JP2005175530A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing an optimum operation environment to each user using the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus is provided with 1-10 to 1-15 in addition to conventional respective sections 1-1 to 1-9 concerning image forming. The multiple user information storage 1-10 stores the user name and password of a user using the apparatus and an operation environment of each user. A user identification section 1-11 performs user identification on the basis of the information stored in 1-10. Each of storages 1-12 to 1-14 stores the operation environment of a user who is identified by 1-11 and presently in a log-in state to the apparatus. Since an application device such as a copy or facsimile machine is executed in each of the operation environment stored in 1-12 to 1-14, the change in an operation environment can be performed for each user who has logged in the apparatus. The access right storage section 1-15 storages an access right for each item of the operation environment for each user using the apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a printer, a scanner, a digital copying machine, and a digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of these functions, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that allows a plurality of users to share the apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method in which an information processing apparatus such as a PC (personal computer) or a workstation is shared by a plurality of users is known. In order for a plurality of users to share the information processing device, for example, a password for each user is set in advance in the information processing device, and when the user uses the information processing device, the user can input the password. The device can be used by authenticating the user. A technique for improving the convenience when the information processing apparatus is shared by a plurality of users is disclosed in the following patent documents.
JP 2003-67075 A

  Patent Document 1 relates to an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a workstation, and stores usage conditions (such as a user's usage authority and usage environment) of the information processing apparatus in an input device connected to the information processing apparatus, for example, a keyboard. When the beginner's keyboard is connected, the information processing apparatus reads the beginner's use conditions stored in the beginner's keyboard, sets the operating environment of the apparatus according to the use conditions, and similarly A technique is disclosed that can set the operating environment of an apparatus in accordance with the use conditions for an administrator when a computer keyboard is connected.

However, in image forming apparatuses such as facsimiles, printers, scanners, digital copiers, and digital multifunction peripherals having these multiple functions, the apparatus can be used by multiple users. All users using the device were using the same operating environment. The operating environment includes, for example, facsimile destination information registered for one-touch, system initial settings, initial mode of each application (copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc.), usage restrictions (copy number limit, effective function of each application) Restrictions) and the like.
Of course, depending on the user, there are requests such as “duplex → double-sided copy”, “sorted copy”, and display language in English. Depends on user preference. In addition, there is a demand for managing the use of copies by setting the number of usable copies for each user in order to prevent waste of copies. In addition, regarding FAX and scanner applications, there is a demand for different destinations registered for one touch for each user. As described above, since all the users use the image forming apparatus in the same operating environment, there is a problem that the demand for the image forming apparatus, which is different for each user, cannot be flexibly handled.
In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can provide an optimum operating environment for each user who uses the apparatus.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having any one or more functions of copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc., user registration means for registering a user code and password of a user who uses the apparatus, and this Operating environment storage means for storing the operating environment of the device for each user registered in the user registration means, input means for accepting user code and password input from the user, and input of the user code and password from the user by this input means If there is, based on the user code and password registered in the user registration means, determination means for determining whether to allow the user to use the device,
If the determination means determines that the use of the apparatus is permitted, the operation environment valid means for validating the user's operation environment stored in the operation environment storage means is provided, thereby achieving the object. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the operating environment is any one of initial setting information of the apparatus, destination information of a facsimile or a scanner, and initial mode information of each function. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the operating environment storage unit stores the operating environment of the apparatus as a file for each user, and the file has a predetermined format. This achieves the object.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, a power-on detection unit that detects power-on of the apparatus, a common mode for all users, and a mode for each user mode. User mode setting means for setting any one of the user modes in the apparatus, and switching request means for receiving a request for switching from the common mode for all users to each user mode, and turning on the power by the power-on detection means When the user mode setting means sets the common mode for all users to the device and receives a request for switching to each user mode by the switching request means, the user mode setting means uses the input means. When the user code and password input are received from the user and the determination means determines that the use of the device is permitted, the operation By at border effective means to enable the user of the operating environment, by setting each user mode device, to attain the aforementioned object.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, an updating unit for updating the operating environment stored in the operating environment storage unit, and an update by the updating unit for each item of the operating environment. And further comprising an access right setting means for setting an access right for whether or not to permit each user mode.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, when each user mode is set in the apparatus by the user mode setting unit, a request to cancel each user mode is received. Release request means, measurement means for measuring the unused time of the device, and when the release request means receives a release request for each user mode, or when the unused time measured by the measurement means is a predetermined time The above-described object is achieved by further including each user mode canceling means for canceling the setting of each user mode when the time elapses.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the cancellation request unit receives a cancellation request for each user mode, or the unused time measured by the measurement unit is predetermined. When the time has elapsed, the setting of each user mode is canceled by the user mode canceling means, and the common mode for all users is set in the apparatus by the user mode setting means, thereby achieving the object.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the function of the image forming apparatus is provided. In all, the user registration means, the operating environment storage means, the input means, and the determination means can be used to achieve the object.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, since the operating environment is stored for each user who uses the apparatus in the operating environment storage unit, the operating environment to be enabled for each user is changed by the operating environment valid unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide an optimum operating environment for each user.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the operation environment stored for each user in the operation environment storage means includes initial setting information of the apparatus, destination information of the facsimile or scanner, initial mode information of each function, and the like. Therefore, the initial setting information of the apparatus, the destination information of the facsimile or scanner, the initial mode information of each function, etc. can be changed for each user.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, since the operating environment for each user is stored as a file of a predetermined format in the operating environment storage means, this file can be ported to various models, or various models Thus, this file can be referred to, and a highly versatile image forming apparatus can be obtained.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the common mode for all users is set in the apparatus. Therefore, a user who does not need to input a user name and password to use a unique operating environment. Can execute applications such as copying and facsimile in the same operation as a conventional image forming apparatus. In addition, users who want to use their own operating environment can request the switching to each user mode with the switching request means, and enter their user name and password to enable their own operating environment. Each user mode can be set to execute applications such as copying and facsimile.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, since all the items of the operating environment are given the access right for each user mode, even when a plurality of users use the apparatus, the operating environment can be controlled by other users. It is possible to prevent items from being changed, and to improve the security of the apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of each of claims 6 and 7, when each user mode is set in the apparatus, each user mode is set by issuing a request for canceling each user mode by the cancel request unit. It can be canceled. In addition, when each user mode is set in the apparatus, the measurement unit measures the unused time of the apparatus, and automatically releases each user mode when the unused time has passed a predetermined time. Therefore, even if you forget to issue a request to cancel each user mode in the cancellation request means, you can prevent unauthorized use of the device by other users, thus reducing the security of the device. Can be improved. Furthermore, when each user mode is canceled, the user mode setting means sets the common mode for all users to the apparatus, so that the apparatus can always be maintained in the common mode for all users.

  For all functions such as copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc., user registration means, operating environment storage means, input means, and judgment means can be used to provide the optimum operating environment for each user with all functions. can do.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus includes a system control unit 1 that controls the entire image forming apparatus by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the units 1-1 to 1-15 in the drawing. The system control unit 1 includes an operation unit display unit 1-1 for operating the image forming apparatus and displaying operations, and an ADF (automatic document feed) for supplying originals one by one to a reading unit (not shown). Apparatus) 1-2, an optical unit 1-3 that optically reads an image of a document supplied to the reading unit by the ADF 1-2, and image information of the document read by the optical unit 1-3 is stored. An image memory 1-4 is connected.
The system control unit 1 further includes a paper feeding unit 1-5 for supplying transfer paper, a double-sided paper feeding unit 1-6 for inverting the transfer paper when images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, and an image memory 1- The image forming unit 1-7 for creating an image to be transferred to the transfer paper based on the image information from 4, the fixing unit 1-8 for fixing the image transferred to the transfer paper, and the image transferred A paper discharge unit 1-9 for discharging the transfer paper is connected.
The system control unit 1 further includes a multi-user information storage unit 1-10, a user authentication unit 1-11, an initial setting storage unit 1-12, a destination information storage unit 1-13, and a copy mode storage unit 1- 14 and an access right storage unit 1-15. These parts 1-10 to 1-15 will be described later.

First, user registration for enabling a plurality of users to use (multi-user) the apparatus in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is used by a plurality of users, all users have a common mode for all users who use the apparatus and users who want to change the operating environment of the apparatus for each user. It is assumed that each user mode for the user and a ROOT user mode for the ROOT user who is an administrator of the apparatus can be switched.
Conventionally, the image forming apparatus is provided with an initial setting key on the operation unit display unit 1-1. When the initial setting key is pressed, the operating environment of the apparatus is set on the touch panel on the operation unit display unit 1-1. A menu screen is displayed. A user registration item is provided on the menu screen, and the user name and password of each user can be input by pressing the user registration item. Here, simultaneously with the input of the user name and password of the user, the operating environment of the device used by the user is input. The operating environment of the machine is initial setting information of the machine (buzzer sound, binding margin width, user restriction, auto-off time, etc.), destination information of facsimile and scanner, and each application (copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc.) ) Basic mode information (double-sided copy, stamp print, sort / stack, copy limit number of sheets, priority paper feed tray, copy density, counter print, etc.).

The input user name and password and the operating environment of the device used by the user are stored in the multi-user information storage unit 1-10. The multi-user information storage unit 1-10 includes a user information unit 1-10-1 and a user operating environment information unit 1-10-2. The user information unit 1-10-1 stores a user name and a password. The user operating environment information section 1-10-2 stores the operating environment of the apparatus. Thereafter, the user name and password of the user A and the user B are “user name:“ A ”, password:“ AWR123 ”” from the operation unit display unit 1-1.
“User name:“ B ”, password:“ qwel ””
A case where the operating environment of the user A and the user B is input simultaneously with this input will be described as an example. In the user information section 1-10-1, in addition to the user names and passwords of the input users A and B, the user name and password of the ROOT user “user name:“ ROOT ”, password:“ super ””
Is remembered. As described above, the ROOT user is a user who manages the system of the image forming apparatus. In the user operating environment information section 1-10-2, the input operating environments of the user A and the user B are stored for each user as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, in addition to the operating environments of user A and user B, the operating environment of the common user is stored. This common user operating environment is for enabling the above-described common mode for all users, and may be input in advance by the ROOT user from the operation unit display unit 1-1 and stored. Sometimes default values may be stored.
The operating environment shown in FIG. 4 is actually stored in the user operating environment information section 1-10-2 for each user as a file (operating environment file) in a predetermined format. This predetermined format is shown in FIG. 5 taking a common user as an example. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operating environment file of the common user in a text format. Referring to FIG. 5, the setting value (right side) of each item of the operating environment is variable, but each item (left side) of the operating environment is a fixed description, so that the file format is highly versatile.

Next, a method for logging in to the image forming apparatus in the common mode for all users, that is, the common user (enabling the common mode for all users) will be described.
When the image forming apparatus detects power-on of the apparatus, the image forming apparatus first reads the multi-user information storage unit 1-10 (user information unit 1-10-1 and user operation environment information unit 1-10-2), The common user operating environment shown in FIG. 4 is read out as the common user operating environment file.
Of the common user operating environment shown in FIG. Copy mode storage section 1-14 with basic mode information (single-sided → single-sided copy, no stamp printing, no sort / stack, unlimited number of copies, tray 1 for feed tray, normal density, counter printing) Update. Further, of the common user operating environment shown in FIG. The initial setting storage unit 1-12 is updated with the contents of the initial setting information (with buzzer sound, binding margin 5 mm, no user restriction, infinite auto-off time). Furthermore, among the operating environments of the common user in FIG. The destination information storage unit 1-13 is updated with the contents of the destination information (one-touch 01 is 03-11112222,..., Abbreviation 02 is 03-7777-8888).
Next, based on the updated information in the copy mode storage unit 1-14, the initial setting storage unit 1-12, and the destination information storage unit 1-13, a common standby screen shown in FIG. A common standby screen is displayed on the operation unit display unit 1-1.
As described above, the common mode for all users is enabled by automatically logging in to the apparatus as a common user when the apparatus is powered on.

Further, a method of logging in to the image forming apparatus in each user mode, that is, user A or user B (enabling each user mode) will be described.
When the image forming apparatus detects that the user has pressed the Login key on the common standby screen in FIG. 3C, the image forming apparatus displays the login screen illustrated in FIG. 2 on the operation unit display unit 1-1.
Then, when “user name:“ A ”, password:“ AWR123 ”” is entered on this login screen, the user authentication unit 1-11 refers to the user information unit 1-10-1, and is authorized. (Whether or not the user name and password input on the login screen match the user name and password registered in the user information section 1-10-1). If the user name and password entered on the login screen match the user name and password registered in the user information unit 1-10-1, the user authentication unit 1-11 is a legitimate user. And login is permitted.
When the user authentication unit 1-11 permits login, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multi-user information storage unit 1-10 (user information unit 1-10-1 and user operating environment information unit 1-10-2). ) To read out the operating environment of user A shown in FIG. 4 as the operating environment file of user A.

Then, the copy mode storage unit 1-14, the initial setting storage unit 1-12, and the destination information storage unit 1-13 are updated with the read contents of the operation environment of the user A in the same manner as the operation environment of the common user described above. .
Next, based on the updated information in the copy mode storage unit 1-14, the initial setting storage unit 1-12, and the destination information storage unit 1-13, a user A standby screen shown in FIG. The user A standby screen is displayed on the operation unit display unit 1-1.
As described above, when the Login key is pressed on the common standby screen of FIG. 3C, the correct user name and password of user A are input on the login screen of FIG. 2, and user A logs in to the device. Each user mode is enabled.
When “user name:“ B ”, password:“ qwel ”” is input on the login screen of FIG. 2, the operation unit display unit 1-1 displays the user B standby screen shown in FIG. Will be displayed.
In addition, an EXIT key is provided on the user A standby screen in FIG. 3A and the user B standby screen in FIG. By pressing the EXIT key, the user A or the user B is logged out from the apparatus to invalidate each user mode, and the common user is automatically logged in as described above, thereby enabling the common mode for all users.

  Here, referring to the standby screens in FIGS. 3A to 3C and the operation environment for each user in FIG. 4, each item of the operation environment in FIG. 4 (1. Basic mode information double-sided copy, stamp printing, The contents of (Density, Sort / Stack) are reflected in each item (duplex mode, stamp printing, density, sort / stack mode) on the standby screen in FIGS. 3 (A) to (C). An operating environment is provided to enable copying.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, a processing procedure for switching between the all-user common mode and each user mode from power-on to power-off of the image forming apparatus will be described.
When the image forming apparatus detects power-on of the apparatus, that is, when the power is turned on (step 101; Y), as described above, automatic login is started in the all-user common mode (common user) (step 102). . Then, the operating environment file for all users common mode (common user) is read, and the operating environment of the common user is set (step 103). That is, the operation environment file for all users common mode (common user) stored in the user operation environment information unit 1-10-2 is read, and the copy mode storage unit 1-14, The initial setting storage unit 1-12 and the destination information storage unit 1-13 are updated. Next, based on the updated information in the copy mode storage unit 1-14, the initial setting storage unit 1-12, and the destination information storage unit 1-13, the common standby screen of FIG. -1 (step 104).

Then, it is checked whether or not the Login key on the common standby screen has been pressed (step 105). Here, when the Login key is not pressed (step 105; N), when it is detected that the power to the apparatus has been turned off (power is turned off), that is, when the power is turned off (step 106; Y), post-processing of the apparatus To finish all processing. If the power has not been turned off (step 106; N), the process returns to step 105 to check whether the Login key on the common standby screen has been pressed (step 105).
When the Login key is pressed (step 105; Y), the login screen of FIG. 2 is displayed on the operation unit display unit 1-1 (step 107). Then, when the login name and password are input from the user on the login screen of FIG. 2, it is checked whether or not the user who has input the login name and password is a regular user (step 108). As described above, the user authentication unit 1-11 checks whether the user is an authorized user. Here, when the user authentication unit 1-11 does not determine that the user is a regular user and login is not permitted (step 108; N), a message “Please enter user name and password” is displayed on the operation unit. The information is displayed on the display unit 1-1 (step 109), and the processing after step 107 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the user authentication unit 1-11 determines that the user is a legitimate user and login is permitted (step 108; Y), the operating environment file of the user permitted to log in (login user) is read. The user's operating environment is set (step 110). That is, the operating environment file of the login user stored in the user operating environment information unit 1-10-2 is read, and the copy mode storage unit 1-14, the initial setting storage unit 1- 12. Update the destination information storage unit 1-13. Next, the user standby screen is displayed on the operation unit display unit 1-1 based on the updated information in the copy mode storage unit 1-14, the initial setting storage unit 1-12, and the destination information storage unit 1-13 ( Step 111). When the login user is user A, the user A standby screen in FIG. 3A is displayed on the operation unit display unit 1-1.

Then, it is checked whether the EXIT key on the user standby screen has been pressed or the time has expired (step 112). Here, whether or not the time is over is determined based on the auto-off time that is an item of the operating environment of the login user. That is, when the device unused time after displaying the user standby screen exceeds the auto-off time, it is determined that the time has expired. For example, if the logged-in user is user A, it is determined that the time has expired if there is no operation request to the apparatus for 5 minutes after the user A standby screen is displayed.
Here, if the EXIT key is pressed or the time is over (step 112; Y), the processing from step 102 onward is repeated in order to switch from the current user mode to the all-user common mode. On the other hand, if the EXIT key is not pressed and the time is not over (step 112; N), it is checked whether the Login key is pressed (step 113). If the Login key has not been pressed (step 113; N), the processing after step 112 is repeated. If the Login key has been pressed (step 113; Y), the processing after step 107 is repeated.
When the user places a document on the document table of the apparatus and presses the start key of the operation unit display unit 1-1 in a state where the common standby screen in step 104 is displayed, copying is performed in the common user operating environment. Etc. are executed. In addition, when the user places a document on the document table and presses the start key of the operation unit display unit 1-1 while the user standby screen in step 111 is displayed, the copy is performed under the operating condition of the login user. Etc. are executed. In addition, the operating condition can be changed from the operation unit display unit 1-1 before the start key is pressed.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the power is turned on, automatic login is performed in the common mode for all users. Thus, as with the conventional image forming apparatus, an application such as copying can be performed on the apparatus without performing special login work. Can be executed. In addition, users who want to change the operating environment of the device for each user can log in in each user mode by pressing the Login key and performing login operations on the login screen. Applications such as copying can be executed. In addition, when logging in in each user mode, it is checked whether or not the time has expired based on the auto-off time (operation environment item). Since the mode is switched, even when the user forgets to log out by pressing the EXIT key, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use of the device by other users and to improve the security of the device.

  In the above description, the case where copying is mainly executed among a plurality of applications included in the image forming apparatus has been described by exemplifying the standby screens of FIGS. 3A to 3C. Similarly, it is possible to change the operating environment for each user for facsimiles, printers, and scanners. For example, when the common standby screen shown in FIG. 3C is displayed and the application is switched from copy to facsimile using the application switching key of the operation unit display unit 1-1, the destination information is stored. Based on the information in the section 1-13, a common standby screen for facsimile is created and displayed on the operation section display section. The common standby screen for facsimile may display an operation environment necessary for facsimile such as a message “I can facsimile” or “(destination information) one touch 01: 03-111-2222”. When the EXIT key on the common standby screen for facsimile or the Login key on the operation unit display 1-1 is pressed, the login screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed as in the case of copying, and the correct user name and password are displayed. Is entered, a user standby screen for facsimile is created as in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

  Next, updating of the operating environment file stored in the user operating environment information unit 1-10-2 will be described. In the standby screens of FIGS. 3A to 3C, when each user makes a copy by changing the operating environment from the operation unit display unit 1-1, for example, the user A is the user of FIG. When copying from “Density: Light” to “Density: Normal” on the standby screen, when the user A logs out of the device by pressing the EXIT key, the contents of the operating environment file are automatically updated. The latest operating environment when the user always performs copying may be reflected in the operating environment file. When the initial setting key on the operation unit display unit 1-1 is pressed, a menu screen for setting the operating environment of the apparatus is displayed. The contents of the operating environment file are updated on the menu screen. The contents of the operating environment file may be updated only when the user wants to change the operating environment.

Finally, the access right when updating the operating environment file will be described with reference to FIG. An access right for each item of the operating environment is determined for each user who uses the image forming apparatus, and the contents are stored in the access right storage unit 1-15. Referring to FIG. 6, if the user restriction is taken as an example in the items of the operating environment, only the ROOT user can execute the setting change of whether or not to restrict the user. FIG. 6 illustrates the contents of the access right only for the user restriction, auto-off time, counter printing, and buzzer sound among the items of the operating environment, but all the items of the operating environment shown in FIG. The access right is determined and the content is stored in the access right storage unit 1-15. In the means for updating the contents of the operating environment file described above, the user currently logged in to the apparatus is checked, and the contents are updated only for the items of the operating environment that are set to have access rights.
Note that only the ROOT user can change the access right storage unit 1-15. That is, only when “user name:“ ROOT ”, password:“ super ”” is input on the login screen of FIG. 2 displayed by pressing the Login key on the operation unit display unit 1-1. Then, the item of access right change is displayed on the aforementioned menu screen displayed by pressing the initial setting key on the operation unit display unit 1-1.
By setting access rights in this way, even when multiple users use the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent other users from changing the operating environment and improve the security of the apparatus. Can do.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the login screen. It is the figure which showed the standby screen after login, (A) shows the user A standby screen, (B) shows the user B standby screen, (C) shows the common standby screen. It is the figure which showed the operating environment for every user. It is a figure for demonstrating the format of an operating environment file, and shows the operating environment file of a common user in a text format. It is a figure for demonstrating the access right at the time of updating an operating environment file. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for switching between a common mode for all users and each user mode from power-on to power-off of the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 System Control Unit 1-1 Operation Unit Display Unit 1-2 ADF
1-3 Optical unit 1-4 Image memory 1-5 Paper feed unit 1-6 Double-sided paper feed unit 1-7 Image forming unit 1-8 Fixing unit 1-9 Paper discharge unit 1-10 Multi-user information storage unit 1- 10-1 User information section 1-10-2 User operating environment information section 1-11 User authentication section 1-12 Initial setting storage section 1-13 Destination information storage section 1-14 Copy mode storage section 1-15 Access right storage section

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus having one or more functions of copy, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc.
User registration means for registering the user code and password of the user who uses the device,
Operating environment storage means for storing the operating environment of the device for each user registered in the user registration means;
Input means for accepting user code and password input from the user;
When a user code and password are input from the user by this input means, it is determined whether or not the user is permitted to use the apparatus based on the user code and password registered in the user registration means. Judgment means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an operation environment valid unit that validates the user's operation environment stored in the operation environment storage unit when the determination unit determines to permit use of the apparatus. .   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating environment includes any one of initial setting information of the apparatus, destination information of a facsimile or a scanner, and initial mode information of each function.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating environment storage unit stores the operating environment of the apparatus as a file for each user, and the file has a predetermined format. Power-on detection means for detecting power-on to the device;
User mode setting means for setting all user common mode, user mode of each user mode to the device,
Switching request means for receiving a switching request from all users common mode to each user mode,
When the power-on detection unit detects power-on, the user mode setting unit sets the common mode for all users to the device,
When the switching request means receives a request for switching to each user mode, the user mode setting means accepts an input of a user code and a password from the user by the input means, and judges that the use of the apparatus is permitted by the judging means 4. The image according to claim 1, wherein each user mode is set in the apparatus by enabling the operation environment of the user by the operation environment valid unit. Forming equipment. Updating means for updating the operating environment stored in the operating environment storage means;
5. The image according to claim 4, further comprising access right setting means for setting, for each user mode, an access right as to whether or not to permit updating by the update means for each item of the operating environment. Forming equipment. When each user mode is set in the apparatus by the user mode setting means, a release request means for receiving a request for releasing each user mode, a measuring means for measuring the unused time of the apparatus,
Each user mode cancellation that cancels the setting of each user mode when the cancellation request unit receives a cancellation request for each user mode or when the unused time measured by the measurement unit has passed a predetermined time 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: means.   When the cancellation request of each user mode is received by the cancellation request means, or when the unused time measured by the measurement means has passed a predetermined time, the user mode cancellation means 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the setting is canceled and the common mode for all users is set in the apparatus by the user mode setting means.   The user registration unit, the operating environment storage unit, the input unit, and the determination unit can be used in all the functions of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7.

Images