JP2001005356A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate troublesomeness of operation and to prevent unauthorized use, by providing a control means which permits use of each function without input of a personal identification number, when the present time is not within a set limited time period. SOLUTION: The device is provided with a time management device 11 for managing present time and a backup memory 12 for storing a set time, a limited time period. To set limited start time, prescribed keys of an operation panel are depressed and stored in the backup memory 12. When the present time is within the limited time period, that is, the time limit of a copying machine is valid, a user cannot use each function of the copying machine unless user's personal identification number is input. Whereas when the present time is not within the limited time period, that, during a time period, such as daytime, during which the there is no limitation on users, the user is allowed to use each function of the copying machine without having to input the personal identification number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers do not have a function of identifying a user when using the apparatus. In such a device,
Anyone can use the device by turning on the power switch.

Further, when using an image forming apparatus, a personal identification number is input or an ID card (control card) is used.
There is a device having a protection function that includes a means for identifying a user, such as setting a device, and that the device cannot be used unless recognition is correctly performed.

[0004]

[Problem to be Solved] [First Problem] However, in a time zone when there are not many people, a person who is not authorized by the administrator can use the image forming apparatus or use the image forming apparatus for an unauthorized purpose. May be used.
For example, in an environment where only people working at night are part-time workers or temporary employees, it is conceivable that the equipment will be used for private purposes after the regular employees leave the company. In particular, when the cost per sheet is high, such as when the installed apparatus is a color copying machine, the damage is large.

On the other hand, an apparatus having an authentication system,
For example, in a device that can perform authentication using a password, it is possible to avoid being used by a person who does not know the password. However, when there is no need to grasp or limit the usage for each user, i.e., enter a several-digit password every time it is used, even in the daytime when there is no need to limit users. The operation becomes complicated, and when the user wants to use it in a hurry, the user may feel troublesome.

Further, an authentication system that uses an ID card instead of an encryption number can restrict use by anyone other than the person who owns the card, and can be used by inserting the card, thereby reducing the complexity. Is done. However, when the card system is provided as an option, the device must be purchased separately, which causes a problem that the cost increases.

[First object] The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and in an apparatus having an authentication system using a personal identification number, it is possible to reduce the complexity of operation and restrict unauthorized use. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

[Second Problem] In the conventional method, the paper runs out when an image is formed on the paper based on the original image, and when another user wants to use the paper, the processing is started. However, the interrupted process or the reset function is selected to store the interrupted process, or the interrupted process is canceled.

However, if the image forming apparatus does not have the interrupt function, the interrupted processing cannot be stored. If only the reset function is used, the remaining number of the previously interrupted processing cannot be determined, and the interrupted processing cannot be performed. To continue, the number of remaining copies must be newly set, and the operation is complicated.

Further, in an image forming apparatus having an interrupt function, when an image is formed on a sheet based on an image signal and the processing is interrupted due to a paper shortage, the processing is performed using the interrupt function. Can be resumed. However, such a process cannot be performed by an image forming apparatus having no interrupt function.

[Second Object] The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and even if an image forming apparatus having no interrupt function is interrupted due to running out of paper during continuous copying. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of continuing a previously interrupted copying process even when another user uses the same.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is provided in an image forming apparatus provided with an authentication system using a personal identification number. Means for setting a time limit for restricting the use of each function based on the information of the start time and the limit end time, and input when the obtained current time is within the set time limit. If the password does not match the registered password, use of each function is prohibited.If the obtained current time is outside the set time limit, do not enter the password. And control means for permitting use of each function.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
In an image forming apparatus that includes a paper size detection unit that detects the size of the paper held in the paper feed stage and a document detection unit that detects that a document is placed on the platen, the paper runs out during continuous copying. The storage means for storing the number of remaining copies, and when the paper runs out during the continuous copying, the document detection means detects that the document has been placed on the platen, And a new copy processing means for performing a copy process in an initial state to copy the original placed when performing copying using a paper feed stage different from the paper feed stage used in the continuous copying, In the case where the paper runs out during the continuous copying, when the paper size detecting means detects that the paper of the same size has been replenished in the paper feed stage where the paper has run out, the remaining paper stored in the storage means is stored. Set the number of copies It is characterized in that it comprises a resuming continuous copying process means the remaining copy of the continued replication.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the copying machine.

The copying machine according to the present embodiment has a ROM (not shown).
By reading and executing the control program from
A central processing unit (hereinafter, CPU) that controls the entire copying machine
Called. 10), a time management device 11 for managing the current time, a backup memory 12 for storing a set time of a time limit, and an engine unit 13 for a plain paper copying machine.
An operation panel 14 for performing operations and various settings is provided. An engine unit 13 for a plain paper copier includes a main motor 15 for transporting recording paper, and a heater 16 for fixing.
And a high voltage power supply 17 for supplying a high voltage for image formation, and a scanner 18 for reading a document. The operation panel 14 includes a numeric keypad K17 used for inputting a number, a password, a time, etc., an ID key K18 used for fixing a password and ending a copy job, and a start key K20 used for starting copying. , An OK key K24 used in the sense of determination when registering a personal identification number, a 7-segment display unit 20, and the like.

First, a description will be given of an operation procedure in which a password is input, a copying machine is made usable, copying is performed, and the operation is completed. When the power of the copier is turned on and the copying machine enters a standby state, the display unit displays a password input screen. The user uses the numeric keypad K17 to sequentially press the six-digit password assigned to the user on the password input screen. Thereafter, by pressing the ID key K18, the copying machine determines the input password and recognizes it as the input password. The copying machine determines whether or not this number matches a number registered in advance by the administrator of the apparatus. Only when the number matches, the copy machine is ready for copying. When the ID key K18 is pressed again after the copy is completed, the display returns to the password input screen.

Next, a method of setting a time limit, that is, a method of setting a time limit start time and a time limit end time will be described. To enter the restriction start time setting mode, a predetermined key on the operation panel is pressed to display the seven-segment display unit 20.
Displays, for example, “U01”. To enter the limit end time setting mode, the 7-segment display unit 20
“U02” is displayed. After entering each setting mode, 24-hour time is sequentially input in four digits using the numeric keypad K17, and each time is recorded by pressing the OK key K24. This setting is for power ON / O
The data is recorded in the backup memory 12 so as not to be cleared by the FF. When the current time is within the time limit, that is, when the time limit of the copying machine is in a valid state, the user cannot use each function of the copying machine without inputting a password. Also, when the current time is outside the time limit, that is, when the time limit of the copying machine is in an invalid state, the user can use each function of the copying machine without inputting a password. .

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the status management process in the copying machine of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the state management control in the copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed when the copying machine is started. This state management control is executed independently of other processing. In this process, first, in step S1, the current time is acquired from the time management device 11, and in step S2, the acquired current time is set within the time limit set by the limit start time and the limit end time. Check whether there is (time restriction is valid) or not. The details of this check will be described later. If it is determined in step S2 that the current time is not within the time limit, the process proceeds to step S3 to permit copying of the state of the copying machine. In this case, the user can use the copying machine without entering a password. . If it is determined in step S2 that the current time is within the time limit, it is determined whether the input password matches the password permitted to be used (step S4). Here, if it is determined that they match, the user is recognized as an authorized person, and the process proceeds to step S5 where the status of the copying machine is set to copy permitted. If it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S6, and the user has not entered a password.
Alternatively, it is determined that an unauthorized PIN has been entered, and the state of the copying machine is waited for PIN input. In this state, when a password is input, the process returns to step S1 to execute the above processing. In a copying machine having a user authentication system capable of setting a plurality of passwords,
The user may be allowed to freely set a password for permitting use of each function within the time limit.

Next, when the start key is pressed using the state of the copying machine determined by the state management control,
The process of determining whether to start copying will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for determining the copy start according to the present embodiment. First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the start key has been pressed, and the process waits until the start key is pressed. If it is determined that the start key has been pressed, the flow shifts to step S12 to refer to the current state of the copying machine, that is, execute the processing of FIG. 3 to determine whether or not copying is permitted. If it is determined that copying is not permitted, it means that the current time is within the time limit and there is no input of a valid password, so that the operation returns to step S11 without performing the start operation and returns to step S11. Wait for the start key to be pressed. If it is determined in step S12 that copying is permitted, the process proceeds to step S13 to perform processing for starting copying. The copy operation is started. After the copy is completed, the process returns to step S11 to wait for the start key to be pressed. Thus, even when the time changes and the state of the copying machine changes, the state of the copying machine can be reflected each time.

Here, the processing for determining whether or not the current time is included in the time limit, which is executed in the state management processing flow of FIG. 3, will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the time check in the present embodiment. In step S21, first, the input limit start time and limit input end time are compared, and the processing is divided according to the result as described below. The processing of this time is performed on a 24-hour basis, and the magnitude is determined by treating the time as a numerical value. If it is determined in step S21 that the limit end time is larger than the limit start time, the limit start time and the limit end time are set within the same date. In this case, the process proceeds to step S22 and the current time is set. Check if is included in the time limit. Here, it is checked that the current time is larger than the restriction start time and the current time is smaller than the restriction end time, and when the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the time is within the restriction time zone, and the time restriction is validated. (Step S23). If the condition of step S22 is not satisfied, the time limit is invalidated (step S25).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the restriction start time is larger than the restriction end time, it means that the restriction start time and the restriction end time are set across the dates. In this case, step S24 is performed. Then, it is checked whether the current time is larger than the restriction start time or the current time is smaller than the restriction end time, and if the condition is satisfied, the processing shifts to step S23 to make the time restriction valid and not satisfied. In this case, the process proceeds to step S25 to invalidate the time limit. The processing flow of FIG. 5 is used in step S2 of the state management processing shown in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the time is within the time limit.

According to the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to set a time limit in which copying cannot be performed without using a password, and to enable copying without using a password at times other than the time limit. By controlling, during times when the device is frequently used, such as during the daytime, it is possible to copy quickly without entering a password and therefore without hassle, and for unauthorized purposes such as at night. During a time period when the administrator determines that there is a high possibility of being used, use by a specific person can be prohibited.

Further, in this embodiment, since identification based on a password is used, the present invention can be realized without adding new hardware such as a control card.

The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the time of the time limit is set on a 24-hour basis, but this setting may be on a 12-hour basis. Also, whether or not the current time is within the time limit is displayed on the display unit,
The user may easily be able to recognize whether or not it is within the time limit.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
The paper size sensor 51 detects the size of the paper set in the paper feed stage, and is provided for each paper feed stage. The document detection sensor 52 detects a document placed on a platen glass. In the present embodiment, an existing sensor that detects opening and closing of a pressure plate is used. In FIG. 6, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Further, the operation panel of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the copying machine according to the present embodiment does not have an interrupt function.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the second embodiment.
This flow is executed when a certain user sets the number of copies to a plurality of sheets and performs continuous copying. In step S31, the copy processing replacement flag is set to "0". In step S32, it is checked one by one whether or not the paper for the copying process is in the designated paper feed tray. If there is a sheet, the process proceeds to step S33 to execute a copying process, and it is determined whether or not the set number has been reached (step S34). If the set number has not been reached, the process returns to step S32 to continue the copying process. If the set number has been reached, the copying process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that there is no paper in the paper feed stage, for example, when the user leaves the copying machine with a large number of copies set, and when the paper runs out, Then, the process shifts to step S36 to end the copying process, and stores the remaining number of copies in a RAM (not shown). In step S37, an LED for notifying that the processing has been interrupted due to the paper exhaustion is turned on.
As a result, when the user has left the copying machine, the user can recognize that the copying process has been interrupted due to paper shortage. In step S38, it is determined whether a new document is set on the platen glass. This is determined by a signal from the document inspection sensor. If a new document has not been set, step S
The process proceeds to 39, and it is determined whether or not paper has been supplied to the empty paper feed tray. If the paper has not been replenished, the process returns to step S38, and thereafter, whether the original is placed on the platen or
Steps S38 and S39 until sheets are replenished
Is repeated. When the user of the interrupted process returns to the copying machine, the LED is lit, so the user notices that his or her process has been interrupted. When it is desired to continue the interrupted process, the same size paper may be reinforced in the empty paper feed tray. When the paper of the same size is replenished, it is determined in step S39 that paper has been replenished in the empty paper feed tray, and the process proceeds to step S40, where the LED is turned off, and the stored remaining data at the time of interruption is stored. After setting the number of copies, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether the start key has been pressed. In other words, it is in a state of waiting for the user to execute the copying process. If the start key has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S32. Thereafter, by repeating the processing from step S32 to step S35, the interrupted remaining copy processing can be continued.

On the other hand, when another user wants to form an image on a sheet based on his or her own document in a suspended state, the user opens and closes the pressure plate and places the document on the platen glass. As a result, the document detection sensor detects that the document has been placed, and proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the copy process replacement flag is inverted, and the routine goes to step S43. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the copy processing replacement flag is “0”. Normally, step S4
Since this flag is inverted at 2, this flag is "1". Therefore, the process proceeds to step S45, and it is determined whether or not another user has selected a sheet feeder other than the empty sheet feeder. If another paper feed stage is selected, the copying process is set to the initial state, that is, the remaining copy number, the copy process replacement flag, etc. stored in the memory for storing the copy number are set to the initial state. S47
Move to In step S47, the process waits until the start key is pressed. If the start key is depressed, the process proceeds to step S32, and a new copy process is performed by repeating the processes from step S32 to step S34 described above.

If it is determined in step S43 that the copy replacement flag is "0", the flow shifts to step S44 to resume the interrupted copy processing. That is, the number of remaining copies stored in the RAM is set, and the process returns to step S39, and the processes from step S39 to step S34 are performed. In the judgment of step S43,
The state in which the copy replacement flag is "0" means that
This is a state in which a new document is placed on the platen glass when another user performs continuous copying using another paper feed stage and the paper is exhausted halfway and the printing is interrupted. Considering that the user is often the last user to use the copying machine at the time of such interruption, the previously interrupted processing can be continued. According to this process, if the copying process is interrupted due to lack of paper while another user is performing continuous copying, the previous user can easily and quickly continue the remaining continuous copying process. In this case, when a person other than the previous user makes a copy, the user has to reset the number of copies since the remaining number of copies interrupted by the previous user is set as the number of copies.

According to the above-described second embodiment, even in a general-purpose copying machine having no interrupt function, when the processing is interrupted due to running out of paper in the middle of continuous copying, another user can obtain another supply. Copies can be made using the paper stack.

Further, according to the second embodiment, even in a general-purpose copying machine having no interrupt function, the process is interrupted by running out of paper during continuous copying, and another user uses the copying machine. However, when the continuous copying of another user is interrupted halfway, when the process resumed by the previous user is resumed, the stored remaining number of copies is automatically read and set, so that the previous user cannot Continuation processing can be performed easily and quickly.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described second embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described second embodiment, a case has been described in which the previous user resumes the interrupted process while another user interrupts the copying process. Even if it ends in
The previous user can resume the interrupted process. That is, the last time user turned on the LED,
Since it is possible to recognize that its own continuous processing has been interrupted due to running out of paper in the middle, if the paper is replenished to the empty paper feed tray, the CPU copies the remaining number of copies stored in the RAM. Set to resume the rest of the suspended copy processing. Therefore, also in this case, the previous user can quickly and easily restart the remaining copy without checking the new remaining number and setting the new number.

In the second embodiment, the case where the document detecting means is a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the pressure plate has been described. However, the document detecting means is a sensor for detecting the size of the document placed on the platen glass. It may be. further,
The document detection means may use both a sensor for the pressure plate and a sensor for detecting the size of the document. When using both sensors, using the signals of both sensors,
It is determined that the document has been placed.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, copying can be performed without using a personal identification number in a time period other than the time limit, and copying can not be performed unless a personal identification number is used within the time limit. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the complexity of the operation as compared with the conventional apparatus and that can restrict unauthorized use.

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the image forming apparatus does not have the interrupt function, if the paper runs out during the continuous copying and is used by another user, It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily and quickly continuing the last interrupted continuous copying process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel of the copying machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a state management process in the copying machine according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a start determination in the copying machine according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a time check flow chart in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart in a copying machine according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 CPU, 11 time management device, 12 backup memory 13 engine unit 14 operation panel 15 main motor, 16 heater 17 high voltage power supply 18
Scanner, 51 Paper size sensor, 52 Document detection sensor

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus provided with an authentication system using a personal identification number, a means for acquiring a current time, and a restriction for restricting use of each function based on input information of a restriction start time and a restriction end time. Means for setting a time zone, and when the obtained current time is within the set time limit, when the input password does not match the registered password, use of each function is disabled. Control means for prohibiting, and when the acquired current time is outside the set time limit, permitting use of each function without inputting a password. Image forming apparatus. 2. An image forming apparatus having a user authentication system using a password, wherein a restriction for restricting the use of each function based on a means for acquiring the current time and information on the inputted restriction start time and restriction end time. Means for setting a time zone, and when the obtained current time is within the set time limit, when the input password does not match the registered password, use of each function is disabled. Control means for prohibiting and, when the obtained current time is outside the set time limit, permitting use of each function without inputting a password, Means for setting a password for permitting use of each function during the time limit. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: paper size detecting means for detecting the size of paper held in a paper feed stage; and document detecting means for detecting that a document is placed on a document table. A storage unit for storing the number of remaining copies when the paper runs out during the process; and detecting the document being placed on the platen when the paper runs out during the continuous copying. Means detect,
And a new copy processing means for performing a copy process in an initial state and copying the original placed when performing copying using a paper feed stage different from the paper feed stage used in the continuous copying, In the case where the paper runs out during the continuous copying, when the paper size detecting means detects that the paper of the same size has been replenished in the paper feed stage where the paper has run out, the remaining paper stored in the storage means is stored. An image forming apparatus comprising: a continuous copy processing unit that sets the number of copies and restarts the remaining copies of the continuous copy.