2 as the current login username L111 in the login information L11, so computer 32 may identify this login username L111 as the Job execution user. If the user is not logged into printer 3, or if the received print job does not contain a username, computer 32 may register "Public" as the login username L111 and identify this login username L111 as the Job execution user.

[0068] Then, computer 32 obtains the Page restriction information of the identified Job execution user from the Functional Restriction Information L12 of the Authentication / Restriction Management Lib L1.

[0069] (S33) Computer 32 begins processing the image data D4 contained in the Job data D acquired in S31, page by page. Specifically, computer 32 performs the processes in S34, S35, S36, and S37 for each page.

[0070] (S34) Computer 32 executes the page count limit check process shown in Figure 8. Before explaining Figure 8, let's explain the print page count L13 of the authentication / limit management LibL1.

[0071] B&W Page CountersL131 is an example of a counter value for the number of pages printed in monochrome, and it is counted up and stored when monochrome page printing is successful. Color Page CountersL132 is an example of a counter value for the number of pages printed in color, and it is counted up and stored when color page printing is successful. For Total Page CountersL133, when a value acquisition request is made to Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1, the sum of B&W Page CountersL131 and Color Page CountersL132 is calculated and that sum is acquired. Therefore, the value of Total Page CountersL133 is not stored in the non-volatile memory area of ​​memory 33.

[0072] Note that B&W Page CountersL131 and Color Page CountersL132 are examples of the second counter value. Total Page CountersL133 is an example of the first counter value. Next, we will explain Figure 8.

[0073] (S41) Computer 32 obtains the values ​​of Total Page CountersL133 and Color Page CountersL132 for the Job execution user from the Page limit information obtained in S32.

[0074] (S42) If Total Page LimitsL121 is ON (YES in S42), computer 32 performs the determination in S44. If Total Page LimitsL121 is not ON (NO in S42), computer 32 performs the determination in S43.

[0075] (S43) Computer 32 obtains the Color Page LimitsL123 of the Job execution user from the Page Limit Information obtained in S32. If Color Page LimitsL123 is ON (YES in S43), computer 32 performs the determination in S47. If Color Page LimitsL123 is not ON (NO in S43), computer 32 returns to the Job control process in Figure 7 and performs the determination in S35.

[0076] (S44) If the value of Total Page CountersL133 is greater than the value of Total Max. PagesL122 (YES in S44), computer 32 executes the process in S45. If the value of Total Page CountersL133 is not greater than the value of Total Max. PagesL122 (NO in S44), computer 32 executes the determination in S43.

[0077] (S45) Computer 32 notifies the function control process that a Total Page limit error has occurred, along with the jobID. For example, the Job control process notifies the function control process of the error using inter-task communication.

[0078] (S46) Computer 32 interrupts the processing of the Job it is currently running and returns to the Job control process shown in Figure 7 to execute the decision in S35.

[0079] (S47) If the value of Color Page CountersL132 is greater than the value of Color Max. PagesL124 (YES in S47), computer 32 executes the process in S48. If the value of Color Page CountersL132 is not greater than the value of Color Max. PagesL124 (NO in S47), computer 32 executes the process in S36.

[0080] (S48) Computer 32 notifies the function control process that a Color Page limit error has occurred, along with the jobID. For example, the Job control process notifies the function control process of the error using inter-task communication.

[0081] (S49) Computer 32 interrupts the processing of the Job it is currently running and returns to the Job control process shown in Figure 7 to execute the decision in S35.

[0082] (S35) Returning to Figure 7, if there are no errors in the page count limit check process (NO in S35), the computer 32 executes the process in S36. If there are errors (YES in S35), the computer 32 terminates the Job execution process and waits for the next Job execution instruction from the function control process.

[0083] (S36) Computer 32 performs page printing according to the print settings D3 included in the Job data D obtained in S31.

[0084] (S37) Computer 32 updates the value of the print page count L13 on the authentication / restriction management LibL1. Specifically, if the print setting D3 of Job data D is monochrome, computer 32 adds 1 to the value of B&W Page Counters L131. If the print setting D3 of Job data D is color, computer 32 adds 1 to the value of Color Page Counters L132.

[0085] (S38) If printing of all pages is complete (YES in S38), computer 32 performs the process in S39. If printing of all pages is not complete (NO in S38), computer 32 returns to the process in S34.

[0086] (S39) Computer 32 notifies the function control process that the execution of the Job is complete. For example, the Job control process notifies the function control process that the Job execution is complete using inter-task communication. After that, computer 32 terminates the Job execution process and waits for the next Job execution instruction from the function control process.

[0087] Now, let's return to the explanation of the EWS control process in Figure 4.

[0088] (S9) If any of the Reset buttons B1 through B4 are pressed (YES in S9), administrator PC1 executes process S10.

[0089] If the Submit button B6 has not been pressed (S3 NO), and the Reset button has not been pressed (S9 NO), it is assumed that the Cancel button B5 has been pressed. The Cancel button B5 is pressed to cancel the settings on the function restriction page RF.

[0090] The Reset button set includes an All Counter Reset button B1 that applies to all users, and individual user buttons: Total Reset button B2, B&W Reset button B3, and Color Reset button B4. The All Counter Reset button B1 is an example of a common operation and is used to reset the print count for all users. The Total Reset button B2, B&W Reset button B3, and Color Reset button B4 are examples of individual operations and are positioned corresponding to Public Mode V1, User AV2, and User BV3, respectively. The Total Reset button B2 is an example of a first operation. The B&W Reset button B3 and Color Reset button B4 are examples of second operations.

[0091] (S10) Administrator PC1 displays a reset execution confirmation screen (not shown). In addition to displaying a Submit button, the reset execution confirmation screen displays a message such as, "To reset the page counter value, please click "Submit". Please note that the counter value will be reset and cannot be restored to its original value."

[0092] (S11) If the Submit button is pressed on the reset execution confirmation screen (YES in S11), administrator PC1 executes process S12. If the Submit button is not pressed (NO in S11), administrator PC1 returns to process S10.

[0093] (S12) Administrator PC1 sends data to printer 3 indicating the type of Reset button pressed, and printer 3 checks whether it is resettable or not. The check for resettable status will result in an error if a print job is currently running.

[0094] Alternatively, administrator PC1 may send data indicating the settings and data indicating the type of Reset button pressed to printer 3, and printer 3 may check the settings in the same way as S4.

[0095] If there are no errors in the (S13) check (NO in S13), printer 3 executes process S14. If there are errors in the check (YES in S13), printer 3 executes process S16.

[0096] (S14) Printer 3 sets the Count value corresponding to the Reset button operated in S9 to 0. Setting it to 0 is one example of initialization.

[0097] In detail, when the All Counter Reset button B1 is pressed on the function restriction page RF, the B&W Page Counters L131 and Color Page Counters L132 for all users in the Authentication / Restriction Management Lib L1 are set to 0. B&W Page Counters L131, Color Page Counters L132, and Total Page Counters L133 are included in the print page count L13.

[0098] If the Total Reset button B2 is pressed on the Function Restriction Page RF, the B&W Page CountersL131 and Color Page CountersL132 of the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1 corresponding to the pressed button for the user will be set to 0.

[0099] If the B&W Reset button B3 is pressed on the Function Restriction Page RF, the B&W Page CountersL131 for the user corresponding to the pressed button in the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1 is set to 0.

[0100] If the Color Reset button B4 is pressed on the function restriction page RF, the Color Page Counters L132 of the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1 for the user corresponding to the pressed button will be set to 0.

[0101] (S15) Printer 3 sends data indicating a successful reset, causing administrator PC 1 to display a successful submit page, such as "Page count was Reset successfully."

[0102] (S16) Printer 3 sends data indicating a reset failure, causing administrator PC 1 to display a Submit Failure page, such as "The Reset was unsuccessfully." The Submit Failure page contains details of the problem and how to resolve it. For example, it may display a message for the administrator saying, "Please check that the device is not currently in use or has not been configured by another user, and then try again." After that, administrator PC 1 returns to the process of S10. Note that the EWS control process terminates when an operation to instruct logout is performed on the administrator menu screen, when an operation to terminate is performed by the administrator on the administrator menu screen, or when no operation is detected for a predetermined period of time.

[0103] In addition, the success and failure pages in S7, S8, S15, and S16 may be displayed on the administrator PC1 by having the printer 3 send the web page data of the success and failure pages to the administrator PC1.

[0104] The above example shows how to display the administrator menu screen, function restriction page RF, etc., on the browser of administrator PC1. However, they may also be displayed on a device other than administrator PC1 to enable settings for printer 3. For example, the administrator menu screen, function restriction page RF, etc., may be displayed on the control panel 35 of printer 3. The control panel 35 is an example of a user interface.

[0105] Furthermore, printer 3 may set configuration information using a method different from the EWS control process. For example, when printer 3 receives a request from the requesting device to "reset User A's Total Page Counters", it may set B&W Page CountersL131 and Color Page CountersL132, which are associated with User A in the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1, to 0.

[0106] Although the above explanation describes managing the number of printed pages, you may also manage the number of printed sheets instead. The number of printed pages and the number of printed sheets are just examples of print counts.

[0107] The operation of the printing system 100 has been explained above. Now, let's explain an example of how to effectively use the Reset button. For example, if you want to limit the total number of pages a user can print each month, the administrator should set the automatic Page Counter Reset function so that each Page Counter is automatically reset every month. Then, check OnH211 for Total Page LimitsH21 on the function restriction page RF shown in Figure 3, and enter the total number of pages that can be printed in one month in Max. PagesH212. Furthermore, if you also want to limit the number of color pages, the administrator should check OnH231 for Color Page LimitsH23 on the function restriction page RF, and enter the number of color pages that can be printed in one month in Max. PagesH232.

[0108] The automatic Page Counter Reset function is a feature included in the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1, which automatically resets the print page count L13 value to 0 on a monthly or daily basis. This eliminates the need for administrators to manually reset it.

[0109] Printer 3 also has a clock function and can determine the month and day of the week. Printer 3 may communicate with a clock server (not shown) via network 5 to determine the month and day of the week. Alternatively, Printer 3 may define a period by counting in 30-day or 24-hour increments, without considering the concepts of months or days of the week.

[0110] Note that various settings manually entered via the automatic page counter reset function setting screen, which is one of the administrator menu screens not shown in the diagram, are stored in the authentication / restriction management LibL1. Printer 3 resets each page counter at the timing specified in the settings stored in the authentication / restriction management LibL1.

[0111] Each time a user prints a page, the Total Page Counters L133 and Color Page Counters L132 are incremented. With the above input settings, when the Total Page Counters L133 and Color Page Counters L132 reach Total Max. Pages L122 and Color Max. Pages L124, respectively, printing will no longer be possible.

[0112] The administrator must either operate the All Counter Reset button B1 every month or use the automatic Page Counter Reset function. This will reset the Total Page Counters L133 and Color Page Counters L132 to 0, allowing the user to print again.

[0113] [System Configuration Example 1] The following describes a modified configuration of the printing system 100. Server 4 stores the authentication / restriction management LibL1 shown in Figure 2, and Server 4 is equipped with EWS, and Administrator PC 1 may access Server 4's EWS. The EWS control process in Figure 4 will show the process between Administrator PC 1 and Server 4, not the process between Administrator PC 1 and Printer 3. The Job control process in Figure 7 is the process for Printer 3, and in S32, Printer 3 communicates with Server 4 and obtains information on the authentication / restriction management LibL1. In S37, Printer 3 communicates with Server 4 and instructs it to update the authentication / restriction management LibL1.

[0114] [System Configuration Example 2] Server 4 stores the authentication / restriction management LibL1 shown in Figure 2, and Server 4 is equipped with EWS, so administrator PC 1 may be configured to access Server 4's EWS. The Job control process in Figure 7 involves a mix of processing by Printer 3 and Server 4. Printer 3 sends the Job data obtained in S31 to Server 4. Server 4 performs the acquisition of Page limit information in S32 and the Page count limit check process in S34. In the Page count limit check process in Figure 8, Server 4 sends notification data in S45-S46 and S48-S49 to Printer 3. In S46 and S49, Server 4 instructs Printer 3 to interrupt the job. If none of the notifications in S45-S46 and S48-S49 are necessary, i.e., there is no error, Server 4 sends notification data to Printer 3 to continue the job.

[0115] Printer 3 initiates page-by-page processing in S33, and upon receiving notification data to continue the job, executes page printing in S36-S39. However, in S37, Printer 3 communicates with Server 4 and instructs it to update the Authentication / Restriction Management LibL1.

[0116] When printer 3 receives error or job interruption notification data, it notifies the function control process shown in Figure 5 and performs a job interruption.

[0117] [Modifications of System Configuration Examples 1 and 2] In System Configuration Examples 1 and 2, the EWS is provided by printer 3, and for the reflection of the settings in S6 in Figure 4 and the setting of the Count value in S14 to 0, printer 3 may communicate with server 4 and instruct it to update the authentication / restriction management LibL1.

[0118] If an administrator needs to exceptionally remove a page limit for a specific user within a one-month period, they can reset the print page count L13 to 0 by using the Reset buttons B2, B3, and B4 for that user on the function restriction page RF. This allows the user to print again without having to wait for the print page count L13 to automatically reset to 0.

[0119] With the above configuration, it becomes easier to manage the number of pages printed per user on printer 3. Specifically, administrators can easily set the print page count L13 for each user ID to 0, change Max. Pages L122 and L124 for each user ID, and set the print page count L13 for all user IDs to 0 using the function restriction page RF. This makes it easy to accurately operate the restriction function according to the situation over a one-month period.

[0120] For example, if you want to allow a specific user to print more pages during the current month, you can simply use the Reset buttons B1-B4 for that user ID to set the print page count L13 for that user ID to 0. While it's also possible to increase the Max. Pages L122 and L124 for a user ID, this is cumbersome for administrators because if you only allow more printing during the current month, you would need to decrease Max. Pages L122 and L124 for that user ID in the next month.

[0121] Furthermore, to adjust the Max. Pages L122 and L124 for a specific user, including the current month and future months, simply enter the specific Max. Pages H212 and H232 for that user ID. Also, to allow each user to print more pages during the current month, you can set the print page count L13 for each user ID to 0 by simply operating the All Counter Reset button B1.

[0122] Furthermore, when printer 3 receives a request from any process to retrieve the following information from the authentication / restriction management LibL1, it returns the information to the requesting process. For example, if printer 3 receives a request from the requesting process to "get the Total Page Counters and Color Page Counters of the logged-in user," it will return Total Page Counters L133 and Color Page Counters L132 associated with the current logged-in username L111. At that time, the administrator can refer to the counter values ​​returned from printer 3 on administrator PC1 and use them to consider whether or not to reset them using the Reset button.

[0123] According to the above configuration, even if the print page count L13 for a user ID reaches Max. Pages L122 or L124, if any of the Reset buttons B2 to B4 are operated on administrator PC1, the print page count L13 will be set to 0, making printing for that user ID possible, and thus printing can be performed.

[0124] With the above configuration, if you want to allow a specific user to print more pages only for the current month, you can set the print page count L13 for that user ID to 0 and update it from 0 simply by operating any of the Reset buttons B2 to B4 related to the user ID. Furthermore, the print page count L13 for any other user IDs will not be set to 0. If you want to adjust the maximum number of print pages for a specific user, including future months in addition to the current month, you can change the Max. Pages L122 and L124 for any other user ID simply by entering the specific Max. Pages H212 and H232 for that user ID. Furthermore, the print page count L13 for that user ID will not be set to 0, and the Max. Pages L122 and L124 for any other user IDs will not be changed.

[0125] With the above configuration, by separating the user ID for using printer 3 from the administrator ID for displaying the function restriction page RF which allows for settings specific to each user ID, the use of printer 3 and the management of the number of printed pages can be carried out smoothly.

[0126] With the above configuration, by separating the maximum number of printable pages, controls, and counter values ​​for each user into those for all print jobs and those for color print jobs, it is possible to manage the number of printable pages not only for all print jobs but also for color print jobs. Note that the print condition may also be the size of the paper being printed on. In this case, it is possible to manage the number of printable pages for a specific paper size.

[0127] With the above configuration, it becomes easier to manage the number of pages printed per user on printer 3. In other words, the administrator can easily set the print page count L13 for each user ID to 0 using a single function restriction page RF, making it easy to accurately operate the restriction function according to the situation during the one-month period. For example, if you want to allow a specific user to print more pages during the current one-month period, you can initialize the print page count L13 for that user ID simply by operating the Reset buttons B2 to B4 for that user ID.

[0128] With the above configuration, it becomes easier to manage the number of pages printed per user on printer 3. In other words, administrators can easily change Max. Pages L122 and L124 for each user ID using the function restriction page RF, making it easier to accurately operate the restriction function according to the situation over a one-month period. For example, to adjust the upper limit of the number of pages printed for a specific user, including the current one-month period and the next one-month period, it is only necessary to enter the specific Max. Pages H212 and H232 for that user ID.

[0129] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 1 Administrator PC 3. Printer 4 servers 5 Network 32 Computers 33 memory 35 Control Panel 100 Printing Systems

Claims

1. Memory and Controller and A printer equipped with, The aforementioned printer has a function that limits the number of prints per user ID within a specified period. The aforementioned controller, In response to instructions from the user interface, the memory stores the period for which the number of prints is limited and the upper limit on the number of prints per user ID. When the aforementioned period begins, Initialize the counter value for the number of prints per user ID stored in the aforementioned memory, During the aforementioned period, When printing is performed, the counter value associated with the user ID related to the printing, which is stored in the memory, is updated, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit, printing related to that user ID is restricted. The user interface displays an operation screen that includes multiple user IDs, the upper limit value for each user ID, individual operators for each user ID, and common operators that are common to all user IDs. In the operation screen, a row is provided for each user ID, the upper limit value for each user ID and the individual operators for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID, and the common operators that are common to all user IDs are placed separately from the rows for each user ID. When an individual operator is operated in the user interface, the counter value stored in the memory and associated with the user ID of the operated individual operator is initialized. When an operation is performed in the user interface to input the upper limit value related to the user ID, the upper limit value associated with the user ID stored in the memory is changed to the input upper limit value. When the common operator is operated in the user interface, the counter value associated with each user ID stored in the memory is initialized. A printer configured in such a way.

2. The controller is In the aforementioned operation screen, the upper limit value for each user ID and the individual operation items for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID. In displaying the aforementioned upper limits for each user ID, the total upper limit and the color upper limit are placed on the left and right sides, with a different operator in between each of them. In the display of the individual operators for each user ID, the total individual operators and the color individual operators are arranged on the left and right sides, with operators different from both the total individual operators and the color individual operators in between. Common operators that are common to all user IDs should be placed separately from the rows for each user ID. The printer according to claim 1, configured in such a way.

3. The controller is In the aforementioned operation screen, the counter value for each user ID and the individual operation character for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID. In displaying the counter values ​​for each user ID, the total counter value and the color counter value are arranged on either side of the black and white counter value. In the display of the individual controls for each user ID, the total individual controls and the color individual controls are arranged on either side of a black and white individual control that is different from both the total individual controls and the color individual controls. Common operators that are common to all user IDs should be placed separately from the rows for each user ID. The printer according to claim 1 or claim 2, configured in such a way.

4. The controller is In the aforementioned operation screen, the upper limit value for each user ID, the individual operation elements for each user ID, and the counter value for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID. In displaying the aforementioned upper limits for each user ID, the total upper limit and the color upper limit are placed on the left and right sides, with a different operator in between each of them. In displaying the counter values ​​for each user ID, the total counter value and the color counter value are arranged on either side of the black and white counter value. In the display of the individual controls for each user ID, the total individual controls and the color individual controls are arranged on either side of a black and white individual control that is different from both the total individual controls and the color individual controls. Common operators that are common to all user IDs should be placed separately from the rows for each user ID. The printer according to claim 1, configured in such a way.

5. The aforementioned controller, After restricting printing related to the aforementioned user ID, When an individual operator is operated in the user interface, the counter value stored in the memory, which is associated with the user ID related to the operated individual operator, is initialized, and the user ID is made ready for printing. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured in such a way.

6. The aforementioned controller, When an individual operator is operated in the user interface, and the counter value associated with the user ID of the operated individual operator stored in the memory is initialized, the upper limit associated with the user ID of the operated individual operator is updated from the counter value initialized by the operation of the individual operator until the end of the period, without changing the upper limit associated with the user ID of the operated individual operator, and without initializing the counter value associated with any user ID other than the operated user ID. When an operation is performed in the user interface to input the upper limit value related to a user ID, and the upper limit value associated with that user ID stored in the memory is changed to the input upper limit value, printing is restricted for the period and subsequent periods using the upper limit value input in the user interface without initializing the counter value associated with that user ID and without changing the upper limit values ​​associated with user IDs other than that user ID. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured in such a way.

7. The aforementioned user ID is an ID for using the printer, and the counter value associated with the logged-in user ID is updated in conjunction with printing related to that user ID. The controller displays the operation screen when an administrator ID is entered into the user interface. The administrator ID is an ID for managing the number of prints per user ID for the printer, and enables the initialization of the counter value and the modification of the upper limit value for each user ID using the operation screen. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured in such a way.

8. The operation screen displayed in the user interface further includes, for each user ID, a first upper limit for the number of prints without restrictions on print conditions, a second upper limit for the number of prints with restrictions on print conditions, a first operator for printing without restrictions on print conditions, and a second operator for printing with restrictions on print conditions. The aforementioned controller, When printing is performed, the first counter value, which is stored in the memory and is associated with the user ID related to the printing, and which does not limit the number of prints under any printing conditions, is updated. If the print job meets the specified print conditions, the second counter value stored in the memory, which represents the number of print jobs with limited print conditions, is updated. When the first counter value, which does not restrict printing conditions, reaches the first upper limit, printing without restrictions on printing conditions and printing with restrictions on printing conditions are restricted. When the second counter value, which limits the printing conditions, reaches the second upper limit, printing with the limited printing conditions is restricted. During the aforementioned period, In the user interface, when the first operator, which does not limit the printing conditions, is operated, the first counter value, which does not limit the printing conditions, and the second counter value, which limits the printing conditions, stored in the memory and associated with the user ID related to the operated first operator, are initialized. In the user interface, when the second operator that limits the printing conditions is operated, the second counter value that limits the printing conditions, which is stored in the memory and associated with the user ID related to the operated second operator, is initialized. In the user interface, when an operation is performed to input the first upper limit value that does not limit the printing conditions, the first upper limit value that does not limit the printing conditions, which is stored in the memory and associated with the said user ID, is changed to the input first upper limit value. In the user interface, when an operation is performed to input the second upper limit value that limits the printing conditions for a user ID, the second upper limit value that limits the printing conditions and is associated with the user ID, which is stored in the memory, is changed to the input second upper limit value. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, configured in such a way.

9. The aforementioned printing conditions are for color printing. The printer according to claim 8, configured in such a way.

10. Memory and Controller and A printer equipped with, The aforementioned printer has a function that limits the number of prints per user ID within a specified period. The aforementioned controller, In response to instructions from the user interface, the memory stores the period for which the number of prints is limited and the upper limit on the number of prints per user ID. When the aforementioned period begins, Initialize the counter value for the number of prints per user ID stored in the aforementioned memory, During the aforementioned period, When printing is performed, the counter value associated with the user ID related to the printing, which is stored in the memory, is updated, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit, printing related to that user ID is restricted. The user interface displays an operation screen that includes multiple user IDs and individual operators for each user ID, and in the operation screen, a row is provided for each user ID, the individual operators for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID, and common operators that are common to all user IDs are placed separately from the rows for each user ID. When an individual operator is operated in the user interface, the counter value stored in the memory that is associated with the user ID of the individual operator that was operated is initialized without changing the upper limit value associated with the user ID of the individual operator that was operated, and without initializing the counter value associated with a user ID other than the user ID of the individual operator that was operated. During the period until the end of the aforementioned period, the counter value associated with the user ID is updated from the counter value initialized by the operation of the individual operator. A printer configured in such a way.

11. The aforementioned operation screen further includes the maximum number of prints per user ID. The aforementioned controller, In the user interface, when an operation is performed to input the upper limit value related to a user ID, the upper limit value associated with that user ID stored in the memory is changed to the input upper limit value, and without initializing the counter value associated with that user ID, and without changing the upper limit values ​​associated with user IDs other than that user ID, the upper limit value input to the user interface is applied during the aforementioned period and subsequent periods. In the aforementioned operation screen, the upper limit value for each user ID and the individual operation items for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID. The printer according to claim 10, configured in such a way.

12. The aforementioned operation screen displays, for each user ID, a first upper limit on the number of prints without restricting print conditions, This further includes a second upper limit on the number of prints with limited printing conditions, a first operator for printing without limited printing conditions, and a second operator for printing with limited printing conditions. The aforementioned controller, When printing is performed, the first counter value, which is stored in the memory and is associated with the user ID related to the printing, and which does not limit the number of prints under any printing conditions, is updated. If the print job meets the specified print conditions, the second counter value stored in the memory, which represents the number of print jobs with limited print conditions, is updated. When the first counter value, which does not restrict printing conditions, reaches the first upper limit, printing without restrictions on printing conditions and printing with restrictions on printing conditions are restricted. When the second counter value, which limits the printing conditions, reaches the second upper limit, printing with the limited printing conditions is restricted. During the aforementioned period, In the user interface, when the first operator, which does not limit the printing conditions, is operated, the first counter value, which does not limit the printing conditions, and the second counter value, which limits the printing conditions, stored in the memory and associated with the user ID related to the operated first operator, are initialized. In the user interface, when the second operator that limits the printing conditions is operated, the second counter value that limits the printing conditions, which is stored in the memory and associated with the user ID related to the operated second operator, is initialized. The printer according to claim 10 or 11, configured as follows.

13. The aforementioned printing conditions are for color printing. The printer according to claim 12, configured in such a way.

14. The device and Server and A printer and a printing system connected via a network, The aforementioned server, Memory and Controller and Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, In response to instructions from the terminal via the network, the memory is stored for the period during which the number of prints is limited, and for each user ID, the upper limit of the number of prints. When the aforementioned period begins, Initialize the counter value for the number of prints per user ID stored in the aforementioned memory, During the aforementioned period, When the printer prints, the counter value associated with the user ID related to the print, which is stored in the memory, is updated, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit, printing related to that user ID on the printer is restricted. An operation screen is displayed on the terminal, which includes multiple user IDs, the aforementioned upper limit for each user ID, individual operators for each user ID, and common operators that are common to all user IDs. In the operation screen, a row is provided for each user ID, the aforementioned upper limit for each user ID and the aforementioned individual operators for each user ID are placed in the row corresponding to the user ID, and the common operators that are common to all user IDs are placed separately from the rows for each user ID. When the individual operator is operated on the terminal, the counter value stored in the memory and associated with the user ID of the operated individual operator is initialized. When an operation is performed on the terminal to input the upper limit value related to the user ID, the upper limit value associated with the user ID stored in the memory is changed to the input upper limit value. When the common operator is operated on the terminal, the counter value associated with each user ID stored in the memory is initialized. A printing system configured in such a way.

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