JPH09272246A - Image processing device and image outputting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable control of personal identification numbers, a budget and the upper limit of the number of outputted sheets even in a remote print operation by providing both a demandant certification means and a control means for performing control of image output in accordance with an operation demandant certified by the demandant certification means. SOLUTION: In a reader part 50, an original 30 is exposed by an exposure lamp 32 and scanned. A reflected light image is converted in a full color sensor 34 through mirrors 35, 36 and a lens 33. Image processing of every kind is performed in an image processing part 60 and a color decomposition image signal is sent to a printer part 60. In the laser exposure optical systems 3a-3c of the printer part 60, the image signal obtained in the reader part 50 is converted into an optical signal by a laser output part 41. Laser beam outputted from a laser 42 is reflected by a polygon mirror 3a and projected as an optical image 43 on the surface of a photosensitive drum 1 through the lens 3b and the mirror 3c. Further, a card adapter 92 recognizes a category code held on a card by insertion of the card 93 and a CPU performs operation for control 1 by this input and outputs a control signal to an image processing part 40. Accordingly, control of personal identification numbers is enabled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of performing an operation such as image output in response to a request from an external device, and an image output method performed using this image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional copying machines are provided with a counting device capable of counting the number of output sheets for each department in order to manage the budget for each department (for example, copy cost management).

When this type of copying machine is used, copying can be performed by inserting a card for each department into an adapter attached to the main body of the copying machine, and the number of copies is counted for each department distinguished by the card. It Further, there is also a model equipped with a personal identification mode in which copying is permitted by the user inputting a personal identification number using a ten-key pad or the like instead of using such a card. In this type, the number of copies is counted for each personal identification number.

[0004]

However, when the copying machine is digitized and is used as a printer or a fax output machine by being connected to a computer or a network public line (remote print operation), the output requester changes the device. Since they are not close to each other, the use restriction mechanism of the above-mentioned card and personal identification number becomes inconvenient due to the warp.

On the other hand, similarly to the copy cost management, there is an increasing demand for print cost management by an output request from the outside. Under such circumstances, if the above-mentioned usage restriction mechanism is inconvenient as a printer and the restriction is released, in particular in the case of a copying machine arranged on a LAN, an unspecified number of computers can unrestrict it. This makes it possible to perform print operations, making it difficult to manage budgets and possibly not being able to carry out necessary work in an emergency.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus and an image output method capable of managing a personal identification number even in a remote printing operation, and further managing a budget and an upper limit of the number of output sheets. The purpose is to do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to a first invention is an image processing apparatus capable of performing an image processing operation according to a request from an external device,
A request source authenticating unit that authenticates an external device that is an operation requesting source from the outside, and a control unit that controls image output according to the operation requesting source authenticated by the request source authenticating unit. is there.

An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of performing an image processing operation according to a request from an external device, and a request source authenticating means for authenticating an external device which is an operation request source from the outside. An upper limit value setting means for setting an upper limit value of the image output permission number for each operation request source that can be authenticated by the request source authentication means, a counting means for counting the image output number for each operation request source, and the request source authentication Control means for performing image output of the image output number counted by the counting means to an operation request source that can be authenticated by the means within a range not exceeding the upper limit permitted by the upper limit setting means. It is a thing.

An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the upper limit value setting means and the counting means are provided independently for each operation mode.

An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a function of limiting an operation in response to an operation request from an external device according to the presence or absence of a predetermined command, and is identified by the predetermined command. A counting means for counting the number of image output sheets for each identification code; and a sheet number limit setting means for setting a limited sheet number for image output for each identification code. The operation is not allowed.

An image processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, including image forming means for forming image information input from the external device on a sheet.

An image output method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention uses an image processing apparatus capable of performing an image output operation according to a request from an external device, and presets an upper limit value of the number of permitted image output sheets for each authenticateable operation request source. In advance, the operation request source is authenticated in response to the operation request from the external device, and the authenticated operation request source is subjected to image output with the number of image outputs within the range not exceeding the upper limit value. It is the one.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image output method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, further comprising image forming means for forming image information input from the external device on a sheet. .

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the schematic arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The image processing apparatus of this embodiment is configured as a color copying machine, in which a digital color image reader section 50 is arranged on the upper side and a digital color image printer section 60 is arranged on the lower side.

In the reader section 50, the original 30 is placed on the original table glass 31 and exposed and scanned by the exposure lamp 32, whereby the reflected light image from the original 30 is reflected by the mirror 3.
The light is condensed on the full-color sensor 34 by the lens 33 via 5 and 36, and a color-separated image signal is obtained. Full-color sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 3 composed of CCD etc.
The color-separated image signal obtained in 4 is subjected to various kinds of image processing by an image processing unit 40, which will be described later, via an amplification unit (not shown), and is sent to the printer unit 60. Reference numeral 37 denotes a reference white plate, which will be described later in detail.

In the printer unit 60, the photosensitive drum 1 which is an image carrier is rotatably carried in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the pre-exposure lamp 11, the corona charger, and the like are provided around the photosensitive drum 1.
Laser exposure optical systems 3a, 3b, 3c, potential sensor 12,
Four developing devices 4Y, 4C, 4M and 4K having different colors, a drum light amount detecting means 13, a transfer drum 5, and a cleaning device 6 are arranged.

In the laser exposure optical systems 3a, 3b, 3c, the image signal obtained by the reader unit 50 is the laser output unit 4
The laser light output from the laser 42 is reflected by the polygon mirror 3a, passes through the lens 3b and the mirror 3c, and is projected as an optical image 43 on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

When forming an image in the printer unit 60,
The photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the photosensitive drum 1 after having been neutralized by the pre-exposure lamp 11 is uniformly charged by the charger 2 to irradiate a light image 43 for each separation color to form a latent image. To form

Next, the developing device for a predetermined color is operated to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to form a resin-based toner image on the photosensitive drum 1. Developing device is eccentric cam 2
By the operations of 4Y, 24C, 24M, and 24K, the photosensitive drum 1 is selectively approached according to each separated color.

Further, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is
The recording material is transferred onto the recording material supplied from the recording material cassettes 7a, 7b and 7c to the position facing the photosensitive drum 1 via the transfer system and the transfer drum 5. The transfer drum 5 is rotatably supported, and a recording material carrying sheet made of a dielectric material is integrally stretched in a cylindrical shape in an opening area of its peripheral surface. As the transfer drum 5 is rotated, a desired number of color images are transferred from the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 onto a recording material carried on a recording material carrying sheet by a charger or a roller (not shown) to form a full-color image.

In the case of full-color image formation, when the transfer of the four color toner images is completed as described above, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 5 by the action of the separating claw 8a, the separating push-up roller 8b and the separating charger 8c. The sheet is discharged to the tray 10 via the heat roller fixing device 9.

On the other hand, after the transfer, the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to the image forming step again after the residual toner on the surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 6.

When images are formed on both sides of the recording material,
Immediately after the recording material is discharged from the fixing device 9, the transport bus switching guide 19 is driven, and the reverse bus 21a is passed through the transport vertical bus 20.
Then, the reversing roller 21b is rotated in the reverse direction so that the trailing end of the recording material when fed is withdrawn as the leading end in the direction opposite to the feeding direction, and is stored in the intermediate tray 22.
After that, an image is formed on the other surface by the above-described image forming step.

Further, in order to prevent scattering of powder on the recording material terminal sheet of the transfer drum 5 and adhesion of oil on the recording material, the brush 14 is provided via the fur brush 14 and the recording material carrier sheet. Backup brush 15 facing the
Cleaning is performed by the action of the backup brush 17 facing the roller 16 through the oil removing roller 16 and the recording material bearing sheet. Such cleaning is performed before or after image formation, and is performed at any time when a jam (paper jam) occurs.

Reference numeral 39 denotes an image front end sensor. When the signal plates 38a and 38b cross the sensor 39, an image front end signal ITOP is generated. The plates 38a and 38b are at positions facing each other by 180 degrees, and when the transfer drum 5 makes one rotation, the ITOP signal is generated twice.

Reference numerals 90 and 91 are management keys. By inserting the key 91 into the cylinder portion 90 and turning the key 91 to the right, a C key described later is obtained.
The PU detects key attachment. Reference numeral 93 is a control card, which has an optical or magnetic division code. A card adapter 92 recognizes the department code of the card when the card 93 is inserted and notifies the CPU, which will be described later, of the insertion of the card.

Further, the number of output sheets is counted for each department code according to a CUP signal from a CPU which will be described later, and the counted value is added and stored in the adapter or the card.

Next, the image processing unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 described above.
Will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 shows the image processing unit 4 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of 0.

The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 34 in FIG. 1 is subjected to gain adjustment and offset adjustment in the CCD processing unit 201, and then 8-bit digital image signals R and G for each color signal by the A / D converter. , B. After that, it is input to the shading correction unit 202,
Known shading correction is performed for each color using the read signal of the reference white plate 37 shown in FIG. Since R, G, and B are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the light receiving unit of the CCD 34, the sub-scanning synchronization processing unit 203 including a line delay element corrects a spatial shift in the sub-scanning direction.

Reference numeral 204 designates an input masking section for R, G and B.
Corrects filter turbidity. Reference numeral 205 denotes a light amount / density conversion unit which is configured by a look-up table ROM (or RAM), and converts R, G, and B luminance signals into C, M, and Y density signals. 206 is a known masking and U
Although it is a CR circuit, detailed description thereof will be omitted. From the input Y, M, C, and three primary color signals, Y, M, and
One of the C and Bk signals is output as the signal V1,
For each read operation, a predetermined bit length, for example, 8
Output in bits. Reference numeral 207 denotes a selector for selecting an image signal to be recorded.
And an image signal V2 from an external device 219, which will be described later, are switched by the CPU 217 at an arbitrary timing.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a known gamma correction unit for recording an image with a desired density / gradation according to the characteristics of the printer. A laser driving unit 209 converts a digital image signal into, for example, a pulse-modulated analog signal,
The laser (not shown) is driven.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a CPU unit, which drives and controls a motor 221 for reciprocating the optical system including the lamp 32 and the mirrors 35 and 36 shown in FIG. 1 via a motor driver 216, and also a CVR (Constant). V
light regulator for controlling the light quantity of the original illumination lamp 32 and O.
In addition to performing N / OFF control, the operation panel 213 is controlled via the I / O unit 212. Note that the CPU unit includes known devices such as a RAM and a ROM, and stores a program relating to a protocol that is a feature of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 described later.

The communication controller 211 is a motor driver 21.
6. Control communication with the external device 219. In the present embodiment, the communication with the external device 219 includes the information about the paper size and the color mode for recording the image signal, the recording start / end command, the reader unit 50, and the printer unit 60.
Is notified to the external device 219.
Reference numeral 210 denotes a synchronization signal generation unit which, based on the ITOP signal generated in synchronization with the rotation of the transfer drum 5 and the BD signal generated in synchronization with the rotation of the polygon mirror, provides a clock CLK1 for each pixel and a line synchronization signal HSYNC1. , HS
YNC2, synchronization signals PSYNC1 and PSYNC for each page
Generate C2. 220 converts an image signal V2 'sent in synchronization with the pixel clock CLK2 from the external device 219 and the image effective section signal LE of one line into an image signal V2 synchronized with the internal pixel clock CLK1 and the line synchronization signal HSYNC1. This is a speed conversion unit for performing.

The counter 215 is the C from the CPU section 217.
It has three counters for counting PU-CLK by a desired number and generates interrupt signals TMI-INT, TM2-INT, TM3-INT to the CPU section 217 and the motor driver 216.

To the I / O section 212, a KON signal indicating insertion of a key is sent from the key section 90 and a CON signal indicating insertion of a card is sent from the card adapter section 92, and as described above, the CPU section 217 sends the key or the card Detect the presence or absence. The CPU unit 217 determines that the number of sheets in the printer unit is one.
CP indicating a count up to the card adapter unit 92 via the I / O unit 212 every time a sheet is fed (or discharged)
The U signal is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 100 msec).

FIG. 3 shows the operation panel, which will be described below.

A touch panel display 400 is used for setting and displaying the copy mode. A reset key 401 is used to return the copy mode to the standard mode. A stop key 402 is used to stop copying.

A numeral key group 403 is used for setting the number of copies and inputting other numerical values. Reference numeral 404 denotes a preheat key, which is used when shifting to the preheat mode in which the power consumption of the apparatus is suppressed and when returning from the preheat mode. Reference numeral 405 is an interrupt key, which is used to temporarily interrupt the copy being executed and interrupt another copy. A call key 406 is used to call back the copy mode executed up to three times. A personal identification key 407 is used in a personal identification mode described later. A clear key 408 returns the number of copies to 1. Reference numeral 409 is a copy start key, and 410 is a function key used when setting various functions.

FIG. 4 shows a display example of the touch panel display section.

Reference numeral 501 is a magnification display, and touch keys 51
4, 515, 516, 517. 50
3 is a paper selection display, which is selected using the touch key 500. Reference numeral 504 denotes a number display. Reference numeral 511 denotes a touch key for selecting a document mode, which selects the type of document (text document, photo document, text / photo mixed document). 513
Is an ON / OFF key for the automatic density adjustment mode, and 512 is a manual density adjustment key.

Reference numeral 506 is an ACS (auto color select) key for automatically determining whether the original is black / white or color, and automatically selecting black / white copy for a black / white original or color copy for a color original. 507 is a full color copy. 508 is a black / white copy. select. Reference numeral 509 is an original detection key for automatically detecting the position and size of the original, and 510 is a center movement key for copying the original image to the center of the paper. Also,
Reference numeral 518 denotes a mode memory key group for selecting a desired copy mode from the copy modes stored up to 9 sets in advance. Reference numeral 505 is a switch key between the local copy mode and the remote print mode for outputting an image from an external device.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show screens in the secret code mode, which will be described below.

In FIG. 3, when the personal identification key 407, the stop key 402, the interrupt key 405, and the personal identification key 407 are pressed in this order, the touch panel display is shown in FIG.
Is displayed. When a personal identification number is newly registered, the “personal identification number registration” touch key 601 is pressed, and then the “OK” touch key 603 is pressed, the screen transitions to FIG. 5B.

In FIG. 5B, the department code for which the personal identification number is to be registered is selected from the corresponding touch key group 611. In FIG. 5B, department codes “001” through “01”
Although "0" is displayed, the department code is prepared up to "100" in the present embodiment, and the department code displayed by the touch key 612 can be increased or decreased in units of 10 departments. After selecting the department code, if a desired personal identification number is entered using the ten-key group 403 and the clear key 408, it is displayed on the right side of the display of the selected department code. When the user finishes inputting the number and presses the OK key 614, the screen becomes as shown in FIG. The registered personal identification number is associated with the corresponding department code and stored in the battery-backed RAM, and after at least one set of personal identification numbers has been registered, FIG.
After inputting the same one of the registered personal identification numbers in the display of (D) and pressing the OK key 632, the display shifts to the display of FIG. 4 and copying becomes possible.

The personal identification number input in FIG. 5D is displayed in the portion 631. When copying is performed after inputting the personal identification number, the number of copies is counted for each corresponding department code and accumulated in the battery-backed RAM. In FIG. 5A, the “count display” touch key 6
When 05 is pressed and the OK key 603 is pressed, the screen changes to a screen displaying the personal identification number and the count value stored in association with the department code.

In FIG. 5A, when the "count management" touch key 602 is pressed and the OK key 603 is pressed, the screen changes to that of FIG. 5C, and the password registered in association with the department code is registered. The maximum count value (the number of prints) permitted for each department code is displayed together with the number.

In FIG. 5C, the department code for which the maximum count value is to be registered is selected by the touch key group 625. After selecting the department code, enter the desired maximum count value with the numeric keypad 403 and the clear key 408.
Displayed to the right of the PIN code of the selected department code. O
When the K key 623 is pressed, the screen becomes as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5C, the department code that can be displayed / set by the key 621 can be increased or decreased by 10. When the password key 407 is pressed after the copy is completed, the screen is as shown in FIG.
The process returns to (D), and the password input is awaited again.

Other non-volatile memories such as EEPROM can be used instead of battery backed RAM.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a memory (RAM) map used for the personal identification code and the coded print count in this embodiment.

The top address of the RAM is TOP, and the top address of the management data area related to the secret code is ID-TOP.
And Management data for the department code 1 is stored in 8 bytes from ID-TOP + 0 to ID-TOP + 7. The PIN code is defined using 2 bytes of ID-TOP + 0 and ID-TOP + 1. ID-TOP + 2 to ID-T
The maximum number of prints allowed for department 1 is defined using 3 bytes up to OP + 4, and ID-TOP + 5 to ID-TO
Using 3 bytes up to P + 7, the settlement value of the number of printed sheets with the secret code corresponding to department 1 is defined.

Further, in this embodiment, the data area of 800 bytes in total for 100 departments is continuous. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the two-byte secret code corresponding to the department code i will be referred to as Ai, the upper limit number of sheets will be referred to as Bi, and the adjustment number of sheets will be referred to as Ci. Ai has an initial value “0000”, and at this time, it is considered that the personal identification number is not set. The initial values of both Bi and Ci are “0”, and Ci is incremented by +1 for each print. Further, Ai is set in FIG. 5 (B), and Bi is set in FIG. 5 (C).

7 and 8 show examples of commands / statuses in the serial communication protocol between the color image processing apparatus of this embodiment and an external device.

The command is sent from an external device to a color image processing device (hereinafter referred to as a device), and is judged and processed by the CPU via the communication control unit 211. The status is the CPU 2 as a response to the command input from the external device.
It is returned from 17 to the external device side via the communication control unit 211.

FIG. 7A is a command table. The command is composed of 1 byte, and has an attached parameter of 1 to 5 bytes depending on the command.

The COM1 print start request command is used when an external device requests the device to start printing. C
The OM2 print end request command is used when the print operation is stopped midway. The number of sheets to be printed is designated by the COM3 print number designation command. COM4
The sheet feeding / discharging stage instruction command is used to instruct the sheet feeding / discharging stage. Since this device has an automatic double-sided recording mechanism and the second paper feed stage is an intermediate tray, it can be used as both a paper feed stage and a paper discharge stage.

The color mode to be printed is designated as the developing device to be used by the COM5 color mode designation command. The PIN number to be entered in the PIN mode by the COM6 PIN number setting command is set with a 4-digit ASCII code. Obviously, the HEX code or the BCD code may be used instead of the ASCII code. A sheet size request command of COM7 is used to inquire about the sheet size set in the apparatus. When the device receives COM7, it returns STS7 shown in FIG. 8 as the status. C
The status of the device is inquired by the overall status request command of the OM8. When the device receives COM8, FIG.
The STS 8 shown in is returned as the status. Also CO
STS8 is returned to M1 to COM6.

9 and 10 are sequence diagrams showing a protocol between the image processing apparatus of this embodiment and an external device.

When a print request is made by an external device, the paper size is inquired by COM7, and STS is sent.
7 is obtained from the apparatus to determine the paper feed stage and the paper discharge stage having the desired paper size, and the COM4 is used to instruct the paper feed stage and the paper discharge stage.
Also, a desired color mode is designated by COM5.
After instructing the number of prints with COM3,
A request to start printing is given by 1.

The apparatus sets "i" (i = 1, ..., 100) to "00" for the management data table shown in FIG.
It is checked whether a code other than "00" is registered.
If all of the Ai (i = 1, ..., 100) are “0000”, it is considered that the personal identification number is not applied to the device itself, and it is returned as bit 2 = 0 of STS8, and Ai (i =
1, ..., 100), if at least one other than “0000” is registered, it is considered necessary to set the personal identification number, and it is returned as STS8 bit2 = 1.

The external device examines the bit 2 of the STS 8 and sets the personal identification number by the COM 6 when it has the personal identification number. The personal identification number may be held by an external device as a device, by an operator who instructed printing, or by application software used by the operator.

The image processing apparatus temporarily stores the set personal identification number in the area A on the RAM and Aj (j = 1, 1).
..., 100) and check if there is a match with A,
If none of them match, STS8 with bit2 = 1
return it. If even one matches, the corresponding upper limit count value Bj is checked. If Bj = 0, it is determined that there is no upper limit, and bit2 = 0 and bit7 = 0 are set, and the STS is set.
Returns 8.

When Bj = 0 is not satisfied, the current print total value Cj is compared, and when Bj> Cj, bit2 =
0, bit7 = 0, that is, STS8 is returned as no error. If Bj ≦ Cj, it is impossible to print any more. Therefore, although bit = 0, bit7 = 1 (sheet number error) and STS8 is returned.

External devices are bit 2 and bit of STS8.
When both 7 are "0" and there is no other error, the COM1 print start request is issued and the print processing is executed.

Hereinafter, the vertical synchronizing signal PSY output from the device will be described.
The image signal V2 'output from the external device is recorded in synchronization with NC2 for a predetermined number of developing colors and a predetermined number of sheets, and then the print processing ends. However, when Bj is not “0”, that is, when the upper limit of the number of prints is limited, Cj and Bj counted up for each print are compared and Bj
When ≦ Cj, STS8 bit7 = 1 is returned, the operation is stopped, and the print end process is started.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the personal identification number can be managed and the budget and the upper limit can be managed even in the remote print operation.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. As a modification, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the upper limit of the number of prints can be set for a certain department as necessary. However, the upper limit is set for each copy / print distinction and each black / white / color distinction. May be.

Specifically, as shown in the memory map diagram of FIG. 11, with the data of 26 bytes per department, the upper limit setting and the number of prints are set for each image source (copy or print) and monochrome / color combination. By performing the adjustment of the above, it becomes possible to perform desired management for desired operation.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of image processing devices or may be applied to one image processing device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the image processing apparatus, the system or the image processing apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It will be possible.

[0073]

As described above in detail, according to the image processing apparatus of the first invention, the request source authenticating means for authenticating the external device which is the operation request source from the outside and the request source authenticating means are used. Since the control means for controlling the image output according to the authenticated operation request source is provided, the personal identification number can be managed.

According to the image processing apparatus of the second invention,
A request source authenticating unit that authenticates an external device that is an external operation request source; an upper limit value setting unit that sets an upper limit value of the number of permitted image output sheets for each operation request source that can be authenticated by the request source authenticating unit; Counting means for counting the number of image output sheets for each operation request source, and the operation request source authenticated by the request source authentication means, within a range not exceeding the upper limit value permitted by the upper limit value setting means, Since the control means for outputting the number of images output by the counting means is provided, it is possible to manage the personal identification number and prevent an unlimited number of external devices from performing unlimited print operations in remote print operations. Therefore, not only the budget management and the upper limit management of the number of output sheets become possible, but also it becomes possible to appropriately execute the necessary work in an emergency.

According to the image processing apparatus of the third invention,
In the second aspect of the invention, the upper limit value setting means and the counting means are independently provided for each operation mode, so that desired management can be performed for a desired operation mode.

According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth invention,
A counting means for counting the number of image output sheets for each identification code identified by a predetermined command; and a sheet number limit setting means for setting a limited number of image output sheets for each identification code,
Since the image output operation exceeding the limit number set by the number limit setting unit is not permitted, the personal identification number can be managed and the unlimited number of external devices can perform the print operation in the remote print operation. This makes it possible not only to manage the budget and to manage the upper limit of the number of output sheets, but also to properly execute the necessary work in an emergency.

According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth invention,
In the first to fourth inventions, the image information input from the external device can be formed on the sheet.

According to the image output method of the sixth invention,
An image processing apparatus capable of image output operation according to a request from an external device is used, and the upper limit value of the number of image output permitted sheets is set in advance for each authenticateable operation request source, and the operation request from the external device is received. The operation request source is authenticated, and image output is performed to the operation request source that has been authenticated with the number of image outputs that does not exceed the upper limit value. It is possible to prevent unlimited print operations from an unspecified number of external devices during print operations, which not only enables budget management and upper limit management of the number of output sheets, but also enables accurate execution of necessary work in an emergency. It will be possible.

According to the image output method of the seventh invention,
In the image processing apparatus of the sixth invention, the image information input from the external device can be formed on the sheet.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image processing unit 40 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel.

FIG. 4 shows a display example of a touch panel display unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen in a secret identification mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a memory map used for a personal identification code and a coded print count.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a command / status example in a serial communication protocol between a color image processing device and an external device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a command / status example in a serial communication protocol between a color image processing apparatus and an external device.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a protocol between the image processing apparatus and an external device.

FIG. 10 is a continuation of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 50 Digital color image reader unit 60 Digital color image printer unit 201 CCD processing unit 202 Shading correction unit 203 Sub-scanning synchronization processing unit 204 Input masking unit 205 Light intensity / density conversion unit 206 Masking and UCR circuit 207 Selector unit 216 Motor driver 217 CPU unit 219 External device 210 Synchronous signal generation unit 211 Communication control unit 220 Speed conversion unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Office reference number FI technical display location G06F 3/12 G03G 21/00 392

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus capable of performing an image processing operation according to a request from an external device, wherein a request source authenticating means for authenticating an external device which is an operation request source from the outside, and the request source authenticating means can be authenticated. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls image output according to an operation request source. 2. An image processing apparatus capable of performing an image processing operation according to a request from an external device, the request source authenticating unit authenticating an external device as an external operation request source, and the request source authenticating unit. An upper limit value setting means for setting an upper limit value of the number of image output permitted sheets for each operation request source, a counting means for counting the number of image output sheets for each operation request source, and an operation request source which has been authenticated by the request source authentication means. On the other hand, the image processing apparatus is provided with a control unit that outputs the number of image output images counted by the counting unit within a range not exceeding the upper limit value permitted by the upper limit value setting unit. . 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper limit value setting means and the counting means are provided independently for each operation mode. 4. An image processing apparatus having a function of restricting an operation in response to an operation request from an external device depending on the presence or absence of a predetermined command, wherein the number of output images is set for each identification code identified by the predetermined command. It is characterized in that it comprises counting means for counting and number limit setting means for setting a limit number of image output for each of the identification codes, and does not permit image output operations beyond the limit number set by the number limit setting means. Image processing device. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that forms image information input from the external device on a sheet. 6. An image processing apparatus capable of performing an image output operation in response to a request from an external device is used, and an upper limit value of the number of permitted image output sheets is set in advance for each operation request source that can be authenticated. An image output method, which receives a request, authenticates the operation request source, and outputs an image to the authenticated operation request source with the number of image outputs that does not exceed the upper limit value. 7. The image output method according to claim 6, wherein the image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms image information input from the external device on a sheet.