JP2006185004A - Paintings-and-calligraphic-works processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce setting work of a user rule to a plurality of paintings-and-calligraphic-works apparatuses, and to unify usability of the same user of the plurality of paintings-and-calligraphic-works apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: The paintings-and-calligraphic-works apparatus comprises a paintings-and-calligraphic-works processing means 100/210/287, a user information input means 90/PC, a use regulating means 272 for permitting paintings-and-calligraphic-works processing within a range of the user rule, a network communication means 280, a storage means 271 for holding a data base of the user rule for specifying usability of each paintings-and-calligraphic-works processing function to the user information, means 90 and 270 for setting the server operability, a server 270 for reading the user rule addressed to the user information received during server operability setting from the data base, and a control means 270 that transmits the inputted user information to the paintings-and-calligraphic-works apparatus during setting the server operability during setting the server un-operability and sets the returned user rule to a user rule for restricting the use of the paintings-and-calligraphic-works processing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a document processing apparatus having a network communication function, and particularly permits use of the apparatus by authentication using user information including a user ID and / or a password, and selects use permission of various document processing functions for each user information. The present invention relates to a document processing apparatus that restricts usable functions in accordance with user rules assigned to the user. The present invention can be applied to, for example, an original scanner, a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a multi-function copier, and a personal computer having a network communication function.

JP 2002-178567 A JP 2002-240398 A JP 2002-202945 A JP 2003-229986 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-5408.

  In Cited Document 1, the usage permission for each individual, group, or department is registered, and the authentication is restricted to those registered, the document processing conditions used, the amount used, and the user information. A printer controller is described that is stored in NVRAM and used for use management and replenishment or maintenance of consumables. In Cited Document 2, when using a peripheral device such as a printer, copier, or facsimile on a network from a computer on the network, an access ticket is obtained from a directory server on the network, and a job command used together with the access ticket is transmitted to the peripheral device. The peripheral device received and transmitted to the device describes the peripheral device control system that decodes the access ticket and the job command and executes the job permitted by the access ticket. Cited Document 3 describes a printer usage control in which the use permission authentication and the authentication-permitted document list are displayed by an ID card, and the user can select and execute a job in the document list. Cited Document 4 describes an image forming apparatus that determines whether image formation is permitted by collating an input user code with a user code in a user database. Cited Document 5 describes an image forming apparatus that, when there is a user's use request from a client on the network, sends user information to an authentication server on the network to authenticate, and determines whether to use or not according to the authentication result. ing.

  Conventional network-connected scanners, printers, copiers, or facsimile machines employ a technique for restricting users for each user or department by inputting a user code from an operation panel or using an ID card (for example, cited references). 1, 2, 4 and 5). This allows users to restrict printing or copying colors, use faxing, printing, scanners, etc. for each user, and set usage limits for each department and set usage limits to prevent overuse. It was. In addition, there is a technique that enables device users to be integrated with document (document) information or device functions (usable functions) managed on a network (for example, cited document 3).

  A document processing device that restricts user restrictions and user-specific function needs to set a use restriction rule (user rule) corresponding to the user name for each device individually, and multiple document processes on the network When there is a device, it is necessary to set a user name / password and a user rule for each device. Even if the user rule for the same user is to be the same as each device, it is necessary to set the same rule for each device.

  The first object of the present invention is to reduce the setting work of each user's user rules for a plurality of document processing apparatuses, and to unify the same user's use authority for a plurality of document processing apparatuses. The purpose.

(1) Document processing means (100/210/287);
User information input means (90 / PC);
Usage restriction means (272) that permits the use of the document processing means within the range of the usable processing function of the document processing means defined by the user rules addressed to the user information input from the user information input means. );
Network communication means (280);
Storage means (271) for holding a user rule database that is a collection of user rules that specify whether or not each processing function of a plurality of document processing functions is addressed to each user information; and
A server (270) for reading the user rule addressed to the user information received by the network communication means from the user rule database and transmitting it to the other party;
A document processing apparatus comprising:

  In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, the code | symbol of the corresponding element or the corresponding matter of the Example shown in drawing and mentioned later in parentheses was added as reference for reference. The same applies to the following.

  When there are a plurality of document apparatuses having the use restriction means (272) on the network, one document processing apparatus, that is, a server document, having a storage means (271) and a server (270) for holding the user rule database. By simply setting a user rule for one user in the processing device, the other document processing device, that is, the client document processing device, transmits the user information input by the user to the server document processing device and transmits the user information. It is possible to acquire the user rule addressed to the user and allow the user to use the document processing function of the client document processing apparatus within a range defined by the user rule. That is, the administrator simply registers the user rules of each user in the server document processing apparatus, and each user can perform all document processing without setting the user rules in other client document processing apparatuses. The device can be used within the prescribed range of the user rule. The administrator can manage the use of each user for the document processing apparatus of the entire network by registering the user rule of each user for the server document processing apparatus.

(2) Document processing means (CG of 100/210/287 / PC);
User information input means (90 / PC);
Use restriction means (272) for restricting the use of the document processing means within the range of the usable processing function of the document processing means defined by the user rule;
Network communication means (280); and
User information input from the user information input means is transmitted to the document processing apparatus described in (1) above via the network communication means, and is sent to the user information returned in response thereto. Restriction control means (270) for setting the given user rule as a user rule for restricting the use of the document processing means;
A document processing apparatus comprising:

  As the client document processing device, the document processing device transmits user information input by a user to the server document processing device, obtains a user rule addressed to the user information, and prints the client document processing device. The processing function can be used by the user within a range defined by the user rule.

(3) Document processing means (100/210/287);
User information input means (90 / PC);
Use restriction means (272) for permitting use of the document processing means within the range of the usable processing function of the document processing means defined by the user rule;
Network communication means (280);
Storage means (271) for holding a user rule database that is a collection of user rules that specify whether or not each processing function of a plurality of document processing functions is addressed to each user information;
Means (90,270) for setting whether or not the server can be operated;
A server (270) for reading a user rule addressed to user information received by the network communication means from the user rule database and transmitting it to the other party when server operation is enabled; and
When the server operation rejection is set, the user information input from the user information input means is transmitted to another document processing apparatus set to allow server operation via the network communication means. A restriction control means (270) for setting a user rule addressed to the user information returned in response to the user rule to restrict the use of the document processing means;
A document processing apparatus comprising:

  The document processing apparatus can be used as the server document processing apparatus according to the setting of whether or not the server can be operated, and can also be used as the client document processing apparatus.

  (4) The above (1) or (3), further comprising: user rule output means (7, 11 in FIG. 7) for exporting the user rules in the storage means (271) to another document processing apparatus. Document processing device described in 1.

  (4a) The document processing apparatus according to (4), wherein the user rule output means includes an information writing device (288) for writing a user rule on a portable information medium (SD card).

  (5) The above (1), further comprising user rule input means (6, 8 in FIG. 7) for importing user rules in the storage means of another document processing apparatus into the storage means (271). The document processing apparatus according to (3) or (4).

  (5a) The document processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the user rule input means includes an information reading device (288) for reading a user rule of a portable information medium (SD card).

  According to the above (4) to (5a), when there are a plurality of document processing devices on the network that can be server document processing devices, user rules are individually stored or the entire user rule database is stored on an SD card or other media. Since it can be copied to (portable information media), added to, transferred to, or ported to other document processing devices, it is easy to set user rules for each device document processing device, and the same user among multiple document processing devices It is possible to prevent mistakes in user rule settings such as different user rule contents.

  (6) The means (90, 270) for setting whether or not the server can be operated sets whether or not the server can operate when the other document processing apparatus is unavailable for the server (22-25 in FIG. 8 and 83-83 in FIG. 11). 86, 55-58 in FIG. 16, 73-76 in FIG. 18); the document processing apparatus according to (3) above. According to this, even if the server document processing apparatus cannot be used on the network due to a power cut or the like, the other document processing apparatus automatically becomes an alternative server document processing apparatus and the server is secured.

  (7) The means (90, 270) for setting whether or not the server can be operated sets that the server cannot operate when the other document processing apparatus is available for the server (21-26 in FIG. 8); (3) above Or the document processing apparatus as described in (6). According to this, when the server document processing device already exists on the network, it is possible to prevent the user rule acquisition from being confused without probing the server document processing device twice.

  (8) The means (90, 270) for setting whether or not the server can be operated includes user input means (FIG. 12) for setting the own apparatus to be operable for the server (3), (6) or (7) Document processing device described in 1. According to this, since the document processing device that can operate as the server document processing device is specified, it is possible to clarify which document processing device is the server document processing device, and to change or add user rules, etc. Easy to manage.

  (9) The document processing device (MF1, CPR, PTR, FAX) according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the document processing means includes a printer (100).

  (10) The document processing device (MF1, CPR, FAX, SCR) according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the document processing means includes a document scanner (210, 230).

  (11) The document processing means is an image data processing means (262) for converting image data output from the document scanner (210, 230), printer (100) and the document scanner (210, 230) into image data suitable for image formation by the printer. The document processing apparatus (MF1, CPR, FAX) according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

  (12) The document processing means further includes a communication means (280) for converting document information provided from an external device (PC) into image data and outputting the image data to the image data processing means (262). Or the document processing apparatus (MF1, PTR, FAX) according to (11).

  (13) The document processing means further includes document information storage means (271-276); the image data processing means (262) reads and corrects the image data output from the image reading device to correct the document information storage means. (271-276), the image data output by the document information storage means (271-276) is converted into image data suitable for image formation of the printer and output to the printer (100); Document processing device (MF1, CPR, FAX) as described in).

  (14) Document information given from an external device (PC) is stored in the document information storage means (271-276), and the document information is read from the document information storage means (271-276) to the external device (PC). The document processing apparatus (MF1) according to (13), further including communication means (278-287) for outputting.

  Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a LAN network connecting a plurality of document processing apparatuses according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The personal computer PC shown in FIG. 1 is a computer capable of network connection in which word processor software, spreadsheet software, CG (computer graphics) and CAD and other image processing software (all of which are document processing means) are installed. 1 is a document processing apparatus according to one embodiment. The multi-function copying machine MF1 is a document processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the copying machine CPR, scanner SCR, facsimile FAX, and printer PTR are also document processing apparatuses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Each device has a user account database in which user account information (user name or user rank, password, device network address, ie device address and device name) is registered, and a security account manager (SAM) that performs authentication. A server (software) is installed, and in this embodiment, a user can log in to the apparatus by inputting a user name or a user rank and a password on an authentication input screen displayed on the display when the apparatus is used. That is, the apparatus can be used. This can be performed using the operation board (90) of the apparatus or a PC connected to the network.

  FIG. 2 shows an external appearance of the full-color digital multi-function copier MF1 shown in FIG. The full-color copying machine MF1 is roughly constituted by units of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 230, an operation board 90, a color scanner 210, and a color printer 100. The operation board 90 and the color scanner 210 with the ADF 230 are units that can be separated from the printer 100. The color scanner 210 includes a control board having a power device driver, a sensor input, and a controller, and a CPU 261 (FIG. 5) Directly or indirectly communicate with 5) and read the document image under timing control.

  A controller board 270 (FIG. 5) to which the printer 100 is connected is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a personal computer PC is connected. A facsimile control unit FCU287 (FIG. 5) is connected to a telephone line PN (facsimile communication line). ) Connected to the exchange PBX. The printed paper of the color printer 100 is discharged to the paper discharge stack 126 (FIG. 3).

  FIG. 3 shows the mechanism of the color printer 100 of the multi-function copying machine MF1. The color printer 100 of this embodiment is a laser printer. This laser printer 100 includes four toner image forming units a to d for forming images of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (black: K). The transfer belts 107 are arranged in this order along the moving direction of the transfer belt 107 (from left to right in the figure). That is, it is a four-drum type full-color image forming apparatus.

  A neutralizing device 105, a cleaning device 104, a charging device 102, and a developing device 103 are arranged on the outer periphery of the photosensitive member 101 that is rotatably supported and rotates in the direction of the arrow. A space for storing optical information emitted from the exposure device 106 is secured between the charging device 102 and the developing device 103. There are four (a, b, c, d) photoconductors 101, but the image forming component configuration provided around each is the same. The color of the color material (toner) handled by the developing device 3 is different. The photoconductors 101 (four) are photoconductors in which an organic semiconductor layer that is a photoconductive material is provided on the surface of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 30 to 100 mm. A part thereof is in contact with the first transfer belt 107. A belt-like photoreceptor can also be employed.

  The first transfer belt 107 is supported and stretched between the rotating rollers 108, 109, and 110 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow. On the back side (inside the loop), the first transfer unit 111 is attached to the photoreceptor 101. It is deployed in the vicinity. A cleaning device 112 for the first transfer belt is disposed outside the belt loop. Unnecessary toner remaining on the surface after the transfer from the first transfer belt 107 is wiped off.

  The exposure device 106 irradiates the uniformly charged surface of the photoconductor as a latent image with optical information corresponding to full-color image formation by a known laser system. An exposure apparatus comprising an LED array and an image forming means can also be employed. The first transfer belt 107 is a belt based on a resin film or rubber having a base thickness of 50 μm to 600 μm, and has a resistance value that allows toner to be transferred from the photoreceptor 101.

  In FIG. 3, the second transfer belt 113 is disposed on the right side of the first transfer belt 107. The second transfer belt 113 is supported and stretched between the rotating rollers 114, 115 and 116 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow, and the second transfer means 117 is provided on the back side (inside the loop). A cleaning device 118 for the second transfer belt, a charger 119, and the like are disposed outside the belt loop. After the toner is transferred to the paper, the cleaning device 118 wipes off the remaining unnecessary toner.

  The first transfer belt 107 and the second transfer belt 113 are in contact with each other by the second transfer unit 117, the roller 116, and the roller 108 that supports the first transfer belt 107, thereby forming a predetermined transfer nip. The second transfer belt 113 is a belt having a base of a resin film or rubber having a base thickness of 50 μm to 600 μm, and a belt having a resistance value capable of transferring toner from the first transfer belt 107.

  Paper 120 as a recording medium is stored in paper feed cassettes 121 and 122 in the lower part of the figure, and the uppermost paper is conveyed one by one by paper feed rollers 131 or 132 to a registration roller 133 through a plurality of paper guides. Is done. Above the second transfer belt 113, a fixing device 123, a paper discharge guide 124, a paper discharge roller 125, and a paper discharge stack 126 are arranged.

  A storage portion 127 that can store replenishment toner is provided above the first transfer belt 107 and below the paper discharge stack 126. The toner has four colors, magenta, cyan, yellow, and black, and is in the form of a cartridge 128. The corresponding color developing device 103 is appropriately replenished by a powder pump or the like.

  The frame 129, which is a part of the main body, has a structure that can be rotated and opened around the opening / closing support shaft 130. Therefore, the conveyance path of the recording medium is greatly opened to facilitate the processing of the jammed recording medium (paper). ing.

  Here, the operation of each unit during duplex printing will be described. First, image formation is performed by the photosensitive member 101. That is, by the operation of the exposure device 106, light from an LD light source (not shown) passes through an optical component (not shown), and among the photoconductors 101 uniformly charged by the charging device 102, the photoconductor of the image forming unit a. Then, a latent image corresponding to the writing information (information corresponding to the color) is formed. The latent image on the photoconductor 101 is developed by the developing device 103, and a visible image with toner is formed and held on the surface of the photoconductor 101. This toner image is transferred to the surface of the first transfer belt 107 that moves in synchronization with the photosensitive member 101 by the first transfer unit 111. The remaining toner on the surface of the photoconductor 101 is cleaned by the cleaning device 104 and is discharged by the charge removing device 105 to prepare for the next image forming cycle.

  The first transfer belt 107 carries the toner image transferred on the surface and moves in the direction of the arrow. A latent image corresponding to another color is written on the photoconductor 101 of the image forming unit b, and developed with a toner of the corresponding color to become a visible image. This image is overlaid on the visible image of the previous color already on the first transfer belt 107, and finally four colors are overlaid. In some cases, only monochrome black is formed.

  At this time, the second transfer belt 113 is moved in the direction of the arrow in synchronism, and the image formed on the surface of the first transfer belt 107 is transferred onto the surface of the second transfer belt 113 by the action of the second transfer means 117. The The first and second transfer belts 107 and 113 are moved while the images are formed on the respective photosensitive members 101 of the four image forming units a to d in the so-called tandem format, and the image forming is advanced. Can be shortened.

  When the first transfer belt 107 moves to a predetermined position, a toner image to be created on another surface of the paper is formed again by the photoconductor 101 in the process as described above, and paper feeding is started. When the paper feed roller 131 or 132 rotates counterclockwise, the uppermost paper 120 in the paper feed cassette 121 or 122 is pulled out and conveyed to the registration roller 133.

  The toner image on the surface of the first transfer belt 107 is transferred by the second transfer unit 117 to one side of the sheet fed between the first transfer belt 107 and the second transfer belt 113 via the registration roller 133. Further, the recording medium is conveyed upward, and the toner image on the surface of the second transfer belt 113 is transferred to the other surface of the sheet by the charger 119. At the time of transfer, the sheet is conveyed at a timing so that the position of the image is normal.

  In this embodiment, the polarity of the toner imaged on the photoreceptor 101 is negative. By applying a positive charge to the first transfer unit 111, the toner imaged on the photoreceptor 101 is transferred to the first transfer belt 107. By applying a positive charge to the second transfer unit 117, the toner transferred to the first transfer belt 107 is transferred to the second transfer belt 113. By feeding the paper between the first and second transfer belts 107 and 113 and applying a positive charge to the second transfer means 117, the toner transferred to the first transfer belt 107 is transferred to one side of the paper, The toner transferred to the second transfer belt 113 is given a positive polarity charge from the transfer charger 119, so that the negative polarity toner on the surface of the second transfer belt 113 is sucked and transferred to the other surface of the sheet. The

  The paper on which the toner images are transferred on both sides in the above steps is sent to the fixing device 123, and the toner images (both sides) on the paper are melted and fixed at one time. Are discharged to the paper discharge stack 126.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the paper discharge units 124 to 126 are configured, the side (page) of the double-sided image that is transferred to the paper later, that is, the surface that is directly transferred from the first transfer belt 7 to the paper Since the image is placed on the discharge stack 126, the second page image is created first and the toner image is held on the second transfer belt 113 in order to align the pages. The image is directly transferred from the first transfer belt 107 to the sheet.

  The image directly transferred from the first transfer belt 107 to the paper is a normal image on the surface of the photoconductor, and the toner image transferred from the second transfer belt 113 to the paper is a reverse image (mirror image) on the surface of the photoconductor. It is exposed as follows. Such image forming order for page alignment and image processing for switching between normal and reverse images (mirror images) are also performed by image data read / write control to the memory MEM by IMAC.

  After the transfer from the second transfer belt 113 to the paper, a cleaning device 118 including a brush roller, a collection roller, a blade, and the like removes unnecessary toner and paper dust remaining on the second transfer belt 113.

  In FIG. 3, the brush roller of the cleaning device 118 is in a state separated from the surface of the second transfer belt 113. The structure can swing around the fulcrum 118a and can contact and separate from the surface of the second transfer belt 113. Before the transfer onto the paper, the second transfer belt 113 is released when carrying the toner image, and when the cleaning is necessary, the second transfer belt 113 is swung in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The removed unnecessary toner is collected in the toner storage unit 134.

  The image forming process in the duplex printing mode in which the “duplex transfer mode” is set has been described above. In the case of duplex printing, printing is always performed by this image forming process. In the case of single-sided printing, there are two types of “single-sided transfer mode by the second transfer belt 113” and “single-sided transfer mode by the first transfer belt 107”, and the single-sided transfer mode using the former second transfer belt 113 is set. In this case, a visible image formed by superimposing four colors (or single color black) on the first transfer belt 107 is transferred to the second transfer belt 113 and transferred to one side of the sheet. There is no image transfer on the other side of the paper. In this case, there is a print screen on the upper surface of the printed paper discharged to the paper discharge stack 126.

  When the single-side transfer mode using the latter first transfer belt 107 is set, a visible image formed on the first transfer belt 107 in a four-color overlap (or single color black) is transferred to the second transfer belt 113. Without being transferred to one side of the paper. There is no image transfer on the other side of the paper. In this case, there is a print screen on the lower surface of the printed paper discharged to the paper discharge stack 126.

  FIG. 4 shows a document image reading mechanism of the scanner 210 of the multifunction copying machine MF1 and the ADF 230 attached thereto. The document placed on the contact glass 231 of the scanner 210 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 232, and the reflected light (image light) of the document is reflected by the first mirror 233 in parallel with the sub-scanning direction y. The illumination lamp 232 and the first mirror 233 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown) that is driven at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction y. Second and third mirrors 234 and 235 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown) that is driven in the same direction as the first carriage, and the image light reflected by the first mirror 233. Is reflected downward (z) by the second mirror 234, reflected by the third mirror 235 in the sub-scanning direction y, converged by the lens 236, irradiated to the CCD 207, and converted into an electrical signal.

  The first and second carriages are driven forward (original scanning) and backward (return) in the y direction using the traveling body motor 238 as a drive source. As described above, the scanner 210 is a flatbed type original scanner that scans the original on the contact glass 231 with the lamp 232 and the mirror 233 and projects the original image on the CCD 207. A glass 240 serving as a sheet-through reading window is located at a reading visual field position of the first mirror 233 when one carriage is stopped at a home position (standby position) HP, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) is disposed above the glass 240. ) 13 is mounted, and the transport drum (platen) 244 of the ADF 230 faces the glass 240.

  The documents stacked on the document tray 241 of the ADF 230 are fed between the conveyance drum 244 and the pressing roller 245 by the pickup roller 242 and the registration roller pair 243, and are in close contact with the conveyance drum 244 and pass over the reading glass 240. Then, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 248 serving as a pressure plate below the document tray 241 by the paper discharge rollers 246 and 247.

  When the image on the surface of the document passes through the reading glass 240 serving as a document reading window, the image is irradiated by the illumination lamp 232 that is moving immediately below the image, and the reflected light on the surface of the document is optical below the first mirror 233. The CCD 207 is irradiated through the system and subjected to photoelectric conversion. That is, it is converted into RGB color image signals. The surface of the transport drum 244 is a white back plate facing the reading glass 240 and is white so as to be a white reference plane.

  Between the reading glass 240 and the scale 251 for positioning the starting edge of the document, there are a reference white plate 239 and a base point sensor 249 for detecting the first carriage. Although the reference white plate 239 reads a document having a uniform density due to variations in individual emission intensities of the illumination lamps 232, variations in the main scanning direction, sensitivity variations among the pixels of the CCD 207, and the like, It is prepared to correct the phenomenon in which read data varies (shading correction).

  The base body 248 of the ADF 230 is hinge-coupled (hinge-connected) to the base body of the scanner 210 on the back side (back side of FIG. 4 paper), and has a handle 250m on the front side of the base body 248 (front side of FIG. 4 paper surface). By raising the base 248, the ADF 230 can be raised (opened). On the back side of the base body 248 of the ADF 230, there is a switch that detects opening and closing of the ADF 230. A pressure plate 250p of the ADF 230 facing the contact glass 231 is attached to the bottom surface of the ADF 230. When the ADF 230 is closed, the lower surface of the pressure plate 250p is in close contact with the upper surface of the contact glass 231 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the image processing system of the multifunction copying machine MF1 shown in FIG. The multi-function copier MF1 includes an engine 260 that performs document image reading and color printing, a controller board 270, and an operation board 90. The engine 260 includes a CPU 261 that controls image reading and printing processes, the color scanner 210 described above, the printer 100 described above, and an image input / output processing 262 configured by an ASIC (Application Specific IC).

  The sensor board unit SBU of the scanner 210 has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU writes the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby controlling the entire scanner 210. Further, it is connected to a CPU 261 for process control via a communication line, and performs an operation instructed by transmission / reception of commands and data. The CPU in the scanner 210 detects the document detection sensor, HP sensor, pressure plate open / close sensor, cooling fan, etc. and controls ON / OFF. In the scanner 210, a scanner motor driver is driven by a PWM output from the CPU to generate an excitation pulse sequence and drive a pulse motor for scanning a document.

  The original image is illuminated by the light output of the halogen lamp 232 energized by the lamp regulator, and the reflected light of the original, that is, the optical signal, passes through a plurality of mirrors and lenses and passes through three line sensors for reading R, G and B. The image is formed on the CCD 207 including the image. The 3-line CCD 207 receives each drive clock from the AFE 212 on the sensor board unit SBU and outputs an analog image signal of each RGB pixel to the AFE 212.

  The controller board 270 includes a CPU 272, a document storage control 273 configured by an ASIC, a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 122, a local memory (MEM-C) 276, and a system memory (MEM-P) 279. North Bridge (hereinafter referred to as NB) 278, South Bridge (hereinafter referred to as SB) 285, NIC 280 (Network Interface Card), USB device 281, IEEE 1394 device 282, Centronics device 283 and others. The operation board 90 is connected to the document accumulation control 273 of the controller board 270. A facsimile control unit (FCU) 287 is also connected to the document accumulation control 273 by a PCI bus.

  The CPU 272 can transmit and receive document information with a personal computer PC connected to the LAN via the NIC 280 or another personal computer PC via the Internet. In addition, communication with a personal computer, a printer, a digital camera, or the like can be performed using the USB 281, IEEE 1394 282, and Centronics 283.

  The SB 285, the NIC 280, the USB device 281, the IEEE 1394 device 282, the Centronics device 283, and the MLB 284 are connected to the NB 278 via a PCI bus. As described above, the MLB 284 is a board that is connected to the engine 260 via the PCI bus. Then, MLB 284 converts the document data input from the outside into image data (image data), and outputs the converted image data to engine 260.

  The local memory 276, the HDD 122, and the like are connected to the document storage control 273 of the controller board 270, and the CPU 272 and the document storage control 273 are connected through the NB 278 of the CPU chipset. The document accumulation control 273 and the NB 278 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).

  The CPU 272 performs overall control of the multifunction function copying machine MF1. The NB 278 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 272, system memory 279, SB 285, and document storage control 273. The system memory 279 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like for the multifunction function copying machine MF1. The SB 285 is a bridge for connecting the NB 278 to the PCI bus and peripheral devices. The SB 285 is connected to a card I / F 288 for reading and writing an external ROM and an SD memory card (hereinafter referred to as an SD card). The card I / F 288 is connected to an SD card read / write device (card reader), and can read data from and write data to an SD card attached to the card reader.

  The local memory 276 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HDD 122 is a memory for storing image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, LUT (Look Up Table), and the like. The operation board 90 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from the user and performs display for the user.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of image data exchanged between the scanner 210 and the printer 100 and the image input / output device 262. The image input / output processing 262 performs shading correction, reading gamma correction, MTF correction, etc. on each of the R, G, B image data generated when the color original scanner 210 reads the original image, and corrects it as necessary. There is scanner image processing 263 for converting the later R, G, B image data into C, M, Y, K recording color data, and also R, G, B image data or C, M, Y, K recording color data. Printer image processing 264 for converting the image data into C, M, Y, K print data suitable for the image expression characteristics of the C, M, Y, K color writing units 210 to 213 of the printer 100, and further, a document storage control 273. Image processing I / F (Inte) which outputs document read image data RGB or CMYK to the printer image processing 264 and outputs the image data RGB or CMYK output by the document storage control 273 to the printer image processing 264 rface circuit) 265.

  In the case of a single copy for printing one sheet per original, the CMYK recording color data is output from the scanner image processing 263 to the image processing I / F 265, and the image processing I / F 265 outputs these image data to the printer image processing 264. The printer image processing 264 performs scaling, image processing, and printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, and outputs to each writing unit (each laser emitter of the laser writing unit 30).

  In the case of continuous copying in which a plurality of sheets are printed per original, the CMYK recording color data is output from the scanner image processing 263 to the image processing I / F 265, and these image data are transferred to the document storage control 273 by the image processing I / F 265. The data is output, temporarily stored in the local memory 272 or the HDD 271, read out for each copy, and supplied from the document storage control 273 to the printer image processing 264 via the image processing I / F 265. The printer image processing 264 performs scaling and image processing as necessary, performs printer γ conversion and gradation processing, and outputs the result to each writing unit.

  When reading and registering a document by the scanner 210 or transmitting to the outside, RGB image data output by the scanner image processing 263 is registered in the HDD 271 via the image processing I / F 265 and the image accumulation control 273, or The data is temporarily stored in the local memory 276 or the HDD 271 and then transmitted to the outside.

  When printing the registered RGB image data by the printer 100 or the RGB image data received from the outside, the RGB image data is given to the printer image processing 264 via the image accumulation control 273 and the image processing I / F 265. The printer image processing 264 converts the RGB image data into CMYK recording color data, and then performs scaling, image processing, printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, and outputs the result to each writing unit.

  FIG. 6 shows main applications installed in the multi-function copying machine MF1. These are stored in the HDD 271, but are expanded in the work RAM as necessary and used by the CPU 272 or another CPU or ASIC. In addition to these applications, the HDD 271 has a system control (overall control) program. The CPU 272 responds to an external command or request and operates or processes each part of the multi-function document processing system shown in FIG. 5 according to the system control program. Instruct.

  FIG. 7 shows an outline of the system control of the CPU 272 related to the document processing function restriction mainly applying the user rule. When operating voltage is applied to itself, the CPU 272 sets its own input / output port to a standby level, instructs each part in the system (FIG. 5) to initialize, sets the CPU 272 to a standby state, and each part in the system is initialized. Wait until it is ready and ready (step 1). In the following description, the word “step” is omitted in parentheses, and step no. Write numbers only.

-Server / client confirmation (Fig. 8)-
When each part in the system becomes ready, the CPU 272 executes “server / client confirmation” (2). The contents are shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 272 broadcasts a server search packet on the LAN network (21) and confirms the existence of the server document processing device (22). In response to this packet, the active (network response possible) server document processing apparatus (active server) returns a server declaration packet (10 in FIG. 7).

  When this server declaration packet is received, the CPU 272 sets information that the client is a client (information that is not a server) in the server / client register assigned to one area of the RAM inside or outside the CPU 272, and sends the server declaration packet. The device address and device name of the returned document processing device, that is, the server document processing device (active server) are written in the server address field of the address (26). However, when the server declaration packet is not received, the server / client register information is referred to, and if the server is set as a server candidate, information indicating that the server is a server is set in the register (23, 24). ). If the server is not set as a server candidate, the server document processing device on the network (active server; hereinafter simply referred to as a server) is unknown, so a network error (no server) is displayed on the operation board 90. (25).

  For those who have the network management authority or the copying machine MF1 management authority (administrator), the server candidate setting, server setting, server release (client and setting), etc. will be described later in "Registration of user rules". This can be done in (5).

  Various registers (data) allocated to the RAM are stored (saved and saved) in the HDD 271 when the apparatus power is turned off. When this is complete, the power is shut off. In initialization immediately after the power is turned on, the various saved registers (data) are restored to the RAM, so that the various registers can be regarded as equivalent to the nonvolatile memory.

  Refer to FIG. 7 again. Next, the CPU 272 instructs the operation board 90 (internal CPU) to display an initial screen, and the operation board 90 pops up the user information input screen 79c on the copy input screen on the liquid crystal touch panel 79. FIG. (2a) is displayed. Here, when the user inputs the user name and password and clicks the “login” key, the input data is given from the operation board 90 to the authentication service IDDap (FIG. 6), and the authentication service IDDap is the user who has input. If the name and password are registered in the authentication service IDDap, verification is completed and the user's use authority data is output to the operation board 90, and the operation board 90 assigns the user information register assigned to the internal RAM. The initial name shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79, which stores the user name, password and use authority, deletes the user information input screen 79c, and accepts key-in. The user's use authority here is divided into two categories, that is, an administrator who has management authority or other who does not have management authority. Here, the CPU 272 sets the user rule of the user who has been verified to MF1 (2b).

-User rules are set (Fig. 11)-
The contents of “set user rule” (2b) are shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 272 determines whether it is an active server (currently a server) (82) from data in its own server / client register (described later) (82).サ ー バ Request a user rule addressed to the user information permitted to use the device to the server address (server) in ADDap (83). When the CPU 272 receives the corresponding user rule from the server, the CPU 272 sets the user rule as a device usage rule that is applied to the current use of the MF 1 (84, 90).

  If there is no appropriate response from the server, the CPU 272 sets itself as an active server and changes the setting data of the server / client register to “server” if it is a “server candidate” (described later). 85, 86), the user rule addressed to the extracted user information is read from the user rule database of the HDD 271 of the own machine and set to the device usage rule applied to the current print command or the like (87, 88). . If there is no user rule addressed to the user information, a default user rule is set (89). If the own device is not a “server candidate”, the setting change to the active server is not performed.

  When the own device is an active server (currently a server), the user rule addressed to the extracted user information is read from the user rule database of the HDD 271 and set as the device usage rule applied to the current document processing (87 , 88). If there is no user rule addressed to the user information, a default user rule is set (89).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the liquid crystal touch panel 79, the operation board 90 includes a numeric keypad 80a, a clear / stop key 80b, a start key 80c, an initial setting key 80d, a mode clear key 80e, and a test print key 80f. Although not shown, on the left side of the liquid crystal touch panel 79, there is an alphabet keyboard with hiragana added for inputting, setting, and abbreviated registration for URL, mail text, file name, folder name, and the like.

  The test print key 80f is a key for printing only one copy regardless of the set number of print copies and confirming the print result. By pressing the initial setting key 80d, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. The paper size stored in the machine can be set or the state set when the copy function reset key is pressed can be arbitrarily set. When the initial setting key 80d is operated, an “initial value setting” function for setting various initial values, a “user rule registration” function, a “server / client” setting function, an “usage record output” function, etc. A selection button for designating is displayed. Also, select applications that are preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, set the transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star Plan, and set the transition time to auto-off / sleep mode. It is possible to set.

  On the liquid crystal touch panel 79, various function keys and a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus are displayed. The LCD touch panel 79 has a “copy” function, a “scanner” function, a “print” function, a “facsimile” function, an “accumulate” function, an “edit” function, a “register” function, a “link” function, and other functions. A function selection key 80g for selection and execution is displayed. An input / output screen determined for the function designated by the function selection key 80g is displayed. For example, when the “copy” function is designated, as shown in FIG. 10, the function keys 79a and 79b and the number of copies and the image forming apparatus A message indicating the status is displayed. When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in gray. When the details of the function must be specified (for example, the type of page printing), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display device, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.

  When the user presses the logout key 80i, the CPU 272 displays a login input screen 79c on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 of the operation board 90 through a two-dot chain line route from step 3 to step 2a in FIG. That is, the display on the panel 79 is returned to the initial screen shown in FIG. As a result, if the registered user name and password are not entered, key-in to the operation board 90 is impossible (MF1 cannot be used). Even when the MF1 is in the standby state and the input enabled state shown in FIG. 10 continues for a set time without any input, the CPU 272 causes the login input screen 79c shown in FIG. Return to the initial screen that displays.

  When the user inputs a user name and password with administrator authority and presses the initial setting key 80d shown in FIG. 10 (4, 4a), the operation board 90 displays the initial setting menu on the liquid crystal touch panel 79. In this menu, “Register User Rules” (5), “Import Rule Database” (6), “Export Rule Database” (7), “Download Rule Database” (8) and others There are registration, setting or data collection / release processing items. In the following, a person having a registered user name and password having administrator authority is expressed as an administrator.

-"Registration of user rules" (5)-
When the administrator clicks on “Register User Rules” (5), sub-menus of “Register Device”, “Server / Client Registration”, and “User Registration” are displayed on the panel 79. When the administrator clicks “register device”, the operation board 90 displays on the panel 79 a screen for inputting a device name and a network address. The input device name and network address are registered in the network service NETap (FIG. 6).

  When the administrator clicks “server / client registration” on the submenu, the operation board 90 displays an input screen for server / client registration shown in FIG. The display in FIG. 12 is based on the data in the server / client register. This is because the copying machine MF1 is set as a server candidate and is currently set in a client document processing apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a client). It means that. When the administrator touches the “server” button in this state, the button changes to the selected black background, and the adjacent “client” changes to the white background. When the administrator touches the “set” button, the data in the server / client register changes to the server. However, if “server candidate” is not set, switching to “server” is not performed. In other words, it cannot be a server. The user sets “server candidate” in a state where the user rule database is constructed in the HDD 271. When the user rule database is not constructed in the HDD 271, the “server candidate” in the registration column is not selected and the “client” in the adjacent column is selected, that is, the client setting is made.

  When the administrator clicks “user registration” on the submenu, the operation board 90 displays a user registration input screen on the panel 79. Here, first, a user name, authority (whether or not an administrator) and password input screen is displayed. By inputting these, the operation board 90 additionally displays a “next” button on the panel 79. When the administrator touches this button, the operation board 90 displays the use function assignment screen shown in the upper part of FIG. User-usable functions can be set for this screen. When the administrator touches one selection item “Copy” of the usable functions, the operation board 90 displays a copy lower function designation screen shown in the middle of FIG. When these required functions are selected and the setting button is touched, the operation board 90 displays a copy function assigned screen shown in the lower part of FIG. Similarly, other functions can be assigned by touching other function items on this screen. When all assignments of the required functions are completed, the administrator touches the “end button”. In response to this, the operation board 90 displays the user name, authority, and password input at the beginning of “user registration” on the submenu, that is, the user in which the selected function is associated with the user information. Data, that is, user rules are registered in the user rule database of the HDD 271.

-Import of rule database (Fig. 14)-
When the administrator clicks “import rule database” in the initial setting menu, selects an item to be imported from the SD card and clicks the execute button, in response to this, the CPU 272 displays the “rule” shown in FIG. Perform "Import database". The CPU 272 refers to the presence / absence of the SD card attached to the card reader connected to the card I / F 288 (31). Are registered in the user rule database (31-33). If the card is not installed or if the format does not match even if it is installed, a card recognition error is displayed on the panel 79 (34).

-Export of rule database (Fig. 15)-
When the administrator clicks “Export Rule Database” in the initial setting menu and selects an item to be exported and clicks the execute button, in response to this, the CPU 272 displays “Export Rule Database” shown in FIG. ”Is executed. That is, the CPU 272 refers to the presence / absence of the SD card in the card reader connected to the card I / F 288 (41). The user rule of the selected item is read and written to the SD card (41 to 43). If the card is not installed or if the format does not match even if it is installed, a card recognition error is displayed on the panel 79 (44).

-Download rule database (Fig. 16)-
When the administrator clicks on “download rule database” in the initial setting menu, in response to this, the CPU 272 refers to the data in the server / client register (51), and the own device is the active server (setting data). Is “server”), a notification screen for inputting partner information is displayed on the panel 79 via the operation board 90 (53), and a database transmission request is sent to the partner who has input via the network service NETap. Transmit (54). When the own device is a client, the server (device name and address) registered in the address ADDap (FIG. 6) is used as a partner, and a database transmission request is transmitted thereto (52, 54). When the user rule in the user rule database of the other party is received, it is registered in the user rule database of the HDD 271 (55, 60). If there is no proper reception and the other party is a server, if the own apparatus is a “server candidate”, the own apparatus is set as a server (active server). That is, the data in the server / client register is changed from “client” to “server” (56 to 58). If the device is not a “server candidate”, a “download response error” is displayed on the panel 79 (59). Even when the other party is a client and an appropriate reply cannot be obtained, a “download response error” is displayed on the panel 79 (59).

  The above is executed by the administrator pressing the initial setting key and further following the initial setting menu. When a user without administrator authority logs in, the operation board 90 does not proceed to the initial setting menu display even if the initial setting key is pressed (4a-3).

  Refer to FIG. 7 again. When receiving transmission from the network (LAN), the CPU 272 responds according to the received content. For communication related to the use function limitation for each user according to the present invention, when the own apparatus is an active server, the server search that other document processing apparatus originates (broadcasts) in “server / client confirmation” (2). “Server declaration” (10) responding to the packet, that is, replying to the server declaration packet, when another document processing device requests the user rule database with its own device as the “rule database download” (8) , "Rule database export" in response to this (11), when the machine is the active server, other document processing devices (clients) respond to user access (entering user name and password) When the user's user rule is requested to the own device (server), the “user rule” for the client Submit Le "(12), and the reception of a reception of its own use request from the PC via the LAN" devices use request "is (13).

-Server declaration (10)-
When the network service NETap receives a server search packet from another document processing apparatus, the CPU 272 refers to the data in the server / client register, and when “server” is set, via the network service NETap (FIG. 6), A server declaration packet is returned in response to the server search packet. The client that has received this server declaration packet extracts the server name and LAN address from the server declaration packet and holds them in its own address box. When the data in the server / client register indicates the setting of “client”, it does not respond to the received server search packet.

-Export of rule database (11)-
When another document processing device requests the user rule database with the own device as the destination in "Download rule database" (8), the user rule of the user rule database of the own device is responded to this request Is returned to the other document processing apparatus.

-Transmission of user rules (Fig. 17)-
If the server is an active server, the client that receives the user's use access (entering the user name and password) uses the network communication and attaches the user information (user name and password). Request a person rule. In response to this, the CPU 272 reads the user rule addressed to the user information from the user rule database of the HDD 271 and sends it back (61-64). At this time, if the user rule does not exist in the user rule database, a default user rule is returned to the client (65). When the user rule is requested even though the own device is a client, a destination error is returned (66).

-Reception of device usage request (Fig. 18)-
FIG. 18 shows the contents of the device use request reception (13). Here, it is assumed that the device use request is a request for using the own function such as a print command from the PC on the LAN. This request is attached with user information (user ID for PC use permission authentication) input (logged in) by the user to use the PC. The CPU 272 extracts the user information (71). Then, from the server / client register data of the own device, it is determined whether or not the own device is an active server (currently a server), and if it is a client, the server address in the address ADDap is determined to be a client. A request for a user rule addressed to the extracted user information is made to the (server) (72, 73). Upon receiving the corresponding user rule from the server, the CPU 272 sets the user rule as a device usage rule applied to the current print command or the like given by the PC (74, 80), and the range of the device usage rule. The document processing (printing or the like) according to the print command or the like is executed (81).

  If there is no proper response from the server, the CPU 272 sets itself as an active server (server / client register setting data) if the server's server / client register data represents “server candidate”. 75, 76), the user rule addressed to the user information extracted is read from the user rule database of the HDD 271 and set as the device usage rule to be applied to the current print command or the like. (77, 78), within the scope of the device usage rule, the document processing (printing, etc.) according to the print command is executed (81). If there is no user rule addressed to the user information, a default user rule is set (79). When the own device is not a “server candidate” (the user rule database appropriate for the server may not be constructed), the setting change to the active server is not performed.

  When the own machine is an active server (currently a server), the user rule destined for the user information is read from the user rule database of the HDD 271 and set as a device use rule to be applied to the current print command or the like. (77, 78), within the scope of the device usage rule, the document processing (printing, etc.) according to the print command is executed (81). If there is no user rule addressed to the user information, a default user rule is set (79).

  Refer to FIG. 7 again. If there is an input from the operation board 90 to use the document processing function of the MF1, at this point, the user name (user name) and password (also user information) are already input and stored in the user register. Therefore, the CPU 272 is set in step 2b when the use input is read and there is a document processing start instruction (start key 80c is turned on). Within the range of the user rule, the document processing or setting according to the use instruction input from the operation board 90 is executed (15; FIG. 7).

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the hardware and software (application program) for executing the above-mentioned user restriction and user-specific use function restriction of the above-mentioned multifunction copying machine MF1 are connected to the LAN shown in FIG. All of the connected personal computer PC, copier CPR, scanner SCR, facsimile FAX, and printer PTR are provided. Specifically, for example, a personal computer PC has hardware equivalent to the hardware excluding the engine 260 shown in FIG. 5, and word processing software, CAD software, CG software, and spreadsheet are used as document processing means. Software is provided. The copier CPR is roughly provided with a controller board in which the FCU 287 is deleted, and the document storage control 273 and the local memory 276 are changed to a low-level processing function with a reduced image editing function. The scanner SCR is roughly the one in which the printer 100, the printer image processing 264, and the FCU 287 shown in FIG. 5 are deleted, and the facsimile FAX is that of a monochrome printer. The printer PTR is obtained by deleting the scanners 210 and 230, the scanner image processing 263, and the FCU 287 shown in FIG. However, both of them have a network communication function and can install a user rule database in the HDD by installing an application program that executes the user restriction and the individual use function restriction shown in FIG. 7 and described above. It is a thing.

  Therefore, the user has a set of user information for the LAN connection group of FIG. 1, registers this in the document processing apparatus that requires user authentication, and the administrator uses one document processing apparatus as a server. By registering the user rules of each user (scheduled user), each user can use any document processing apparatus within the scope of the same user rules simply by inputting user information. Since the administrator only has to register the user rule of each user (expected user) in one document processing apparatus as a server, the use management of the LAN connection group becomes easy.

  If only one document processing device is set in the server and it is down (powered off), the document processing device that is powered on in the LAN connection group is used by users who do not have user rules registered in it. It becomes impossible (or use with severe restrictions on default). Therefore, when a plurality of servers are set as server candidates and a user rule database is constructed and there is no accessible (power-on) server in the LAN connection group, access is possible as in the above-described embodiment. The server candidate document processing apparatus is preferably set to automatically become a server.

  The hardware of the document processing apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the contents of many applications are the same, but the login input screen of the CPU 272 of the second embodiment is the same. The timing for displaying 79c is different from that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 19 shows an outline of system control related to the document processing function restriction mainly applying the user rule of the CPU 272 of the second embodiment. The content of this system control is the initial state in which the login input screen 79c is not displayed between “server / client confirmation” (2) and “authentication input reading” (2a) in the system control of the first embodiment shown in FIG. An “input reading” (3a) for displaying an input screen is inserted. When executing the server / client confirmation (2) immediately after the power is turned on, the CPU 272 of the second embodiment displays a normal initial input screen (not displaying the login input screen 79c) shown in FIG. 3a) When the initial input screen or the start key 80c and other input keys are operated, a login input screen 79c is popped up on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 as shown in FIG. 9 (3b, 2a). Then, it waits for input of the user name and password of the user, and when there is an appropriate input, proceeds to "set user rule" (2b). The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

It is a block diagram which shows the one aspect | mode of LAN connection of the some document processing apparatus each equipped with 1st Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing an external appearance of a multifunction function copying machine MF1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the color printer 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a color scanner 210 and an ADF 230 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system in the copying machine MF1 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main things of the application software installed in the controller board 270 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the system control in MF1 of CPU272 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the "server / client confirmation" (2) shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing a display screen (authentication input screen) immediately after the apparatus power is turned on, on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 of the operation board 90 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a use input screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 of the operation board 90 when the user information is input to the authentication input screen and the use approval is established. It is a flowchart which shows the content of "confirm a user rule" (2b) shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an input screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 when logging in with the administrator authority on the authentication input screen shown in FIG. 9 and selecting the “server / client registration” menu of the initial setting. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an input screen displayed in response to an input operation, which is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 when the initial setting “User Registration” menu is selected, and is displayed in an uninput state in FIG. This indicates that the middle input screen is displayed by touching “Copy” on the upper input screen, and the lower input screen is displayed by selecting an available function and touching “Setting”. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the "import of a rule database" (6) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the "export of a rule database" (7) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the "download of a rule database" (8) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of "transmission of a user rule" (12) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of "reception of an apparatus use request" (13) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the system control of CPU2 of 2nd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101: Photoconductor 102: Charging apparatus 103: Development apparatus 104: Cleaning apparatus 105: Static elimination apparatus 106: Exposure apparatus 107: 1st transfer belt 108-110: Roller 111: 1st transfer means 112: Cleaning apparatus 113: 2nd transfer Belts 114-16: Rotating roller 117: Second transfer means 118: Cleaning device 119: Charger 120: Paper (recording medium)
121, 122: Paper feeding cassette 123: Fixing device 124: Paper ejection guide 125: Paper ejection roller 126: Paper ejection stack 127: Replenishment toner storage 128: Cartridge 129: Frame 130: Opening and closing spindles 131, 132: Paper feeding roller 133: Registration roller 231: Document table glass 232: Illumination lamp 233: First mirror 234: Second mirror 235: Third mirror 236: Lens 207: CCD 238: Stepping motor 239: Reference white plate 240: Glass 241: Document tray 242 : Pickup roller 243: Registration roller pair 244: Conveying drum 245: Pressing roller 246 and 247: Paper discharge roller 248: Pressure plate also serving as a paper discharge tray 249: Base point sensor 251: Scale

Claims (9)

Document processing means;
User information input means;
Use restriction means for permitting the use of the document processing means within the range of the usable processing function of the document processing means defined by the user rules addressed to the user information input from the user information input means;
Network communication means;
Storage means for holding a user rule database that is a collection of user rules that prescribes whether or not each processing function of a plurality of document processing functions is addressed to each user information; and
A server that reads a user rule addressed to user information received by the network communication means from the user rule database and transmits it to the other party;
A document processing apparatus comprising: Document processing means;
User information input means;
Use restriction means for restricting the use of the document processing means within the range of the usable processing function of the document processing means defined by the user rule;
Network communication means; and
The user information input from the user information input means is transmitted to the document processing apparatus according to claim 1 via the network communication means, and is addressed to the user information returned in response thereto. Restriction control means for setting the user rule to a user rule for restricting use of the document processing means;
A document processing apparatus comprising: Document processing means;
User information input means;
Use restriction means for permitting the use of the document processing means within the range of the usable processing function of the document processing means defined by the user rule;
Network communication means;
Storage means for holding a user rule database that is a collection of user rules that specify whether or not each processing function of a plurality of document processing functions is addressed to each user information;
Means for setting whether or not the server can be operated;
A server that reads a user rule addressed to user information received by the network communication means from the user rule database and transmits it to the other party when server operation is enabled; and
When the server operation rejection is set, the user information input from the user information input means is transmitted to another document processing apparatus set to allow server operation via the network communication means. A restriction control means for setting a user rule addressed to the user information returned in response to the user rule to restrict the use of the document processing means;
A document processing apparatus comprising:   The document processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a user rule output means for exporting the user rules stored in the storage means to another document processing apparatus.   5. The document processing apparatus according to claim 1, 3 or 4, further comprising: a user rule input unit for importing a user rule in a storage unit of another document processing apparatus into the storage unit.   4. The document processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for setting whether or not server operation is possible sets server operation permission to the own apparatus when another document processing apparatus is unavailable for the server.   The document processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the means for setting whether or not the server is operable sets the server operation disabled for the own apparatus when another document processing apparatus is available for the server.   The document processing apparatus according to claim 3, 6 or 7, wherein the means for setting whether or not server operation is possible includes user input means for setting the apparatus to enable server operation. 9. The document processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document processing means includes a printer.

Images