JP2003195704A - Image forming apparatus, control method, program, and recording medium for the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a more secure and easier log-in procedure in management of an image forming apparatus for each department. <P>SOLUTION: Fingerprint data created by reading a fingerprint is registered in an RAM 175 in association with a section number. A CPU 171 compares the fingerprint data registered in the RAM 175 in advance with fingerprint data created by reading the fingerprint of a user by means of a fingerprint reading part 616 when the apparatus is used. In the case that the CPU 171 determines that the created fingerprint data are the registered one, the CPU 171 controls so that the image forming apparatus is allowed to be used according to the department number registered in association with the fingerprint data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention controls a usable state of an apparatus based on a department number and a personal identification number input at the time of use and a pre-registered department number and a personal identification number to manage a counter for each department. The present invention relates to a possible image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, a program, and a storage medium that streamline a login procedure at the time of departmental management using a fingerprint authentication function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, copiers have been adapted to departmental management.

When the copying machine manages by department, the user can use the apparatus by setting his department to the copying machine. This is to clarify the details of the charge that occurs according to the number of copies, for each department, to set the upper limit of the number of copies that can be made for each department to prevent overuse, and to prevent unauthorized use by a third party. Its purpose is to prevent unauthorized use.

As a method for setting the department number to be used in the copying machine, the user can input the department number and the personal identification number of the department, or prepare a card key for each department to prepare for the copying machine. There is a method of identifying the department number by identifying the card key. In these cases, the counter for each department is implemented as a software counter for each department in the memory inside the device. Or configure the counter with a hardware counter that can be removed from the main unit,
A method of preparing a counter for each department and setting the counter in a copying machine to enable operation has been used.

[0005]

However, there is a problem in that the above-mentioned personal identification number system cannot be used unless the user always remembers the personal identification number.

Further, the card key system and the detachable counter system have a problem that the card key and the detachable counter must be separately managed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to associate fingerprint data generated by reading a fingerprint with a department number and register it in a memory. When it is verified that the generated fingerprint data is registered by comparing the fingerprint data generated by scanning the user's fingerprint at the time of use and the fingerprint data registered in advance, the fingerprint data is By controlling the device so that it can be used with the department number registered in association with it, the fingerprint authentication is used in the department management of the image forming device to enable a more reliable and simple login procedure. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method and a program for an apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a usable state of an apparatus is determined based on a department number and a personal identification number input at the time of use and a pre-registered department number and personal identification number. In an image forming apparatus capable of controlling counters for each department, individual specifying data generating means (fingerprint reading section 616 shown in FIG. 2) for generating individual specifying data for specifying the user from the physical characteristics of the user. Storage means for registering the personal identification data in association with the department number (a backup RAM (not shown in the RAM 175 shown in FIG. 2)), the personal identification data generated by the personal identification data generating means at the time of use, and the storage. Personal authentication means for comparing the personal identification data registered in the means to authenticate that the generated personal identification data has been registered (C shown in FIG. 2). U171, ROM174, RAM1
75) and if the personal identification means authenticates that the generated personal identification data has been registered, the device is identified by the department number associated with the personal identification data and registered in the storage means. Control means for controlling to enable the use (CPU 171 and ROM 17 shown in FIG. 2)
4, RAM 175).

A second aspect of the present invention is that the storage means (a backup RAM (not shown in the RAM 175 shown in FIG. 2)) can register the personal identification data in association with a plurality of department numbers. Characterize.

A third aspect of the present invention is the control means (CPU 171, ROM 174, RAM 17 shown in FIG. 2).
In 5), if the generated personal identification data is authenticated as registered and the personal identification data is associated with a plurality of department numbers in the storage unit, which department number is used? It is characterized by controlling the user to select whether to use the device (FIG. 9).

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the control means (CPU 171, ROM 174, RAM 17 shown in FIG. 2).
5) If the generated personal identification data is not authenticated as registered, the department number and the personal identification number are input, and the input department number and the personal identification number are registered. And the personal identification number, the personal identification data generated is controlled to be associated with the department number and registered in the storage means (FIG. 8).

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the personal identification data is fingerprint data, and the personal identification data generating means (fingerprint reader 616 shown in FIG. 2) reads the fingerprint of the user. It is characterized by generating fingerprint data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the usable state of the apparatus is controlled based on the department number and the personal identification number input at the time of use and the pre-registered department number and personal identification number. In a control method of an image forming apparatus capable of counter management, a personal identification data generating step (steps S702 and S719 of FIG. 7) of generating personal identification data for identifying a user from the physical characteristics of the user; A registration step of registering specific data in the memory in association with the department number (steps S712, S715, S in FIG. 7).
719) and personal identification data generated in the personal identification data generating step at the time of use, and personal registration data registered in advance are compared to authenticate that the generated personal identification data has been registered. In the step (step S704 in FIG. 7) and when it is verified that the generated personal identification data is registered, the device can be used with the department number registered in association with the personal identification data. Permission step (step S7 in FIG. 7)
02 → S703 → S704 → S705 → …… → S70
9) and are included.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the personal identification data can be registered in association with a plurality of department numbers in the registration step (step S712 in FIG. 7).

An eighth invention according to the present invention is the use permission step (steps S702 → S703 → S704 → in FIG. 7).
S705 → ... → S709), in the case where the generated personal identification data is authenticated as registered and the personal identification data is associated with a plurality of department numbers in the registration step, It is characterized in that the user is allowed to select which department number to use the apparatus (step S708 of FIG. 7).

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the use permission step (steps S702 → S703 → S704 → of FIG. 7).
If the generated personal identification data is not authenticated as registered (in the case of “No” in step S705 of FIG. 7), the department number and the personal identification number will be changed. Input (step S71 in FIG. 7)
3) If the input department number and personal identification number are the registered department number and personal identification number (step S7 in FIG. 7)
If “Yes” in 14), the generated personal identification data is registered in the registration step in association with the department number (step S715 in FIG. 7).

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the personal identification data is fingerprint data, and the personal identification data generating step (steps S702 and S719 in FIG. 7) is performed by reading the fingerprint of the user. It is characterized by generating data.

The eleventh invention according to the present invention includes claims 6 to 6.
10 is a program for executing the control method of the image forming apparatus described in any one of 10 above.

The twelfth invention according to the present invention is defined by claims 6 to 6.
10. A program for executing the method for controlling an image forming apparatus described in any one of 10 is stored in a storage medium so that the program can be read by a computer.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of an image forming apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 100 is an image forming apparatus, and in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, 101 is a platen glass as a document placing table. Also, 102
Is a scanner, a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 10
It is composed of 4 etc.

A document image of a document placed on the platen glass 101 is scanned by a scanner 102 whose reciprocating motion is controlled in a predetermined direction (left and right direction in the drawing) by a motor (not shown), and reflected light from the document is detected. Scanning mirror 104
Through 106, the light is transmitted through the lens 108 to form an image on the image sensor unit (CCD sensor) 109, and is converted into an electric signal.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an exposure control section composed of a laser output section, a polygon scanner, etc., and irradiates the photosensitive drum 110 of the image forming section 126 with laser light 129. The laser light 129 is modulated based on an image signal obtained by performing a predetermined image processing described later on the electric signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the reflected light of the document output from the CCD sensor 109.

Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charging device 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charging device 118, a separation charging device 119, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided as an image forming portion 126. Equipped.

The photosensitive drum 110 is rotationally controlled in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown). After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, the laser beam 129 is emitted from the exposure controller 120. It is irradiated and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 110. Photoconductor drum 110
The electrostatic latent image formed above is developed by the developing device 121 and visualized as a toner image.

Further, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136, and after passing through the path 160, The registration roller 137 allows the conveyor belt 130
The toner image visualized on the photoconductor drum 110 is transferred by the transfer charger 118.

After the transfer, the cleaning device 116 cleans the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 110, and the pre-exposure lamp 114 erases the residual charge.

The transfer paper after the transfer is separated by the charger 11
9 is separated from the image forming unit 126 by the conveyor belt 1
The sheet 30 is conveyed leftward in the figure. The toner image on the transfer paper is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, and is pressed and heated by the fixing device 141 to be fixed on the transfer paper. The fixed transfer paper is discharged to the outside of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 by the discharge roller 142.

Further, the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of accommodating, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 is designed to ascend according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Furthermore, a multi-purpose manual feed 153 capable of storing 100 sheets of transfer paper is also provided.

A paper discharge flapper 154 switches between a paper discharge side path and a double-sided recording side or multiplex recording side path. The transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 is conveyed to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side when the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised.

Reference numeral 158 denotes a lower conveyance path, which is the discharge roller 1
Double-sided recording is made possible by guiding the transfer paper sent from 42 through the reversing path 155 and turning the transfer paper over to the re-feed tray 156. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between the double-sided recording path and the multiplex recording path. By tilting this to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower transport path 158 without passing through the reversing path 155, and the multiplex recording is performed. It is possible.

A paper feed roller 159 feeds the transfer paper to the image forming section 126 side through the path 160. 161
Is a discharge roller arranged in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154, and when the paper discharge flapper 154 is switched to the discharge side (a state where it is not raised upward), a transfer sent from the paper discharge roller 142 Operates to eject the paper out of the machine. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiplex copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the fixed transfer paper is stored in the re-feed tray 156 via the lower conveyance path 158.

The transfer papers stored in the re-feed tray 156 are separated one by one from below by the paper feed roller 159,
It is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 via the path 160.

Image forming apparatus 1 by reversing the front and back of transfer paper
When discharging from the main body of 00, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the transfer paper to be discharged is once fed to the reversing path 155 side, and the rear end of the transfer paper is the first feed. At the timing of passing the roller 162, the reversing roller 163 causes the second feed roller 1
The transfer paper is conveyed to the side of 62a, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine by the discharge roller 161.

Reference numeral 180 denotes an automatic document feeder (DF), which separates only one document on the front side from a document stack placed on a document table 181 by a paper feed roller 182.
The document is fed onto the platen glass 101 by the document feed roller 164. The document is then scanned by the scanner 102, and the scanned document is discharged to the document discharge table 183 or returned to the document table 181 again.

Reference numeral 190 denotes a paper discharge processing device for aligning and binding the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. In the operation unit 172, which will be described later, when the sheet bundle post-processing operations such as sorting and stapling are not set, the transfer sheet passes through the transport path 194 and is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 191 without passing through the processing tray 193. To be done.

On the other hand, when the sheet discharge bundle post-processing operation is set by the operation unit 172, the transfer sheets discharged one by one through the conveying path 195 are stacked and aligned on the processing tray 193. . Then, when the discharge of the first image formation is completed, the transfer sheet bundle is stapled, and the discharge tray 1
91 or a discharge tray 192 is discharged as a bundle.

When the sheet discharge bundle post-processing operation is set, the sheet bundle is basically discharged to the sheet discharge tray 192.
Depending on the conditions such as full load, the output destination may be the output tray 19
Control to switch to 1. Paper output trays 191, 19
A motor 2 (not shown) is vertically controlled to move the tray 2 so that the tray on which the discharged sheets are stacked comes to the position of the processing tray before the image forming operation is started.

FIG. 2 shows the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part provided in the inside.

In the figure, 171 is the image forming apparatus 10.
0 is a CPU that performs basic control of the whole, a ROM 174 in which a control program is written, a work RAM 175 for processing, and an input / output port 173 are connected by an address bus and a data bus.

A partial area of the RAM 175 is a backup RAM in which data is not erased even when the power is turned off, and section management information (counter for each section, etc.) described later is provided.
Are stored in this backup RAM.

The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the input / output port 173.
Various load devices (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch controlled by 00, and input devices (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the position of the paper to the image forming apparatus 100 are connected.

The CPU 171 sequentially controls the input / output through the input / output port 173 according to the contents of the control program of the ROM 174, and executes the image forming process.

An operation unit 172 is connected to the CPU 171, and the CPU 171 controls the display means and key input means of the operation unit 172. The user can switch the image forming operation mode and the display through the key input means.
The U171 is instructed, and the CPU 171 instructs the display means to
The operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation mode set by key input are displayed. Further, the administrator can shift to the department management mode which requires the input of the department number and the personal identification number when using the apparatus in order to manage the counter for each department through the key input means.

Further, the department number and the personal identification number can be input through the key input means of the operation unit 172, and the department number and the personal identification number are stored in the RAM by the CPU 171.
It is registered on the backup RAM 175. And
When using the device in the department management mode, the operation unit 172
The department number and personal identification number entered from the RAM 175
The CPU 171 controls the usable state of the device based on whether or not the department number and the personal identification number are registered in.

The operation unit 172 has a fingerprint reading unit 616, which reads the fingerprint of the finger placed there, creates fingerprint data, and outputs it to the CPU 171. The fingerprint data is used to identify the user. Examples of the fingerprint data include image data of a fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit 616, but the method for creating fingerprint data in the present embodiment is not particularly limited to this.

The fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint reading unit 616 may be registered in the backup RAM of the RAM 175 by the CPU 171 in association with the department number.

Further, the CPU 171 has the C shown in FIG.
An image processing unit 170 that processes a signal converted into an electric signal by the CD sensor 109 and an image memory unit 3 that stores the processed image are connected.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the image processing section 170.
Will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the image processing section 170 shown in FIG. 2 and a device connected to the image memory section 3. The same parts as those in FIGS. Is attached. The configuration and operation will be described below.

First, the flow of processing when printing a scanned image will be described. The CCD is transferred via the lens 108.
The original image formed on the sensor 109 is the CCD sensor 1
It is converted into an analog electric signal by 09.

The converted image information is input to the analog signal processing unit 300 where it is sampled and held, dark level is corrected, and the like, and then the A / D / SH processing unit 301.
Analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) with
Shading correction is performed on the digitized signal. For shading correction, the CCD sensor 109
Correction for each pixel, and the correction for the light amount variation due to the position based on the light distribution characteristic of the document illumination lamp 103.

Thereafter, the RGB line correction unit 302 performs RGB line correction. The light input to each of the RGB light receiving portions of the CCD sensor 109 at a certain time is shifted according to the positional relationship of the RGB light receiving portions on the document, and therefore,
Here, the RGB signals are synchronized.

After that, the input masking unit 303 performs an input masking process to convert the luminance data into density data. Since the RGB values as they are output from the CCD sensor 109 are influenced by the color filter attached to the CCD sensor 109, the influence is corrected and pure RGB values are obtained.
Convert to a value.

After that, the image is scaled by the scaling unit 304 at a desired scaling ratio, and the scaled image data is sent to the image memory unit 3 and the image is stored.

Image data from a computer is also input to the image memory unit 3 via the external I / F processing unit 4.

When printing the stored image, the image data is sent from the image memory unit 3 to the γ correction unit 305. γ
The correction unit 305 responds to the desired output density from the original density data based on the look-up table (LUT) in consideration of the characteristics of the printer in order to output according to the density value set by the operation unit 172. Convert to the concentration data.

Then, the density data is sent to the binarization unit 306. The binarizing unit 306 binarizes multi-value density data. In the case of multi-value density data, for example, 8-bit density data, the density value takes any value between "0" and "255", but by binarizing, the density value becomes "0", for example. , Or “255”. In other words, while 8-bit data was required to represent the density of a certain pixel, 1-bit data amount is sufficient by binarizing. As a result, the memory capacity for storing image data is reduced, but on the other hand, the gradation of the image changes from the original 256 gradations to 2 gradations, so there are many intermediate gradations such as photographic images. It is generally considered that image data is significantly deteriorated by binarizing the image.

Therefore, it is important to express the pseudo halftone by the binarized data. Here, the error diffusion method is used as a method of pseudo halftone expression with binary data. In this method, if the density of a certain image is greater than a certain threshold value, the density data is “255”, and if it is less than a certain threshold value, the density data is “0”. The difference between the density data and the binarized density data is obtained as an error signal and distributed to the peripheral pixels.
The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying the weighting coefficient on a predetermined matrix by the error generated by the binarization and adding it to the peripheral pixels. by this,
The density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be expressed in a pseudo binary manner.

The binarized density data is sent to the smoothing unit 307 in the printer unit 2. The smoothing unit 307 complements the data so that the ends of the lines of the binarized image are smoothed, and the complemented image data is output to the exposure control unit 120. Exposure control unit 120
Forms an electrostatic latent image of image data on the photoconductor drum 110 as described above.

The flow of processing when transferring the next scanned image via the network is the same as the flow of processing at the time of printing up to the point where density data is stored in the image memory unit 3 in the first half. is there. After that, the image data is sent from the image memory unit 3 to the external I / F processing unit 4, and the image data is transferred from the external I / F processing unit 4 to the desired computer via the network.

The image memory unit 3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal structure and peripheral devices of the image memory unit 3 shown in FIG. 2. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in the figure, the image memory unit 3 includes a page memory 401, a memory controller unit 402, and a compression / compression unit.
It comprises a decompression unit 403 and a hard disk 404.

External I / F processing unit 4 and image processing unit 170
The image data sent from the image memory unit 3 to the image memory unit 3 is written in the page memory 401 by the memory controller unit 402 and then sent to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 170 or accumulated in the hard disk 404. .

When the image data is stored in the hard disk 404, the image data is data-compressed in the compression / expansion unit 403, and the hard disk 4 stores the compressed data.
Written in 04. The memory controller unit 402 also reads the image data stored in the hard disk 404 to the page memory 401.

At this time, the compressed data is read from the hard disk 404, decompressed through the compression / decompression unit 403, and the restored image data is written in the page memory 401.

The memory controller section 402 generates a DRAM refresh signal to be sent to the page memory 401. It also arbitrates access from the external I / F processing unit 4, the image processing unit 170, and the hard disk 404 to the page memory 401. Furthermore, according to the instruction of the CPU 171,
The write address to the page memory 401, the read address from the page memory 401, and the read direction are determined and controlled. By these processes, the CPU 171
Performs a layout in which a plurality of document images are arranged side by side in the page memory 401 and then output to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 170, a function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image, and an image rotation. It becomes possible to control the function.

Further, for example, in the sort mode, the control of reading out and printing the images in the order recorded in the image memory unit 3 for a certain document bundle is repeatedly executed. By performing such control, even in the finisher having only a small number of bins such as the paper discharge processing device 190 in this embodiment, it is possible to play the same role as a sorter having a large number of bins.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the external I / F processing unit 4 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and peripheral devices.

The external I / F processing unit 4 takes in the image data from the reader unit 1 via the image memory unit 3 and sends the image data to an external computer or an external facsimile via a network or a telephone line. Image data sent from an external computer or facsimile via a network or a telephone line is output to the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 3 to form an image.

As shown in the figure, the external I / F processing unit 4 is
A hard disk 50 for storing communication image data of the core unit 506, the facsimile unit 501, and the facsimile unit 501.
2. A computer interface unit 503 connected to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 504, and an image memory unit 505.

Facsimile section 501 is connected to a public line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public line. Further, the facsimile unit 501 has a facsimile function, such as performing fax transmission at a designated time or transmitting image data in response to an inquiry from a partner using a designated password, to store a fax image stored in the hard disk 502. Realized by using. As a result, once the reader unit 1
From the image memory unit 3 to the facsimile unit 501,
After the image is transferred to the facsimile hard disk 502, the fax transmission can be performed without using the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 for the facsimile function.

The computer interface section 503 is
An interface unit that performs data communication with the external computer 11, and is a local area network (LA).
N), serial I / F, SCSI-I / F, and centro I / F for data input of the printer. Through the computer interface unit 503, the external computer 11 is notified of the states of the printer unit 2 and the reader unit 1, or the image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer 11 according to an instruction from the external computer 11. .

Further, the computer interface section 50
3 receives print image data from the external computer 11. At this time, since the print image data notified from the external computer 11 is described in the dedicated printer code, the notified data code can be formed in the printer unit 2 in the formatter unit 504. Convert to raster image data.

The formatter unit 504 expands the converted raster image data in the image memory unit 505.
Alternatively, the image formatter unit 504 performs density conversion on the print image data sent from the image memory unit 3 when transmitting the image data to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503. Further, the print image data is converted into an image format that can be recognized by the external computer 11.

The image memory unit 505 is used as a memory for expanding the raster image data of the formatter unit 504 in this way, and also when the image data from the reader unit 1 is sent to the external computer 11 (network scanner function). used. That is, when the image from the reader unit 1 is sent to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503, the image memory unit 3
The image data sent from the computer is expanded in the image memory unit 505 once, converted into the format of the data sent to the external computer 11, and then sent from the computer interface unit 503 to the external computer 11.

The core section 506 includes the facsimile section 501 and
It controls and manages each data transfer performed among the computer interface unit 503, the formatter unit 504, the image memory unit 505, and the image memory unit 3.
As a result, even if a plurality of image output units are connected to the external I / F processing unit 4 and even if there is only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 3, exclusion is performed under the management of the core unit 506. Since the control and the priority control are performed, the image output is appropriately performed.

FIG. 6 shows the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
3 is a schematic view of an operation unit 172 for setting the copy operation of FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 601 indicates power ON / OFF.
It is a power lamp showing a state. Power switch 602
The power lamp 601 is turned on / off in accordance with the ON / OFF switching of the power source.

Reference numeral 603 is a ten-key pad which is used for setting the number of image formations and inputting numerical values for mode setting. It is also used to enter a telephone number on the facsimile setting screen. Alternatively, it is used to enter the department number / password in the department management mode.

Reference numeral 604 is a clear key, which is used for clearing the setting entered on the ten-key pad. Reference numeral 605 denotes a reset key, which is used to return the set number of image forming sheets, the operation mode, the selected sheet feeding stage and other modes to default values.

Reference numeral 606 denotes a start key, and when the start key 606 is pressed, the image forming operation is started. At the center of the start key 606, there are red and green LEDs that indicate whether the start is possible. If the start is not possible, the red LED is lit, and if the start is possible, the green LED is lit. A stop key 607 is used to stop the copying operation.

Reference numeral 608 denotes a display panel made of liquid crystal or the like, which changes the display content according to the setting mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting. In addition, the display panel 6
The surface of 08 is a touch sensor, and realizes a soft key for setting by the user touching a specific area in the display panel 608 according to the display content.

Reference numeral 609 denotes a guide key. When this key is pressed and then another key is pressed, an explanation of the function that can be set by that key is displayed on the display panel 608. To cancel this guide display, press the guide key 609 again.
It is executed by pressing.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a user setting key. When this key is pressed, a display for the user to change the setting of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display panel 608. The setting items that can be changed by the user include, for example, setting of time until the setting is automatically cleared, setting of a default value of a mode set when the reset key is pressed, and the like.

Reference numeral 611 denotes a personal identification key, and when the use of the apparatus is managed for each department, the personal identification key 611 is pressed after the input of the department number / personal identification number by the ten-key 603 to confirm the number. However, the device can be used when the entered personal identification number is registered. Alternatively, by pressing the password key 611 again after using the device, the device is put in a waiting state for inputting the password, and the device is disabled until the next input of the password.

Reference numeral 612 denotes a power saving key. When the power saving key 612 is pressed when the device is in a usable state,
The display of the display panel 608 is turned off, the power supply to the reader unit 1 or the printer unit 2 is stopped, and a power saving state is entered.
The power saving state is restored by pressing the power saving key 612 again.

Reference numeral 613 denotes an LED indicating a communication / memory state, in a state in which the external interface processing unit 4 is receiving data from the outside, or in the transmission job, the external interface processing unit 4 is transmitting data to the outside. In the state, blink control is performed. Further, it is turned on when the data from the external interface processing unit 4 is being written in the hard disk 404 in the image memory unit 3.

Reference numeral 614 denotes an LED for error indication, which controls blinking when an abnormality occurs in the device. Reference numeral 615 denotes an interrupt key. When this key is pressed during an image forming operation, another image forming operation is stopped, and the DF 180
Allows you to make a copy in a mode that does not use.
When the interrupt key 615 is pressed again in the interrupted state, the original image forming operation is restarted.

A fingerprint reading unit 616 reads a fingerprint to create fingerprint data, and sends it to the CPU 171 shown in FIG. If you manage equipment use by department,
The CPU 171 enables use of the device when the sent fingerprint data is registered in any department.

Hereinafter, the flow of processing from the start of department management in the image forming apparatus of the present invention to the apparatus becoming usable will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the first control processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
It corresponds to the department management control operation using fingerprint authentication. The process of this flowchart is performed by the CPU shown in FIG.
171 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 174 or another storage medium. Further, S701 to S719 indicate each step. The backup RAM in the RAM 175 shown in FIG.
It is assumed that the department number and the personal identification number have been registered in advance by the administrator or the like.

When the department management is started, first, in step S701, the department management lock screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display panel 608.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lock screen on the display panel 608 shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 is a department number key, and by pressing this key, the department number can be input from the ten keys 603. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the department number key 801 is in a pressed state (selected state). Numeral 802 is a personal identification number key.
It becomes possible to input the personal identification number from. Since the ten-key pad 603 is used for both the department number input and the personal identification number input, both the department number key 801 and the personal identification number key 802 cannot be selected at the same time. Therefore, when the personal identification number key 802 is pressed in the display state of FIG. 8, the personal identification number key 802 is newly selected and the selected state of the department number key 801 is released.

When the lock screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in step S701 of FIG. 7, the ID key 611 shown in FIG. 6 is entered or the finger is placed on the fingerprint reading unit 616 (fingerprint in step S702). Is entered)
When it is determined that any input has been made, the process proceeds to step S703, and processing is performed depending on whether the ID key 611 is input or when the finger is placed on the fingerprint reading unit 616. Divide.

When it is determined in step S703 that the finger is placed on the fingerprint reading unit 616 (fingerprint is input), fingerprint authentication is performed in step S704. In this fingerprint authentication, the fingerprint data sent from the fingerprint reading unit 616 and the registered fingerprint data registered in advance in the RAM 175 are compared, and fingerprint data having a degree of similarity equal to or higher than a predetermined value is registered. In that case, it is determined that the user is a registered user.

Next, in step S705, as a result of the fingerprint authentication, it is determined whether or not the user has been registered in any department. If it is determined that the user is registered in any department, In step S706, the display on the display panel 608 is switched to the confirmation screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen on the display panel 608 shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, a department display area 901 displays a list of departments in which the user has been registered as a result of fingerprint authentication. In FIG. 9, the user is registered in three departments and “B project” is selected. Also, keys 902, 90
Reference numeral 3 denotes a selected department change key. When the key 902 is pressed, the next department is selected, and when the key 903 is pressed, the previous department is selected. Reference numeral 904 denotes an OK key, which when pressed allows the apparatus to be used in the department currently selected in the internal display area 901. A key 905 is a new registration key and is pressed when the user wants to use the apparatus in a department not displayed in the internal display area 901.

Next, in step S707 of FIG.
In the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the new registration key 905 is pressed. If it is determined that the new registration key 905 is pressed, in step S710,
Ask the user to enter a new department number and PIN, and check if the combination of the entered department number and PIN is correct.

In step S711, the entered department number and personal identification number are the correct combination (OK).
If it is determined that the fingerprint data of the user is added to the registered fingerprint data of the input department number in step S712.

Then, in step S709, the display on the display panel 608 is switched to the basic screen shown in FIG. 10 so that the user can operate it.

FIG. 10 shows the display panel 608 shown in FIG.
3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic screen in FIG. The detailed description of the screen is omitted here.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S711 of FIG. 7 that the entered department number and PIN are not the correct combination (not OK), step S701.
Then, the lock screen for department management is displayed on the display panel 608.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that the OK key 904 is pressed on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9, that is, if the department to be used is selected, the process proceeds to step S709 and the display panel 608 is displayed. Display Figure 1
Switch to the basic screen shown in 0 and enable the device.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that the fingerprint data is not registered in any department, the flow advances to step S713 to ask the user to input the department number and personal identification number, and then to step S713. In S714,
Check the combination.

If it is determined in step S714 that the combination of the entered department number and personal identification number is correct (OK), the fingerprint data of the user is automatically added to the registered fingerprint data of the entered department in step S715. After the addition (fingerprint automatic registration), the process proceeds to step S709 to display the basic screen shown in FIG. 10 to put the device in a usable state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S714 that the entered department number and personal identification number are incorrect (not OK), the process returns to step S701 to display the department management lock screen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the input is not the fingerprint input, that is, if it is determined that the department number and the personal identification number are input and the ID key 611 is pressed, then in step S716. It is checked whether the combination of the department number and the personal identification number is correct, and if it is determined that the combination is correct (OK), the process proceeds to step S718, and an inquiry is made by a screen (not shown) asking the user whether to perform fingerprint registration. If the user inputs to register, in step S719, the user is prompted to put his / her finger on the fingerprint reading unit 616, the fingerprint is read, the fingerprint data is created, and the registered fingerprint data of the input department is input. To (register fingerprints). After that, the process advances to step S709 to display the basic screen shown in FIG. 10 to put the device into a usable state.

On the other hand, in step S718, when the user inputs (selects) that the fingerprint is not registered, the process proceeds to step S709, the basic screen (FIG. 10) is displayed as it is, and the apparatus can be used. Put in a state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S717 that the entered combination of the department number and the personal identification number is incorrect (not OK), the process returns to step S701 to display the department management lock screen.

As described above, the image forming apparatus having the department management mode in which the apparatus can be used by inputting the department number / personal identification number is provided with the fingerprint authentication means, and the login procedure by fingerprint authentication is used for the department number / personal identification code. In addition to entering a number, you can also enable login by fingerprint authentication. Further, a plurality of fingerprints (users) can be registered in one department, and one fingerprint (user) can be registered in a plurality of departments.

Therefore, by registering the fingerprint in the device, the user can use the device only by performing fingerprint authentication at the time of use without having to remember the personal identification number. On the other hand, the administrator can easily manage the personal identification number because the personal identification number can be notified only once when the user uses the device for the first time.

In the present embodiment, the case where the printer unit (printer engine) 2 is a laser beam system has been described as an example, but an electrophotographic system (for example, an LED system) other than the laser beam system is also a liquid crystal shutter system. The present invention can be applied to any of an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, and other printing methods.

Further, in this embodiment, the fingerprint authentication function is used for the login procedure in the department management of the image forming apparatus which requires the input of the department number and the personal identification number when the apparatus is used in order to manage the counter for each department. The case of streamlining was explained, but using the fingerprint authentication function, the login procedure at the time of department management of the image forming apparatus that requires the insertion of the card key for each department when using the device to perform counter management for each department It may be configured to change. In this case, in the case of NO in step S705 shown in FIG. 7, that is, when it is determined that the fingerprint data of the user is not registered in any department, in step S713, the department number and the secret code are given to the user. Instead of having the user enter a number, he or she is asked to insert a card key, and in step S714 the combination is checked. If OK, step S71
In step 5, the fingerprint data of the user is automatically added to the registered fingerprint data of the department in which the card is inserted (fingerprint automatic registration).

As described above, by registering the fingerprint in the device, the user can use the device without borrowing a card by only performing fingerprint authentication at the time of use. On the other hand, the manager can easily manage the card, because the card can be lent only once when the user uses the device for the first time. Further, the fingerprint registration can be performed by the user without the need for the administrator to be present, and the burden on the administrator can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the department management control using fingerprint authentication has been described. However, if fingerprint authentication is not used and the individual is authenticated, it is generated from other physical characteristics of the user. Personal identification by personal identification data for identifying the user (for example, personal identification by voice print data generated from voice input data of the user, personal identification by corneal data generated by imaging the cornea of the user, The present invention can also be applied to personal authentication based on face data generated by imaging a user's face and other personal authentication methods). Furthermore, the present invention can be applied even to an authentication method in which a plurality of the above-described various individual authentication methods are combined.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the department management control of the image forming apparatus, that is, the image forming apparatus using the personal authentication has been described. It is also possible to apply to department management control using personal authentication of.

Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a security management system in a building in which the entry and exit of people are managed for each room by a card key or the like. In this case, when it is determined that the read fingerprint data is the data registered by the fingerprint authentication, the door lock is released, and the employee code is registered by being associated with the fingerprint data. Control when the room is moved in and out. When the fingerprint data or the like is not registered, the fingerprint data is registered after inputting the personal identification number or the card as in the above embodiment.

Accordingly, by registering a fingerprint or the like in the above system, an employee or the like can simply perform fingerprint authentication upon entering / exiting, and forget his / her personal identification number or even if he / she does not carry a card. You can enter and leave each room. On the other hand, the administrator can easily manage the personal identification number because the personal identification number can be notified only once. Further, registration of fingerprint data and the like can be easily performed by each employee without the need for the administrator to be present, and the burden on the administrator can be reduced.

As described above, once the user has registered his / her fingerprint, the image forming apparatus for performing counter management for each department without particularly preparing a card key or the like and without remembering the personal identification number. Can be used.

As described above, by registering a fingerprint or the like in the device, the user can memorize the personal identification number or borrow the card by only performing fingerprint authentication at the time of use. It is possible to use the device without. On the other hand, for the administrator, notification of the personal identification number and lending of the card can be performed only once when the user uses the device for the first time, which is advantageous in that the personal identification number (card) can be easily managed. Play.

The structure of the data processing program readable by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not particularly shown, information for managing the program group stored in the storage medium, such as version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as the program, is stored. In some cases, an icon or the like for identification display may be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs are also managed in the above directory. Also, if the program or data to be installed is compressed,
A program for decompressing may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 7 in this embodiment may be executed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. In that case, the present invention is applied even when the information group including the program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. It is a thing.

As described above, the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by U) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, 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 (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape,
A non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, 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. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

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

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it 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 apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Furthermore, by downloading and reading the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention from the database on the network by the communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0136]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the inventions of to 12, the personal identification data for identifying the user generated by reading the fingerprint or the like is registered in the memory in association with the department number, and the fingerprint or the like of the user is read at the time of use. When it is verified that the generated personal identification data is already registered by comparing the personal identification data generated by the above with the personal identification data registered in advance, the personal identification data is registered in association with the personal identification data. By controlling the device so that it can be used with the registered department number, the user can register the fingerprint etc. in the device. You can use the device without leaving or borrowing a card. On the other hand, even for the administrator, notification of the personal identification number and lending of the card can be performed only once when the user uses the device for the first time.
Management of PIN and card becomes easy.

Therefore, in the department management of the image forming apparatus, by using the fingerprint authentication, it is possible to provide a more reliable and simple login procedure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image processing unit shown in FIG. 2 and a device connected to the image memory unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image memory unit shown in FIG. 2 and peripheral devices.

5 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of an external I / F processing unit shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and peripheral devices.

6 is a schematic view of an operation unit for setting a copy operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lock screen on the display panel shown in FIG.

9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen on the display panel shown in FIG.

10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic screen on the display panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

171 CPU 172 Operation unit 174 ROM 175 RAM 616 Fingerprint reader

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus capable of counter management for each department by controlling the usable state of the device based on a department number and a personal identification number input at the time of use and a pre-registered department number and personal identification number. A personal identification data generating means for generating personal identification data for identifying the user from the physical characteristics of the user; a storage means for registering the personal identification data in association with the department number; Personal authentication means for comparing the personal identification data generated by the data generation means with the personal identification data registered in the storage means to authenticate that the generated personal identification data has been registered; When the generated personal identification data is authenticated by the means, it is associated with the personal identification data and stored in the storage means. An image forming apparatus, comprising a control means for controlling to a device enable state department number being recorded. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit can register the personal identification data in association with a plurality of department numbers. 3. The control means, if the generated personal identification data is authenticated as registered, and if the personal identification data is associated with a plurality of department numbers in the storage means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so that the user can select which department number to use the apparatus. 4. The control means causes the department number and the personal identification number to be input when the generated personal identification data is not authenticated as registered, and the input department number and personal identification number. When the registered department number and the personal identification number are registered, the personal identification data generated is controlled to be associated with the department number and registered in the storage means. The image forming apparatus described. 5. The personal identification data is fingerprint data, and the personal identification data generation means generates fingerprint data by reading a fingerprint of a user. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 6. An image forming apparatus capable of performing counter management for each department by controlling the usable state of the device based on the department number and password input at the time of use and the department number and password registered in advance. In the control method, a personal identification data generating step of generating personal identification data for identifying a user from the physical characteristics of the user, a registration step of registering the personal identification data in a memory in association with the department number, A personal authentication step of authenticating that the generated personal identification data has been registered by comparing the personal identification data generated in the personal identification data generation step with the personal registration data registered in advance; If the generated personal identification data is authenticated as registered, the department number registered in association with the personal identification data is registered. Method of controlling an image forming apparatus characterized by having a use permission step to enable state. 7. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in the registration step, the personal identification data can be registered in association with a plurality of department numbers. 8. The use permission process is performed when the generated personal identification data is authenticated as registered, and the personal identification data is associated with a plurality of department numbers in the registration process. 8. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the user is allowed to select which department number to use the apparatus. 9. The use permitting step causes the department number and the personal identification number to be input when the generated personal identification data is not authenticated as registered, and the input department number and personal identification number. 9. When the number is a registered department number and personal identification number, the generated personal identification data is registered in the registration step in association with the department number. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. 10. The personal identification data is fingerprint data, and the personal identification data generating step generates fingerprint data by reading a fingerprint of the user. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to item 1. 11. A program for executing the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6. 12. A storage medium in which a program for executing the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is stored in a computer-readable manner.