Printing systems, printing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide a printing system, a printing method, and a program, for notifying a user of whether printing conditions in using a private printer, for example, during work from home, or the like, violate restrictions on a workplace printer, such as limitations of the number of copies or functions.SOLUTION: A printing system includes: restrictions acquisition means 31 which acquires restrictions to be applied when a user uses a first printer; printing condition acquisition means 11 which acquires printing conditions to be made when the user uses a second printer; determination means 31 which determines whether the printing conditions acquired by the printing condition acquisition means violate the restrictions acquired by the restrictions acquisition means; and notification means 14 which notifies the user of a result determined by the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, and a program that allow a user to know whether printing conditions conflict with restrictions such as the number of sheets limit and function limit that are applied to office printers or the like, when printing is performed with, for example, a personally-owned printer that is not subject to the aforementioned restrictions.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the work style of remote work has become widespread. In many cases, the personal computer (hereinafter also referred to as PC) used for remote work is lent by the company, but users often use their own personally-owned printer kept at home.

[0003] When using a printer in the workplace, printing costs such as paper and toner costs are managed by the company and borne by the company. On the other hand, a home printer is originally purchased for personal use, and it is generally the individual who pays for the paper and ink used. Therefore, when a personally-owned printer is used for remote work, the cost of paper and ink becomes a personal expense.

[0004] Therefore, it is conceivable to separately claim the cost of home printing from the company, but the following problems may arise.

[0005] That is, the usage status of printers in the workplace is often managed by a print management system. This is because certain rules are applied by performing print management such as sheet count restrictions and function restrictions (such as color printing / duplex printing) for each user or group that uses the printer.

[0006] When using a printer, it is necessary to log in to this print management system, and jobs that violate the aforementioned restrictions such as the sheet count limit and function restrictions cannot be executed.

[0007] However, when printing at home, users are unaware of the limitations that apply to printing on workplace printers. As a result, printing is carried out regardless of page limits or functional restrictions, and even if they try to claim the cost of home printing from the company afterward, it may be denied on the grounds that the print job violated the restrictions, resulting in wasted printing.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a user issues a print order, the image forming apparatus requests a business document determination system to determine whether the document to be printed is for business use or not. The business document determination system determines whether it is for business use or not based on templates, images, and words. If it is for business use, it prints the document and charges the company. If it is determined to be for personal use, it displays a warning on the display unit and prompts the user to choose between business and personal use. If it is determined to be for business use and the user selects business use, the system stores the page on a document storage server and notifies the administrator terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which, under the control of a control module, a function identification module identifies a designated function from among multiple functions of an image forming apparatus, and if the designated function is the "Photo Print function", a personal identification module identifies the personal ID, a business / private use classification identification module identifies the business / private use classification, and a time zone determination module determines the time zone. Based on this result, an image reading module reads out image data, an image formation instruction module instructs image formation based on that image data, a history recording module records the history of image formation, and a billing module bills the individual in the case of private use, and the department in other cases. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-207344 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-111948 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] However, while the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can determine whether printing is for business use, they do not describe how to enable reimbursement of printing costs when business printing is done on a personal printer, for example, that is not subject to cost management. Therefore, when printing on a home printer, users are unaware of the restrictions that apply to printing on a workplace printer, and as a result, prints that violate these restrictions are not eligible for reimbursement, leading to wasted printing. Patent Documents 1 and 2 have not been able to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem.

[0012] This invention has been made in view of the above technical background, and aims to provide a printing system, printing method, and program that allows users to know whether the printing conditions when using a personal printer, for example, for teleworking, conflict with the limitations such as page count limits and function limits that apply when using a workplace printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The above objectives will be achieved by the following means. (1) Restrictions that apply when a user uses the first printer A printing system in which a management device and an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for print jobs to a second printer different from the first printer are connected by a network, The aforementioned information processing device is users The aforementioned When using the second printer Included in the print job Print conditions The system includes a transmission means for transmitting to the aforementioned management device, The aforementioned control device is The information processing device transmitted The printing conditions are, Applies to the user in question A means for determining whether the aforementioned restrictions are violated, The determination result of the aforementioned determination means The aforementioned information processing device to send A means of transmission, Equipped with, The information processing device further provides notification means for notifying the user of the determination result. A printing system characterized by having the following features. (2) The aforementioned control device is by said determining means The aforementioned the printing condition The aforementioned when it is determined that the printing condition conflicts with a restriction, at least one of a reason for the conflict and a workaround together with the determination result is Transmitted to the information processing device The printing system according to Item 1 above, which is configured to (3) The aforementioned management device manages the number of pages printed by the user. The aforementioned control device is by said determining means The aforementioned the printing condition The aforementioned when it is determined that the printing condition does not conflict with a restriction, that completion of printing by a second printer under the printing condition has been From the aforementioned information processing device received, The number of completed prints the number of printed sheets is counted as the number of printed sheets for the user Toss The printing system according to Item 1 or 2 above, which is configured to (4) The aforementioned control device is by said determining means The aforementioned the printing condition The aforementioned when it is determined that the printing condition conflicts with a restriction, printing by the second printer under the printing condition number of sheets is not counted as the number of printed sheets for the user do not the preceding Item 3 The printing system according to (5) The printing system according to the preceding Item 1 or 2 , wherein the restriction is a restriction on the number of sheets available to a user. (6) The printing system according to the preceding Item 1 or 2 , wherein the restriction is a restriction on a printing function available to a user. (7) The management device is the the count of the number of printed sheets for a first printer and The aforementioned the count of the number of printed sheets for a second printer are managed separately, the printing system according to the preceding Item 3 The printing system according to (8) The aforementioned control device is by said determining means The aforementioned the printing condition The aforementioned conflicts with a restriction, but counting of the number of printed sheets is permitted under a specific condition, the specific condition together with the determination result is Seal provided, the printing system according to the preceding Item Transmitted to the information processing device the preceding Item 3 The printing system according to (9) The aforementioned control device is said specific under the condition The aforementioned Printing on the second printer is complete. From the aforementioned information processing device Upon receiving, The number of completed prints The aforementioned specific conditions at As for the number of pages printed by the user Te Ka Un Toss The printing system described in item 8 above. (10) Restrictions that apply when a user uses the first printer A printing method performed in a printing system connected by a network, comprising a management device and an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for print jobs to a second printer different from the first printer, The aforementioned information processing device is users The aforementioned When using the second printer Included in the print job Print conditions Transmit to the aforementioned management device, The management device receives the information transmitted from the information processing device. The printing conditions are, Applies to the user in question Determine whether it violates the aforementioned restrictions. Along with, Discrimination results The aforementioned information processing device to Send, The information processing device further notifies the user of the determination result. Printing method. (11) Restrictions that apply when a user uses the first printer On the computer of the management device, From an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for a print job to a second printer different from the first printer, users The aforementioned When using the second printer Included in the print job Print conditions Receive Steps and The aforementioned Received Step Received done The aforementioned The printing conditions are, Applies to the user in question A determination step to determine whether the aforementioned restrictions are violated, The result of the judgment step described above The aforementioned information processing device to send do send Steps and A program that causes a computer to execute something. (12) Based on the above determination step The aforementioned Printing conditions The aforementioned If it is determined that the restrictions have been violated , judgment Along with the judgment result, at least one of the reasons for the infringement and the countermeasures to avoid it should be provided. The aforementioned information processing device to send The program described in paragraph 11 above, which causes the computer to perform the process described above. (13) The aforementioned management device manages the number of pages printed by the user. The above decision step The aforementioned Printing conditions The aforementioned If it is determined that there are no restrictions, then the above printing conditions The aforementioned Printing on the second printer is complete. From the aforementioned information processing device Upon receiving, The number of completed prints The user's count as the number of pages printed. Toss A program according to item 11 or 12 above that causes the computer to perform the process described above. (14) According to the above determination step The aforementioned Printing conditions The aforementioned If it is determined that the restrictions have been violated, the printing conditions will be as follows: The aforementioned Printing by the second printer number of sheets This counts as the number of pages printed by that user. do not The preceding paragraph causes the computer to perform the processing. 13 The program described above. (15) The aforementioned restrictions are the limits on the number of prints that the user can print. 11 or 12 The program described above. (16) The aforementioned restrictions are limitations on the printing functions available to the user. 11 or 12 The program described above. (17) The aforementioned Number of pages printed on the first printer and The aforementioned The preceding paragraph instructs the computer to perform a process that distinguishes and manages the count of printed pages on the second printer. 13 The program described above. (18) By the judgment step The aforementioned Printing conditions The aforementioned If it violates the restrictions but is possible to count the number of printed pages under certain conditions, Seal The specific conditions mentioned above, along with the test results. The aforementioned information processing device to send The preceding paragraph instructs the computer to perform the process described above. 13 The program described above. (19) The above specific Under the conditions The aforementioned Printing on the second printer is complete. From the aforementioned information processing device Upon receiving, The number of completed prints The aforementioned specific conditions at As for the number of pages printed by the user Te Ka Un Toss The program described in paragraph 18 above, which causes the computer to perform the process described above. (20) A management device for managing restrictions that apply when a user uses the first printer, Receiving means for receiving print conditions included in a print job when a user uses the second printer, from an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for a print job to a second printer different from the first printer. and, A determination means for determining whether the printing conditions received by the receiving means violate the restrictions applicable to the user using the second printer, A transmission means for transmitting the determination result from the determination means to the information processing device, A management device equipped with this device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the printing system and printing method of this invention, the limitations that apply when a user uses the first printer are eliminated. to , user Different from the first printer Printing instructions when using the second printer The matter is A check is performed to determine if a conflict exists, and the result is notified to the user. Therefore, the user can find out whether the printing conditions on their second printer, such as a personally owned printer, conflict with the restrictions that apply when using their first printer, such as a workplace printer. As a result, the user can proceed with printing if there is no conflict, or if there is a conflict, they can stop printing to avoid paying for printing themselves, or take measures such as changing the printing conditions to avoid the conflict.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the program of this invention, the limitations that apply when a user uses the first printer are to , user Different from the first printer Printing instructions when using the second printer The matter is Decide whether to touch it, and the result of the decision Transmitted to the information processing device. The process to perform Control device It can be executed by a computer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of terminal equipment and MFP management systems. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the printing system shown. [Figure 4] This is an example screen that notifies the user of the result of a conflict between the printing conditions of the second printer and the limitations of the first printer. [Figure 5] This is an example of a table for managing the maximum number of pages that can be printed. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system. [Figure 7] This is another example screen that notifies the user of the result of a conflict between the printing conditions of the second printer and the limitations of the first printer. [Figure 8] Here is yet another example screen. [Figure 9] Here is another example of a table for managing the maximum number of pages that can be printed. [Figure 10] This is yet another example screen that notifies the user of the result of a conflict between the printing conditions of the second printer and the limitations of the first printer. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing other operations of the printing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of this invention. The printing system consists of equipment used by the printer at home while working remotely, and equipment installed at the workplace.

[0019] At home, there is terminal device 1 and printer 2 (corresponding to the second printer), and at the workplace, there is an MFP management system 3 and printer 4 (corresponding to the first printer), which consists of one or more MFPs (Multi-function Peripherals). In the following explanation, printer 2 will also be referred to as the "home printer," and printer 4 will also be referred to as the "workplace printer."

[0020] The configuration of terminal device 1 is shown in the block diagram in Figure 2. Terminal device 1 is composed of a personal computer, which is an information processing device, and includes a CPU 11, RAM 12, storage unit 13, display unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, etc. In this embodiment, terminal device 1 may be provided by the workplace.

[0021] The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the entire terminal device 1 based on the operating system (also simply called the OS), printer driver, and various other applications, but the specific control details will be described later. The printer driver is software that causes the CPU 11 to execute printing-related processes between the home printer 2 and the MFP management system 3.

[0022] RAM12 is memory that provides a workspace for the CPU11 when it executes the program.

[0023] The memory unit 13 is a memory that stores the OS, printer drivers, various applications, and other data.

[0024] The display unit 14 displays various screens and messages for the user, such as operation screens, documents and images to be printed, and information transmitted from the MFP management system 3 (described later), and is composed of a display device such as an LCD.

[0025] The input unit 15 consists of a mouse, touch panel, or the like, used for user operation.

[0026] The communication unit 16 functions as a communication interface for communicating with the home printer 2 and the MFP management system 3.

[0027] Terminal device 1 has the aforementioned printer driver installed, and printing can be performed on home printer 2 according to the instructions of this printer driver. Specifically, the user opens the file to be printed from various applications such as a document creation application on the screen of terminal device 1, sets the paper size, single-sided / double-sided printing, color / monochrome and other print settings using the printer driver, and then issues a print command.

[0028] Home printer 2 is, for example, a personal printer owned by a user who works from home, and is capable of communicating with terminal device 1 via wired or wireless connection.

[0029] On the other hand, the MFP management system 3 installed in the workplace manages the usage status of the workplace printer 4, and manages the maximum number of pages that can be printed on a per-user or per-group basis (limit management) and restricts functions, etc. Limit management manages the number of pages that can be printed for a certain period of time for each user or group, and printing exceeding the limit is prohibited. Function restrictions manage the print functions that can be used for each user, and printing with functions that are not permitted is prohibited. Examples of function restrictions include prohibiting color printing, prohibiting single-sided printing, prohibiting 1:1 printing, etc.

[0030] The MFP management system 3 may be installed in the main unit of the workplace printer 4, but it may also be configured as a server to centrally manage multiple workplace printers 4. Furthermore, the MFP management system 3 may be installed outside the workplace. In this embodiment, the terminal device 1 and the MFP management system 3 are connected via a network such as the Internet.

[0031] When the MFP management system 3 is configured as a server, it will have a configuration similar to terminal device 1, as shown in Figure 2, including a CPU 31, RAM 32, storage unit 33, display unit 34, input unit 35, communication interface 36, etc. The functions of each of these units are basically the same as those of terminal device 1, except for the type of data stored in the storage unit 33. The storage unit 33 stores software such as the OS, as well as information on printing restrictions that apply to each user or group, such as the maximum number of pages and function restrictions, and the print count value managed for each user or group. [First Embodiment] Next, the operation of the printing system shown in Figure 1 will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram in Figure 3. 1. Run the print job The user configures the print settings using the printer driver built into their home terminal device 1 and executes a print job to their home printer 2. The print job includes information indicating that it is for business purposes and user information. 2. Send Job Information If the printer driver determines that the requested print job is for business purposes, it extracts the "necessary information" from the job information and sends it to the MFP management system 3. The "necessary information" is information about the printing conditions necessary to determine whether the print job violates any restrictions such as upper limits or functional limitations managed by the MFP management system 3, and includes, for example, user identification information, print settings, and the number of original documents (pages). Sending the actual file (image) to be printed is not required at this stage. 3. Determining whether or not to execute the job The MFP management system 3 analyzes the information about the received print conditions and determines whether the job is executable by the user (whether the number of printed pages can be counted) based on whether the print conditions fall under any restrictions. The restrictions are stored in the storage unit 33 and retrieved from the storage unit 33. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the number of printed pages has not reached the upper limit applicable to the user, or whether any functions that are prohibited from being used in the print settings are being used, etc. 4. Sending the judgment result The MFP management system 3 transmits the result of "3. Job execution feasibility determination" described above to the terminal device 1. The printer driver of the terminal device 1 displays the determination result transmitted from the MFP management system 3 on the display unit 14 to notify the user. Figure 4 shows screen G1, an example of the notification of the determination result. The example shown in the figure is one in which the print job cannot be executed because the user has reached the monthly print limit permitted for that month.

[0032] The MFP management system 3 determines whether or not to allow the job execution because the maximum number of pages has been reached. The printer driver on terminal device 1 notifies the user on screen G1, along with the "Print" button 41 and the "Cancel" button 42, that the job is not allowed, the reason for the denial (the maximum number of pages for this month has been reached), and the result of printing as is (the number of printed pages cannot be counted). The user then decides whether or not to print under the notified conditions, as will be described later.

[0033] On the other hand, if permission is granted, the fact that permission has been granted and the result of printing as is (that it will be counted as a printed page) will be displayed along with the "Print" button 41 and the "Cancel" button 42.

[0034] Furthermore, if permission is denied, the reason for the denial, or alternatively, a workaround, may be provided. For example, if color printing or single-sided printing is prohibited, it may be indicated that changing color printing to monochrome printing, or single-sided printing to double-sided printing, will grant permission and count towards the limit. In this case, the user can reconfigure the print settings to circumvent the restrictions, and the MFP management system 3 will send a "permission" result based on the reconfigured print settings. 5.Printing instructions The user checks the result of the job execution feasibility determination displayed on screen G1 of the display unit 14, decides whether or not to execute the print job, and presses the "Print" button 41 if they wish to execute it. If they wish to not execute it, they press the "Cancel" button 42. When the "Print" button 41 is pressed, the printer driver sends a print command to home printer 2. 6. Run the print job Home printer 2 executes the instructed print job. 7 and 8. Job Completion Notification When home printer 2 completes a print job, it sends a completion notification to the printer driver on terminal device 1. The printer driver receives the job completion notification from home printer 2 and sends a completion notification to MFP management system 3 only if the judgment result received in "4. Sending Judgment Result" above for the relevant job is "permitted". This completion notification also serves as an instruction to increment the print count. 9. Count Up Upon receiving the completion notification, the MFP management system 3 instructs its own device to increment the number of pages printed by the user. The incremented amount then allows for reimbursement of the home printer's printing costs. Ideally, the MFP management system 3 should distinguish between counting the number of pages printed on the workplace printer 4 and the home printer 2, and manage the print limit separately for each. This separate management simplifies the billing and reimbursement process for home printer printing costs.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example of how the MFP management system 3 manages the maximum number of prints. In this example, for each user, as indicated by the thick border, the number of prints from the workplace printer 4 and the number of prints from the home printer 2 are counted separately, and the total number of prints and the maximum number of prints are managed.

[0036] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system described above.

[0037] In step S01, the printer driver of terminal device 1 configures print settings based on user input, and then in step S01, executes printing to home printer 2 based on user input.

[0038] Next, the printer driver sends job information to the MFP management system 3. The job information includes user information, print settings, and print conditions such as the number of copies to print. Upon receiving the job information, the MFP management system 3, in step S03, compares the print conditions and restriction information contained in the job information to determine whether the job can be executed and sends the result to the terminal device 1. The result includes whether the job can be executed (OK / NG), the reason if it violates any restrictions (if it cannot be executed), and any workarounds.

[0039] The printer driver of terminal device 1, upon receiving the decision result, displays the decision result of the MFP management system 3 on the display unit 14 to notify the user. Then, in step S04, it decides whether to proceed with printing based on the user's actions. If it does not proceed with printing, in other words, if the user presses the "Cancel" button 42 (NO in step S04), it returns to step S01 to perform the print settings again. Alternatively, printing may be canceled. If it proceeds with printing, in other words, if the user presses the "Print" button 41 (YES in step S04), it instructs home printer 2 to print.

[0040] In step S05, home printer 2 prints based on the print command and sends a completion notification to terminal device 1 after printing. Upon receiving this completion notification, the printer driver of terminal device 1 checks in step S06 whether the job was approved by the MFP management system 3. If it is approved (YES in step S06), it sends a completion notification to the MFP management system 3 and instructs it to increment the print count. Upon receiving the completion notification, the MFP management system 3 counts the number of pages printed by the corresponding user in step S07.

[0041] If the job is not "allowed" in step S06 (NO in step S06), the process will terminate. In this case, the count in the MFP management system 3 will not be increased, and the printing costs for home printer 2 will be borne by the user.

[0042] In this embodiment, the MFP management system 3 acquires the restrictions that apply when the user uses the workplace printer 1, as well as the printing conditions when the user uses the home printer 2. It then determines whether the acquired printing conditions violate the restrictions, and the result of the determination is notified to the user on the screen of the display unit 14 by the printer driver of the terminal device 1. Therefore, the user can find out whether the printing conditions of the home printer 2 they use violate the restrictions that apply when using the workplace printer 1. As a result, the user can print if there is no violation, and if there is a violation, they can cancel the printing to avoid printing at their own expense, or change the printing conditions to avoid the violation. [Second Embodiment] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, even if a job is deemed unexecutable (violates limitations) as a result of the execution feasibility determination by the MFP management system 3 in the first embodiment, the user is notified that the MFP management system 3 can count it as a printed page if certain conditions are met, and the user can choose whether or not to proceed with executing the job. The specific conditions are predetermined.

[0043] If you choose to proceed as is, the count of printed pages in the MFP management system 3 will be incremented according to the aforementioned specific conditions.

[0044] To give a concrete example, workplace rules may prohibit single-sided printing and only allow double-sided printing in order to save paper. In other words, single-sided printing is prohibited as a restriction. If home printer 2 does not have a double-sided printing function and attempts to print single-sided, the MFP management system 3 will determine whether or not to allow the print because the print conditions include a prohibited setting (single-sided printing).

[0045] However, assuming that the printing is done double-sided according to the original workplace rules (restrictions), the number of pages will be counted in the MFP management system 3 (and will be a company expense), and the user will be notified that printing is possible under the condition that the difference will be at the user's expense, and the user will be given the option to print as is.

[0046] Figure 7 shows the notification screen G2 displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal device 1 in this case. This notification screen G2 displays, along with the "Print" button 41 and the "Cancel" button 42, that the print job is not permitted, the reason for this (that it includes prohibited single-sided printing), and that if the print job is done as is, the number of printed pages counted will be half of the actual number of printed pages, and the difference will be at the user's expense.

[0047] When the user presses the "Print" button 41 and selects to print, printing is performed at home printer 2, and a completion notification is sent from home printer 2 to terminal device 1. The printer driver on terminal device 1 then sends the completion notification to MFP management system 3. The MFP management system 3 then counts half of the actual number of printed pages as the number of printed pages.

[0048] Another example is when a user is denied printing because they have reached their monthly printing limit, but is notified that printing will be permitted again on the condition that the print limit for the following month is applied.

[0049] Figure 8 shows the notification screen G3 displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal device 1 in this case. This notification screen G3 displays, along with a "Print" button 41 and a "Cancel" button 42, that printing is not permitted, the reason for this (the maximum number of pages for this month has been reached), and that if the print is made as is, it will be counted towards the next month's limit.

[0050] When the user presses the "Print" button 41 and chooses to print, printing is performed at home printer 2, and a completion notification is sent from home printer 2 to terminal device 1. The printer driver on terminal device 1 then sends the completion notification to MFP management system 3. The MFP management system 3 then counts this as the number of printed pages for the next month.

[0051] To give yet another example, as shown in Figure 9, suppose the MFP management system 3 manages the number of color and monochrome prints separately and with upper limits. For example, if the user's monochrome print limit is set to 100 pages, and the count reaches that limit, even if the user's home printer 2 can only print in monochrome, the MFP management system 3 will reject the job execution decision.

[0052] Therefore, the user is notified that printing is possible, provided that it is counted as a color print. Figure 10 shows the notification screen G4 displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal device 1 in this case. On this notification screen G4, it is displayed, along with the "Print" button 41 and the "Cancel" button 42, that printing is not permitted, the reason (the number of monochrome prints has reached the maximum limit), and that if printed as is, it will be counted as a color print, but the unit price for billing will be the unit price for monochrome printing.

[0053] When the user presses the "Print" button 41 and selects to print, printing is performed at home printer 2, and a completion notification is sent from home printer 2 to terminal device 1. The printer driver on terminal device 1 then sends the completion notification to MFP management system 3. The MFP management system 3 then counts this as the number of color prints.

[0054] In this way, allowing the counting of printed pages under specific conditions makes it possible to partially reimburse the printing costs of home printer 2, which offers significant advantages to the user.

[0055] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment described above.

[0056] In step S21, the printer driver of terminal device 1 configures print settings based on user input, and then in step S22, prints to home printer 2 based on user input.

[0057] Next, the printer driver sends job information to the MFP management system 3. The job information includes user information, print settings, and print conditions such as the number of copies to print. Upon receiving the job information, the MFP management system 3 compares the print conditions and restriction information contained in the job information in step S23 to determine whether the job can be executed and sends the result to the terminal device 1. The result includes whether the job can be executed (OK / NG), the reason if the restrictions are violated (if it is not possible), and the method of counting under specific conditions if printing is done as is in the case of a violation.

[0058] The printer driver of terminal device 1, upon receiving the decision result, displays the decision result of the MFP management system 3 on the display unit 14 to notify the user. Then, in step S24, it decides whether to proceed with printing based on the user's actions. If it does not proceed with printing, in other words, if the user presses the "Cancel" button 42 (NO in step S24), it returns to step S21 and performs the print settings again. If it proceeds with printing, in other words, if the user presses the "Print" button 41 (YES in step S24), it instructs home printer 2 to print.

[0059] In step S25, home printer 2 prints based on the print command and sends a completion notification to terminal device 1 after printing. Upon receiving this completion notification, the printer driver of terminal device 1 checks in step S26 whether the job was approved by the MFP management system 3. If it is approved (YES in step S26), it sends a completion notification to the MFP management system 3 and instructs it to increment the print count. Upon receiving the completion notification, the MFP management system 3 counts the number of pages printed by the corresponding user in step S27.

[0060] If the job is not "allowed" in step S06 (NO in step S26), the printer driver determines in step S28 whether the job is eligible for counting under specific conditions. If the job is eligible for counting under specific conditions (YES in step S28), it sends a completion notification to the MFP management system 3 and instructs it to increment the print count under specific conditions. Upon receiving the completion notification, the MFP management system 3 counts the number of prints for the relevant user under specific conditions in step S29.

[0061] In step S28, if the job is not one that can be counted under specific conditions (the result is NO in step S28), the process is terminated. [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the MFP management system 3 determined whether the printing conditions for home printing violated any restrictions, but in this third embodiment, the printer driver of the terminal device 1 makes this determination. The equipment configuration of the printing system is the same as the system shown in Figure 1.

[0062] Terminal device 1 acquires information about limitations such as the maximum number of pages and functional restrictions stored in the MFP management system 3, compares these acquired limitations with the printing conditions set for printing on the home printer, and determines whether the printing conditions conflict with the limitations, in other words, whether counting the number of printed pages is permitted. The result of this determination is then displayed on the display unit 14 to notify the user. If there is a conflict, the user is notified of the reason for the conflict and at least one of the workarounds, or if counting is possible under specific conditions, that fact is also notified, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0063] If the user proceeds with printing, jobs that do not violate any rules or jobs that can be counted under specific conditions will be sent to the MFP management system 3 along with the print completion notification, allowing the MFP management system 3 to verify whether or not they can be counted and to count them appropriately.

[0064] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in this example, the terminal device 1 notifies the user of the result of the MFP management system 3's determination of whether or not a job can be executed by displaying it on the display unit 14, but the MFP management system 3 may also notify the user by sending an email to the user's address.

[0065] Furthermore, while the MFP management system 3 is designed to manage the maximum number of prints per user or group, the terminal device 1 may share the maximum print data for only the relevant users with the MFP management system 3, and perform management by the terminal device 1 in conjunction with management by the MFP management system 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Terminal device 2. Home printer (second printer) 3 MFP Management System 4. Workplace printer (first printer) 11, 31 CPU 12, 32 RAM 13, 33 Storage section 14, 34 Display section 15, 35 Input section 16, 36 Communications Department 141 Print button 142 Cancel button

Claims

1. A printing system comprising a management device that manages restrictions applied when a user uses a first printer, and an information processing device that can issue execution instructions for print jobs to a second printer different from the first printer, connected via a network, The information processing device includes a transmission means for transmitting the printing conditions included in a print job when a user uses the second printer to the management device. The aforementioned control device is A determination means for determining whether the printing conditions transmitted from the information processing device violate the restrictions applicable to the user, A transmission means for transmitting the determination result from the determination means to the information processing device, Equipped with, The printing system is further characterized in that the information processing device is provided with a notification means for notifying the user of the determination result.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the management device transmits to the information processing device, along with the determination result, at least one of the reason for the violation and a workaround, when the determination means determines that the printing conditions violate the restrictions.

3. The management device manages the number of pages printed by the user, The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management device, when the determination means determines that the printing conditions do not violate the limitations, receives from the information processing device that printing by the second printer under the printing conditions has been completed, counts the number of completed prints as the number of prints for that user.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein if the determination means determines that the printing conditions violate the restrictions, the number of pages printed by the second printer under those printing conditions is not counted as the number of pages printed by that user.

5. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned limitation is a limit on the number of printable pages available to the user.

6. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned limitations are restrictions on the printing functions available to the user.

7. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the management device manages the count of the number of pages printed by the first printer and the number of pages printed by the second printer separately.

8. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the management device transmits the determination result along with the specific conditions to the information processing device if the determination means determines that the printing conditions violate the limitations, but it is possible to count the number of printed pages under specific conditions.

9. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein when the management device receives from the information processing device that printing by the second printer under the specific conditions has been completed, it counts the number of completed prints as the number of prints by the user under the specific conditions.

10. A printing method implemented in a network-connected printing system comprising a management device for managing restrictions applied when a user uses a first printer, and an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for print jobs to a second printer different from the first printer, The information processing device transmits the printing conditions included in the print job when the user uses the second printer to the management device. The management device determines whether the printing conditions transmitted from the information processing device violate the restrictions applicable to the user, and transmits the determination result to the information processing device. The information processing device further includes a printing method for notifying the user of the determination result.

11. The computer of the management device that manages the restrictions that apply when a user uses the first printer, A receiving step from an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for a print job to a second printer different from the first printer, to receive print conditions included in the print job when the user uses the second printer, A determination step to determine whether the print conditions received in the receiving step violate the restrictions applicable to the user, A transmission step which transmits the determination result obtained in the determination step to the information processing device, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

12. The program according to claim 11, which, if the judgment step determines that the printing conditions violate the restrictions, causes the computer to perform a process of transmitting the judgment result along with at least one of the reasons for the violation and a workaround.

13. The management device manages the number of pages printed by the user, The program according to claim 11 or 12, which, if the judgment step determines that the printing conditions do not violate the restrictions, receives from the information processing device that printing by the second printer under the printing conditions has been completed, causes the computer to perform a process of counting the number of completed printouts as the user's printout.

14. The program according to claim 13, which, if the judgment step determines that the printing conditions violate the restrictions, causes the computer to perform a process that does not count the number of pages printed by the second printer under those printing conditions as part of the user's total number of printed pages.

15. The program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the aforementioned limitation is a limit on the number of printable pages available to the user.

16. The program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the aforementioned limitations are restrictions on the printing functions available to the user.

17. The program according to claim 13, which causes the computer to perform a process that distinguishes and manages the count of the number of pages printed by the first printer and the count of the number of pages printed by the second printer.

18. The program according to claim 13, which, if the print conditions are found to be in violation of the limitations as determined by the determination step, but the number of prints can be counted under specific conditions, causes the computer to perform a process of transmitting the determination result along with the specific conditions to the information processing device.

19. The program according to claim 18, which, upon receiving from the information processing device that printing by the second printer under the specified conditions has been completed, causes the computer to perform a process of counting the number of completed printouts as the number of printouts by the user under the specified conditions.

20. A management device for managing restrictions that apply when a user uses the first printer, A receiving means that receives printing conditions included in a print job when a user uses the second printer, from an information processing device capable of issuing execution instructions for a print job to a second printer different from the first printer, A determination means for determining whether the printing conditions received by the receiving means violate the restrictions applicable to the user using the second printer, A transmission means for transmitting the determination result from the determination means to the information processing device, A management device equipped with this device.

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