JP2003204412A - Image forming apparatus, control program thereof image processing apparatus, and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to utilize a department management number even when the number is not input each time when a utility is managed at each department to which the user belongs when an image forming apparatus such as a copier or the like is commonly used. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises a copying function for printing image data read by an image reading means 2 on a recording material by a print means 10, and a network scanner function for transmitting the image data read by the means 2 to another terminal unit via a network. When a user name and a password are input from an operating unit 4 and any of the copying function and the network scanner function is selected and conducted, a management counter 6 of the conducting function relating to the user name and the password counts user's availed number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a complex machine of these machines, and an image reading apparatus forming a part of such an image forming apparatus. The present invention also relates to control programs for these image forming apparatus and image reading apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a copying machine having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function and a printer function in addition to a copying function, which is connected to a server or a plurality of computers via a network, has a plurality of functions. Since it is shared by users, the usage status may be managed for each department to which the users belong.

In such a case, in the copying machine, the user can use the function corresponding to the department management number by inputting the department management number predetermined according to each function. The counter corresponding to the department management number counts the usage frequency of the user (number of copies, communication time, etc.).

[0004]

As described above, in such a conventional copying machine, the department management number is determined for each function used by the user, and the department management number is desired unless the department management number is input from the operation unit. The function of cannot be used. Therefore, the user must remember the department management number that is set according to the function, and must enter the department management number according to the function to be used from the operation unit of the copier each time the copier is used. It was difficult to enter the control number.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or an image processing apparatus to be used without the user having to input the department management number each time.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the invention, a copy function for printing on a recording material by a printing means based on the image data read by the image reading means, and the image data read by the image reading means on a network. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a network scanner function for transmitting to another terminal device via the. When the user name and password are input from the operation unit and one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, this image forming apparatus executes the execution function associated with the user name and password. The administrative counter is configured to count the usage of the user.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a network scanner function for transmitting image data read by the image reading means to another terminal device via a network. Then, in this image processing apparatus, the user name and password are input from the operation unit,
When any one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, the management counter of the execution function associated with the user name and password is configured to count the usage frequency of the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a copy function of printing on a recording material by the printing means based on the image data read by the image reading means, and the image data read by the image reading means via the network to another terminal. The present invention relates to a control program for an image forming apparatus having a network scanner function to be transmitted to an apparatus and a control unit that enables selection and execution of these copy function and network scanner function. Then, this control program is entered the user name and password from the operation unit,
When any one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, the management counter of the execution function associated with the user name and password counts the usage frequency of the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network scanner function for transmitting image data read by the image reading means to another terminal device via a network, and a control means for enabling execution of this network scanner function. The present invention relates to a control program for an image processing apparatus provided. Then, when the user name and password are input from the operation unit and any one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, this control program manages the execution function associated with the user name and password. The counter is designed to count the usage frequency of users.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a control block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording material such as copy paper based on the image reading unit 2 as a scanner unit that reads an image of a document and the image information read by the image reading unit 2. A printer unit 3 that operates, an operation unit 4 that includes various keys for inputting data for operating the image reading unit 2 and the printer unit 3, a display panel, and the like, and enables data transmission / reception via facsimile transmission or a network. Data communication means 5 and management counter 6 for counting the number of times of use
And a control unit 7 that executes operation control of the image reading unit 2 and the printer unit 3 based on input data from the operation unit 4.

Of these, the image reading means 2 performs photoelectric conversion while scanning an image of an original with an image sensor such as a CCD, converts the read image information into an electric signal, and converts the image quality by various image processing devices. It is supposed to be improved.

The printer unit 3 forms a recording material such as copy paper from a paper feed tray along a recording material conveying path 8 and a recording material supplied from the recording material supply means 8. And a printing unit 10 for performing the printing. Among these, the printing unit 10 converts an electric signal into an optical signal by using a semiconductor laser or the like, forms an image of the optical signal on a photoconductor through an imaging device, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor. After the formation of the toner, the developing device supplies toner to the photoconductor to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor as a toner image. Further, the printing unit 10 transfers the toner image on the photoconductor to a recording material such as copy paper by a transfer device, and then heats and pressurizes the toner image on the recording material by a fixing device to fix the toner image on the recording material and fix The used recording material is ejected to a paper ejection tray or the like.

The operation section 4 is an input key 11 such as a copy start button and various function setting keys, and a function selection for selecting various functions (copy function, printer function, facsimile function, scanner function) of the image forming apparatus 1. Key 12
And a display panel 13 such as a liquid crystal display panel that exhibits various information and a touch panel function.

The data communication means 5 is the image reading means 2
It makes it possible to send the image data read in by facsimile, and to send / receive data to / from another computer or the like connected via a network.

The management counter 6 includes various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 (copy function, printer function, facsimile function,
The number of times of use for each scanner function) is associated with the user name and password and counted.

The control unit 7 includes a CPU 14 as a control means.
And storage means 1 for recording various control programs and data
5 and. Then, the control unit 7 uses the image reading unit 2 and the printing unit 10 based on a control program recorded in the storage unit 15 and a signal from an input key.
A control signal is output to the recording material supply means 8 and the like to control the operation.

FIG. 2 shows a copying machine 1A as an image forming apparatus.
Is connected to a computer 16 or a printer 17 via a network, and image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 of the copying machine 1A is taken into the computer 16 for editing, or read by the image reading unit 2 of the copying machine 1A. Image data of a document is transferred to another copying machine 1B, 1C or printer 1.
7 to enable printing by the copying machine 1B, 1C or the printer 17 of the transmission destination. That is, FIG. 2 shows a mode in which the copying machine 1A according to the present embodiment is used as another copying machine 1B, 1C, the printer 17 or the network scanner (image processing apparatus) of the computer 16.

(Usage State of Image Forming Apparatus) Since the multi-functional image forming apparatus 1 as described above is shared by many users, the usage state is managed for each department to which the user belongs. ing. Therefore, next, the usage management state of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

A user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 first inputs a user name from the operation unit 4. In the present embodiment, the user selection screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display panel 13 of the operation unit 4 in the standby state after the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, and the user name is selected from the user selection screen. If is selected, the user name can be input (step S1). The user name of the image forming apparatus 1 is registered in advance in the user list stored in the storage unit 15.

Next, when the above user name is entered,
A password confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display panel 13 of the operation unit 4 (step S2). The user can enter the password on the password confirmation screen 1
A password is input to 8 by using the operation keys (numeric keys) of the operation unit 4 (step S3). The password is
You may input it before inputting the user name.

Next, it is checked whether the user name input in step S1 and the password input in step S3 match the user name and password in the user list shown in FIG. 7 (step S4). . still,
As shown in FIG. 7, the user list includes a host name, an IP address, an e-mail address, a department management number of the copy function (copy belonging), and a department management number of the printer function (printer belonging) with respect to the user name and password. ，
The department management number of the facsimile function (belonging to the fax) and the department management number of the scanner function (belonging to the scanner) are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 15.

When the entered user name and password match the user name and password in the user list, the application selection screen is displayed on the display panel 13 of the operation unit 4, and the copy, printer, facsimile,
Each function of the scanner can be selected (step S5).

Here, for example, when the copy function is selected (step S6) and the copy start key is turned on (step S7), the image reading means 2 and the printing means 10 are operated to perform a copying operation on a recording material. Is performed (step S8). And the usage frequency of this copy function is
The management counter 6 associated with the user name and password is counted (step S
9). Here, the management counter 6 is a counter provided for each management department to which the user belongs, and indicates the usage frequency (the number of copies) of the corresponding management department as a whole (see FIG. 8).

When the printer function is selected (step S10) and the output command signal from the printer driver is input (step S11), the printer unit 3 is operated to print on the recording material (step S12). . Then, the frequency of use of the printer function is counted by the management counter 6 associated with the user name and password (step S13). Here, the management counter 6 is a counter provided for each management department to which the user belongs, and indicates the usage frequency (the number of prints) of the corresponding management department as a whole (see FIG. 9).

When the fax function is selected (step S14), the fax destination is selected and the transmission key is turned on (step S15), the image reading means 2 is selected.
The data communication means 5 is activated to perform fax transmission (step S16). Then, the frequency of use of the fax function (the number of cases and the number of transmissions) is counted by the management counter 6 associated with the user name and password (step S17). Here, the management counter 6 is a counter provided for each management department to which the user belongs, and is adapted to count the usage frequency (the number of fax transmissions, etc.) of the corresponding management department as a whole (see FIG. 10). ).

Next, when the scanner function is selected (step S18) and the image reading means 2 is used as a network scanner, personal address data is acquired from the user's personal computer via the network, and data is transmitted from the personal address data. Select destination (step S
19). Then, the image data read by the image reading means 2 is transmitted to another terminal device via the network (step S20), and also transmitted to the user's own personal computer (step S21). After that, the number of times the scanner function is used (the number of transmissions and the number of transmissions) is the management counter 6 associated with the user name and password.
Is counted (step S2
2). Here, the management counter 6 is a counter provided for each management department to which the user belongs, and is configured to count the usage frequency (scanner transmission number, etc.) of the corresponding management department (see FIG. 11). ).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user selects a desired function by selecting the user name registered in advance from the user selection screen and then inputting the password from the operation unit 4. Because it can be run
It is not necessary to remember the department management number for each function used, only the password is required. Therefore,
According to this embodiment, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is simplified, and the image forming apparatus 1 that is easy to use can be provided.

In the present embodiment, the sender's E-mail address shown in the user list of FIG. 7 is essential data for mail transmission, but even if the data is not registered, If other data is registered, the user can select other functions other than sending mail.
Can be used.

Further, although the present embodiment exemplifies that the copy function, the printer function, the fax function and the scanner function can be selectively used, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least the copy function and the scanner function are provided. It can be applied to the image forming apparatus 1.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the setting of the personal computer of the image forming apparatus is used, so that the address reference, the user program acquisition (the pattern of the copying method), and the like can be performed. Can also be used.

[0032]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus are jointly used, the usage state is managed for each department to which the user who uses the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus belong. In this case, by entering the user name and password, the desired function can be selected and executed.Therefore, the user does not need to remember the department management number for each function to be used and the user can remember only the password. If you have. Therefore, according to the present invention, the operations of the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus are simplified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a network configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a first flowchart showing a usage state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a second flowchart showing a usage state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a user selection screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a password confirmation screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user list.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing copy department management.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing printer department management.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating fax department management.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing scanner department management.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image reading means, 4 ...
Operation part, 6 ... Management counter, 10 ... Printing means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Hori             1-22 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture             Kyocera Mita Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Takaishi             1-22 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture             Kyocera Mita Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H027 DA28 DA32 DA44 DA45 EE01                       EE08 EE10 EF06 EJ03 EJ04                       EJ08 GA23 GA34 GA49 GA54                       ZA07                 5B021 AA19 BB02 CC06 NN00                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA35 AB17 AB20                       AB22 AB38 AC21 AC41 AC42                       AC43 AC55 AF02 BA04

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A copy function for printing on a recording material by a printing means based on image data read by the image reading means, and a network for transmitting the image data read by the image reading means to another terminal device via a network. An image forming apparatus having a scanner function, wherein when a user name and password are input from the operation unit and one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, the user name and password are set. An image forming apparatus, wherein a management counter of an associated execution function is configured to count a usage frequency of a user. 2. An image processing apparatus having a network scanner function for transmitting image data read by an image reading means to another terminal device via a network, wherein a user name and a password are input from an operation unit, When any one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, the management counter of the execution function associated with the user name and password is configured to count the usage frequency of the user. Image processing device. 3. A copy function for printing on a recording material by a printing means based on the image data read by the image reading means, and a network for transmitting the image data read by the image reading means to another terminal device via a network. A control program for an image forming apparatus comprising a scanner function and a control means for enabling selection / execution of these copy function and network scanner function, wherein a user name and password are input from an operation unit, and the copy When any one of the function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, the control counter of the execution function associated with the user name and password causes the usage counter of the user to count the usage frequency of the user. . 4. An image processing apparatus comprising a network scanner function for transmitting image data read by the image reading means to another terminal device via a network, and control means for enabling execution of this network scanner function. When the user name and password are input from the operation unit and one of the copy function and the network scanner function is selected and executed, the control program of the A control program for an image processing device, characterized in that a management counter counts the frequency of use by a user.