JP2006030673A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus whose operational setting is easily customized by any of a plurality of users to suit each user's taste. <P>SOLUTION: When a card reader detects that a magnetic card is inserted (YES in S1), an installation part installs an operation control program stored in the magnetic card into a storage part (S3), and when the card reader detects that the magnetic card is pulled out (YES in S4), an uninstallation part uninstalls the operation control program installed until then from the storage part (S5). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a technique that allows a plurality of operators to customize the operating environment of the apparatus for each operator.

In an image forming apparatus installed in an office or the like and used by a plurality of operators, it is desired to provide an operation environment that is easy to use for each operator. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, in a multifunction device capable of executing a copy function, a fax function, a printer function, etc., when a mode that can be used for each user is restricted, the user can Among the above functions that can be executed in the multifunction device, a function that can be used by the user who has input this keyword and a function that cannot be used are displayed on the display unit. ing.
JP 2004-48604 A

  However, the digital multi-function peripheral disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is easy for each user to grasp the functions permitted to be used by himself / herself. It is not possible to improve the operability when trying to set a function to be used.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an image forming apparatus in which any of a plurality of users can easily customize the operation settings of the apparatus according to the preference of each user. It is intended to provide.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a program storage means for storing an operation control program;
Interface means for setting the external memory in a readable state;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the external memory is set in the interface means;
When the detection unit detects that the external memory is set in the interface unit, the operation control program stored in the external memory set in the interface unit is installed in the program storage unit. Installation means to
When the operation control program stored in the external memory by the installation unit is installed in the program storage unit, the external memory is not set in the interface unit by the detection unit. When detected, the image forming apparatus includes an uninstalling unit that uninstalls the operation control program from the program storage unit.

  In this configuration, when the external memory is set in the interface means, the operation control program stored in the external memory is installed in the program storage means, and the state where the external memory is set in the interface means is released. The operation control program is uninstalled from the program storage means.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external memory stores authentication information for authenticating whether or not the use of the image forming apparatus is permitted. To do,
Authentication for determining whether authentication information that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus is stored in the external memory when the detecting unit detects that the external memory is set in the interface unit. With means,
The installation means stores the operation control program stored in the external memory when the authentication means determines that authentication information that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus is stored in the external memory. It is installed in the program storage means.

  In this configuration, when the external memory is set in the interface unit, when the authentication unit determines that the authentication information stored in the external memory is permitted to use the image forming apparatus, An operation control program stored in the external memory is installed in the program storage means.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation control program installed in the program storage unit by the installation unit displays an operation guide. The display of the display unit to be controlled and the processing executed in response to the operation instruction input based on this display are controlled.

  With this configuration, the operation control program for controlling the display of the display unit for displaying the operation guidance and the processing corresponding to the operation instruction input based on the display is installed in the program storage unit by the installation unit. It has become.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operating environment provided based on the operation control program stored in the external memory is simply set in the image forming apparatus simply by setting the external memory in the interface unit. can do. Therefore, when there are a plurality of users, the operation settings of the apparatus can be easily customized according to the preference of each user. Also, if the setting of the external memory to the interface means is canceled, the operating environment set up to that point can be easily canceled. Further, when the external memory is unset from the interface means, the operation control program is uninstalled from the program storage means, so that the storage area of the program storage means can be used effectively.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if an external memory that does not have authentication information permitted to use the image forming apparatus is set in the interface unit, the operation control program stored in the external memory is a program. Since it is not installed in the storage means, it is intended for a holder of an external memory that does not store authentication information that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus, for example, an operator that is not permitted to use the image forming apparatus. The operation control program stored in the external memory cannot be installed in the program storage unit, and the operating environment of the image forming apparatus cannot be changed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the operation guidance displayed on the display unit and the processing of the operation instruction input based on the display are appropriately customized according to the content of the operation control program to be installed. Therefore, when there are a plurality of users, each of the users is executed in accordance with the operation guidance of the display unit and the operation instruction input based on the operation guidance according to their preference. The process can be easily customized.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a multifunction machine as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction machine 1 has a copy function, a fax function, a printer function, and a scanner function. An automatic document feeder 10 for continuously reading a document when used as a facsimile or a copying machine can be opened and closed with respect to a glass document table of a scanner unit (not shown). Is provided. An operation unit 20 in which various switches for operating the multifunction device 1 are arranged is provided in front of the upper portion of the multifunction device 1.

  When a document is placed on the document loading unit 11 of the automatic document feeder 10 and the start key 21 of the operation unit 20 is turned on, a roller or the like provided in the drive unit 12 of the automatic document feeder 10 causes the document loading unit 11 to Documents are sequentially taken into the automatic document feeder 10 and conveyed to a document table of an image reading unit (scanner), and a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the document conveyance direction by an image sensor (line sensor) such as a CCD. ) Is read as image data for each line and stored in the memory.

  The scanner unit has a so-called mirror scan type optical system. When the automatic document feeder 10 is used to read a document, the scanner unit fixes the mirror and scans a document passing through a predetermined position on the document table. Read it. On the other hand, when the document is placed directly on the document table without using the automatic document feeder 10, the document is read by scanning the mirror in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction from the lower side of the document table. The scanner unit can be used alone as a scanner as a peripheral device of a personal computer, and can read the read image data to a personal computer connected via a LAN or the like. Inside the main body of the multi-function device 1, for example, there is provided a printing unit (not shown because of public knowledge) having a configuration such as an electrophotographic system similar to a laser beam printer or the like.

  When the multifunction machine 1 is used as a copying machine, the recording unit realizes copy output by forming an image on recording paper using the printing unit with the image data read by the scanner unit. Further, when the multifunction device 1 is used as a printer connected to a network, the printing unit forms an image on recording paper based on print data such as a document or an image transmitted from a personal computer connected to the network. .

  Since the multifunction device 1 has a plurality of functions as described above, the operation unit 20 selects a function for selecting any of the functions as a facsimile, a copier, a printer, and a scanner in addition to the start key 21. Key 22, numeric keypad 23 for inputting the number of copies and FAX number, reset key 24 for canceling erroneous input, stop key 25 for canceling facsimile transmission or printing operation, received fax data, various selections Display unit 26 including a liquid crystal display that also serves as a display device for displaying possible functions and an input device (touch panel) for selecting functions, and a JOB list for displaying a list of received facsimile information on display unit 26 A display key 27 and the like are provided.

  A card reader (interface means, detection means) 28 is provided on the front panel of the multifunction device 1. The card reader 28 is configured such that a portable information recording medium such as the magnetic card C can be inserted and removed, and data is read from the magnetic card C in the inserted state. The card reader 28 detects insertion and removal of a portable information recording medium such as the magnetic card C.

  When the magnetic card C is inserted, the card reader 28 reads the personal identification code (an example of the upper part of authentication) stored in the magnetic card C, and uses the read personal identification code as an authentication unit 103 (FIG. 2) described later. To send. In the authentication unit 103, the sent personal identification code is permitted to use the multifunction device 1, or the operation control program stored in the magnetic card C is permitted to be installed in the multifunction device 1. It is judged whether it is what was done. This personal identification code is an example of authentication information for determining whether or not to permit the use of the multifunction device 1, and this authentication information can be used regardless of the name of account, password, ID, etc. All the information that can be used for the determination of availability is applicable.

  The magnetic card C is a magnetic recording medium in which various kinds of information can be stored magnetically. For example, the personal identification code of the cardholder, department information (a so-called department regarding the usage status of the multifunction device 1), for example. This is a card in which information used for management) is recorded.

  In the magnetic card C, as the operation control program, for example, a program for controlling display on the display unit 26 and processing executed in response to an operation instruction input from the operator based on the display on the display unit 26. Is remembered. This program is used, for example, to set (1) a book creation program or (2) copy settings customized for each operator (setting of recording paper size, density, copy magnification, etc.) in the multifunction device 1. And (3) a program for using the multifunction device 1 as a printer or a scanner (in the initial setting, if the multifunction device 1 is not set up to be usable as a printer or a scanner, (4) a program for transmitting data read by the image reading unit 110 to a computer connected to a network and transmission destination information thereof (5) A program for executing an electronic mail transmission function and transmission destination address information thereof may be used.

  In addition, it replaces with the said magnetic card | curd C, it is set as other recording media, such as a card | curd which consists of storage media using semiconductor memory, such as flash memory, and the structure (namely, storage medium) corresponding to the employ | adopted storage medium as the card reader 28 It is also possible to adopt an interface mechanism having a configuration for detecting that the recording medium is loaded and a configuration for reading data from a storage medium. In addition, USB (universal serial bus) and Bluetooth interfaces are used, and notebook computers, PDAs (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants), mobile phones, and other devices are used as external memory. The data (program) may be read from the computer.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the operation of each unit of the apparatus, an image reading unit 110 including a scanner that reads a document image, data of a document image read by the image reading unit 110, and an image reading unit 110. An image memory 120 that temporarily stores image data read by the image reading unit 110, and a printing unit 130 that prints document image data read by the image reading unit 110.

  The multifunction device 1 executes various functions necessary for facsimile communication, and receives a facsimile communication unit 140 that receives image data from an external facsimile apparatus through a public line, and various operation instructions (number of printed sheets, etc.) from an operator. An operation unit 20 including a transmission start key, a numeric keypad, an abbreviated number key, and the like to be received, and a display unit 26 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like for displaying operation guidance for an operator or the like are provided.

  Further, the multifunction machine 1 is used as a work area for the storage unit (program storage unit) 170 including a hard disk or the like on which various programs can be installed and the control unit 104, and temporarily stores various data. It has a RAM 191 and a ROM 192 that stores a basic input / output system (BIOS), which is a basic program for controlling the overall operation of the multifunction device 1.

  The control unit 100 includes an installation unit 101, an uninstallation unit 102, an authentication unit 103, and a control unit 104. The installation unit (installation unit) 101 installs the operation control program stored in the magnetic card C in the storage unit 170 when the card reader 28 detects that the magnetic card C is set. . For example, when the book creation program stored in the magnetic card C is installed in the storage unit 170 by the installation unit 101, the control unit 104 displays one or more form forms on the display unit 26 according to the book creation program. The name is displayed, and when the operator selects the desired form form from the displayed form form names and inputs the necessary data, the form is created using the selected form and the entered data. Process.

  When the operation control program stored in the magnetic card C by the installation unit 101 is installed in the storage unit 170, the uninstall unit 102 has released the magnetic card C set by the card reader 28. If it is detected, the operation control program is uninstalled from the storage unit 170.

  The authentication unit 103 determines whether or not the personal identification code read from the magnetic card C by the card reader 28 is permitted to use the multifunction device 1. When the authentication unit 103 determines that authentication information that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus is stored in the external memory, the installation unit 101 stores an operation control program stored in the magnetic card C. The storage unit 170 is installed.

  The control unit (control means) 104 controls operation of the entire multifunction device 1. The control unit 104 is configured to execute the operation program installed from the magnetic card C by using Java (registered trademark) or Windows (registered trademark) (OS).

  A first embodiment of a process when the operation control program read from the magnetic card C in the multifunction machine 1 is installed in the storage unit 170 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of processing when the operation control program read from the magnetic card C is installed in the storage unit 170 in the multifunction device 1.

  When the operator inserts the magnetic card C into the card reader 28 and the card reader 28 detects the insertion of the magnetic card C (YES in S1), the card reader 28 reads the operation control program from the inserted magnetic card C ( S2). The installation unit 101 installs the operation control program read by the card reader 28 in the storage unit 170 (S3).

  When the operator removes the magnetic card C from the card reader 28 and the card reader 28 detects removal of the magnetic card C (YES in S4), the installation unit 101 stores the operation control program installed in S3. Uninstall from 170 (S5).

  That is, when the magnetic card C is inserted into the card reader 28, the card reader 28 reads the operation control program from the magnetic card C, and the installation unit 101 installs the read operation control program in the storage unit 170. While the magnetic card C is inserted into the card reader 28, the operation control program is installed in the storage unit 170. When the magnetic card C is removed from the card reader 28, the uninstaller 102 uninstalls the installed operation control program from the storage unit 170.

  Therefore, if the operator stores the operation control program customized for himself / herself in the magnetic card C, the operator can perform any operation by inserting the magnetic card C into the card reader 28 of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction device 1 can be operated with settings customized for the user without performing the operation. Furthermore, if the operator removes the magnetic card C from the card reader 28 after the operation is completed, the operation setting of the multifunction machine 1 returns to the original state (the state before the operation control program is installed from the magnetic card C). Then, there is no operational trouble for another operator who operates the multifunction device 1 next time.

  Next, a second embodiment of processing when the operation control program read from the magnetic card C in the multifunction device 1 is installed in the storage unit 170 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of processing when the operation control program read from the magnetic card C is installed in the storage unit 170 in the multifunction device 1. In addition, about the process similar to 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, even when the magnetic card C is inserted into the card reader 28, it is stored in the magnetic card C only when the personal identification code that is permitted to use the multifunction device 1 is stored in the magnetic card C. The operation control program is not installed in the storage unit 170.

  When the operator inserts the magnetic card C into the card reader 28 and the card reader 28 detects the insertion of the magnetic card C (YES in S1), the card reader 28 first receives a personal identification code from the inserted magnetic card C. Read (S6). The authentication unit 103 recognizes the use permission of the multifunction device 1 in which the personal identification code read by the card reader 28 is stored in advance in the authentication unit 103 (or the storage unit 170, the ROM 192, or the like). It is determined whether or not it matches the personal identification code (S7).

  If the authentication unit 103 determines that the personal identification code stored in the magnetic card C matches the personal identification code permitted to use the multifunction device 1 (YES in S7), the installation unit 101 is magnetic. The operation control program read from the card C is installed in the storage unit 170 (S2, S3). If the authentication unit 103 determines that the personal identification code stored in the magnetic card C does not match the personal identification code permitted to be used (NO in S7), the installation unit 101 determines that the magnetic card C The control unit 104 does not install the operation control program stored in the storage unit 170, and the control unit 104 notifies the display unit 26 that the use of the multifunction device 1 is not permitted, or the operation control stored in the magnetic card C. A message indicating that the program cannot be installed is displayed (S8).

  The authentication of the personal identification code by the authentication unit 103 in S7 is performed based on whether or not the personal identification code stored in the magnetic card C is a personal identification code permitted to use the multifunction device 1 as described above. However, as shown in parentheses in S7 of FIG. 4, the authentication unit 103 (or storage unit 170, ROM 192, etc.) stores in advance a personal identification code that permits installation of the operation control program, The installation unit 101 may permit the installation of the operation control program only when the personal identification code read from the magnetic card C by the reader 28 matches the personal identification code permitting the installation. In this case, the operator who has inserted the magnetic card C can perform copying and the like by operating the multifunction machine 1, but cannot install the operation control program stored in the magnetic card C.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described as the multifunction device 1. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the multifunction device, and includes a copy function, a printer function, and a fax function. It may be a so-called single machine having any function.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the structure and process of the multifunctional device 1 are shown in FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 4, these structures and processes are an example to the last, and are not limited above.

1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of processing when an operation control program read from a magnetic card is installed in a storage unit in a copying machine. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of processing when an operation control program read from a magnetic card is installed in a storage unit in a copying machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP 26 Display Unit 28 Card Reader 100 Control Unit 101 Installation Unit 102 Uninstallation Unit 103 Authentication Unit 104 Control Unit 170 Storage Unit C Magnetic Card

Claims (3)

Program storage means for storing an operation control program;
Interface means for setting the external memory in a readable state;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the external memory is set in the interface means;
When the detection unit detects that the external memory is set in the interface unit, the operation control program stored in the external memory set in the interface unit is installed in the program storage unit. Installation means to
When the operation control program stored in the external memory by the installation means is installed in the program storage means, the external memory is not set in the interface means by the detection means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an uninstall unit that uninstalls the operation control program from the program storage unit when detected. The external memory stores authentication information for authenticating whether to permit use of the image forming apparatus,
Authentication for determining whether or not authentication information that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus is stored in the external memory when the detection unit detects that the external memory is set in the interface unit. With means,
The installation means stores the operation control program stored in the external memory when the authentication means determines that authentication information that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus is stored in the external memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is installed in a program storage unit.   The operation control program installed in the program storage unit by the installation unit controls display of a display unit that displays operation guidance and processing executed in response to an operation instruction input based on the display. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an operation control program.

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