JP2017098837A - Image processing apparatus and control method of image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for reducing administrator's time and labor in an image processing apparatus capable of controlling a restriction of a function.SOLUTION: An MFP 100 can executed various kinds of functions, and stores a setting table 51 having propriety information indicating execution propriety in each function. The MFP 100 sets an operation mode to any one of a restriction mode and the setting mode on the basis of a mode setting command. In the restriction mode, the MFP 100 executes the executable function in respond to reception of an execution instruction of the function on the basis of propriety information of the setting table 51, and does not execute the function which cannot be executed. In the setting mode, the MFP 100 executes the indicated function in response to the reception of the execution indication of function, and sets the propriety information of function to execution possibility under a condition that the execution is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a plurality of types of functions. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs restriction control that restricts the use of each function and a method for controlling the image processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of types of functions such as copying, scanning, facsimile (FAX) transmission, and the like, there is known a restriction control capable of setting availability for each function. For example, in a device in which “the copy function does not operate” and “the FAX transmission function operates”, the user cannot use the copy function but can use the FAX transmission function.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is a document relating to the above-described restriction control. Specifically, Patent Document 1 is a system including a multifunction peripheral device having a plurality of functions and a server, and the server stores a setting file having information on availability of each function of the multifunction peripheral device. A technique is disclosed in which a multifunction peripheral device acquires its setting file from a server and determines whether each function can be used based on the setting file.

JP 2007-90802 A

  In order to perform the restriction control, the administrator of the image processing apparatus needs to set whether or not various functions can be used in advance. However, the operation for setting availability is often different from the operation that actually requests the operation of each function of the image processing apparatus, and is difficult for the administrator to understand. In recent years, there is a tendency that the types of functions of image processing apparatuses are increasing, and there is a problem that an administrator needs to perform many difficult setting operations, which takes time and effort.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of function restriction control, which can reduce the labor of an administrator regarding setting of availability of functions.

  An image processing apparatus for solving this problem includes an image processing unit capable of executing a plurality of types of functions including at least one of printing and reading, and the plurality of types of the plurality of types executed using the image processing unit. For a function, a storage unit that stores a setting table having availability information indicating whether or not each function can be executed, a mode setting reception unit that receives a mode setting command that instructs setting of an operation mode, and a function execution that instructs execution of the function An execution command receiving unit that receives a command, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives the mode setting command by the mode setting receiving unit based on the received mode setting command. A mode setting process for setting the operation mode to one of the restriction mode and the setting mode is executed, and the operation mode is set by the mode setting process. In the state set in the restriction mode, the function in which the availability information in the setting table is set to be executable is executed in response to the execution of the function execution command received by the execution command receiving unit, In a state in which the function for which the availability information of the setting table is set to be unexecutable is not executed, a limited operation process is executed, and the operation mode is set to the setting mode by the mode setting process, In response to the execution command reception unit receiving the function execution command, the setting table is executed on the condition that the instruction function that is the function instructed by the function execution command is executed and the execution of the instruction function is completed. The availability information corresponding to the instruction function is set to be executable, and availability information setting processing is executed.

  The image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification can execute a plurality of types of functions, and stores availability information indicating whether each function is executable. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus receives a mode setting command, and sets the operation mode to one of a restriction mode and a setting mode based on the received command. When the operation mode is the restriction mode, the image processing apparatus executes the executable function in response to receiving the function execution command based on the availability information, and does not execute the non-executable function. When the operation mode is the setting mode, the image processing apparatus accepts a function execution command, executes the instructed function, and sets the function availability information to be executable on the condition that the execution is completed.

  That is, in the image processing device disclosed in this specification, in the setting mode, a function execution command is accepted, and the function indicated by the accepted function execution command is set in the setting table as a function that can be executed after the execution is completed. Is done. Therefore, a user who is an administrator may input a function execution command for a function to be executed when setting whether to execute each function. That is, the setting operation for setting whether to execute the function is the same as the operation for inputting the function execution command for the function. Therefore, the function setting operation is intuitive and easy for the user to understand. Therefore, it can be expected that the setting operation will be saved.

  A control method for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, it is an image processing apparatus capable of performing function restriction control, and a technique capable of reducing the administrator's labor related to setting of availability of functions is realized.

1 is a schematic external view of an MFP according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of an operation panel. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of an operation panel. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a restriction | limiting mode process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a setting mode process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a function selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a remote writing process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a setting mode process.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi function peripheral (MFP) having an image forming function and an image reading function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 of this embodiment includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, and an operation panel 40. The image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 are both examples of an image processing unit. The operation panel 40 is an example of a mode setting receiving unit, an execution command receiving unit, and a user information receiving unit.

  The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is a device capable of forming a color image and capable of duplex printing. The image reading unit 20 has a configuration for reading an image of a document. The reading method may be a CCD method or a CIS method. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is a device that can perform color reading. MFP 100 may be capable of duplex scanning.

  The image forming unit 10 is configured to print an image on a sheet. The MFP 100 includes a paper feed tray 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a manual feed tray 13. The paper feed tray 11 accommodates printing sheets. The paper discharge tray 12 accommodates printed sheets. The manual feed tray 13 accepts insertion of a printing sheet by manual feed. The MFP 100 prints a sheet stored in the paper feed tray 11 or a sheet inserted from the manual feed tray 13 using the image forming unit 10, and discharges the printed sheet to the paper discharge tray 12.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 22 having a function of conveying a document to be read. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 22 is provided on the upper portion of the casing of the MFP 100 and includes a document tray 24 and a document discharge tray 25. The image reading unit 20 conveys one of the documents placed on the document tray 24 to the ADF 22, reads an image of the document during conveyance, and discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 25.

  The ADF 22 of the image reading unit 20 is rotatable around one side on the left back side in FIG. A reading glass is provided below the ADF 22, and the MFP 100 can also read a document placed on the reading glass. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a reading instruction without a sheet on the document tray 24 of the ADF 22, the MFP 100 reads the document on the reading glass.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal display 41 and a button group 42. The liquid crystal display 41 of the MFP 100 is a touch panel that allows input operations. The MFP 100 displays various information and selectable functions on the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 displays buttons for instructing various functions and scrolling on the liquid crystal display 41, and accepts selection of functions and various instructions based on the pressed position.

  The button group 42 includes a power button, an execution button, a cancel button, a numeric keypad, and the like. The MFP 100 receives various instructions by receiving a signal transmitted by operating the button group 42. In addition, the kind of button provided in the button group 42 is an example, and not all of these may be provided. For example, only the power button may be provided as the button group 42, and all other operations may be accepted by the liquid crystal display 41.

  MFP 100 accepts selection of a function on operation panel 40, changes the display content of liquid crystal display 41 based on the selected function, and accepts more detailed settings. For example, when the selection of the copy function is received, the MFP 100 displays the setting contents of the detailed setting, and receives the selection of the tray for feeding the sheet, the selection of the color copy function or the monochrome copy function.

  Next, an electrical configuration of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 34. The MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a network IF (interface) 37, a USB IF 38, a telephone line IF 39, and an operation panel 40, which are electrically connected to the controller 30. Has been.

  The ROM 32 stores various control programs for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The NVRAM 34 is used as an area for storing data such as image data and various settings. The NVRAM 34 is an example of a storage unit.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 according to the control program read from the ROM 32 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be a control unit. Note that the controller 30 in FIG. 3 is a collective term for the hardware used for controlling the MFP 100 such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The network IF 37 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network. The network IF 37 is an example of a communication unit. The communication method may be wired or wireless. Note that the MFP 100 can be connected to the Internet via the network IF 37.

  The USBIF 38 is hardware for connecting a flash memory such as a USB memory and communicating with the connected flash memory. The telephone line IF 39 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line.

  Next, restriction control for restricting execution of functions in MFP 100 will be described. The MFP 100 of this embodiment includes a setting table 51 as shown in FIG. 4 for restriction control. The setting table 51 is a table for storing availability information indicating whether or not each image processing function can be executed in association with each user, and is stored in the NVRAM 34.

  First, the types of functions that can be executed by MFP 100 will be described. The MFP 100 can execute each function described as an item in each row in the setting table 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, functions that can be executed by the MFP 100 include, for example, PC print, scan-PC, copy, direct print, scan-USB, Web connect upload, Web connect download, and FAX transmission. There is.

  The PC print function is a function for receiving image data and a print instruction from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) via the network IF 37 and performing printing based on the received image data. The MFP 100 of this embodiment is an apparatus capable of color printing, and the PC print function is divided into a color print function and a monochrome print function. The double-sided printing function may also be included in the item. That is, the PC print function may be further divided into a duplex printing function and a simplex printing function.

  The scan-PC function is a function that reads an image of a document, acquires image data based on the read image, and transmits the image data to an external device such as a PC. In the scan-PC function, designation of the transmission destination of the acquired image data is accepted and transmitted to the external device via the network IF 37. The MFP 100 is a color readable device, and the scan-PC function is divided into a color scan function and a monochrome scan function. The scan-PC function may be further divided into a double-sided scan function and a single-sided scan function.

  The copy function is a function that reads an image of a document and performs printing based on the read image. The copy function is divided into a color copy function and a monochrome copy function. The copy function may be further divided into a duplex copy function and a simplex copy function.

  The direct print function is a function for reading image data from a flash memory connected via the USBIF 38 and performing printing based on the read image data. The direct print function is also divided into a color function and a monochrome function.

  The scan-USB function is a function for reading an image of a document and writing image data based on the read image in a flash memory connected via the USBIF 38. Instead of the flash memory, it may be stored in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34 built in the MFP 100. The scan-USB function is also divided into a color function and a monochrome function.

  The Web Connect upload function and the Web Connect download function are functions that can be operated by the MFP 100 connected to the Internet. The Web Connect upload function connects image data acquired by the scan function, image data received from an external device, image data read out via the USBIF 38, etc. to a site on the Internet, that is, the Internet via the network IF 37. This is a function for uploading to an external device. The Web Connect download function is a function for downloading image data from a site on the Internet, that is, an external device connected to the Internet, via the network IF 37, and saving or printing the image data in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34. is there.

  The FAX transmission function is a function for reading an image of a document and transmitting FAX data based on the read image to an external apparatus connected to the telephone network via the telephone line IF39. Instead of reading an image of a document, FAX data based on image data received from an external device via the network IF 37 or image data read via the USB IF 38 may be transmitted.

  Note that the MFP 100 has, for example, a FAX reception function in addition to the functions listed as items in the setting table 51. The FAX reception function is a function for receiving FAX data from an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line IF39. The FAX reception function includes a function for performing printing based on the received FAX data and a function for saving the received FAX data in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34. However, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment does not restrict execution of the FAX reception function. For this reason, the setting table 51 is not provided with a FAX reception function item. In an apparatus that restricts execution of the FAX reception function, an item for the FAX reception function may be added to the setting table 51 and the execution availability may be stored in association with each user.

  In the setting table 51 shown in FIG. 4, among the items of the above-described functions, “○” is set for executable items, and “X” is set for non-executable items for each user. For example, the user A is a user having administrator authority and is set to be able to use all functions. The guest user is only allowed to execute the monochrome copy function and is not allowed to execute other functions. “◯” or “×” in the setting table 51 is an example of availability information.

  MFP 100 of the present embodiment has a restriction mode and a setting mode as operation modes. The restriction mode is a mode for restricting execution of each function of MFP 100 based on information stored in setting table 51 shown in FIG. Specifically, the MFP 100 accepts login by the user, and reads from the setting table 51 the availability information stored in association with the login user who is the user who has successfully logged in. Then, the MFP 100 executes the function stored as executable in the setting table 51 in response to receiving the execution instruction. On the other hand, the MFP 100 does not execute the function stored in the setting table 51 as being unexecutable.

  For example, in the setting table 51 shown in FIG. 4, the user B's FAX transmission function is set to be unexecutable. Therefore, on the liquid crystal display 41 after the user B logs in, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the “FAX” button is grayed out. In FIG. 5, grayout is indicated by a broken-line frame. In this state, the MFP 100 accepts “copy” and “scan” selections that can be executed, and does not accept “fax” selections that cannot be executed. The display on the liquid crystal display 41 allows the user B to know that the MFP 100 has the “fax” function and that the user B is not permitted to use the “fax” function.

  Instead of graying out, for example, the “fax” button may be hidden. That is, the “fax” button may not be displayed. Further, all buttons may be displayed regardless of whether or not the use is permitted, and a function that cannot be executed may not be operated even if it is selected. For example, a “fax” button may also be displayed, and if the “fax” button is pressed, the user may be notified that the execution of the function is not permitted and the operation may not be performed.

  On the other hand, the setting mode is a mode for accepting setting of whether or not each function of MFP 100 can be executed. That is, the setting mode is an operation mode that can be executed only by a user having administrator authority of MFP 100 and is a mode in which writing to setting table 51 is possible. In the setting mode, all functions can be executed. When the execution of the function is instructed in the setting mode, the MFP 100 executes the function corresponding to the received instruction, and can execute the capability information on the setting table 51 on the condition that the execution is completed. Set to.

  For example, in the setting table 51 shown in FIG. 4, when the user D who is permitted only the monochrome PC print function and the monochrome copy function is to permit color copying, the user having the administrator authority Then, the user D who is the user to be set is specified, and the execution instruction of the copy function is input in the color setting. Then, the MFP 100 completes the execution of the color copy function that has received the instruction, and changes the setting of the color copy function of the user D in the setting table 51 to “◯” after the completion.

  In the setting mode, the MFP 100 displays all functions as selectable on the liquid crystal display 41 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Functions that are not displayed in FIG. 2 such as direct print are also displayed as selectable by scrolling the screen.

  Next, the procedure of the restriction mode process for realizing the operation in the restriction mode described above in MFP 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This restricted mode process is executed by the CPU 31 when an operation on the operation panel 40 is accepted while waiting for login, for example. The MFP 100 is in a restricted mode immediately after startup or in a login waiting state. In the following, a description will be given of an operation when a request for shifting to the setting mode or a login is accepted in the login waiting state. There are other operations accepted in this state, but the operation when other operations are accepted is the same as the conventional one, and the description is omitted here.

  In the restriction mode process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the accepted operation is an operation for requesting transition to the setting mode (S101). If it is determined that the request is not a transition to the setting mode (S101: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the user has successfully logged in (S102). For example, the CPU 31 displays a screen for accepting input of login information including a user ID and a password on the liquid crystal display 41, and accepts an instruction for login authentication.

  And CPU31 performs user authentication based on the received login information, and when it is judged that a user's login was successful (S102: YES), a user is specified (S103). On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the user has not successfully logged in (S102: NO), the CPU 31 is designated as a guest user (S104). A guest user is a user who can use MFP 100 within a limited range without inputting user information. If the authentication fails or the use by a guest user is instructed, the CPU 31 designates the user as a guest user. Note that if the user authentication fails, the CPU 31 may accept the login information again.

  After S103 or S104, the CPU 31 reads the setting table 51 from the NVRAM 34 (S105). Here, the functions of all items set in the setting table 51 are read. Then, the CPU 31 displays buttons for each function on the liquid crystal display 41 (S106).

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the CPU 31 associates the function specified in S103 or the guest user determined in S104 with the function stored in the setting table 51 as executable. The button is normally displayed and the button of the function stored as not executable is grayed out and displayed. Further, the CPU 31 accepts an instruction to execute a function by accepting a press to a location where the function is displayed in the liquid crystal display 41. That is, the user can input an execution instruction by pressing a function to be executed among the functions displayed on the liquid crystal display 41.

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not the pressing of the button displayed in S106 has been accepted (S107). If it is determined that it has been received (S107: YES), the CPU 31 reads the setting table 51 (S108), and determines whether or not the received button is an instruction for an executable function (S109).

  When determining that the instruction is an executable function instruction (S109: YES), the CPU 31 causes the function corresponding to the received execution instruction to be executed (S110). S110 is an example of a limited operation process. For example, if the received function is copying, the image reading unit 20 reads an image of a document, and the image forming unit 10 prints based on the read image.

  In S106, the CPU 31 displays buttons of functions that cannot be executed in gray out. The CPU 31 also reads out the setting table 51 when accepting pressing of a button displayed in gray out (S108), and determines whether or not the accepted button is an instruction of an executable function (S109). If the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment determines that the function cannot be executed, the MFP 100 does not execute the function.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the button has not been pressed (S107: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether logout has been received (S111). When it is determined that logout is not accepted (S111: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (S112). If the CPU 31 has not received an input operation beyond a predetermined waiting time, the CPU 31 determines that a timeout has occurred. After S110, or when it is determined that it is not a timeout (S112: NO), or when it is determined that it is not an instruction of an executable function (S109: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S107 and further presses the button. Accept press.

  When it is determined that logout has been accepted (S111: YES), or when it has been determined that a time-out has occurred (S112: YES), the CPU 31 displays the home screen on the liquid crystal display 41 (S113), and ends this restriction mode processing. To do. The home screen is a screen in a state where the MFP 100 is not executing a function, for example, a screen displaying only the date and time. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a press on the liquid crystal display 41 on the home screen, the MFP 100 displays a screen for receiving the above-described login information.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S101 of the restriction mode process that an operation for requesting the transition to the setting mode has been accepted (S101: YES), the CPU 31 executes the setting mode process (S120). That is, the CPU 31 shifts the operation mode of the MFP 100 to the setting mode. The setting mode process is a process for setting availability information that is the stored contents of the setting table 51. The transition request to the setting mode accepted in S101 is an example of a mode setting command, and the transition step to S120 is an example of a mode setting process.

  Next, the procedure of the setting mode process of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the setting mode process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not login by a user having administrator authority has succeeded (S201). Specifically, the CPU 31 receives input of login information on the operation panel 40, and determines whether or not a user ID and password of a user registered as an administrator have been input.

  If it is determined that the login has not been successful (S201: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (S202). If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S202: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S201 and waits for input of login information. On the other hand, even if a predetermined waiting time elapses after waiting for login information, if login by a user having administrator authority is not made, the CPU 31 determines that a timeout has occurred. If it is determined that a timeout has occurred (S202: YES), the CPU 31 ends the setting mode process. That is, CPU 31 automatically cancels the setting mode and shifts the operation mode of MFP 100 to the restriction mode. The predetermined waiting time is an example of the second time.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the login is successful (S201: YES), the CPU 31 starts measuring the operation time in the setting mode (S203). For example, if the administrator sits without releasing the setting mode, anyone can use any function. In addition, a third party can set whether or not to execute. Therefore, in MFP 100 of this embodiment, the operation time after starting the operation in the setting mode is measured, and an upper limit is set for the time during which the setting mode is continued.

  After S203, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an input of user information has been accepted (S204). The user information input method may be, for example, input from a user name or user ID or selection from a user list display. If it is determined that the input of user information has been received (S204: YES), the CPU 31 specifies the user to be changed this time (S205). S205 is an example of a user specifying process. In S204, it suffices if the user to be set can be specified, and authentication such as password verification may or may not be performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input of user information is not accepted (S204: NO), the CPU 31 sets all the users as a change target (S206).

  After S205 or after S206, the CPU 31 determines whether an instruction for initializing the setting table 51 has been received (S207). If the CPU 31 determines that an initialization instruction has been received (S207: YES), it initializes the setting table 51 (S208). Specifically, all the functions in the setting table 51 are rewritten as “×”, that is, not executable. S208 is an example of an initialization process. Having the function of initializing the setting table 51 makes it easy to redo the setting of whether to execute the function. Reception of an instruction for initialization is an example of an initialization condition.

  Then, after S208 or when it is determined that the initialization instruction has not been received (S207: NO), the CPU 31 executes a function selection process for selecting and executing a function whose setting is executable (S209). ).

  Next, the procedure of the function selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the function selection process, first, the CPU 31 causes the operation panel 40 to display a display screen that accepts execution instructions for all functions that can be executed by the MFP 100, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (S301). That is, the CPU 31 is in a state where it can accept execution instructions for all functions. This display screen is the same screen as the display screen after successfully logging in as a user who can execute all functions in the restricted mode.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a function execution instruction has been received (S302). When it is determined that the function execution instruction has not been received (S302: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (S303). If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S303: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S302 and waits for a function execution instruction. On the other hand, if a function execution instruction is not issued even after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the screen for accepting the execution instruction is displayed, the CPU 31 determines that a timeout has occurred.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the function execution instruction has been received (S302: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the function selected by the received execution instruction includes color / monochrome settings (S304). In a function that can set color setting and monochrome setting separately as in the copy function, the CPU 31 accepts color setting or monochrome setting as an instruction to execute the function accepted in S302. Further, the CPU 31 may accept designation of resolution and designation of paper feed tray.

  If it is determined that the color / monochrome setting is included (S304: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the color setting is selected (S305). If it is determined that the color setting has been selected (S305: YES), the CPU 31 enables both the “color” setting and the “monochrome” setting of the selected function (S306). That is, when the function has a monochrome setting and a color setting, both functions are determined to be executable. When color is enabled, it is possible to reduce the labor of setting operation by enabling monochrome.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the color setting is not selected (S305: NO), the CPU 31 enables the “monochrome” setting of the selected function and disables the “color” setting (S307).

  If it is determined that the selected function does not include color / monochrome settings (S304: NO), the CPU 31 enables the selected function (S308). In S <b> 306, S <b> 307, and S <b> 308, the CPU 31 determines a function to be executable or not executable in the setting table 51 and stores the information in the RAM 33. That is, the CPU 31 does not write to the setting table 51 in the function selection process.

  After any of S306, S307, and S308, the CPU 31 executes the function of the received instruction (S309). The function execution instruction accepted in S302 is the same type as the function execution instruction accepted in S107 of the restricted mode process. In other words, for example, when setting permission / prohibition information for the copy function, the administrator may set a manuscript and input a copy function execution instruction from a screen similar to the display screen in the restriction mode. The execution instruction similar to the execution instruction of the copy function may be performed.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the execution of the function is completed (S310). If it is determined that the execution has not been completed (S310: NO), the CPU 31 waits until completion. If the execution is not completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it may be determined that an error has occurred and the function selection process may be terminated.

  If it is determined that the execution of the function has been completed (S310: YES), or if it is determined that a timeout has occurred (S303: YES), the CPU 31 ends the function selection process and returns to the setting mode process.

  Returning to the setting mode process of FIG. 7, after the function selection process of S209, the CPU 31 rewrites the setting table 51 based on the availability information determined in any of S306, S307, and S308 of the function selection process (S210). . That is, the CPU 31 receives an execution instruction in the function selection process, and sets the availability information stored in the setting table 51 in association with the identified user for the function that has been executed. S210 is an example of availability information setting processing.

  In S204, input of user information of a plurality of users may be accepted. For example, information on a user group including a plurality of users may be received. When a plurality of users are identified, the CPU 31 sets the plurality of identified users as the targets of setting change, and in S210, sets all the pieces of availability information stored in association with the plurality of users. Detailed restriction control can be realized with a simple setting operation because the user is specified and the permission information is set.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether an instruction to end the setting mode has been received (S211). If it is determined that an end instruction has not been received (S211: NO), it is determined whether or not the operation time at which measurement is started in S203 has passed a predetermined permission time (S212). The permission time is an example of a first time.

  When it is determined that the operation time has not elapsed (S212: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S209 and further executes a function selection process. The CPU 31 executes the function selection process a plurality of times until an end instruction is received within the operating time range. Then, the CPU 31 adds to the function that has been executed in the function selection process, and adds the executable information to be set in the setting table 51 in S210. In other words, the administrator can add executable functions by associating with the same user before inputting the termination instruction, so even if multiple functions are set to be executable, the operation for setting is easy. is there. In addition, when changing and setting a user, the administrator may start again from the transition to the setting mode.

  Note that the timing at which the setting of the setting table 51 is changed and stored in the NVRAM 34, that is, the execution timing of S210 may not be immediately after the execution of the function based on the execution instruction is completed, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Good. For example, it may be after receiving an instruction to execute another function or after starting execution of the next function. Further, for example, the CPU 31 may change the setting of the setting table 51 before specifying the user after receiving the next user information input. However, every time execution is completed, the setting table 51 is rewritten and stored. Even if an error occurs in the function to be executed subsequently, the setting is reflected for the function that has been executed. There is no need to redo the execution of completed functions.

  On the other hand, when an end instruction is received (S211: YES) or when it is determined that the operation time has elapsed (S212: YES), the CPU 31 ends the setting mode process and returns to the restriction mode process. As a result, the operation mode shifts from the setting mode to the restriction mode. The process of determining YES in S202 or YES in S212 and shifting from the setting mode to the restriction mode is an example of an automatic mode setting process. By limiting the operation time in the setting mode, it is possible to save the trouble of switching the operation mode and reduce the possibility of improper restriction setting due to a third party operation due to forgetting to switch the operation mode. Then, the CPU 31 ends the restriction mode process.

  Incidentally, an external device such as a PC is connected to the MFP 100 via the network IF 37. The setting contents of the setting table 51 of the MFP 100 can be confirmed from an external device such as a PC. Furthermore, the MFP 100 also receives an instruction to change the setting of the setting table 51 from an external device such as a PC via the network IF 37. That is, for example, the administrator using the PC can display the contents of the setting table 51 on the display of the PC, select an item, and transmit an instruction to change the setting to the MFP 100.

  However, if the MFP 100 receives a write request to the setting table 51 from an external device while executing the setting mode processing described above, there is a possibility that, for example, each instruction may be different. Therefore, when the MFP 100 receives a write request from an external device, the MFP 100 restricts writing to the setting table 51 if the setting mode process is being executed.

  Next, the procedure of remote writing processing for realizing the above-described write restriction operation in MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This remote writing process is executed by the CPU 31 when a write request to the setting table 51 is received from an external device.

  In the remote writing process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the operation mode is the setting mode (S401). If the CPU 31 is executing the setting mode process described above, the operation mode is the setting mode. When it is determined that the operation mode is the setting mode (S401: YES), the CPU 31 transmits information indicating that the remote setting is not possible to the transmission source device of the write request (S402). Finish the process. S402 is an example of a write restriction process.

  That is, when the operation mode is the setting mode, the CPU 31 does not execute processing corresponding to the write request received from the external device. During operation in the setting mode, by restricting writing to the setting table 51 based on a request from an external device such as a PC, settings unintended by an administrator operating the MFP 100 can be prevented.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation mode is not the setting mode (S401: NO), the CPU 31 analyzes the received write information (S403) and executes processing based on the request. Specifically, the CPU 31 writes information in the setting table 51 in accordance with the request transmitted from the external device (S404), and ends the remote writing process. If the setting mode process is not being executed, the CPU 31 determines NO in S401 even when various functions are being executed or during sleep in the energy saving mode.

  Note that if the instruction received from the external device is an instruction other than a request to write to the setting table 51, for example, an instruction to execute various functions, the MFP 100 executes various functions based on the received instructions. That is, even if the CPU 31 is executing the setting mode, the MFP 100 accepts any instruction other than a request for writing to the setting table 51. The network IF 37 when receiving execution instructions for various functions is an example of an execution command receiving unit.

  As described above in detail, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment operates in either one of the restriction mode and the setting mode. In the restriction mode, an executable function is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 based on the information on whether or not execution is set in the setting table 51, and a press is accepted. That is, MFP 100 executes the executable function that has received the execution instruction, and does not execute the non-executable function. Also, in the setting mode, a screen that enables execution of all functions is displayed in the same manner as in the restriction mode, and a function that has received an execution instruction is executed. Furthermore, after the execution is completed, the availability information of the function is set to be executable. That is, since the operation for setting whether or not to execute the function and the operation for executing the function are the same operation, the setting operation is intuitive and easy for the user to understand. Therefore, it can be expected that the setting operation will be saved. In the first embodiment, the MFP 100 sets information on whether or not the function can be executed in the setting table 51 every time the execution of the function is completed in the setting mode, so that the setting can be easily added.

  Next, a second embodiment in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus having the same configuration as that of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, and only part of the procedure of the setting mode processing is different from that of the first embodiment. The same configuration and the same processing procedure as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. A procedure of setting mode processing of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the setting mode process of the second mode, as shown in FIG. 10, the log-in by the administrator is accepted (S201), and the measurement of the operation time is started (S203). And when the input of user information is received (S204: YES), a user is specified (S205). When the input of user information is not accepted (S204: NO), all users are targeted (S206). Further, after S205 or after S206, a function selection process is executed (S209). That is, in the second form, S207 and S208 of the first form are omitted. That is, in the MFP 100 of the second embodiment, the CPU 31 does not accept an initialization instruction.

  Further, in the setting mode process of the second mode, after S209, an end instruction and an elapsed operation time are determined (S211 and S212). That is, in the second form, S210 of the first form is omitted. That is, in MFP 100 of the second embodiment, CPU 31 does not execute a process of rewriting and storing setting table 51 every time the function selection process is completed.

  On the other hand, in the setting mode process of the second embodiment, when an end instruction is accepted (S211: YES) or when it is determined that the operation time has elapsed (S212: YES), the CPU 31 ends the setting mode process. Before the setting, the setting table 51 is rewritten and stored (S501). In S501, the CPU 31 sets all functions that have been executed during the execution of the setting mode process to be executable. Furthermore, in S501, the CPU 31 sets all functions that have not been executed to be unexecutable.

  That is, based on the availability information determined in any one of S306, S307, and S308 of the function selection process, the CPU 31 collectively writes in the setting table 51 before ending the setting mode and starting the restriction mode. By executing the function selection process a plurality of times, the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment can rewrite the setting table 51 to be executable for a plurality of functions at once. As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the number of times of writing to the NVRAM 34 is reduced as compared with the first embodiment, so that the processing load is small.

  As described above in detail, the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment sets the availability information of the function that has been executed during the operation in the setting mode to be executable, and sets the availability information of the function that has not been executed. Set to not executable. According to the MFP 100 of this embodiment, instead of setting the information on whether or not the function can be executed in the setting table 51 every time the execution of the function is completed, the setting mode can be set by ending the setting mode. When switching to the restriction mode, it can be performed in a lump and the setting operation can be completed in a short period of time.

  The first and second embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the present invention is not limited to a multifunction device, and can be applied to any device having at least one of an image forming function and an image reading function, such as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a FAX device. Further, the MFP 100 can execute both the first form and the second form, and may select and execute either one.

  Further, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the MFP 100 is capable of forming a color image, but may be a device dedicated to monochrome images. Further, although the MFP 100 is an apparatus capable of duplex printing, it may be an apparatus dedicated to single-sided printing. Further, although the MFP 100 is capable of color reading, an apparatus capable of only monochrome reading may be used. In an apparatus capable of duplex reading and duplex printing, the duplex function and the duplex function may be set as different items in the setting table 51. In addition, when color is executed, color and monochrome are set to be executable, but only color may be set to be executable.

  The present invention is also applicable to an apparatus that does not have a touch panel on the operation panel 40. In other words, it may be a device that receives a function instruction by operating a mechanical switch group. In that case, an operation to the switch group is accepted regardless of whether execution is possible or not. If the availability information corresponding to the accepted instruction function is executable, the indicated function is executed. If the availability information is not executable, the indicated function is not executed. In this case, the switch group is an example of an execution command receiving unit. In other words, in such a device restriction mode process, S105 and S106 are deleted, and after YES is determined in S107, whether or not execution is possible is determined based on the setting table 51. In such an apparatus, the timing for reading the setting table 51 may be either before the execution instruction is received or after the execution instruction is received. If the execution is impossible, the liquid crystal display may be displayed to notify that the execution is impossible.

  In addition, buttons that are not executable may not be displayed. For example, based on the contents of the setting table 51 read in S105, only the buttons of executable functions may be displayed in S106. Alternatively, for a button displayed in gray out, the instruction may be ignored even if it is accepted. In these cases, the only instruction that can be accepted is an instruction for an executable function, so S108 and S109 are omitted. If YES in S107, the process proceeds to S110.

  Further, before changing the setting of the setting table 51 and storing it in the NVRAM 34, it may be inquired whether or not to set to the management user. For example, in the first embodiment, a setting execution instruction by the user may be received after the execution of the function is completed. In the second embodiment, a setting execution instruction by the user may be received when the setting mode is ended. If an instruction to execute setting by the management user is received, the management user can determine whether or not to actually change the setting after completing the execution of the function. In the function selection process of the first embodiment, the initialization can be instructed in the setting mode, but the initialization instruction may not be accepted.

  In addition, there is no need to restrict use of the setting mode due to timeout or operation time. That is, after the execution of the setting mode is started by the login of a user having administrator authority, the setting mode may be continued regardless of the elapsed time until an end instruction is received. For administrators who want to set a large number of functions to be executable, it is easier to use if there is no time limit. Further, when the execution of a predetermined number of functions is completed in the setting mode, it is possible to return to the restriction mode without waiting for an end instruction. That is, the number of functions that can be set in one setting mode may be limited.

  In addition, although user authentication is performed at the time of use in the restricted mode, it may not be performed. That is, the MFP 100 may be used without being logged in by the user. In that case, there is no need to set the setting table 51 for each user. In other words, functions that can be used are set for each device, and there is no need for user restrictions.

  Further, in the setting mode, the MFP 100 only has to accept execution instructions for at least some of a plurality of types of functions. The acceptable functions include, for example, all items set in the setting table 51. Or some items. In this case, the remaining items may be set manually or may be fixed. Further, the MFP 100 may be able to manually set the setting table 51 directly.

  In the restriction mode, MFP 100 may accept functions other than the items set in setting table 51 and not restricted, in addition to the functions of items set in setting table 51. Examples of functions that are not restricted include a help function that displays the usage method of the MFP 100 and an information display function that displays the model number and serial number of the MFP 100.

  Further, the contents of the initialization performed in S208 are not limited to the contents of the setting table 51 that are not executable at all, and may be all executable, or may be a predetermined initial setting. .

  In addition, although the setting table 51 is stored in the NVRAM 34, it may be stored in an external device such as a server. The MFP 100 reads out and uses the setting table 51 from a server or the like, and transmits the change instruction of the setting table 51 to the server or the like to change the processing of this embodiment.

  The processing disclosed in this embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image formation part 20 Image reading part 31 CPU
34 NVRAM
40 Operation panel 100 MFP

Claims (12)

An image processing unit capable of executing a plurality of types of functions including at least one of printing and reading;
A storage unit that stores a setting table having availability information indicating whether or not each function can be executed for the plurality of types of functions executed using the image processing unit;
A mode setting receiving unit for receiving a mode setting command for instructing the operation mode setting;
An execution command receiving unit for receiving a function execution command for instructing execution of the function;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
A mode setting process for setting the operation mode to one of a restriction mode and a setting mode based on the received mode setting command in response to the mode setting receiving unit receiving the mode setting command. And
In the state where the operation mode is set to the restricted mode by the mode setting process,
The function for which the availability information in the setting table is set to be executable is executed in response to receiving the function execution command by the execution command receiving unit,
Do not execute the function for which the availability information in the setting table is set to not executable.
Execute restricted action processing,
In the state where the operation mode is set to the setting mode by the mode setting process, in response to the execution command receiving unit receiving the function execution command,
Execute an instruction function which is a function instructed by the function execution instruction;
On the condition that execution of the instruction function is completed, the availability information corresponding to the instruction function of the setting table is set to be executable.
Execute availability information setting process,
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
A user information receiving unit for receiving input of user information for identifying a user;
The setting table has, for a plurality of users, the availability information of the plurality of types of functions for each user,
The controller is
A user specifying process for specifying a user based on the user information received by the user information receiving unit;
In the availability information setting process, when the execution command receiving unit receives the function execution command in a state where the user is specified in the user specifying process, the user specifying process is associated with the user specified in the user specifying process, Setting the availability information corresponding to the instruction function in the setting table to be executable;
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The image processing unit supports color,
The availability information includes information indicating availability of color and monochrome for each function,
The controller is
In the availability information setting process,
When accepting the function execution command in color, among the availability information corresponding to the instruction function in the setting table, color and monochrome are set to be executable,
When the function execution command in monochrome is received, out of the availability information corresponding to the instruction function in the setting table, monochrome is set to be executable, and color is set to be unexecutable.
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
When operating in the setting mode, when at least one of the operation period in the setting mode is longer than the first time and the non-operation period is longer than the second time is satisfied. , Execute the automatic mode setting process to set the restricted mode,
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The controller is
In the setting mode, a function execution command for each of the plurality of types of functions is received until the switching condition to the restriction mode is satisfied.
In the availability information setting process, every time execution of the instruction function is completed, the availability information corresponding to the instruction function in the setting table is set to be executable.
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The controller is
In the setting mode, a function execution command for each of the plurality of types of functions is received until the switching condition to the restriction mode is satisfied.
In the availability information setting process, when the switching condition is satisfied, the availability information corresponding to the function that has been executed during the operation of the setting mode is set to be executable in the setting table, and the setting mode Set the availability information corresponding to the function that has not been executed during the operation,
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The controller is
When the initialization condition of the setting table is satisfied, an initialization process for setting all the availability information of the plurality of types of functions to be inexecutable is executed.
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A communication unit that communicates with external devices
The controller is
When a write request for the setting table is received via the communication unit,
In the state where the operation mode is set to the setting mode by the mode setting process, the setting table based on the write request is not written,
In the state where the operation mode is set to the restriction mode by the mode setting process, the setting table is written based on the write request.
Execute write restriction processing,
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The functions include at least one of reading an image and printing the image on a recording sheet.
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The execution command receiving unit has a display function and an input function, displays a command input image capable of inputting a function execution command for instructing execution of the function,
The controller is
In the limited operation process, when the operation mode is set to the limited mode by the mode setting process,
Obtaining the availability information from the setting table for each of the functions executed using the image processing unit;
For the function for which the acquired availability information is set to be executable, the function execution command can be input based on the command input image,
The function execution command based on the command input image is not enabled for a function for which the acquired availability information is not set to be executable.
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The controller is
In the limited operation process, when the execution command receiving unit receives the function execution command,
When the availability information corresponding to the instruction function of the setting table is executable, the instruction function is executed,
The instruction function is not executed when the availability information is not executable.
An image processing apparatus. An image processing unit capable of executing a plurality of types of functions including at least one of printing and reading;
A mode setting receiving unit for receiving a mode setting command for instructing the operation mode setting;
An execution command receiving unit for receiving a function execution command for instructing execution of the function;
An image processing apparatus control method comprising:
A mode setting step for setting the operation mode to one of a limit mode and a setting mode based on the received mode setting command in response to the mode setting command received by the mode setting receiving unit. When,
In the state where the operation mode is set to the limit mode by the mode setting step,
For the plurality of types of functions executed using the image processing unit, based on a setting table having availability information indicating availability for each function,
The function for which the availability information in the setting table is set to be executable is executed in response to receiving the function execution command by the execution command receiving unit,
Do not execute the image processing function in which the availability information of the setting table is set to be non-executable,
A limited action step;
In the state where the operation mode is set to the setting mode in the mode setting step, in response to the execution command receiving unit receiving the function execution command,
Execute an instruction function which is a function instructed by the function execution instruction;
On the condition that execution of the instruction function is completed, the availability information corresponding to the instruction function of the setting table is set to be executable.
Availability information setting step,
A control method for an image processing apparatus.

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