JP2005045302A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor capable of preventing the setting of an optional function from being illegitimately revised. <P>SOLUTION: A copying machine records settings of optional functions including an optional function capable of being used for a function setting key. When the copying machine detects that the function setting key is loaded, the copying machine reads an apparatus ID and when the apparatus ID is coincident with an apparatus ID of its own machine, the copying machine reads setting information recorded in the function setting key and rewrites the settings of an NvRAM on the basis of the setting information to make the optional function usable even when the function setting key is removed (steps 100 to 110). Thereafter the copying machine deletes the setting information recorded in the function setting key to prevent the setting information of the function setting key from being copied (step 112). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a selection function in addition to a basic function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An image processing apparatus such as a copying machine is provided with various selection functions (optional functions). In copiers, etc., only basic functions are usually available and optional functions are disabled. When these optional functions can be used, key operations on the control panel can be used. It is a common method to select a desired optional function and set it to a usable state.
[0003]
By the way, when setting an optional function on the control panel, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use of the optional function by entering an authentication number (password), etc. The operation is troublesome.
[0004]
From here, when the optional function is controlled, a signal for controlling the optional function is recorded in a storage medium such as an electronic card, and the electronic card is inserted into a reading device such as a card reader provided in the copying machine. A method has been proposed in which a desired function can be used without performing key operations on a control panel by mounting and reading a control signal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-312137 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a storage medium such as a mere electronic card has low security and data replication is relatively easy. If unauthorized copying or the like of an electronic card is performed, a third party can use an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine. There is a problem in that it can be used by arbitrarily releasing the use restriction of the optional function.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and proposes an image processing apparatus capable of preventing unauthorized use of a selection function provided in addition to a basic function in an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine. With the goal.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus having a selection function that can be used in accordance with settings in addition to the basic function, and setting whether or not the selection function can be used Storage means capable of storing and storing data, attachment means for detachably attaching a portable storage medium storing setting information for enabling the selection function, and the portable storage medium attached to the attachment means Reading the setting information recorded in the setting information, and rewriting the setting of the storage means so that the selection function can be used or disabled according to the setting information, and the authentication information is read And erasing means for erasing setting information recorded in the portable storage medium.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the selection function can be used or disabled based on the settings stored in the storage unit. When rewriting the setting stored in the storage means, the setting information to be rewritten is recorded on a portable recording medium, and this portable recording medium is attached to the attachment means.
[0010]
Thereby, the function setting unit rewrites the setting of the storage unit based on the setting information recorded in the storage medium. The erasing means erases the setting information recorded on the portable recording medium.
[0011]
Thereby, the setting of the selection function can be changed. Further, since the setting information recorded on the portable recording medium cannot be used again, it is possible to reliably prevent the selection function setting from being used illegally.
[0012]
Further, by deleting the setting information recorded on the portable recording medium, it is possible to prevent the setting information from being copied and reused.
[0013]
In the present invention, when the setting that disables the selection function is stored in the storage unit in advance, the function setting unit can be used based on the setting information recorded in the portable storage medium. It is characterized by setting to.
[0014]
This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized use of the selection function.
[0015]
Further, the present invention determines whether or not the device ID is a device ID of the own device when a device ID that enables identification of a device that rewrites the setting information is recorded on the portable storage medium. Including a determination unit, wherein the function setting unit rewrites the setting of the storage unit based on a determination result of the determination unit.
[0016]
According to the present invention, the device ID to which the setting information is applied is recorded on the portable recording medium, and the setting of the storage means can be rewritten when the device IDs match.
[0017]
Thereby, unauthorized use of the setting information recorded on the portable recording medium can be prevented.
[0018]
In the present invention, setting information for each of a plurality of selection functions may be recorded on the portable storage medium, whereby settings for the plurality of selection functions can be collectively performed. Can do.
[0019]
In the present invention, a nonvolatile memory can be provided in the storage means, and the setting information can be recorded in the nonvolatile memory, and a nonvolatile memory can be used as the storage means.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a copying machine 10 applied as an image processing apparatus to the present embodiment.
[0021]
The copying machine 10 applied to the present embodiment reads an image recorded on a document (not shown) as an example, and in addition to a copy function that forms and outputs an image corresponding to the document image on recording paper, A printer function that connects to various image processing terminals such as personal computers over the network, forms an image according to the image data input from the image processing terminal on the recording paper, and outputs it. Image processing according to the original image This is a so-called multi-function machine having a scanner function for outputting to a terminal and a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication line.
[0022]
The copying machine 10 includes a processing control unit 18 having a general configuration including a CPU 12, a ROM 14, and a RAM 16, and can perform various processes based on a program stored in the ROM 14.
[0023]
Further, the copying machine 10 includes a scanner unit 20, a print output unit 22, and an image processing unit 24.
[0024]
When a document (not shown) on which an image or the like is recorded is loaded, the scanner unit 20 reads an image recorded on the document and generates image data. The image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined process on the image data and outputs it to the print output unit 22. The print output unit 22 forms and outputs an image corresponding to the image data input from the image processing unit 24 on a recording sheet (not shown).
[0025]
As a result, the copying machine 10 can perform copying in which a document image mounted on the scanner unit 20 is formed on recording paper.
[0026]
The copier 10 is provided with a network communication unit 26, a facsimile communication unit 28, and an HDD (hard disk drive) 30.
[0027]
The copying machine 10 is network-connected to various image processing terminals such as a personal computer (not shown) via the network communication unit 26, so that the copying machine 10 can communicate with the image processing terminal between Various data such as image data can be exchanged.
[0028]
As a result, the copying machine 10 can operate as a scanner device that outputs image data of an original image read by the scanner unit 20 to an image processing terminal or the like, and print data such as image data input from the image processing terminal is received. By being input, the printer can operate as a network printer that forms and outputs an image corresponding to the print data (image data) on a recording sheet. Further, the image data and the like at this time can be temporarily stored in the HDD 30.
[0029]
Further, the copying machine 10 is capable of facsimile communication by starting a telephone line connected to the facsimile communication unit 28, whereby the image read by the scanner unit 20 and the received image are formed on the recording paper. Thus, it can be operated as a facsimile apparatus for outputting.
[0030]
The copier 10 is provided with a control panel 32, and a desired operation can be performed by a key operation (not shown) of the control panel 32.
[0031]
Incidentally, the copying machine 10 is provided with an NvRAM 34 using a nonvolatile memory as a storage means. The copying machine 10 is set with a device ID that makes it possible to specify the device, and the NvRAM 34 stores this device ID.
[0032]
In the copying machine 10, the basic function is a copying function. In the copying machine 10, a scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function can be selected and used as optional functions.
[0033]
The NvRAM 34 stores a setting as to whether or not each of these optional functions can be used. For example, when the copier 10 is started up after the power is turned on, the setting conditions stored in the NvRAM 34 are stored. Is set to determine whether or not the optional function can be used.
[0034]
On the other hand, the copier 10 is provided with a function setting unit 36, an input / output interface (hereinafter simply referred to as “I / F 38”), and an input / output port (I / O port 40).
[0035]
A function setting key 42 used as a portable storage medium can be attached to the I / O port 40.
[0036]
The function setting key 42 is a hardware module, and an NvRAM 48 is provided as a non-volatile memory in a casing 46 provided with a connector 44. The connector 44 can be attached to the I / O port 40 of the copying machine 10. It has become. Further, the function setting key 42 has a simple configuration in which the NvRAM 48 is provided in the casing 46 and can be formed in a small size, and thus has high portability.
[0037]
The function setting unit 36 reads the data recorded in the NvRAM 48 in the function setting key 42 and erases the data recorded in the NvRAM 48 by attaching the function setting key 42 to the I / O port 40. It becomes possible.
[0038]
The NvRAM 48 provided in the function setting key 42 stores settings that can be used or disabled for the optional functions of the copying machine 10. That is, by setting whether or not each optional function of the copying machine 10 can be used, the setting state is written.
[0039]
The NvRAM 48 records a device ID set for the copying machine 10 to which the setting for the optional function is applied.
[0040]
In the function setting unit 36 provided in the copying machine 10, when the function setting key 42 is attached, first, the device ID recorded in the NvRAM 48 is read, and the device ID of the own device stored in advance in the NvRAM 34 or the like. When the device IDs match, the setting for each option function recorded in the NvRAM 48 of the function setting key 42 is read and the setting recorded in the function setting key 42 is written into the NvRAM 34. Depending on the setting, whether or not each option device can be used is set.
[0041]
In addition, the function setting unit 36 erases data stored in the NvRAM 48 when setting is made for each optional function.
[0042]
Here, an outline of setting for each optional function in the copying machine 10 using the function setting key 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the copying machine 10, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on (powered on), the setting for each option function recorded in the NvRAM 34 is read, and each option function can be used based on the read setting. Whether to set or not.
[0043]
FIG. 2 shows an outline of the function setting process in the copying machine 10, and this flowchart is shown in advance when the copying machine 10 is turned on or when a function setting is selected by key operation on the control panel 32. It is executed at the set timing. For example, when this flowchart is executed when the power is turned on, it is executed prior to reading the setting of the optional function from the NvRAM 34.
[0044]
In this flowchart, in the first step 100, it is confirmed whether or not the function setting key 42 is attached to the I / O port 40. At this time, it is detected that the function setting key 42 is attached to the I / O port 40, and when an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 102 and the function setting process is started. If the function setting key 42 is not attached to the I / O port 40, a negative determination is made in step 100, and the function setting process ends. Thereby, the function setting based on the setting recorded in the NvRAM 34 is performed.
[0045]
On the other hand, in step 102, first, the device ID recorded in the NvRAM 48 of the function setting key 42 is read. In step 104, this device ID is compared with the device ID of the own device recorded in the NvRAM 34, and the device ID is obtained. (Step 106).
[0046]
At this time, if the device IDs do not match, it is not a function setting key for the own device, so a negative determination is made in step 106 and the function setting process is terminated. Also, when data including the device ID is not recorded in the function setting key 42 attached to the I / O port 40, a negative determination is made in step 106, and the function setting process is terminated.
[0047]
On the other hand, when the device ID matches the function setting key 42 for the own device, an affirmative determination is made in step 106 and the process proceeds to step 108, and each optional function recorded in the NvRAM 48 of the function setting key 42. The setting (function setting data) is read, and in step 110, function setting based on the function setting data is performed.
[0048]
FIG. 3 shows an example of setting based on the function setting data recorded in the function setting key. In this flowchart, it is assumed that there are N optional functions from function 1 to function N.
[0049]
In this flowchart, when the variable n is initially set in the first step 120, the setting of the function n on the function setting data corresponding to the variable n is read (step 122), and the function n is used from the function setting data. It is confirmed whether or not it is possible (step 124).
[0050]
Here, when the function n can be used, an affirmative determination is made in step 124, the process proceeds to step 126, and data for the function n of the NvRAM 34 is written so that the function n can be used.
[0051]
On the other hand, when the function n is disabled, a negative determination is made at step 124, the process proceeds to step 128, and data for the function n of the NvRAM 34 is written so that the function n is disabled.
[0052]
When the setting for the function n is written, the process proceeds to step 128, where it is confirmed whether or not the variable n has reached the number of functions N. If not, a negative determination is made in step 128 and the process proceeds to step 130. Increment n and set for the next function (function n).
[0053]
In this manner, the writing of the settings for all the optional functions is completed, and affirmative determination is made in step 128, whereby the function setting based on the function setting data is completed.
[0054]
The rewriting of the setting of the NvRAM 34 based on the function setting data recorded in the function setting key 42 is not limited to this. For example, only the function (option function) set to be usable can be used. An optional function such as extracting and extracting the extracted optional function or writing the data into the NvRAM 34 can be used.
[0055]
On the other hand, in the flowchart of FIG. 2, when the function setting based on the function setting data (step 110) is completed, the process proceeds to step 112. In this step 112, all of the data recorded in the NvRAM 48 provided in the function setting key 42 is erased so that the function setting using the function setting key 42 becomes impossible, and the function setting process is terminated. .
[0056]
By performing the function setting in this way, each optional function can be used (or disabled) based on the setting of the function setting key 42 with the function setting key 42 removed from the I / O port 40. That is, the copying machine 10 can be used based on the function setting stored in the function setting key 42.
[0057]
On the other hand, when the function setting unit 36 of the copying machine 10 completes the function setting using the function setting key 42, the data recorded in the NvRAM 48 of the function setting key 42 is erased. Since function setting for the new copying machine 10 cannot be performed, unauthorized use of the function setting data of the function setting key 42 can be reliably prevented.
[0058]
In addition, by erasing the data in the NvRAM 48, new function setting data can be written, whereby the function setting key 42 can be reused, so that the hardware for setting the function can be used effectively. can do.
[0059]
In such a copying machine 10, any interface can be used as the I / F 38. That is, it can be used for data transfer such as SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) such as SCSI-1, SCSI-2, SCSI-3 (Ultra SCSI), Fast CSCI, Wide SCSI, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394, etc. A conventionally known standard interface can be applied, and the connector 44 of the I / O port 40 and the function setting key 42 may be provided in accordance with this.
[0060]
The I / F 38 may be used exclusively between the copying machine 10 and the function release key 42, and the I / O 40 and the connector 44 are set exclusively between the copying machine 10 and the function setting key 42. You may use what you did.
[0061]
By using the dedicated I / O 40 and the connector 44, the function setting key 42 can be prevented from being duplicated.
[0062]
Further, a socket that matches the outer shape of the function setting key 42 (the outer shape of the casing 46) is provided on the copier 10 side, and the connector 40 is connected to the I by attaching the function setting key 42 to the socket of the copier 10. It is preferable to be connected to the / O port 40, and this can prevent the function setting key 42 from being mounted erroneously or defectively mounted. At this time, the casing 46 is formed into a unique shape, and a socket adapted to this shape is provided in the copying machine 10, so that the function setting key 42 can be more reliably prevented from being duplicated. By being copied, it is possible to surely prevent the function setting of the multifunction machine 10 from being illegally changed.
[0063]
On the other hand, in the copying machine 10, the function setting unit 36 deletes the data recorded in the NvRAM 48 provided in the function setting key 42. However, the erasing function is assigned to the function setting key 42 according to itself. Also good. At this time, for example, when the function setting data recorded in the NvRAM 48 is read out to the function setting unit 36 (copier 10), the data in the NvRAM 48 may be deleted. When a predetermined signal is input from 36, the data in the NvRAM 48 may be erased using the input of this signal as a trigger.
[0064]
As a result, the function setting key 42 can be more reliably prevented from being duplicated and data recorded in the NvRAM 48 can be prevented from being duplicated.
[0065]
In addition, this Embodiment demonstrated above does not limit the structure of this invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the copying machine 10 including the scanner function, the printer function, and the facsimile function in addition to the copy function has been described as an example. However, the configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any image processing apparatus as long as the image processing apparatus has at least one selection function (optional function) in addition to the basic function.
[0066]
In the embodiment, the function setting key 42 has been described. However, the portable storage medium is not limited to this, and any configuration can be applied.
[0067]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device ID for identifying the copying machine 10 is recorded in the function setting key 42, but this device ID can be made unnecessary. That is, when the number of copying machines 10 is limited, etc., it is not necessary to specify the copying machines 10 or it is sufficient if a desired optional function can be used in any of a plurality of copying machines 10. The function setting key 42 that does not specify the device ID can be used.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the portable storage medium in which the setting information of the selection function is recorded is used, and the setting stored in the storage unit is rewritten by mounting the portable recording medium by the mounting unit. I do. In addition, by erasing the setting information from the portable storage medium in which the setting has been rewritten, setting when using the selection function is facilitated, and it is ensured that the setting information is duplicated or illegally used. An excellent effect that it can be prevented is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine applied to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of function setting using a function setting key.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of setting rewriting using function setting data recorded in a function setting key.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Copying machine (image processing device)
18 processing control unit 20 scanner unit 22 print output unit 24 image processing unit 26 network communication unit 28 facsimile communication unit 34 NvRAM (storage means, nonvolatile memory)
38 I / F (mounting means)
40 I / O (mounting means)
42 Function setting keys (portable storage media)
44 Connector (mounting means)
48 NvRAM (Non-volatile M memory)

Claims (6)

In addition to the basic function, an image processing apparatus having a selection function that can be used according to settings,
Storage means for storing and holding a setting as to whether or not the selection function can be used;
A mounting means for detachably mounting a portable storage medium storing setting information for enabling the selection function;
Function setting for reading setting information recorded in the portable storage medium attached to the attachment means and rewriting the setting of the storage means so that the selection function can be used or disabled according to the setting information Means,
Erasing means for erasing the setting information recorded in the portable storage medium from which the authentication information has been read;
An image processing apparatus comprising: When the setting that disables the selection function is stored in the storage unit in advance, the function setting unit sets the setting based on the setting information recorded in the portable storage medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Determination means for determining whether or not the device ID is a device ID of the own device when a device ID that enables identification of a device that rewrites the setting information is recorded on the portable storage medium; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function setting unit rewrites the setting of the storage unit based on a determination result of the determination unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein setting information for each of a plurality of selection functions is recorded in the portable storage medium. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a non-volatile memory is provided in the storage unit, and the setting information is recorded in the non-volatile memory. 6. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a nonvolatile memory is used as the storage unit.

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