JP2000072325A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a image forming device that realizes such a mailbox function as being high in confidentiality, and ease of constitution. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with a storage part 1c storing a second password for releasing the lock of each case of three paper discharge trays 3a to 3c, a collating part 1e collating this second password with a password to be inputted from an operating part 1d, and a lock releasing part 1h releasing the lock of the case of the paper discharge tray specified by the password in the case where the password collated in the collating part 1e is same, respectively.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for printing data received from an external terminal such as a facsimile, a printer, a copying machine, etc., and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having a mailbox function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 4, a conventional image forming apparatus accommodates an image forming apparatus main body 1 for printing data received from an external terminal (not shown) and sheets of various sizes. Paper feeders 2 a to 2 e having a paper feed cassette and feeding paper to the image forming apparatus main body 1;
a sorter device 3 having a to 3j and connected to the discharge port of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus 1. A data receiving section 1a receives image data from an external terminal A, and a print processing section 1b prints the image data. The paper is discharged to any one of the three paper discharge trays 3a to 3j.

[0004] With such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to accumulate sheets in the sheet discharge trays 3a to 3j in groups, and to print a plurality of pages of a plurality of copies, the sheet discharge trays 3a to 3j.
3j can be integrated in the same page group unit or copy group unit. In addition, it becomes possible to use the sorter device 3 as a device realizing a mailbox function.
Here, the mailbox function refers to each of the discharge trays 3a to 3a.
The function 3j is a function of setting a special discharge tray for a specific person / group as a special discharge tray, and discharging a sheet only to a specific person / group to the special discharge tray. In the conventional image forming apparatus, each of the paper output trays 3a to 3j is determined as a dedicated paper output tray for a specific person / group, and a password designating the paper output trays 3a to 3j is added to the image data sent from the external terminal A. By the addition, it is possible to discharge the paper to a predetermined paper discharge tray among the paper discharge trays 3a to 3j for a specific person / group.

[0005]

However, in the conventional paper discharge trays 3a to 3j, even if the paper is discharged to a dedicated paper discharge tray, a third party can take out the paper stacked in the dedicated paper discharge tray. As a solution to this problem, there is a sorter device 3 in which each of the discharge trays 3a to 3j is provided with a keyed case (with a lock function) or a lid, but the user always releases the lock. There was a problem of having to carry a key to do so.

When the number of persons / groups increases, it is necessary to increase the number of dedicated discharge trays. However, the number of the trays is limited, and a mechanical sorter device which is expensive and requires a large installation area is used. There was a problem that had to be.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a print processing unit for performing printing processing on paper based on image data, and a case or lid with a lock function. A paper discharge tray capable of stacking printed sheets, a sorter unit provided with a plurality of the paper discharge trays, and a data receiving unit for receiving a first password and image data for designating a paper discharge tray to be discharged from an external terminal And a discharge tray selection unit that discharges the print-processed sheet to a discharge tray designated by the first password. A storage unit for storing a second password for unlocking the password, a collation unit for collating a password input from an operation unit or the external terminal with the second password, If password checking in a total portion is the same, is obtained by the unlocking unit for unlocking the case or cover of the discharge tray specified by the password, an image forming apparatus equipped with.

[0008] With such a configuration, only when the password input from the operation unit or the external terminal matches the second password stored in the storage unit, the lock of the case or the cover of the predetermined discharge tray is performed. Automatically unlocked, only the person who knows the second password can remove the printed paper, protect the confidentiality of the printed document, and carry out the predetermined operation without carrying the key. The lock of the case or the lid of the discharge tray can be released.

Further, the present invention provides a print processing unit for performing printing processing on paper based on image data, a paper discharge tray capable of stacking the printed paper, and a sorter provided with one or more paper discharge trays. And a data receiving unit for receiving a password and image data for designating a discharge tray to be discharged from an external terminal, and a discharge tray selection for discharging the printed paper to a discharge tray specified by the password. And a storage unit for storing the password and the image data, and a collation for collating the password stored in the storage unit with a password input from an operation unit or the external terminal. Unit, when the data receiving unit receives a password and image data, controls to store the password and the image data in the storage unit, and controls the operation unit or the external terminal. If it is determined that the passwords same password in the storage unit at the input the collation unit is stored, and printing all the image data stored together with the password from the storage unit in the printing unit,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the paper subjected to the printing process to be discharged to a discharge tray specified by the password by the discharge tray selection unit.

With such a configuration, a password is added to the image data in the storage unit and stored, and when the password stored in the storage unit is input from the operation unit or an external terminal, the password is stored together with the password. To print all image data and discharge it to the output tray specified by the password, only those who know the password can print, and no case or lid is provided on the output tray. However, the confidentiality of the printed document can be protected. In addition, since printing can be performed only when necessary, one tray can be shared by a plurality of persons / groups, and there is no need to set a dedicated number of discharge trays to a set number of persons / groups. The mailbox function can be realized by a simple sorter unit.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and includes a data processing unit 1a, a print processing unit 1b, a storage unit 1c, an operation unit 1d, a collation unit 1e, and a discharge tray selection unit 1f. , A control unit 1g, an unlocking unit 1h, and a sorter device 3. The overall configuration is the same as that of FIG. 3 and includes an image forming apparatus main body 1, a sheet feeding device 2, and a sorter device 3. The sorter device 3 has a plurality of paper discharge trays 3a to 3c, and each of the paper discharge trays 3a to 3c is provided with a case 33 with a lock function (with a key), and is stacked on the paper discharge trays unless the lock is released. It is configured such that the printed paper cannot be taken out.

FIG. 2 is a view showing each case 33 of the paper discharge trays 3a to 3c.
(The same applies to 3b and 3c). The paper discharged from the paper discharge port 35 is placed on the paper discharge tray 3a. Also,
One side of the case 33 is provided so as to be openable and closable by a door 35 having a glass surface 36, and a lock member (not shown) connected to the keyhole 37 is configured to lock the door 35 when the door 35 is closed. . The present invention is characterized in that a case 33 is provided in each of the discharge trays 3a to 3c, and the lock of the lock member can be released by the lock release unit 1h of the image forming apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the lockable door 35 is provided on the case 33 is described.
Any shape and configuration may be used as long as a case or a lid is provided so that the paper discharged onto the paper discharge trays 3a to 3b cannot be taken out.

The data receiving section 1a is a section for receiving image data transmitted from an external terminal A such as a host computer. The present invention is characterized in that a first password designating any one of the paper discharge trays 3a to 3c is received together with the image data. The data receiving unit 1a
Then, the received image data may be converted into image data that can be subjected to print processing as necessary. Print processing unit 1
Reference numeral b denotes a part for performing printing processing of the image data received by the data processing unit 1a. The storage unit 1c stores the output trays 3a to 3a.
This is a part for storing a second password for unlocking the door 35 of each case 33 on which the c is placed. The operation unit 1d may be a unit configured with normal buttons or the like, and is a unit for inputting a password. The collating unit 1e
This is a section for checking whether or not the password input by the operation section 1d is the same as the second password stored in the storage section 1c. The paper discharge tray selection unit 1f outputs the paper subjected to the print processing to the specified paper discharge trays 3a to 3c based on the first password that specifies the paper discharge trays 3a to 3c.
3c is a part for instructing discharge to 3c. The lock release unit 1h receives the second password, and sets each of the cases 33 on which the discharge tray designated by the second password is placed.
This is a part for instructing unlocking of the door 35. The control unit 1g is a part that controls the image forming apparatus 1. For example, in the present invention, the paper printed by the print processing unit 1b is discharged to the discharge tray specified by the first password by the discharge tray selection unit 1f. If the password is controlled to be paper or the password collated by the collation unit 1e is the same, the lock release unit 1
h to control to unlock the door 35 of the case 33 of the paper discharge tray designated by the second password.

According to the present invention, in order for the unlocking section 1h to unlock the cover 35 of the case 33 of the paper output tray designated by the second password, the print-processed paper is printed by anyone except the person who knows the password. It cannot be taken out and the confidentiality of the printed document can be maintained. In addition, since the lock is automatically released, there is no need to carry the key.

In this embodiment, the second password (the door 3 of any of the cases 33 of the paper discharge trays 3a to 3c) is used.
Although the operation unit 1d for inputting the password for unlocking the lock 5 is provided, the external terminal A may be configured to input the second password to the data receiving unit 1a.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and includes a data processing section 1a, a print processing section 1b,
It comprises a storage unit 1c, an operation unit 1d, a collation unit 1e, a discharge tray selection unit 1f, a control unit 1g, and a sorter device 3. The overall configuration is the same as that of FIG. 4 and includes an image forming apparatus main body 1, a paper feeding device 2, and a sorter device 3. The sorter device 3 has a plurality of discharge trays 3a to 3c. The data receiving unit 1a is connected to an external terminal A such as a host computer.
This is a part for receiving the image data transmitted from.
In the present invention, the paper output trays 3a to 3c are used together with the image data.
A password designating any one of the above is also received. The data receiving unit 1a may convert the received image data into image data that can be subjected to print processing as needed. The print processing unit 1b includes the data processing unit 1
This is a part for performing printing processing of the image data received in a. When the password is transmitted from the external terminal A together with the image data, the storage unit 1c does not transmit the image data to the print processing unit 1b but stores the image data together with the password. The operation unit 1d may be a unit configured with normal buttons or the like, and is a unit for inputting a password. The collating unit 1e is a unit that verifies whether there is a password entered in the operation unit 1d that is the same as the password stored in the storage unit 1c. Output tray selection section 1f
Discharges sheets printed by the image data transmitted from the storage unit 1c to the print processing unit 1b to any of the discharge trays 3a to 3c based on a password specifying the discharge trays 3a to 3c of the sorter device 3. This is the part that instructs whether to do paper. The controller 1g controls the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when the data receiver 1a receives a password and image data, the controller 1g controls the memory 1c to store the password and the image data. Is input, the matching unit 1e checks the password against the password stored in the storage unit 1c. If the same password is stored, all the image data stored together with the password are stored in the storage unit 1e.
c to the print processing unit 1b to perform print processing, and control the paper subjected to the print processing to be discharged to the paper discharge tray designated by the password by the paper discharge tray selection unit 1f.

According to the present invention, in order for the control unit 1g to perform the above-described control, a password for designating any of the paper discharge trays 3a to 3c is added from the external terminal A to the image data. 1, the person who does not know the password cannot print the image data received together with the password. Therefore, the confidential information can be obtained without attaching a lock case or a cover to each of the paper output trays 3a to 3c. Ability to maintain

Further, even when the number of paper discharge trays provided in the sorter device 3 is small, virtual multi-stage sorter trays can be set in the storage unit 4 and many types of passwords can be prepared. Only when the password is input from the operation unit 1d, one output tray is
Since the print documents are not mixed even as a dedicated tray of the group, it can be sufficiently realized as a mailbox function. Further, since there is no need to provide the same number of persons / groups as the number of discharge trays, the intervals between the discharge trays can be greatly increased, and the number of printable sheets that can be stacked can be greatly increased. .

Further, in this embodiment, the sorter device 3 has a configuration in which a large number of paper output trays 3a to 3c are provided. However, even if only one paper output tray is provided, a sufficient mailbox function can be realized. Can be. In this embodiment, the operation unit 1d for inputting a password is provided. However, the password may be input from the external terminal A to the data receiving unit 1a. May be received.

[0020]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the passwords collated by the collating unit are the same, the case or lid of the paper discharge tray designated by the password by the unlocking unit. , The confidentiality of the printed document can be protected, and the case or lid of the predetermined discharge tray can be unlocked without carrying the key.

Alternatively, a storage unit for storing the image data and the password is provided, and when the password is input, all the image data related to the password is sent from the storage unit to the print processing unit for printing, and designated by the password. Image formation that provides high confidentiality of printed documents and achieves the mailbox function with the minimum number of required output trays without providing a lockable output tray to output to the output tray It can be a device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a paper discharge tray with a case according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a second invention of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Image forming apparatus main body 1a: Data receiving unit 1b: Print processing unit 1c: Storage unit 1d: Operation unit 1e: Collation unit 1f: Output tray selection unit 1g: Control unit 1h: Lock release unit 2: Paper feed device 3 ： Sorter device 3a ～ 3j ： Ejection tray

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 BB10 HJ10 HK11 HN04 HN05 HN15 2H027 EJ03 EJ15 ZA07 2H072 AA01 AA22 AB12 AB17 FB01 FC12 FC17 3F050 BD03 BD05 CA08 CB07 CE06 LA02 LA05 LA03 AC03 CA03 AC03 AC01

Claims (2)

[Claims] A print processing section for performing printing processing on paper based on image data; a discharge tray having a case or lid with a lock function capable of stacking the printed paper; and a plurality of discharge trays. A sorter unit provided, a first password for designating a discharge tray to be discharged from an external terminal and a data receiving unit for receiving image data, and a discharge of the printed sheet specified by the first password An image forming apparatus comprising: a discharge tray selection unit that discharges paper onto a tray; a storage unit that stores a second password for unlocking a case or a lid of the plurality of discharge trays; And a collating unit for collating a password input from a unit or the external terminal with the second password, and when the password collated by the collating unit is the same, the password An image forming apparatus comprising a lock release portion for releasing the locking of a specified output tray case or lid, that equipped with. 2. A print processing unit for performing printing processing on paper based on image data, a paper discharge tray capable of stacking the printed paper, a sorter unit provided with one or more paper discharge trays, A data receiving unit that receives a password and image data specifying a paper output tray to be discharged from the terminal;
A discharge tray selection unit that discharges the printed paper to a discharge tray specified by the password; a storage unit that stores the password and image data; and a storage unit. And a collating unit for collating the password stored in the operation unit or the password input from the external terminal, and when receiving the password and the image data in the data receiving unit, controls to store the password and the image data in the storage unit. When a password is input from the operation unit or the external terminal, and the collation unit determines that the same password is stored in the storage unit, the printing unit prints all the image data stored together with the password from the storage unit. The processing unit prints the paper, and prints the printed paper in the discharge tray designated by the password in the discharge tray selection unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that comprises a control unit for controlling to discharge the.