JPH0588425A - Operation mode setting device for copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To save an operator the trouble of setting operation mode every use of a copying machine without storing mode setting information in a magnetic card or an IC card, and facilitate also the management of the copying machine. CONSTITUTION:When an operator inserts a magnetic card 4 to a card reading device 5, the cord of the operation recorded in the magnetic card 4 is read, and whether the cord is coincident with any one of natural cords of respective operators preliminarily stored in a RAM 3 is judged by a CPU 1. When the coincident cord is present, prohibition of copying motion of a copying machine is released, and a specified operation mode stored in relation to the coincident natural cord is read to set the operation mode of the copying machine. The range freely operable by the operator is also limited according to the information of the operation allowable range stored in relation to the natural cord.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation mode setting device for a copying machine which is installed or installed in the copying machine in order to set an operation mode of the copying machine during copying.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, copiers have come to have various additional functions such as simply copying an original, editing an original image, adjusting image quality, and the like, due to digitization, colorization, and systemization. It is increasing. However, when setting various operation modes of such a copying machine, there are various setting items and the contents of the operation mode to be set are not uniform among the operators, so it takes time and complicated work to set. Was becoming.

Therefore, various attempts have been made to reduce the load when setting such an operation mode. For example, when a priority mode of copying performed by a copying machine is stored in a storage medium such as a magnetic card and the storage medium is inserted into the copying machine, the setting data of the priority mode is read and the priority mode is automatically set. Some copying conditions are set as a copying condition in a copying machine (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-1.
No. 01483).

In this case, as for the copy condition not set in the priority mode, a mode specific to the copying machine is set, and there is also a system in which the copy mode is automatically set so that copying can be performed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-101484). See the bulletin). Further, by using an IC card as a storage medium, the user's individual ID number as well as the setting information of the operation mode normally used by the user are stored and read by a copying machine to be copied in a desired copying mode. It is also possible to do so.

[0005]

However, as described above, the information storage medium such as a magnetic card or an IC card (hereinafter simply referred to as "card") stores the setting information of the priority mode or the user's individual exclusive mode. If the copying machine reads out the information and sets the operation mode, the following problems occur. (1) When the card is lost or the data stored in it is destroyed, it is difficult to restore the data, and not all items can be restored. (2) The content recorded on the card may be freely analyzed or tampered with by the user.

(3) Since the amount of information to be stored is large, the card becomes expensive. (4) If the administrator manages the copier,
When changing the operation mode for each operator, it is necessary to collect the operator's card and rewrite the data contents, which is troublesome. (5) Since a large amount of data cannot be recorded with the recording capacity of an ordinary magnetic card or IC card, many operation modes cannot be set. (6) When the model of the copying machine changes, it becomes necessary to erase the stored information on the card and rewrite it.

Further, in the conventional copying machine, an arbitrary mode can be set by operating the operation panel, but there are some items that cannot be arbitrarily changed by anyone, such as image adjustment, and color copying. In many cases, it is difficult for anyone to freely use expensive additional functions such as projectors and projectors. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to save the user the trouble of setting the operation mode when using a copying machine, and avoid the above-mentioned inconvenience. The purpose is to enable the administrator to easily manage the copying machine.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores a unique code of an operator who uses a copying machine and a preset information of a specific operation mode of the copying machine in association with each other. The operation mode information storage means, the input means for the operator to input his own code or the unique information corresponding to the code, and the code and the operation mode information storage means that are discriminated from the code or the unique information input by the means. Judge whether the stored unique code matches, and if it matches, remove the copy prohibition of the copying machine and read the information of the specific operation mode stored in association with the unique code and copy it. (EN) Provided is an operation mode setting device for a copying machine, which is provided with means for setting an operation mode of the copying machine.

Further, the operation permission range information storage means for storing the operator's unique code and the information of the operation permission range of the copying machine in association with each other, and when the operator's code is input or discriminated, it corresponds to the code. There is provided a means for setting the operation permission range of the copying machine by reading the information of the operation permission range from the operation permission range information storage means, or copying when the operation mode outside the operation permission range is selected after setting the operation permission range. It is advisable to provide means for prohibiting the copying operation of the machine.

[0010]

In the operation mode setting device of the copying machine according to the present invention, when the operator inputs his own code or the unique information corresponding to the code from the input means, the code and the operation mode information storage means to be discriminated therefrom are stored in the operation mode information storage means. It is determined whether or not the specified unique code matches, and if they match, the copy prohibition of the copying machine is released, and the specific operation of the copying machine stored in association with the unique code from the operation mode information storage means. Since the mode information is read and the operation mode of the copying machine is set, it is not necessary for the operator to record the operation mode information in an IC card or the like carried by each operator.

Further, after the information of the operation permission range corresponding to the code of the operator inputted or discriminated is read from the operation permission range information storage means to set the operation permission range of the copying machine, or after the operation permission range is set. Even if an operation mode outside the permitted range is selected, if the copying operation of the copier is prohibited, it is possible to limit the range of operation modes that can be set by each operator, and the administrator can also manage the copier. It will be easier.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a digital full-color copying machine is taken as an example, and a case where a magnetic card and its magnetic card reader are used as means for identifying an operator will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of an operation mode setting device for a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a digital full-color copying machine as an example of a copying machine incorporating or connecting the operation mode setting device. It is a figure which shows a structure.

The operation mode setting device shown in FIG.
1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, etc. are provided, and a CPU 1 controls the entire apparatus and an operation mode of a digital full-color copying machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "copying machine") shown in FIG. The process of setting the operation permission range, the process of prohibiting copying, and the process of releasing it are performed. The ROM 2 is a read-only memory in which programs such as various control processes executed by the CPU 1 and various fixed data are recorded.

The RAM 3 has a working area for holding various variables and the like, an area for associating and storing a unique code of each operator who uses the copying machine and preset information of a specific operation mode of the copying machine, and each area. It is a readable / writable memory having an area for storing the operator's unique code and the information of the operation permission range of the copying machine in association with each other, and the area for storing the information of the operation mode and the operation permission range is the same even when the power is turned off. Back up to keep the information, or
A non-volatile RAM or another EEPROM or the like may be used.

Reference numeral 4 is a magnetic card recording a code (ID number) unique to each operator for identifying the operator, and this apparatus reads the code recorded on the magnetic card 4. A card reading device (card reader) 5 is also provided. The magnetic card 4 is used for each operator who carries his / her own code and is used when the manager of the copying machine sets an operation mode range selectable by each operator. There is also for the administrator.

Further, an LCD unit 6 which is an LCD display device for displaying various messages, an LCD control IC 7 for controlling the display, and a communication control IC 8 for controlling communication with the controller of the copying machine. , A timer 9 for creating the baud rate and interrupt period for that communication
And an interrupt control IC 10 for receiving an interrupt instruction from the card reading device 5, the communication control IC 8, the timer 9 and the like and notifying the CPU 1 of the interrupt instruction.
Connected by.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the construction of the copying machine in this embodiment. This copying machine includes a scanner unit 19 for reading an original document and a microprocessor including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and electrically processes an image signal output as a digital signal from the scanner unit 19. The printer unit 13 includes a unit 20 and a printer unit 13 that forms an image on a copy sheet based on image recording information of each color from the image processing unit 20.

The scanner section 19 has a fluorescent lamp 15 which is a lamp for scanning and illuminating the original on the original table 14, and the reflected light from the original when illuminated by the fluorescent lamp 15 is a unity magnification image forming element. An image is formed on the same-size color image sensor 17 by the child 16, and photoelectrically converted for each component of red R, green G, and blue B, for example. The equal-magnification color image sensor 17 is composed of five chips (not shown) in which R, G, and B filters are sequentially arranged on the sensor pixels.

These illuminating device, the same-magnification image forming element 16 and the same-magnification color image sensor 17 are integrated to move in the direction of arrow A to scan the original surface. In addition, although the configuration of equal-magnification imaging has been described here, R, R
You may comprise using the dichroic prism etc. which can be color-separated into G and B, for example. Then, the photoelectrically converted image information is converted into a digital signal and output, and the output is subjected to necessary processing in the image processing unit 20, and recording color information of each color, for example, black (Bk), yellow (Y). , Magenta (M), and cyan (C) are converted into signals for recording formation.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which four colors Bk, C, M and Y are formed, but it is also possible to form a color image with only three colors. Can be reduced by one set. A signal from the image processing unit 20 is input to the printer unit 13, and the laser light emitting device 2 for each color is supplied.
It is sent to 2Bk, 22C, 22M and 22Y. In the printer section 13, four sets of recording devices for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are arranged side by side in the example of FIG.

Since each recording device is composed of the same constituent members, only the recording device 23C for cyan will be described for simplification of description, and recording devices for other colors will be omitted. For each color, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in order to distinguish the configuration of each color, the reference numerals are added with Bk, C, M and Y subscripts indicating the respective colors. Recording device 2
3C has a laser beam emitting device 22C and a photoconductor drum 24C. The surface of the photoconductor 24C is charged by a charger 25.
The toner is uniformly charged by C, a latent image of a cyan light image is formed by exposure by the laser beam emitting device 22C, and toner is attached by the developing device 26C and developed to form a visible image.

On the other hand, the copy paper supplied from one of the three paper feed cassettes of the paper feed unit 29 by the paper feed roller 28 has its leading end aligned by the registration roller 30 and is sent to the transfer belt 31 at the same timing. Be done. The copy papers conveyed by the transfer belt 31 are the photosensitive drums 24Bk, 24C, 24M, 24 on which the visible images are formed.
Transfer chargers 27Bk, 27C, and 2 are sequentially sent to Y.
A visible image (toner image) is transferred under the action of 7M and 27Y,
The transferred copy paper is fixed by the fixing roller 32 and discharged by the paper discharge roller 33. The copy paper is conveyed to the transfer belt 31 with high accuracy by being electrostatically attracted to the transfer belt 31.

Next, the processing relating to the operation mode setting of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the power of the copying machine is turned off.
When it is set to N, L shown in FIG.
The CD control IC 7, the communication control IC 8, the timer 9, the interrupt control IC 10, and various variables in the RAM 3 are initialized.

Next, a card reader (card reader) 5
Is connected, and if it is not connected, the copy prohibition is released and the initial screen of the operation mode is displayed as LC.
It is displayed on the D unit 6 to judge whether or not there is a key input, and if a key input is made, a process corresponding to the input is performed and the key input is waited. On the other hand, if the card reading device 5 is connected, a message of a card set prompting to insert the magnetic card 4 in the LCD unit 6 is displayed,
The process of determining whether or not the magnetic card 4 is inserted is continued until the magnetic card 4 is inserted.

When the magnetic card 4 is inserted, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 4, and the operator's code recorded on the magnetic card 4 is read to determine whether or not the code can be determined. If the read code can be determined, it is continuously determined whether the magnetic card 4 can be used. When the code cannot be determined or the magnetic card 4 is unusable, a warning is displayed to determine whether or not the magnetic card 4 has been pulled out from the card reading device 5, and when it is pulled out, the card set display in FIG. 3 is displayed. Return to.

If it is a usable card, it is further determined whether or not the magnetic card 4 is an administrator card, and if it is not an administrator card, that is, if it is an operator card, the read code is recorded in the RAM 3. It is determined whether each operator is matched with any of the unique codes, and if they match, the restricted item data stored in association with the unique code, that is, the information of the operation permission range is programmed from the data area of the RAM3. Copy (transfer) to the work area for reading / writing to release the copy prohibition.

Next, the presence or absence of the operation mode setting is judged by whether or not the initial operation mode and the operation mode memory are permitted by the information of the operation permission range, and if there is (if there is permitted one, ) Transfer the specific operation mode information of the data area to the work area, set the operation mode based on the operation mode information of the work area, and display the initial screen of the mode. After that, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 5 to determine whether or not there is a key input for changing the operation mode, and if there is a key input, refer to the operation permission range information of the work area to determine whether the range is permitted. To judge.

Here, if it is within the operation permission range, a mode setting process corresponding to the key input is performed, it is judged whether or not the magnetic card 4 is pulled out, and if it is pulled out, the copying operation is prohibited and the card set of FIG. 3 is set. Return to the message display of.
If the key input is outside the operation permission range, a warning is displayed to prohibit the copying operation, it is determined whether or not the magnetic card 4 is pulled out, and when the magnetic card 4 is pulled out, the display returns to the message display of the card set. Further, if there is no key input, it is judged whether or not the magnetic card 4 is pulled out, and when it is pulled out, the copying operation is prohibited and the message display of the card set of FIG. 3 is returned to.

On the other hand, if the card is for the administrator by judging whether or not the card is for the administrator in FIG. 4, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 6, and the specific operation mode information stored in association with the code of the operator as code registration. If YES, the registration process is performed. Further, it is judged whether or not the code is deleted, and if YES, the processing for deleting the registered code is performed.

Further, it is judged whether or not the information of the operation allowance range of the operator is set as the operation range, and if YES, prohibition or allowance of various operation allowance ranges, copy number limitation, and operation mode memory number are also necessary. Set. Then, it is judged whether or not the magnetic card 4 is pulled out, and if the magnetic card 4 is pulled out, the process returns to the message display processing of the card set of FIG.

When the operator himself sets the initial mode and the operation mode memory, in the process of FIG. 5, the operator sets the operation mode and the operation mode memory by key input, and the set various operation modes are set. This can be realized by copying from the work area of the RAM 3 to the data area of the code currently in use.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a format for storing an operator-specific code, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a format for storing information on a specific operation mode of the operator in the RAM 3, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in the operation range area of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in the operation mode memory of FIG. RAM
3, the number N of the unique code of the operator currently registered is followed by the unique code of the registered operator and the information of the specific operation mode stored in association therewith as shown in FIG. The stored addresses are sequentially stored in a table format.

For example, the youngest unique code "0001"
And the start address “data0001” that stores information on a specific operation mode associated with the
The first youngest unique code "0002" and the start address "data0002", which stores information on the specific operation mode associated with it, ..., the unique code "n" and the specific operation mode associated with it Start address "data000" where information is stored
n ”are sequentially stored.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, in the storage location designated by the above-mentioned start address, an area for storing the information of the operation permission range at the start address "data0001" and a case where the information is permitted The initial operation mode when the magnetic card is inserted in and the area of the operation mode memory for the permitted number N are arranged.

In the area for storing the operation permission range information, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, paper type, color type, erase / move, create, color processing, area processing, composite processing, image mode, image quality data, The permission or prohibition of each operation mode such as the addition function and the total test function is set and stored in bit units, and the copy number limit and the permitted number of operation mode memory numbers are also stored. Further, in the area of the operation mode memory, as an initial operation mode or an operation mode, an image mode related to image processing, editing, image quality adjustment, density, main scanning magnification, sub-scanning magnification, color data, edge erasing width, center erasing width , Information about items such as the amount of movement in the main scanning direction, the amount of movement in the sub-scanning direction, and the binding margin are stored.

That is, when the operator inputs his or her code using the magnetic card 4, it is determined whether or not the code to be discriminated from it and the unique code stored in the RAM 3 match. Remove the copy prohibition, R
The information on the specific operation mode of the copying machine stored in association with the unique code is read out from the AM 3, and the operation mode of the copying machine is automatically set.

At this time, the information of the operation permission range corresponding to the code of the input operator is read from the RAM 3 to set the operation permission range of the copying machine, or the operation outside the permission range is set after the operation permission range is set. Since the copying operation of the copying machine is prohibited even if there is a key input for selecting a mode, it is possible to limit the range of operation modes that can be set by each operator.

In this way, by identifying the operator by the code (ID code) unique to each operator,
The operator's specific operation mode information and operation permission range information associated with the code are read from the nonvolatile memory,
Since it can be set in the copier or the operating range can be prohibited, the operator does not have to set the operation mode each time the copier is used, improving the usability of the copier and improving It also makes it easier to manage copiers.

The operation mode setting device of this copying machine has the following merits. (1) Even if the card with the ID code recorded is lost, it is only necessary to reissue the card with the operator's ID code recorded, and the information on the specific operation mode of the operator is not lost. There is no fear that information will be destroyed. (2) There is no fear that the information on the operation mode or the operation permission range is tampered with.

(3) Since the card to be used only records the ID code, it can be provided at a low cost with a small storage capacity, and can be provided at a lower cost than before even if the RAM incorporated in the operation mode setting device is included. (4) When the copier is managed by an administrator, when changing the operation mode for each operator, it is not necessary to collect the operator's card and rewrite the data contents, which saves labor. (5) Since the operation mode information is stored in the RAM of the apparatus main body, a large amount of data can be recorded and many operation modes can be set.

Further, since the operation mode information is not recorded on the card, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for writing information in the operation mode setting device, and the cost is not increased. Further, by storing the information of the operation permission range and the operator's specific operation mode information in the memory of the copying machine main body side, the memory capacity of the operation mode setting device side can be reduced.

Furthermore, with the systemization of the copying machine,
As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of copying machines 40 are connected to a management device 50.
If it is managed by one or a plurality of terminal devices 60 via the copier, some items cannot be managed unless the main body of the copier has mode setting information and the like. However, according to this embodiment, each copier Information and operation mode information for each operator (card) can be easily aggregated by the terminal device 60.

The information such as the operation mode and the operation permission range of the copying machine is different from the computer programs and data and is not particularly inconvenient even if it is known to others.
By storing this information in the magnetic card, the operator is not burdened with management.

Although the magnetic card recording the operator's ID code is used in the above embodiment, an IC card, a memory card or the like may be used. However, since the cost becomes high, it may be used only when it is also used for other purposes. Alternatively, the user may directly input his / her own ID code by using the ten-key pad on the operation panel without using a card, or by inputting the unique information of each person such as voice or fingerprint, The voiceprint or fingerprint information may be compared with preregistered voiceprint or fingerprint information of each operator and converted into a unique code. In that case, a voice recognition device and a fingerprint reading device are required.

Further, not only the ID code of the individual but also the personal identification code can be inputted so that the operation mode of the copying machine can be commonly set and used not only for the operator but also for each group such as department or section. Is also convenient. The operation mode setting device for a copying machine according to the present invention may be built in the copying machine main body or may be externally provided, and it is needless to say that it is applicable not only to a color copying machine but also to a black and white copying machine.

[0046]

As described above, according to the operation mode setting device of the copying machine of the present invention, the operator can save the trouble of setting the operation mode each time the copying machine is used. Moreover, various inconveniences caused when the mode setting information is stored in a magnetic card, an IC card or the like are solved, and the administrator can easily manage the copying machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation mode setting device for a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a digital full-color copying machine which is an example of a copying machine in which the operation mode setting device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated or connected.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of setting an operation mode of the copying machine in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart similarly showing the continuation of the processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart similarly showing the continuation of the processing.

7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format in which a code unique to an operator is stored in a RAM 3 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format when information of a specific operation mode of the operator is stored in the RAM 3 as well.

9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in an operation range area shown in FIG.

10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in the operation mode memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a system that manages a plurality of copying machines by one or a plurality of terminal devices.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 magnetic card 5 card reader 6 LCD unit 7 LCD control IC 8 communication control IC 9 timer 10 interrupt control I
C 11 bus 13 printer section 14 document placing table 15 fluorescent lamp 16 same-magnification imaging element 17 same-magnification color image sensor 19 scanner section 20 image processing section 22Bk, 22C, 22M, 22Y laser light emitting apparatus 23C recording apparatus 24C photoconductor drum 25C Charging Charger 26C Developing Device 28 Paper Feeding Roll 29 Paper Feeding Section 30 Registration Roller 31 Transfer Belt 32 Fixing Roller 33 Paper Ejecting Roller 40 Copier 50 Management Device 60 Terminal Device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An operation mode information storage unit for storing a unique code of an operator who uses the copying machine in association with preset information of a specific operation mode of the copying machine, and the operator's own code. Alternatively, whether the input means for inputting the unique information corresponding to the code matches the code input by the means or the code determined from the unique information and the unique code stored in the operation mode information storage means Means for resetting the copy prohibition of the copying machine and reading the information of the specific operation mode stored in association with the unique code when the two coincide, and setting the operation mode of the copying machine. An operation mode setting device for a copying machine, characterized by being provided. 2. The operation mode setting device for a copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation permission range information storage means stores the operator's unique code and the information of the operation permission range of the copying machine in association with each other, and the operator. Means for setting the operation permission range of the copying machine by reading the information of the operation permission range corresponding to the code from the operation permission range information storage means when the code is input or determined. The operation mode setting device of the copier. 3. The operation mode setting device for a copying machine according to claim 2, wherein a copying operation of the copying machine is prohibited when an operation mode outside the operation permission range is selected after setting the operation permission range. An operation mode setting device for a copying machine, characterized by being provided with.