JP2000098819A - Image processor and image processor control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To substantially shorten the time required to obtain the same management environment as that of other copying machine that a user is using by connecting a digital copying machine over network at the time of newly setting the digital copying machine. SOLUTION: A department number and a password are inputted through ten key, and the range of an IP address for searching other image processor over the network is specified (S5). The other image processor returns attribute information such as its name and the number of registered departments in response to the IP address, therefore the information is received (S6). Subsequently, the department number and the password are received from the place where the specified ID code is obtained, and are stored in a memory (S10). Thus, even in the case where the department number and the password are not registered at all when the one's image processor is installed, the department number and password registered in the other image processor are received in the form of copies and can be registered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital copying machine having a network communication function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional digital copying machine, a user ID (for example, a combination of a department number and a password) for specifying a user who can operate the apparatus is input from an operation unit of the digital copying machine, and digital copying is performed in advance. Some items were registered inside the aircraft.

In such a copying machine, when a user performs a copying operation (copy), his or her own user ID
Is input from the operation unit of the digital copying machine, and if it matches any of the IDs registered in the digital copying machine in advance, the subsequent copying operation is enabled. Then, the number of discharged sheets is counted for each user ID,
It was configured to be manageable.

There is also known a digital copying machine that performs printing in accordance with printing instructions from a plurality of client computers connected to a network.

[0005]

However, when a user purchases a new digital copying machine and a service person installs the digital copying machine, the user tries to manage the number of copies for each department in the same environment as the other copying machines. If the number of departments is assumed to be 1000 departments, the user ID of 1000 departments
Must be input using the operation unit of the digital copying machine. Even if the user IDs are set for the number of departments to be used in this way, every time a new digital copying machine is purchased, an input operation of the user ID from the operation unit for the digital copying machines is performed. This is necessary, and it takes a very long time from the installation of the copying machine to the same management environment as other copying machines used by the user.

According to the present invention, in order to solve such a problem, when a new digital copying machine is installed, the digital copying machine is connected to a network so as to have the same management environment as other copying machines used by the user. The aim is to significantly reduce the time it takes to do so.

[0007]

The present invention has, for example, the following constitution in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

That is, the ID storage means capable of storing a plurality of ID numbers permitting use of the apparatus, and the input ID number matches one of the ID numbers stored in the ID storage means. Permission means for permitting the subsequent operation of the apparatus, communication means for enabling communication with another image processing apparatus via a communication medium, and the ID for another image processing apparatus communicable by the communication means. A communication unit for receiving the registered ID number via the communication unit when the number is registered, and a registration unit for storing the received ID received by the communication unit in the ID storage unit It is characterized by the following.

[0009] For example, there is provided an operating means capable of inputting an operation instruction of the apparatus, wherein the permitting means includes a user ID input by the user from the operating means, which is one of ID numbers stored in the ID storage means. When the ID number matches, the subsequent operation of the apparatus is permitted.

[0010] For example, the user ID is a combination of a department number and a password. Alternatively, when the ID number is registered in another image processing apparatus specified by the destination designation information input by the operation means, the communication unit transmits the registered ID number to the communication unit. Receiving through the means.

Further, for example, the communication means includes a search means for searching for and displaying another communicable image processing apparatus, confirming the other image processing apparatus searched by the search means, and receiving an ID from the operation means. It is characterized in that it is possible to input an instruction to another image processing apparatus to receive a number.

For example, the communication means searches for another communicable image processing apparatus and checks whether or not an ID number is registered in the other searched image processing apparatus.
If the number is registered, the registered ID
A number is received via the communication means.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a copying machine will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a reader unit 1 reads an image of a document, and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to a printer unit 2 and an image input / output control unit 3. The printer unit 2 records an image corresponding to image data from the reader unit 1 and the image input / output control unit 3 on recording paper.

The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1, and comprises a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a network interface unit 7, a LIPS formatter unit 8, a postscript formatter unit 9, a core unit 10, and the like.

The facsimile unit 4 receives communication data from another information processing device via a telephone line or a public line network, decompresses the received compressed image data, and sends the decompressed image data to the core unit 10. The image data transmitted from the core unit 10 is compressed, and the compressed image data is transmitted to another communication device via a telephone line.

A magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file section 5. The file unit 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10 and stores the compressed image data together with a keyword for searching the image data on a magneto-optical disk set in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6.

The file section 5 searches compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred through the core section 10, reads out the searched compressed image data, decompresses it, and decompresses it. The transferred image data is transferred to the core unit 10.

The network interface unit 7 is provided with a personal computer or a workstation (PC / PC).
WS) 11 and the core unit 10. Also, it is an interface between the core unit 10 and another digital copying machine 13 similarly connected to the network.

When receiving a user ID registered in another digital copying machine according to the embodiment described later, the reception is performed through the network interface 7.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a network server, which is the center of network control. The LIPS formatter unit 8 and the PS formatter unit 9 develop PDL data transferred from the PC / WS 11 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. The core unit 10 includes the reader unit 1,
The flow of data among the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, network interface unit 7, and formatter units 8 and 9 is controlled. The core 10
Will be described later in detail.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the image processing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, 1
Reference numeral 00 denotes a copying apparatus main body, and reference numeral 180 denotes a circulation type automatic document feeder (RDF). The reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 is 101 to 109 in FIG. 2, and the printer unit 2 is 110 to 16 in FIG.
Corresponds to 3.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass as a document placing table, 102 denotes a scanner, and the scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is scanned by a scanning mirror 104.
The light passes through the lens 108 through to 106 to form an image on the CCD sensor 109.

An exposure control unit 107 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 107 is converted into an electric signal by an image sensor unit 109, and based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described later has been performed. The photosensitive drum 110 is irradiated with the modulated laser beam 129. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 1
21, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided.

In the image forming section 126, the photosensitive drum 1
10 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, a laser beam 129 from the exposure control unit 120 is irradiated, and An image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is fed into the image forming section of the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136, and is transferred by the registration roller 137 to the transfer belt. Is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118.

After the transfer, the photosensitive drum is cleaned of residual toner by a cleaner device 116 and the pre-exposure lamp 11
4 erases the residual charge. The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, and the pre-fixing charger 13
9, 140, the toner image is recharged, and the fixing device 141
To the discharge roller 142
Is discharged in the sort of the main body 100.

Reference numeral 119 denotes an attraction charger for attracting the transfer paper sent from the registration roller to the transfer belt 130.
138 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and, at the same time, is paired with the attraction charger 119 to
Is a transfer belt roller for adsorbing and charging the transfer paper.

The main body 100 is provided with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Also, a multi-bypass tray 153 capable of storing 100 transfer papers.
Is equipped.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 154 to a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side.

Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. When the flapper is tilted to the left, the transfer paper is directly returned to the lower transport path 158 without returning to the reversing path 155. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 through the path 160. 161 is disposed near the discharge flapper 154,
A discharge roller for discharging the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the copied transfer paper is sent to the reversing path 155 and stored, and then the multiple flapper 157 is moved to the left. Then, the transfer paper stored in the reversing path 155 is sent to the transport path 158. At this time, by inverting the transfer paper in the reversing path 155, the transfer paper can be sent to the transport path 158 in an inverted state. Then, the sheet is stored in the sheet re-feeding tray 156 in an inverted state.

At the time of multiple recording (multiple copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, and the copied transfer paper is sent to the transport path 158 and then stored in the re-feed tray 156. I do. Refeed tray 156
Is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feeding roller 159 one by one from below.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward and the flapper 1 is discharged.
57 to the right and pass the copied transfer paper to the reverse path 15
5 and the rear end of the transfer paper is
Is transferred to the second feed roller 162a side by the reversing roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged out of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the reader unit 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, image data output from the CCD 209 is subjected to analog / digital conversion by an A / D / SH unit 210 and is subjected to shading correction. The image data processed by the A / D / SH unit 210 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and the interface unit 213
Is transferred to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via

The CPU 214 controls the image processing unit 211 and the interface 213 according to the settings set on the operation unit 500. For example, when a copy mode in which a trimming process is performed by the operation unit 500 to perform copying is set, the image processing unit 211 performs the trimming process and transfers the image data to the printer unit 2.

When the facsimile transmission mode is set on the operation unit 500, the interface 213
The control command corresponding to the image data and the set mode is transferred to the core unit 10. Such a CPU 214
Is stored in the memory 216, and C
The PU 214 performs control while referring to the memory 216.
The memory 216 is also used as a work area of the CPU 214.

Further, the memory 216 is also used for registering the department number and password of the copying machine user of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 4, image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and a control command from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 323.

The data processing section 321 mainly performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 321 is transmitted to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the file unit 5 via the interface 320 according to the control command transferred from the reader unit 1.
The data is transferred to the network interface unit 7.

The network interface unit 7
Is transferred to the data processing unit 321 to determine whether the PDL is LIPS or PostScript. Then, the data is transferred to an appropriate formatter unit 8 or 9 and is developed into image data. The image data is transferred to the data processing unit 321 and then to the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2.

The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 321 and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, and the network interface unit 7. The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, and the network interface unit 7.

The CPU 323 performs the above-described various controls in accordance with the control program stored in the memory 324 and the control commands transferred from the reader unit 1. The memory 324 is also used as a work area of the CPU 323.

The network interface unit 7 has M
A database called an IB (Management Information Base) is constructed, and communicates with a computer on a network via an SNMP protocol to enable printer management.

Further, a user ID registered in another digital copying machine, which will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment.
Is received, for example, in the TCP / IP protocol,
Communicates with other digital copiers, receives information on the type of other digital copier and whether the user ID is registered, and based on that information, receives the user ID registered with the other copier, Is registered in the memory 216 of the reader unit 1 as the user ID of the digital copier.

As described above, the processing combining the functions of reading the original image, printing the image, transmitting and receiving the image, storing the image, and inputting / outputting the data from / to the computer can be performed mainly on the core unit 10. It is possible.

FIG. 5 shows the reader unit 1 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen in a copy mode, which is an example of a basic screen displayed on the display unit of FIG. The portion surrounded by the outer frame in FIG. 5 is the display unit. On the right side of the display unit, five keys 523 to 528 described later are provided. In addition,
The display unit is a touch panel, and the displayed function is executed by touching the inside of the frame of each displayed function with a finger or the like.

The guide key 523 is a key to be pressed when the function of a certain key is not known. When a key desired to be explained is pressed after the guide key 523 is pressed, the explanation of the key is displayed. The copy mode key 524 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. Then, when the copy mode key 524 is pressed, a copy mode screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

The fax key 525 is a key pressed when the apparatus is used as a facsimile apparatus, and the file key 526 is a key pressed when the user wants to output file data. A printer key 427 is a key that is pressed when the user wants to change the print density or refer to a print output result of a PDL image from a remote host. I
A D key 528 is a key for shifting to a password input screen described later.

In the display section 500, reference numeral 501 denotes an extended function key. By pressing this key, a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, moving, binding margin setting, and frame erasing setting is entered. Reference numeral 502 denotes an image mode key. Pressing this key enters a setting mode for shading, shading, trimming, and masking the copied image.

Reference numeral 503 denotes a user mode key. By pressing this key, registration of a mode memory and setting of a standard mode screen can be performed. Reference numeral 504 denotes an advanced zoom key. By pressing this key, a mode is entered in which the X and Y directions of the document are independently scaled, and a mode of a zoom program for calculating a scaling ratio from the document size and the copy size.

The M1 key 505, the M2 key 506, and the M3 key 507 are keys to be pressed when recalling the registered mode memories. An option key 509 is a key for setting optional functions such as a film projector for directly copying from a film.

A sorter key 510 is a key for setting whether to use a mechanical sorter or an electronic sorter, and for setting sorter sort, group, and other mode. The mixed original key 511 is a key to be pressed when an A4 size and an A3 size, or a B5 size and a B4 size original are set together on the original feeder.

The same-magnification key 512 is used to set the copy magnification to 100%.
The key to press when A reduction key 514 and an enlargement key 515 are keys to be pressed when performing standard reduction and enlargement. The paper selection key 513 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The density keys 518 and 520 are keys 51
Each time the key 8 is pressed, a dark copy is made, and every time the key 520 is pressed, a light copy is made. The display of the density display 517 changes right and left when the density key is pressed.

An AE key 519 is a key to be pressed when an original with a dark background such as a newspaper is to be subjected to automatic density adjustment copying.
The HiFi key 521 is a key to be pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a photo document. The character emphasis key 522 is a key to be pressed when characters are to be highlighted in copying a character document.

FIG. 6 shows the operation unit 5 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen for inputting a user ID (department number and password) at 00.

When the user intends to use the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, he or she inputs his / her department number and password. Then, the memory 2 of the image processing apparatus is
If the combination of the department number and the password registered in No. 16 matches, the subsequent operation is enabled. After that, the screen shifts to the basic operation screen shown in FIG.

If the password does not match the combination of the department number and the password registered in the memory 216, the fact that the password does not match is displayed on the operation unit, and subsequent operations such as a copy operation are not permitted.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a department ID key. After the department ID key 601 is depressed, a ten-key (not shown) is used to enter a department number, for example, "123" in FIG.
4 ". Reference numeral 602 denotes a personal identification number key. When a department number is input as described above, this key is pressed, and a password corresponding to the user's own department number, for example, "6789" in the case of FIG.

Reference numeral 603 denotes an OK key for confirming the entered department number and password, and when the entered number is acceptable, for collating with the combination of the department number and password registered in the memory 216 of the image processing apparatus in advance. Key to press.

When the user presses the OK key 603 and the password matches one of the combination of the department number and the password registered in the image processing apparatus in advance, the display shifts to the basic screen shown in FIG.

When the copy operation is completed, for example,
The user presses the ID key 528 to shift to the password input screen of FIG. Alternatively, if the key of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus is not pressed for one minute after the image forming operation is completed, it is determined that the user has finished using the image forming apparatus, and the process is automatically performed as shown in FIG.
The screen shifts to the password input screen shown in.

If the combination of the department number and the password does not match any of the combinations of the department number and the password registered in the image processing apparatus in advance, the fact that the password does not match is displayed on the operation unit, and the copy operation is possible. And not. If the entered department number and password are incorrectly entered, the input of the entered data, for example, the department number “1234” and the password “6789” in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a section-specific ID in the operation unit 500.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a management screen, which is a screen for registering a department number and a password, or referring to and clearing a copy (print) number counter for a department number.

After pressing an administrator key (not shown), an administrator password is entered using a numeric keypad (not shown).
If the password matches the administrator password registered in the memory 216 of the image processing apparatus in advance, an administrator screen (not shown) is displayed, and when a "department ID management key" is pressed there, the screen shifts to the screen of FIG.

Reference numeral 611 denotes a department-specific ID management valid key.
By pressing this key to reverse the key,
Enable management. That is, the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, the user inputs the department number and the password, and if the department number and the password registered in the image processing apparatus match, the basic screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed to use the image processing apparatus. Is enabled, and if they do not match, it is disabled.

Reference numeral 612 denotes a department ID management invalidation key.
By pressing this key to invert the key, the user is not prompted to enter the department number and password, and the basic screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed without displaying the screen shown in FIG. , So that the image processing apparatus can be used.

Reference numeral 613 denotes a personal identification number registration key. By pressing this key, all department numbers and passwords permitted to use the image processing device are registered in the memory 216 of the image processing device. However, according to the control method of the present embodiment described later, the operation of inputting the department numbers and passwords for the number of departments to be managed from the operation unit is omitted.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a count management key. By pressing this key, a list of the number of copies or prints corresponding to the department number is displayed.

A cancel key 615 invalidates the setting of the key pressed on the screen shown in FIG.
The screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. 6 when the section-by-section management is performed, and to the screen shown in FIG. 5 when the section-by-section management is not performed.

Reference numeral 616 denotes an OK key. By pressing this key, the setting of the key pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 7 is made valid. 6
If the user presses an OK key 616 after pressing 11, the management by department becomes effective, and the screen shifts to the screen in FIG. 6, prompting the user to input a department number and a password.

If the user presses the OK key 616 after pressing the department ID management invalidation key 612, the department management becomes invalid.
The screen shifts to the basic screen in FIG. 5, and the user can use the image processing apparatus without user authentication. After pressing the password registration key 613 and pressing the OK key 616,
The screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. If the user presses the OK key 616 after pressing the count management key 614, the screen shifts to a screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a section number in this embodiment,
It is a figure for explaining a password setting screen. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 621 denotes a section number setting field. The section number field to be registered is touched and highlighted, and the section number, for example, "1"
234 "is input using a numeric keypad (not shown). Reference numeral 622 denotes a password setting field. The password field corresponding to the department number is touched and inverted, and the password, for example, “43”
21 "is input using a numeric keypad (not shown).

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the password column is touched for the department number "1234", inverted, and "4321" is input using a ten-key (not shown).

Reference numeral 623 denotes a down scroll key, which is pressed to display the next screen of the section number and the password list.
Reference numeral 624 denotes an up scroll key, which is pressed to display a screen before the list of department numbers and passwords. Reference numeral 627 denotes a cancel key. Pressing this cancels the input department number and password data, and returns to the screen of FIG.

An OK key 625 validates the input of the set department number and password, and writes and registers all newly input department numbers and passwords in the memory 216. Note that the department number and password width entered before pressing the OK key are stored in the temporary buffer area of the memory 216. If the cancel key of 627 is pressed, this area is cleared and the OK key is pressed. If this is the case, enter the department number and password from this area into memory 216
Move to the department number and password registration area.

According to the control means of the present embodiment described later, for example, when a new image processing apparatus is installed, the operation of inputting the department number and the password by the operation unit can be omitted. That is, the list data of the department number and the password registered in the other image processing apparatus before are copied to the department number and password registration area of the memory 216 of the own image processing apparatus via the network.

Of course, this copy gives the department number,
If additional registration of a department number and a password is required after the password list is registered, the registration work may be performed on the screen of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a section-specific count screen in this embodiment. In FIG.
Reference numeral 630 denotes a section number display field, which displays the number of a section using the image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 631 denotes a count display field, which indicates a numerical value indicating how many copies or prints are made by the user of the section number.

For example, in the case of FIG. 9, the section with the section number 1234 indicates that 5210 sheets have been copied or printed. A lower scroll key 634 is pressed to display the next screen of the section number and the counter list. 62
Reference numeral 4 denotes an up scroll key, which is pressed to display a screen before the department number and the counter list.

Reference numeral 635 denotes a count all clear key, which is used by an administrator to copy the data of the department number and the counter list. Or press to reset counters for all departments after printing. A count print key 637 is pressed to print a list of department numbers and counters from the image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 632 denotes an OK key, and when this key is pressed, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG.

Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a user ID (that is, a department number and a password), which is a control unique to this embodiment, is received from another image processing apparatus via a network. , Memory 21 of own image processing apparatus
6 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a user ID (that is, a department number and a password), which is control unique to the present embodiment, received from another image processing apparatus via a network, and is registered in the memory 216 of its own image processing apparatus. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a screen of an operation unit for executing a selection unit for selecting another image processing apparatus connected to the network in the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an acquisition destination list display screen of the operation unit according to the embodiment.

In this embodiment, the user ID
(That is, a department number and a password) can be received from another image processing apparatus via a network and registered in the memory 216 of the own image processing apparatus. Is configured to be executable.

First, in step S1, an administrator screen (not shown) is displayed. In the display of the administrator screen, after pressing an administrator key (not shown), an administrator password is input using a numeric keypad (not shown), and the password matches the administrator password registered in the memory 216 of the image processing apparatus in advance. Display the administrator screen in the case.

Subsequently, in step S2, a department data acquisition destination designation screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed to execute a selecting means for selecting another image processing apparatus connected to the network. This can be done by pressing the “department data acquisition key” on the administrator screen while the administrator screen is displayed.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 640 denotes an address designation key, which permits input of an IP address of a network device of another image processing apparatus to be searched. A search range designation key 641 designates a range of IP addresses for searching for another image processing apparatus on the network.

This is because, when the IP address of another image processing apparatus is not directly known, or when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses within the range of the IP address, the user can select the department number and the password from among them. This is effective when it is desired to select an image processing apparatus that obtains.

Reference numeral 643 denotes a search range start point address.
Other image processing devices that obtain the department number and password
Specify the starting point of the IP address to start searching on the network. Reference numeral 644 denotes a search range end address, which designates an end point of an IP address to be searched on the network.

Reference numeral 645 denotes an OK button for validating the input result. A cancel key 646 is pressed to invalidate the input.

When the department data acquisition destination designation screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed in step S2, it is checked in step S3 whether another image processing apparatus to be searched can be specified as one. If one device can be specified, the process proceeds to step S4, and the IP address of the network device is input.

For example, after pressing the address designation key 640 to invert the key, one of the other image processing apparatuses connected to the network is designated by a ten-key (not shown). If the IP address of another image processing apparatus on the network, for which the department number and password are registered in advance, is 150.61.65.9, enter the numerical value.

Then, the user presses the OK button 645 to proceed to step S6 to start communication with another image processing apparatus using the TCP / IP protocol. First, a command for inquiring whether or not the designated partner is the image processing apparatus is transmitted to the IP address. If the other party is an image processing apparatus, the other party's image processing apparatus returns attribute information such as its own name and the number of registered departments as a response, and receives such information. Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the other party cannot be identified as one, the process proceeds to step S5, and the search range is designated with the search range designation key 641. That is, after pressing the search range designating key 641 to invert the key, the user enters a department number and a password using a numeric keypad (not shown) to search for another image processing apparatus on the network.
Specify an address range.

This is because, when the IP address of another image processing apparatus is not directly known, or when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses within the range of the IP address, the user can select a department number and a password from among them. This is effective when it is desired to select an image processing apparatus that obtains.

First, the user presses the search range start point address 643 and specifies the department number and password of another image processing apparatus to start searching on the network. Subsequently, the user presses the search range end point address 644 to specify the end point of the IP address that ends searching on the network.

For example, the starting point of the search for the IP address of another image processing apparatus on the network in which the department number and the password are registered in advance is 150.61.6.
In the case where the number is 5.000 and the end point is 150.61.65.255, input those numerical values with the ten keys.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S6, wherein O of 645 is executed.
When the user presses the K button, another image processing apparatus on the network is searched from the start IP address to the end IP address for the first time. That is, first, the I of 150.61.65,000
Communication is performed using a P address and a command for asking whether the other party is an image processing apparatus according to the TCP / IP protocol. If there is no response from the other party or if there is no response for a certain period of time, similarly, 150.61.6.001,
Proceed to 150.6.65.002 and 150.61.6
Search until the end point of 5.255.

If the other party is an image processing apparatus for each of these IP addresses, the other party's image processing apparatus returns attribute information such as its own name and the number of registered departments as a response, and receives those information. . And step S
Go to 7.

In step S7, a list of image processing apparatuses which are likely to be able to acquire the ID code among the network connection apparatuses designated from the attribute information acquired in step S6 is displayed. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an acquisition destination list display screen of the operation unit according to the present embodiment.

The screen shown in FIG. 12 shows the attributes such as the name of the device, the department number, and the number of registered departments in which the password is registered according to the TCP / IP protocol obtained in step S6. It shows the result of returning information as a response.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 650 denotes a device name display field.
/ IP communication or communication is performed by designating an address search range in step S5, and the obtained device name of the partner image processing apparatus is displayed.

For example, in the case of FIG. 12, as a result of specifying a search range and performing a search, a monochrome copying machine GP215
This indicates that communication with two color copying machines CLC300 has been performed. Reference numeral 651 denotes an ID registration number display field, which displays the number of registered department numbers and passwords registered in the respective image processing apparatuses. The example of FIG. 12 shows that the department number and password of 100 departments are registered in both the GP 215 and the CLC 300.

Reference numeral 654 denotes a down scroll key, which is pressed to display a screen next to a list of device names and the number of registered departments. An upper scroll key 655 is pressed to display the screen before the list of the device names and the number of registered departments.

In step S8 following step S7, the acquisition destination list displayed in step S7 is checked to determine whether a desired acquisition destination is displayed. When the desired destination is not displayed or when no destination is displayed, the cancel key 6 shown in FIG.
Press 53 to stop acquiring the department number and password from the displayed device list and return to step S2 to display the screen of FIG.

On the other hand, if there is a desired destination, the flow advances to step S9 to specify an ID code destination. That is, after touching and specifying the device to be acquired, the OK key 652 is pressed. For example, in the case of FIG. 12, if you want to obtain the department number and password from another GP 215, touch the line displaying the device to highlight it, and press the 652 OK key to specify the ID code acquisition destination. I do.

In step S10, the designated ID code acquisition destination (for example, another image processing apparatus GP215) is used to specify the department number and password of the designated apparatus (for example, 100 departments), TCP / IP. Received by the protocol, the network interface unit 7,
Via the core unit 10, the section number and the password are stored in the registration area of the memory 216 of the reader unit 1.

With this control, even when no department number and password are registered at the time of installing the image processing apparatus of the user, the department number and password registered in another GP215 image processing apparatus are copied by this control. You can receive and register.

That is, in FIG. 8, in this case, the operation of manually inputting a department number and a password for 100 departments in the operation section can be omitted altogether.

Also, for example, the user's own device is GP215, and as a result of the search, the partner device is the same device GGP.
If the section number and the password are registered in P215 and the screen in FIG. 12 is not displayed, the screen in FIG.
After pressing the key, a list of department numbers and passwords may be automatically received and registered.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine is newly installed,
Even when a network connection is made, if a user ID, for example, a combination of a department number and a password has already been registered in another digital copying machine connected to the network, the other digital copying machines will collectively register the department. The data block of the number and the password can be received and stored in the own apparatus, and the department management can be performed in the same environment as other digital copying machines without having to manually input a password manually.

Thus, each time a digital copier is newly installed, user IDs for the number of departments to be managed, for example, combinations of department numbers and passwords,
This eliminates the hassle of inputting data from the operation unit of a digital copier, and significantly reduces the time from the installation of a new digital copier until it can be used in the same management environment as other digital copiers. effective.

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus including a single device can be used. (For example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

[0119]

As described above, according to the present invention, from the new installation of an image processing apparatus to the fact that it can be used in the same management environment as other existing apparatuses without any troublesome work. Time can be greatly reduced.

[0120]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a reader unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a core unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen in a copy mode, which is an example of a basic screen displayed on the display unit of the reader unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen for inputting a user ID (department number and password) in the operation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a department ID management screen in the operation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a department number and password setting screen according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a department-specific count screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control for receiving a user ID from another image processing apparatus via a network and registering the user ID in a memory of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit for executing a selection unit for selecting another image processing apparatus connected to a network according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an acquisition destination list display screen of the operation unit according to the present embodiment.

[Brief description of reference numerals]

Reference Signs List 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 image input / output control unit 4 facsimile unit 5 file unit 6 magneto-optical disk drive unit 7 network interface unit 8 LIPS formatter unit 9 postscript formatter unit 10 core unit 11 personal computer or workstation (PC / WS) DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Network server 13 Other digital copying machine 100 Copier main body 180 Recirculating automatic document feeder (RDF) 101 Platen glass 102 Scanner 103 Document illumination lamp 104-106 Scanning mirror 107, 120 Exposure controller 108 Lens 109 CCD sensor (image Sensor part) 110 Photoconductor drum 112 Primary charger 114 Pre-exposure lamp 116 Cleaning device 118 Transfer charger 119 Adsorption charger 121 Development 126 Image Forming Unit 130 Transfer Belt 131 Upper Cassette 132 Lower Cassette 133, 134 Pickup Roller 135, 136 Feed Roller 137 Registration Roller 138 Transfer Belt Roller 139, 140 Pre-Fixation Charger 141 Fixer 142 Discharge Roller 150 Deck 151 Lifter 152 Feed Paper roller 153 Multi manual feed 154 Discharge flapper 155 Reverse path 156 Refeed tray 157 Multiple flapper 158 Lower transport path 159 Feed roller 161 Discharge roller 162 First feed roller 162a Second feed roller 163 Reverse roller

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 G03G 21/00 390 F term (Reference) 2C061 AP04 CL08 2H027 EE08 EE10 EJ03 EJ04 EJ08 EJ15 ZA07 5B021 AA05 AA19 BB04 CC05 CC09 EE04 NN18 5B089 GA08 GA21 HA01 HA06 JB22 KA03 LB12 5C062 AA05 AB01 AB20 AB38 AB42 AE00 AF00 BA04

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An ID storage means capable of storing a plurality of ID numbers permitting use of an apparatus, and an input ID number matches one of the ID numbers stored in the ID storage means. Permission means for sometimes permitting subsequent operation of the apparatus, communication means for enabling communication with another image processing apparatus via a communication medium, and the ID for another image processing apparatus communicable by the communication means. A communication unit for receiving the registered ID number via the communication unit when the number is registered; and a registration unit for storing the received ID received by the communication unit in the ID storage unit. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. An operation unit capable of inputting an operation instruction of an apparatus, wherein the permission unit is configured to input a user ID from the operation unit by a user by using any one of ID numbers stored in the ID storage unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subsequent operation of the apparatus is permitted when the ID number matches the ID number. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said user ID is a combination of a department number and a password. 4. When the ID number is registered in another image processing apparatus specified by the destination designation information inputted and instructed by the operation means, the communication means includes the registered ID number. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus receives the information via the communication unit. 5. The communication means includes a search means for searching for and displaying another communicable image processing apparatus, confirming the other image processing apparatus searched by the search means, and receiving an ID number from the operation means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein an instruction can be input to another image processing apparatus that should receive the command. 6. The communication means searches for another communicable image processing apparatus and sends an ID to another searched image processing apparatus.
4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: confirming whether or not the ID number is registered, and when the ID number is registered, receiving the registered ID number via the communication unit. The image processing device according to any one of the above. 7. An ID storage means capable of storing a plurality of ID numbers permitting use of the apparatus,
One of the ID numbers stored in the D storage means
An image processing apparatus control method in an image processing system capable of connecting a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a communication medium, the image processing apparatus including: a permission unit that permits a subsequent operation of the apparatus when the numbers match. When the ID number is registered in another image processing apparatus connected via the communication medium, the registered ID number is received through the communication medium, and the received reception ID is stored in the ID storage unit. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the control is performed when an ID number is not stored in an ID storage unit of the apparatus. 9. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein the ID number is a combination of a department number and a password. 10. An image processing apparatus that receives an ID number searches for and displays another image processing apparatus to which destination designation information has been instructed, and confirms the searched other image processing apparatus for ID. 10. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein an instruction can be input to another image processing apparatus to receive a number. 11. Searching for another communicable image processing apparatus, confirming whether or not the ID number has been registered in the other searched image processing apparatus, and registering the ID number when the ID number has been registered. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the received ID number is received. 12. A computer program sequence for realizing the function according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for realizing the functions according to claim 1. Description: