JP2006133537A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copying machine capable of improving convenience for a user who is not identified as a user. <P>SOLUTION: In a system constituted by connecting the copying machines 1 and 2 or the like through a network, the copying machine 1 determines whether or not another copying machine 2 or 3 or the like the use of which is permitted for the user who is not identified as a user by user identification exists (S40). When determining that the copying machine the use of which is permitted exists (YES in S40), guidance information display processing is performed (step S42). Namely, guidance information showing the installation place or the like of the copying machine the use of which is permitted is displayed and output on the liquid crystal touch panel of a control panel is displayed and output, so that the user is guided to the copying machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of permitting use by user authentication.

Conventionally, in the field of image processing apparatuses such as copiers, so-called user authentication is performed in which a user recognizes the user by inputting a user ID from an operation panel and determines whether the user is permitted or not permitted to use the apparatus. Those having the following functions are known.
If this user authentication is used, the use of the device is not permitted unless a user ID registered in advance is input, which is useful when performing device management.
JP 2003-348279 A

In the copying machine having the user authentication function as described above, a user who is not authenticated due to the authentication result cannot use the copying machine. For example, the copying machine is permitted to be used on another floor in the office or an adjacent department. Even if another copier is arranged, if the existence of the other copier is not known, it is very inconvenient to search for a copier that can be used by the user.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus that can improve convenience even for a user who has not been authenticated.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives user identification information; and whether the user is permitted to use based on the user identification information. When it is authenticated that the user is not permitted to use the authentication unit, the output unit, and the authentication unit that perform authentication, the device that is permitted to be used by the user is specified from among at least one external image processing apparatus. It is characterized by comprising: specifying means; and control means for causing the output means to output guidance information for guiding the user to the specified device.

As described above, since the configuration is such that guidance information for guiding an unauthorized device to other devices that are permitted to be used is output, the user can check where the device that the user can use is installed. This eliminates the need to search around like before.
Further, the authentication means compares the identification information of the user with first identification information for identifying a user permitted to use the device, performs the authentication based on the comparison result, The specifying unit compares the identification information of the user with second identification information for identifying a user who is permitted to use each of the external image processing apparatuses, and is permitted based on the comparison result. It is characterized by specifying the device.

In this way, user authentication and device identification can be performed by a simple process of comparing the received identification information with the first identification information and comparing with the second identification information.
And a first storage unit storing the first identification information and a second storage unit storing the second identification information, wherein the authentication unit includes the first storage unit. The first identification information is read from storage means, and the specifying means reads and uses the second identification information from the second storage means.

In this way, it is not necessary to acquire the first and second information from the outside each time user authentication and device identification are performed, for example.
In addition, the first and second identification information is obtained from outside at a predetermined time, and storage means is provided for storing the obtained first and second identification information in the first and second storage means, respectively. It is characterized by.

For example, if acquisition of the first and second identification information is performed at predetermined intervals, the first and second identification information is updated each time, and the user is updated using the updated first and second information. It becomes possible to execute authentication and the like.
The guidance information includes information indicating an installation location of the specified device and / or identification information for identifying the specified device.

In this way, the user can immediately understand where the specified device is installed. Further, if the identification information for identifying the specified device is, for example, the product name of the device, even if a plurality of devices with different product names are installed adjacent to each other, the user It is possible to understand a device that can be used immediately by the user.
Further, the guidance information includes function information indicating a function of the specified device and / or accessory information indicating an accessory device attached to the specified device.

  In this way, the user can determine what function the identified device has, for example, a color image processing function, a monochrome image processing function, or the like, or It is possible to know in advance what auxiliary equipment, for example, an automatic document feeder or a sorter as a post-processing device is connected, and it is also possible to determine whether or not to go to the device.

Further, the output means is a display means, and the control means displays and outputs the guidance information.
If it does in this way, the user can confirm guidance information visually.
Further, the display means is configured to be able to switch between color and monochrome display, and the control means is configured to display the guidance when the specified device is a device having a function of processing a color image. In the case of a device that displays information in color and does not have a function of processing a color image, it is characterized in that it is displayed in monochrome.

In this way, the user can confirm with the display color whether or not the specified device has a function of processing a color image, and the understanding becomes easy.
The control unit is connected to each of the external image processing apparatuses via a network, and the control unit transmits, via the network, an instruction to transition to a state in which an image processing job can be executed to the specified apparatus. It is characterized by doing.

For example, if the identified device is a device configured to transition to a state in which an image processing job can be executed by a transition instruction, even if it takes some time to transition, the user can The possibility that the image processing job can be executed immediately increases when the device arrives at the apparatus.
Further, each of the external image processing devices has a power saving function, and the control means includes a power saving state detection means for detecting that the specified device is in a power saving state via a network, When it is detected that the specified device is in the power saving state, the power saving state cancellation instruction is transmitted as the transition instruction.

In this way, the release instruction is given only to the device in the power saving state, and for example, it is not necessary to incorporate the processing when the release instruction is received when the device is not in the power saving state.
Further, the control means includes trouble state detection means for detecting that the specified device is in a predetermined trouble state via the network, and the specified device is in the predetermined trouble state. If detected, the guide information is not output.

If the identified device is in trouble, for example, if the device is a copier, etc., it is highly likely that an image processing job cannot be executed if the device is clogged, out of toner, etc. This is convenient for the user.
Further, the control means causes the output means to output information indicating that the specified device is in the predetermined trouble state.

In this way, the user can understand that a device that can be used is in a trouble state. For example, the user can go to the device in anticipation of when the trouble is expected to be released.
Further, the control means includes an in-use detection means for detecting that the specified device is in use via the network, and when it is detected that the specified device is in use, The guide information is not output.

If the specified device is being used by another user, for example, if it is used for a long time, it is highly possible that the image processing job cannot be executed, and the user is intentionally directed to such a device. This is convenient for the user.
Further, the control means causes the output means to output information indicating that the specified device is in use.

In this way, the user can understand that a device that can be used is in use, and can, for example, go to the device in anticipation of when the use is expected to end.
In addition, the control means does not output the guidance information when the specified device does not have the same function as the own device.
In this way, if the function is not the same, for example, the device itself has a function of processing a color image, but if the specified device does not have a function of processing a color image, The user who wants to process the image is not guided to an apparatus that cannot process the color image, which is convenient for the user because there is no waste of movement.

Further, when there are a plurality of the specified devices, the control means outputs guide information only for the device arranged at a position closest to itself among them.
In this way, since the user can use the closest device, there is an effect that the moving distance for the user is small and a job to be executed can be started quickly.

In addition, when there are a plurality of the specified devices, the control means outputs guidance information for only the device with the least power consumption among them.
In this way, the user can use an apparatus that consumes the least amount of power and can save power.
Further, when there are a plurality of the specified devices, the control means outputs guide information only for a device having the fastest image processing job among them.

In this way, the user can use the apparatus with the fastest image processing job speed, so that the product obtained by the job can be obtained earlier.
In addition, when there are a plurality of specified devices, the control unit causes the output unit to output the fact as guidance information when there is a plurality of specified devices. When a designation of a device that a user desires to use among the plurality of devices is accepted by the designation receiving means, the transition instruction is transmitted only to the designated device.

In this way, the user can select a device that the user desires to use, and it is highly possible that the image processing job can be executed immediately when the user arrives at the selected device.
The image processing device further includes selection input receiving means for receiving a selection input from the user according to the first and second conditions as image processing conditions, and each of the external image processing devices is used for image stabilization triggered by the transition instruction. Correction control means for executing predetermined correction control, first image processing means for executing an image processing job based on the first condition, and a second image for executing an image processing job based on the second condition Processing means, and when the user selects the first condition for the specified device, the control means performs the correction control before executing an image processing job based on the first condition. When the second condition is selected, an instruction to execute the correction control is transmitted after execution of the image processing job based on the second condition.

  For example, when the first condition is a color image output and the second condition is a monochrome image output, when the first condition is selected, the specified device performs correction control and then performs color image output. A job is executed, and a more stable color image output can be obtained as a result of the job. When the second condition is selected, the specified device performs correction control after a job for monochrome image output. When a certain amount of time is required for the correction control, the job can be started earlier by postponing the correction control, and the user can obtain the result quickly. In the case of a monochrome image, the user usually does not feel deterioration such as image quality compared to a color image, and even if correction control is postponed, the user does not actually feel deterioration.

  Further, when each of the external image processing devices receives the transition instruction, the external image processing device performs warm-up until an image processing job is ready to be executed, and the control unit receives the transition instruction from the reception of the transition instruction for the specified device. A first acquisition means for acquiring a time T that is assumed to be required to become an executable state; and a time U that is assumed to be required for the user to move from the own device to the specified device. Second acquisition means for acquiring, and when T <U, the transition instruction is transmitted after (UT) time has elapsed from a predetermined time.

  In this way, it is possible to end the warm-up of the device just when the user moves to and arrives at a device that is permitted to use, for example, while the user is moving to the device. It is possible to reduce power consumption by reducing the amount of power consumed by the amount of power required to maintain the image processing job executable state until the user arrives after the warm-up is completed.

Here, the predetermined time is characterized in that the output of the guidance information is instructed to the output means or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time.
In this way, when the user arrives at a device that is permitted to be used, the end of warm-up of the device can be easily matched.
The control unit is connected to each of the external image processing apparatuses via a network, and the control unit obtains the second identification information about the apparatus from the image processing apparatus for each of the external image processing apparatuses. The information is acquired through the network at a predetermined time.

  For example, if the acquisition of the second identification information is performed at predetermined intervals, the second identification information is updated each time, and the device identification can be performed using the updated second information. .

Embodiments of a system including an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the system 10.
As shown in the figure, a system 10 includes a plurality of copiers 1, 2, 3,... Using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) via a network, here a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. They are connected to each other and can exchange various data with each other.

  Each of the copiers 1, 2,... Is a multi-function digital copier (Multiple Function Peripheral), which reads a set original image to obtain image information, and obtains an original image based on the image information. It has a function of executing various image processing jobs such as a copy job for printing (printing) on recording paper. In addition, the printer has a power saving function for shifting to a power saving mode in which power supply to the printer unit 13 is stopped to save power. Furthermore, it has a user authentication function, and if the same information as an ID (identification information) given in advance is input to a user who is permitted to use, it is assumed that it has been authenticated and is in a usable state from a prohibited state. Allowed to use. On the other hand, for an unauthenticated user, another copy machine permitted to be used is specified, and a guidance display for guiding the user to the specified copy machine is performed.

Since the copying machines 1, 2... Are basically the same in configuration, the configuration of the copying machine 1 will be described below. The copying machine 1 includes an operation panel 11, a scanner unit 12, a printer unit 13, and a control unit 14 as main components.
The scanner unit 12 reads an image of a set original and obtains image data of the original. The printer unit 13 prints the image on a sheet based on the image data read by the scanner unit 12 by a known electrophotographic method. Here, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the sheet, The transferred toner image is heat-fixed on a sheet by a fixing device. Here, toner images of the respective colors are formed on the respective photosensitive drums for colors, for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) colors, and each image formed is formed. A color copy mode that obtains a color image by superimposing and transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum at the same position on a sheet of paper, and a monochrome that obtains a monochrome image by transferring a toner image of only K color onto a sheet of paper. The copy mode can be selectively executed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 11 has a start key 111 for instructing the start of copying (copying), a numeric keypad 112 for inputting the number of copies, etc., and a value such as the inputted number of copies for returning to zero. Clear key 113, power saving key 114 for shifting to the power saving mode, release key 115 for canceling the power saving mode and shifting to the copy-ready state (normal mode), and the administrator of the system 10 own device information (described later) Are registered keys 116 and a liquid crystal touch panel 117.

The liquid crystal touch panel 117 has a touch panel laminated on the surface thereof, and accepts input (touch input) from the user such as setting of a copy magnification, selection of paper, selection of a copy mode, etc., as well as the number of copies, the state of the copying machine 1, For example, a message indicating a paper jam (jam) is displayed.
The figure shows an example in which “Please enter ID” is displayed as a message, waiting for ID input by the user for authentication, ie, being in a use-prohibited state Is shown. On the authentication code reception screen 1171, only the numeric keypad 112 for inputting an ID can be input, and the copy operation is not accepted even if other keys are pressed. The user can input his / her ID using the numeric keypad 112.

Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 14 includes, as main components, a CPU 141, an interface (I / F) unit 142, a ROM 143 storing a program necessary for control, a RAM 144 serving as a work area during program execution, A device information storage unit 145 and an external device information storage unit 146 are provided.
The interface unit 142 is an interface for connecting to a LAN such as a LAN card or a LAN board.

The own device information storage unit 145 includes a nonvolatile memory, and stores own device information.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which own device information is stored in the own device information storage unit 145.
As shown in the figure, the own apparatus information includes information of authentication ID, installation location, installation floor, product name, output form, number of copies, and address.

  The authentication ID indicates the IDs of all users who are permitted to use the copying machine 1 (own apparatus), and is used for user authentication. The installation location indicates in which department the device is installed. The installation floor indicates the number of floors. The product name indicates the product name of the own device (information for identifying the device), and the output form indicates whether the output image can be output in color or monochrome (information indicating the function of the device) (Here, both are possible in the case of color), and the number of copies indicates the number of copies that can be made in one minute. The address is an address on its own network.

Since the product name, output form, and number of copies of the device information are information unique to the device, they are written at the factory when the product is shipped. On the other hand, the authentication ID, installation location, installation floor and address are registered by the administrator of the system 10. This registration process will be described later.
Returning to FIG. 1, the external device information storage unit 146 includes a non-volatile memory, and stores external device information.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how external device information is stored in the external device information storage unit 146.
As shown in the figure, the external device information includes own device information of other copiers, here, copiers 2, 3,. This external device information is acquired from each of the copiers 2, 3, etc., and stored in the external device information storage unit 146 in the self-device information transmission / reception process described later.

  That is, each copying machine is configured to hold its own device information of other copying machines in addition to its own device information. Thus, for example, if the copying machine 1 refers to the external device information (the own device information of the other copying machine 2, etc.), the unauthorized user can use the copying machine among the other copying machines 2, etc. The user can be guided by displaying the specified installation location of the copying machine and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the CPU 141 controls the operation of each unit of the scanner unit 12 and the printer unit 13 based on the control program in the ROM 143 to realize a smooth copy operation. In addition, a key input or the like by the user is accepted via the operation panel 11 and a necessary message or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117. Also, registration processing of own device information, transmission / reception processing of own device information, power saving processing, authentication processing, and the like are performed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the registration process of own device information. This process is executed when the registration key 116 of the operation panel 11 is pressed and a predetermined (administrator-specific) password is input.
As shown in the figure, first, input of own device information is accepted (step S1). Specifically, a self-device information input acceptance screen (not shown) is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117, and an input from the user is accepted. The own apparatus information input acceptance screen is represented in a table format as shown in FIG. 3, and includes columns for authentication ID, installation location, installation floor, product name, output form, number of copies, and address.

  In each column, the own device information currently stored in the own device information storage unit 145 is read and displayed, and the user can visually check the current own device information. Further, when the display part of the input box is touched by the user, another screen for inputting characters such as Roman letters, specifically, a key layout screen similar to the character keys of the keyboard of the personal computer is displayed. Thus, the user can newly input necessary information or modify existing information on the other screen. As described above, the product name, output form, and number of copies are already stored in the own device information storage unit 145 at the time of manufacture and shipment. Therefore, if the authentication ID, installation location, installation floor, and address are input, It will be good.

When the input acceptance from the user is finished, the inputted information is stored (overwritten) in the own device information storage unit 145 as new own device information (step S2), and the registration process is ended.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the own device information transmission / reception process.
As shown in the figure, it is first determined whether or not there is a request for transmission of own apparatus information from another copier 2 or the like (step S11). Here, it is determined whether or not a signal (transmission request signal) indicating a request for transmitting own apparatus information is received from the copying machine 2 or the like. If it is determined that the transmission request signal has been received (“YES” in step S11), the own device information currently stored in the own device information storage unit 145 is read, and the read own device information is transmitted to the request source. (Step S12), the process proceeds to Step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission request signal has not been received (“NO” in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not the acquisition time of own device information has been reached. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the time measured by an internal timer (not shown) has reached a predetermined time, for example, noon.
If it is determined that the acquisition time has not been reached (“NO” in step S13), the process returns to step S11.

  If it is determined that the acquisition time has been reached (“YES” in step S13), the apparatus information of the copying machine is acquired from another copying machine 2 or the like (step S14). Specifically, the transmission request signal is broadcast on the LAN 4. When receiving the transmission request signal, the copying machine 2 or the like performs processing for transmitting its own device information as a response, as processing identical to steps S11 and S12. The copying machine 1 sequentially receives (acquires) its own apparatus information from other copying machines 2 and the like via the LAN 4. As a result, even when a new copying machine is connected to the LAN 4, it is possible to obtain the own apparatus information of the new copying machine. Instead of broadcasting, for example, an address may be registered each time the number of copying machines increases, and a transmission request signal may be transmitted to the registered address.

Each time the own apparatus information is received from each of the other copying machines 2, etc., it is stored (overwritten) in the external apparatus information storage unit 146 as new external apparatus information of the copying machine (step S15), and step S11. Return to. As a result, the self-device information of the other copiers 2 and the like is acquired at noon every day. The acquisition time may be, for example, once a week.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the power saving process.

  As shown in the figure, it is first determined whether or not there is a sleep (power saving) instruction (step S21). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the power saving key 114 on the operation panel 11 is pressed. If it is determined that the power saving key 114 is pressed ("YES" in step S21), the mode is shifted to the power saving mode (step S22). Here, power supply to a predetermined member to the internal heater or the like of the fixing unit is stopped.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a power saving cancellation instruction (step S23). The determination of the power saving cancellation instruction is performed when the cancellation key 115 of the operation panel 11 is pressed or when a power saving cancellation instruction signal (described later) from another copier 2 or the like is received via the LAN 4.
If it is determined that there is a cancel instruction (“YES” in step S23), the power saving is canceled, the power saving mode is switched to the normal mode (step S24), and the process returns to step S21. The transition to the normal mode is to perform so-called warm-up in which the power supply to the internal heater or the like of the fixing unit is resumed to make a transition to a copy ready state. In the power saving mode, since the power supply to the internal heater of the fixing unit is stopped, the fixing unit is at a low temperature. For this reason, it is necessary to raise the fixing unit to a predetermined temperature at which copying can be performed from the end of power saving to the end of warm-up (becomes ready for copying), which requires a certain amount of time, for example, about 2 to 3 minutes. If it is determined in step S21 that there is no sleep instruction (“NO” in step S21), the normal mode is maintained. If it is determined in step S23 that there is no power saving cancellation instruction (“NO” in step S23), power saving is performed. Maintain mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the authentication process. This process is executed when an ID is input from the user while the authentication code reception screen 1171 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117 of the operation panel 11.
As shown in the figure, an ID input from the user is accepted (step S31), and user authentication is performed based on the accepted input ID (step S32). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the code that matches the input ID is included in the code group stored in the authentication ID column of the own device information storage unit 145, and if it is included, it is authenticated. If it is not included, it is assumed that it was not authenticated. In the case of the own device information shown in FIG. 3, for example, if the input ID is “1001” or “1002”, authentication is performed.

  If it is determined that the user has been authenticated (“YES” in step S33), the state is shifted to a use permission state permitting use (step S34). That is, the authentication code reception screen 1171 is displayed as a use permission screen 1172 shown in FIG. 9A, in this case “can be copied”, and the number of copies, selected density, copy magnification, paper size, etc. are displayed. Switch to the displayed screen.

The user can perform a paper selection, a magnification change setting, and the like by touching a display portion such as “paper”, and the number of copies can be set with the numeric keypad 112. After the setting is completed, the copy can be started by pressing the copy start key 111.
When the copy is started (step S35) and the copy is completed (“YES” in step S36), the use permission screen 1172 is returned to the authentication code reception screen 1171 and is shifted to the use prohibited state (step S37). Exit.

On the other hand, if it is determined that authentication has not been performed (“NO” in step S33), as shown in FIG. 9B, a screen 1173 including a message indicating that authentication has not been performed is displayed (step S38). A guidance process is executed (step S39), and the authentication process is terminated.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of guidance processing.
As shown in the figure, it is determined whether or not there is a copying machine permitted to be used for the received input ID among other copying machines 2 or the like (step S40). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the code group stored in the authentication ID column of each copying machine in the external device information storage unit 146 includes a code that matches the input ID. Suppose that the copying machine is authorized for use. In the case of the external device information shown in FIG. 4, if the input ID is “3001”, for example, the copying machine 3 is determined as a copying machine that is permitted to use.

  Since it is only necessary to be able to refer to the external device information when executing the process of step S40, the same processes as in steps S14 and S15 may be executed immediately before the process of S40. In addition, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the external device information is stored in the external device information storage unit 146. For example, before the process of S40, whether or not the user indicated by the input ID is permitted to use is copied. A method may be conceived in which the copying machine is sequentially inquired, and the permitted copying machine is identified from the response result to the inquiry from each copying machine. This can be realized by previously specifying a signal for the inquiry or response. Similarly, information on the installation location, installation floor, and the like included in the external device information may be acquired from a response by inquiring another copier.

If it is determined that there is another copier ("YES" in step S40), the copier is identified as a copier permitted to use (step S41), and guidance information display processing is executed (step S42).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance information display processing subroutine.
As shown in the figure, it is first determined whether or not the number of copying machines permitted to be used is one (step S51).

If it is determined that there is one ("YES" in step S51), guidance information including the location of the copying machine is displayed (step S52), and the process returns to the guidance processing subroutine. Specifically, the screen 1173 is switched to the guidance information display screen 1174 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, the guidance information display screen 1174 has columns of “product name”, “installation location”, “installation floor”, “output form”, and “number of copies” of the copying machine. The contents corresponding to each column are such that the device information of the identified copying machine is read from the external device information storage unit 146, and the read information is displayed in the display column of each column. In the figure, an example is shown in which the apparatus information of the copying machine 3 is displayed when the copying machine 3 is specified.

Returning to FIG. 11, when it is determined in step S51 that there are a plurality of copying machines that are permitted to be used ("NO" in step S51), guidance information including the location of each copying machine is displayed. (Step S53). Here, a guidance information display screen 1175 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.
As shown in FIG. 13, the guidance information display screen 1175 displays the product name, installation location, and installation floor for each of a plurality of copying machines. Here, the display order of each copying machine is the order close to the own apparatus (copying machine 1). Specifically, the installation location and the installation floor are compared for the own device and a plurality of other specified copying machines, and the same place, the same number of floors, and the number of floors close to the own device are displayed in order. The figure shows an example in which the own device (copier 1) is installed in the “Sales Department, 3F” and the two specified copiers are installed in the “Accounting Department, 3F”, “Copy Room, 4F” Since there is no thing in the same location (department) as the device itself, the highest order is the “accounting department, 3F”, and the next closest floor is the “copy room, 4F”. . If one screen does not fit, the screen is scrolled by touch input of a scroll button 1176 to display information of another copier.

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S54, the nearest copying machine is identified from the copying machines. Here, the uppermost copying machine on the guidance information display screen 1175 is specified as the nearest copying machine, and the process returns to the guidance processing subroutine.
Returning to FIG. 10, in step S43, whether or not the copying machine specified in step S41 or the nearest copying machine (guide destination) specified in step S54 is in a power saving state. to decide. Hereinafter, a case where the specified copying machine is the copying machine 3 will be described as an example. That is, a signal for confirming whether or not it is in the power saving state (state confirmation signal) is transmitted to the address of the copying machine 3 via the LAN 4, and a response to the state confirmation signal from the copying machine 3 (in the power saving state. Or a signal indicating that the power saving state is not established).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the state of signals exchanged between copying machines. FIG. 14A shows how the state confirmation signal is transmitted, and FIG. 14B shows how the response is returned. In this sense, the control unit 14 functions as a power saving state detection unit that detects whether or not another device is in a power saving state when executing the process of step S43.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when it is determined that the copying machine 3 is in the power saving state (“YES” in step S43), a signal (power saving cancellation instruction signal) for instructing the copying machine 3 to release power saving is sent via the LAN 4. Transmit (step S44) (FIG. 14C). The copying machine 3 performs warm-up by canceling power saving, that is, the copying machine 3 performs steps S23 and S24 in the power saving process (FIG. 14D). As a result, there is a high possibility that the user is ready to start copying immediately when he / she reaches the copying machine 3 and arrives at the copying machine 3. In this sense, the control unit 14 functions as means for transmitting a transition instruction to a state in which an image processing job can be executed to another apparatus when executing the process of step S44.

Then, when a predetermined time, for example, 15 seconds elapses after the guide information display screen 1174 or 1175 is displayed, the screen is switched to the authentication code reception screen 1171 because the user sufficiently understands the contents of the screen (step S45). Return to the main routine of the authentication process.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the copying machine 3 is not in the power saving state (“NO” in step S43), the process proceeds to step S45.

If it is determined in step S40 that no copy machine is permitted to be used, the process proceeds to step S46, and a screen (not shown) indicating that fact is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117, and then authentication is performed. Return to the main routine of processing.
As described above, even if a user who desires to use the copying machine 1 is not authenticated and cannot use the copying machine, the copying machine that is permitted to be used by the user among other copying machines, such as the copying machine A, for example. If there is, the guide information indicating where the copying machine A is installed is displayed, so that the user can see where the copying machine A that can be used by the user is installed. The copying can be performed by heading immediately to the copying machine A, and there is no need to search for the copying machine as in the prior art.

  Further, when the copying machine A is in the power saving state, the copying machine A is instructed to cancel the power saving. Therefore, while the user moves from the copying machine 1 to the installation location of the copying machine A, the copying machine A Warm up is performed. Therefore, if the user is ready to copy when the user arrives at the copying machine A, the copying can be started immediately, and the power saving is canceled by pressing the release key 115 after the arrival. Compared to this, the waiting time is shortened and convenience is increased.

  In the above description, when the specified copying machine is in the power saving state, the copying machine 1 instructs the specified copying machine to cancel power saving without receiving an instruction from the user. A screen for accepting the release instruction may be displayed, and the power saving release instruction signal may be transmitted only when the release instruction is accepted. In this way, for example, when the specified copying machine is far away and the user decides to stop copying, it is possible to prevent the power saving from being canceled even though the copying machine is not used. It is assumed that other copiers may not be able to detect whether or not they save power. In such a case, it is possible to take a configuration in which a power saving cancellation instruction is transmitted as a transition instruction without detecting power saving. I will.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of other copying machines that are permitted to be used by the user, it is determined whether or not only the nearest copying machine among them is in the power saving state (step S43). However, in this embodiment, the power saving state is determined for all the copying machines, and this is different. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the description of the same contents as those of the first embodiment is omitted, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance information display processing subroutine in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in this guidance information display process, the identification processing of the nearest copier in step S54 in the first embodiment is not provided, and after the guidance information display in step S53, the guidance process is performed. The process returns to step S43. In step S43 of the guidance process, all the displayed copiers are specified as power saving state determination targets, and it is determined whether or not each of the specified copying machines has a power saving state.

As a result, power saving is canceled for all copying machines that are permitted to be used, and the user can spend less time waiting for warm-up to any copying machine.
(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, when there are a plurality of other copying machines that are permitted to be used by the user, the copying machine 1 specifies the copying machine to be determined for canceling power saving. In this embodiment, a selection input of a copier to be used is received from a user, and a power saving state is determined for the received copier, which is different.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance information display processing subroutine in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in this guidance information display process, instead of the process of specifying the nearest copier in step S54 in the first embodiment, a selection input from the user of the apparatus to be canceled in step S61. Execute the process to accept. Specifically, a message indicating that the user wants to select the device he wants to use, such as “Please input the copier you want to use. The power saving of the touched copier can be automatically canceled.” LCD touch panel 117 and a touch input from the user is received. In this sense, the control unit 14 functions as a designation accepting unit that accepts designation of another device from the user when executing the process of step S61. In step S43, the selected copier (touch-input) is determined as a power-saving cancellation target, and it is determined whether or not the copier is in a power-saving state.

  Therefore, the power saving of only the copier selected (will be used) by the user is canceled, and the power saving state is maintained for the copier that is not selected (not used) by the user. In this case, the waiting time due to warm-up in the desired copying machine can be reduced, and the other copying machines can maintain power saving state, thereby reducing the power consumption.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first to third embodiments, when there are a plurality of other copiers that are permitted to be used by the user, the guide information is displayed for each copier. Only the copier is displayed, and this is different.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance information display processing subroutine in the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in this guidance information display process, steps S71 and S72 are executed instead of steps S53 and S54 in the first embodiment. That is, the nearest copying machine is specified (step S71), guidance information is displayed only for the specified nearest copying machine (step S72), and the process proceeds to step S43.
This eliminates the need for the user to select one from a plurality of copiers and allows the user to immediately check the usable copiers.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the first to fourth embodiments, all copying machines that are permitted to be used are copying machines that can serve as guidance destinations. However, in this embodiment, copying machines that meet predetermined conditions are selected from the guidance destinations. The point is different.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance information display processing subroutine in the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in the guidance information display process, it is determined whether there is a copier that satisfies a predetermined condition among other copiers that are determined to be permitted to use (step S81). ). Here, “matching the predetermined condition” means that the job such as copying, running out of toner, etc. is in a trouble state in which a job such as copying cannot be practically executed.
The determination as to whether or not the predetermined condition is met is performed, for example, by transmitting a predetermined signal for inquiring whether there is a match or not to each other copying machine and receiving a response from each copying machine in response to the inquiry. In this sense, the control unit 14 functions as trouble state detection means for detecting whether or not another device is in a trouble state when executing the process of step S81.

If there is a copying machine that meets the predetermined condition, the copying machine is removed from the guidance destination (step S82), and it is determined whether there are any devices that are allowed to be used after the copying machine is removed (step S83). .
Here, if it is determined that it remains (is present) (“YES” in step S83), the process proceeds to step S51. After step S51, the guide information is displayed for a copier that does not meet the predetermined condition, that is, a copier that is ready for copying by the user.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no remaining ("NO" in step S83), an error message indicating that the copying machine is jamming or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117 (step S84), and the process returns to the guidance process. In this case, in the guidance process, the process of step S43 is not executed, the process returns to the main routine of the authentication process, and the process is terminated as it is.
Thus, the user is not guided to a copying machine that is highly likely to be unable to immediately execute a job such as copying even when the user is facing, such as jamming, which is very convenient for the user.

Note that the predetermined condition is not limited to the above-described condition, and for example, it may be out of paper or in failure. Further, it may be used by other users. This is because, in the case of mass copying or the like, there is a case where the job cannot be executed immediately even toward the copying machine.
Further, a copying machine that does not have the same function as the own apparatus may be removed. For example, when the own apparatus can perform copying in the color copy mode, an apparatus that can only copy in the monochrome mode may be removed. Of course, the conditions may be combined, or one or more of them may be set as the predetermined condition. In addition, the above message is displayed for items that can be recovered by a relatively easy operation such as removing jammed paper, running out of paper, etc., or setting new paper (first condition). For messages that are assumed to be difficult to return immediately (second condition), the message may not be displayed. It is possible to guide the user to a copying machine that is assumed to be able to return with an easy operation.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a copying machine having a function of executing image stabilization control is used, which is different from the above embodiment. Here, the image stabilization control is a process of determining the value of a control variable that affects the image quality. Specifically, for example, a plurality of toner patterns having different densities are formed on the surface of each of the C, M, Y, and K photoconductor drums of the printer unit 13, and the density of each toner pattern is set for each color. This is a predetermined correction control for detecting and determining an optimum value of a control variable such as a developing bias voltage in the developing unit and a grid voltage in the charging unit based on the detection result. Since the developing bias voltage and the like are changed to optimum values, it is possible to maintain the high quality of color images.

This image stabilization control is basically automatically executed in parallel with the warm-up when the power is turned on or when the power saving is canceled. Since time is required, the waiting time until the copy is ready becomes longer than that when the control is not performed.
In such a copier, in this embodiment, when an instruction to cancel power saving is received from another copier, information indicating the output form (color or monochrome) desired by the user is received together with the instruction, and the desired output is received. When the form is color, after executing the image stabilization control, a job such as copying in the color copy mode is executed. On the other hand, when the output form is monochrome, the image is executed after executing the job in the monochrome copy mode. Execute stabilization control.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance information display processing subroutine in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in the guidance information display process, steps S91 to S95 are executed after the process of step S52.
That is, it is determined whether or not the copying machine specified in steps S51 and S54 is a copying machine capable of outputting a color image (step S91). This determination is made by reading the information stored in the output form column for the specified copying machine in the external device information storage unit 146.

If it is determined that the copying machine is not a color-compatible machine, that is, a copying machine that can execute only the monochrome copy mode (“NO” in step S91), the process returns to the guidance processing subroutine.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the device is a color-compatible device (“YES” in step S91), a message is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117 to the user to select a desired copy mode (color copy mode or monochrome copy mode). In addition, a selection input of any mode from the user is accepted (step S92).

If it is determined that the color copy mode has been selected (“YES” in step S93), information indicating that the color mode has been selected is added to the power saving cancellation instruction signal and transmitted. 1 is set (step S94), and the process returns to the guidance process subroutine.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode is not the color copy mode, that is, the monochrome copy mode is selected (“NO” in step S93), information indicating that monochrome is selected is added to the power saving cancellation instruction signal and transmitted. Thus, the second flag for that purpose is set (step S95), and the process returns to the guidance processing subroutine.

In step S44 of the guidance process, it is determined whether the first or second flag is set when transmitting the power saving cancellation instruction signal. If the first flag is set, the color is selected as the output form. If the second flag is set, the information indicating that the information indicating that monochrome has been selected is added to the power saving cancellation instruction signal as output form information.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the power saving process according to the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in the power saving process of the present embodiment, the process of step S101 is executed between steps S23 and S24 with respect to the power saving process of the first embodiment.
That is, step S101 determines whether or not the power saving cancellation instruction in step S23 has been sent from another copier. If it is determined that the power saving cancellation instruction is from another copier (“YES” in step S101), either color or monochrome copy mode is determined from the output form information added to the power saving cancellation instruction signal. It is determined whether it has been selected by the user (step S102).

If it is determined that the color copy mode is selected (“YES” in step S102), image stabilization control is performed (step S103), and then processing for shifting to the normal mode is executed (step S24). Thus, the user can perform color copying after image stabilization control is performed in the specified copying machine.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not the color copy mode, that is, the monochrome copy mode (“NO” in step S102), a process for shifting to the normal mode is performed (step S104. The processing content is the same as S24), and the monochrome copy mode. For this purpose, a flag is set so that the image stabilization control is executed after the job execution (step S105), and the process returns to step S21.

In this case, monochrome copy is performed by the user (step S35), and when the copy is completed (“YES” in step S36), the flag is set by referring to the flag together with the transition to the use-prohibited state in step S37. If so, image stabilization control is executed.
Thus, when the color copy mode is selected, image stabilization control is executed before color copying is performed, and a high-quality output product (result) is obtained. On the other hand, when the monochrome copy mode is selected, the image stabilization control is not executed before copying, the warm-up after canceling the power saving is completed earlier, the waiting time is less for the user, and the copy is performed earlier. Can start. In this case, image stabilization control is not executed before copying. However, monochrome is less susceptible to image quality degradation than color, and even if image stabilization control is not performed before copying, degradation actually occurs. There is nothing. In this sense, it is particularly effective when priority is given to job execution efficiency. In addition, since image stabilization control is executed after the copy is completed, a high-quality output product can be obtained when a color copy is subsequently executed.

  In the above description, it is determined whether or not to execute the image stabilization control depending on whether or not the output form desired by the user is color. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be determined by the image quality instead of the output form. In other words, the selection input of the image quality desired by the user, for example, accepting whether or not the image quality is high (corresponding to step S92), adding information (output form information) indicating which is selected to the power saving cancellation instruction signal, It is sent to the specified copying machine (corresponding to steps S94 and S95). When the identified copying machine determines that high image quality is selected from the received output form information, image stabilization control is executed before copying (corresponding to steps S102 and S103), and low image quality is selected. Is determined, image stabilization control is executed after copying (corresponding to steps S104 and S105). The output form, image quality, and the like can be regarded as one of the conditions (image processing conditions) relating to image processing. In this sense, the control unit 14 performs the first processing as the image processing condition when executing the process of step S92. It functions as selection input receiving means for receiving selection input of conditions (color, high image quality, etc.) and second conditions (monochrome, low image quality, etc.), and the control unit 14, printer unit 13 and the like perform the processing in steps S105 and S35. When copying color or the like, it functions as an image processing means for executing an image processing job based on the first and second conditions.

(Seventh embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when it is determined in the guidance process that the specified copying machine is in the power saving state, a power saving cancellation instruction signal is immediately transmitted to the specified copying machine (steps S43 and S44). ) In this embodiment, the timing considered to be optimal as the transmission timing of the power saving cancellation instruction signal is determined, and the power saving cancellation signal is transmitted at the determined timing, which is different.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance processing subroutine in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in this guidance process, the processes of steps S111 and S112 are executed between steps S43 and S44.
That is, when it is determined that the specified copying machine (here, copying machine 3 is taken as an example) is in a power saving state (“YES” in step S43), processing for determining the optimum timing of the power saving cancellation instruction is executed. (Step S111). Specifically, when the user looks at the guidance information displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117, the user goes to the copying machine 3 and arrives at the copying machine 3 so that the warm-up is finished and the copying is ready. In addition, the copying machine 1 determines the transmission timing of the power saving cancellation instruction signal to the copying machine 3.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to the diagram schematically showing the flow of time from the power saving cancellation to the copy ready state in FIG. Note that the copying machine 1 requires a recovery time T that is required for the copying machine 3 to be in a copy-ready state after the power saving is released, and for the user to move from the own apparatus (copying machine 1) to the copying machine 3. It is assumed that each piece of information indicating the estimated travel time U is stored in advance, and each piece of information is read out in step S111.

  When the specified copying machine is the copying machine 3, as shown in FIG. 22A, the return time T <the movement time U, and in this case, the time when the user starts moving (time P). Elapsed time X indicated by (movement time U−recovery time T) from the time assumed to be required for the user to finish reading the guidance information, for example, 15 seconds later is the P time). The point in time (S point) is determined as the optimum timing.

When the copier 1 operates the internal timer from time P and determines that the count value has reached a value corresponding to time X (“YES” in step S112), the power saving cancellation instruction signal is determined as the optimal timing. Is transmitted to the copying machine 3 (step S44).
As a result, as shown in FIG. 22A, in the copying machine 3, the power saving is canceled from the time point S, and when the warm-up starts and ends (time point R), the user has just arrived at the copying machine 3. Copying can be started immediately.

When the return time T ≧ the movement time U, the copying machine 1 determines the current time as the optimum timing and immediately transmits a power saving cancellation instruction signal to the copying machine 3 in order to immediately release the power saving of the copying machine 3.
FIG. 22B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example when the processes of steps S111 and S112 are not executed. As shown in the figure, in this case, since the power saving cancellation instruction signal is transmitted at the point P, the warm-up is completed in the copying machine 3 while the user moves from the copying machine 1 to the copying machine 3. At the time (E), the copyable state is maintained for the time Y (= X) until the user arrives at the copying machine 3, and a job such as copying must be executed by another user during this time. In this case, the power supply to the fixing device or the like becomes excessive at time Y, resulting in an increase in power consumption. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22A, power saving is not canceled for time X, so power saving in the copying machine 3 can be maintained longer, and power consumption can be reduced accordingly. Although the copying machine 3 has been described above as an example, other copying machines can be similarly realized if information indicating the return time T and the movement time U is held in advance.

  The return time T and the travel time U may be set in advance by the administrator or the like from the operation panel 11 and stored in the external device information storage unit 146. The return time T is specific to the copying machine. Therefore, it may be obtained from another copier along with the product name, output form, and the like. In this sense, the control unit 14 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the return time T and the movement time U when executing the process of step S111. In addition, the point P at which the user is assumed to start moving is not limited to 15 seconds after the guidance information is displayed as described above, and an optimum value from an experiment or the like, for example, the time required for communication is also taken into consideration. And then decided.

  The present invention is not limited to an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, and may be a method for displaying the guidance information. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

  Further, the program according to the present invention does not have to include all modules for causing the computer to execute the processing described above. For example, a separate information process such as a communication program or a program included in an operating system (OS) is performed. You may make it make a computer perform each process of this invention using the various general purpose programs which can be installed in an apparatus. Accordingly, it is not always necessary to record all the modules on the recording medium of the present invention, and it is not always necessary to transmit all the modules. Further, there are cases where predetermined processing can be executed using dedicated hardware.

(Modification)
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications may be considered.
(1) In the above embodiment, the product name and installation location of the copying machine as the guidance destination are displayed as characters. However, in addition to the character display, for example, the guidance information display screen 1176 shown in FIG. The external view 1177 of the copying machine may be displayed as an icon display. Here, in addition to the appearance of the copier body, if there are optional devices connected to the copier body, such as an automatic document feeder (ADF) or a post-processing device such as a sorter, these are also displayed together. It has become so.

  As a result, the user can easily know what kind of appearance the copier that can be used is and what kind of equipment is attached to it, and the range of selection is widened. The external view is displayed, for example, by acquiring display data for displaying the external view as its own device information of another copying machine, storing it in the external device information storage unit 146, and displaying it. This can be done by reading out.

Further, when the liquid crystal touch panel 117 is capable of color display and the specified copying machine is a color compatible machine, the color display is sequentially displayed so that it can be understood, for example, red, blue, green, etc. Otherwise, if the display is made in black, the user can immediately understand the distinction between color and monochrome compatible devices.
(2) In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of copiers that can serve as a guide destination, the nearest copier is specified as the guide destination. However, the guide destination specifying method is limited to this. Not. For example, it may be possible to specify a copier with the lowest power consumption as a guide destination. Power can be saved compared to using a copier that consumes a lot of power, and the entire system can save energy. In this case, for example, information indicating the average power consumption (W / h) and energy consumption efficiency (Wh / h) of each copying machine is included as external device information, and the average power consumption value of each copying machine is compared. The copying machine having the smallest value may be specified as the guide destination.

In addition, when priority is given to the work efficiency of copying by the user, it is possible to specify the one having the fastest copying speed (sheets / minute).
(3) In the above embodiment, the guidance information is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 117. However, the guidance information is not limited to the display output as long as the guidance information can be notified to the user (output means). It can also be. Any information can be used as long as it can guide the user to the specified copying machine. In this sense, the guidance information is not limited to the product name or installation location of the copying machine. It is also possible to use an arrow indicating the direction as guidance information.

  Further, the method of acquiring the external device information is not limited to the method of receiving from the other copier 2 or the like via the network as described above. For example, the user may receive manual input from the operation panel 11; A mounting unit for setting a recording medium on which the external device information is recorded may be provided, and reading may be performed from the recording medium set in the mounting unit. In this sense, it can be said that the copying machine 1 or the like does not need to be connected to a network.

  Note that the network is not limited to the LAN described above, and may be any wired or wireless system as long as it can transmit a power saving cancellation instruction or the like, and a configuration using the Internet, WAN, or the like. You can also. . Further, although the example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine has been described, the present invention is not limited as long as the apparatus has a user authentication function, and can be applied to, for example, a scanner, a printer, a FAX, and the like. Further, the above embodiment and the above modification examples may be combined.

  The present invention can be widely used for image processing apparatuses having a user authentication function.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system 10 and a configuration of a copier 1 included in the system 10 according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel 11 of the copying machine 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which own apparatus information is stored in an own apparatus information storage unit 145 of the copying machine 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which external device information is stored in an external device information storage unit 146 of the copying machine 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of registration processing of own apparatus information executed by the copying machine. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of own device information transmission / reception processing executed by the copying machine 1; 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of power saving processing executed by the copying machine 1; 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of authentication processing executed by the copying machine 1; It is a figure which shows the example of the use permission screen 1172 etc. which are displayed on the operation panel. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a guidance processing subroutine executed by the copying machine 1; It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of a guidance information display process. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance information display screen 1174. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance information display screen 1175. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state of signals exchanged between the copying machine 1 and the copying machine 3 in the system 10. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the guidance information display process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the guidance information display process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the guidance information display process in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the guidance information display process in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the guidance information display process in 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the power saving process of 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the guidance process in 7th Embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically the flow of time from a power saving cancellation | release to a copy possible state. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance information display screen 1176 in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 Copy machine 4 LAN
11 Operation Panel 14 Control Unit 141 CPU
145 Self-device information storage unit 146 External device information storage unit 1171 Authentication code reception screen 1174, 1175, 1176 Guidance information display screen

Claims (23)

Accepting means for accepting user identification information;
Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to use based on the identification information of the user;
Output means;
When it is authenticated that the user is not permitted to use, a specifying means for specifying a device permitted to be used by the user among at least one external image processing device;
Control means for causing the output means to output guidance information for guiding the user to the identified device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The authentication means includes
Comparing the identification information of the user with the first identification information for identifying a user permitted to use the device, and performing the authentication based on the comparison result;
The specifying means is:
The identification information of the user is compared with second identification information for identifying a user permitted to use each external image processing apparatus, and the permitted apparatus is specified based on the comparison result. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: First storage means for storing the first identification information;
Second storage means for storing the second identification information,
The authentication unit reads the first identification information from the first storage unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specifying unit reads and uses the second identification information from the second storage unit.   Storage means for acquiring the first and second identification information from outside at a predetermined time and storing the acquired first and second identification information in the first and second storage means, respectively. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.   5. The guide information includes information indicating an installation location of the specified device and / or identification information for identifying the specified device. The image processing apparatus according to item 1.   6. The guide information includes function information indicating a function of the specified device and / or accessory information indicating an accessory device attached to the specified device. The image processing apparatus described. The output means is a display means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays and outputs the guidance information. The display means includes
It is configured to be able to switch between color and monochrome display,
The control means includes
When the specified device is a device having a function of processing a color image, the guide information is displayed in color, and when the specified device is a device having no function of processing a color image, a monochrome display is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus is an image processing apparatus. Connected to each external image processing apparatus via a network;
The control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an instruction to transition to a state in which an image processing job can be executed is transmitted to the identified apparatus via the network. Each of the external image processing devices has a power saving function,
The control means includes
Comprising a power saving state detecting means for detecting, via a network, that the specified device is in a power saving state;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when it is detected that the specified apparatus is in a power saving state, an instruction to cancel the power saving state is transmitted as the transition instruction. The control means includes
Comprising trouble state detection means for detecting, via the network, that the specified device is in a predetermined trouble state;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the guidance information is not output when it is detected that the specified apparatus is in the predetermined trouble state. The control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the output unit outputs information indicating that the specified apparatus is in the predetermined trouble state. The control means includes
In-use detection means for detecting, via the network, that the specified device is in use,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the guidance information is not output when it is detected that the specified apparatus is in use. The control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein information indicating that the specified apparatus is in use is output to the output unit. The control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the guidance information is not output when the specified apparatus does not have the same function as the own apparatus. The control means includes
11. The guide information according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of the specified devices, guidance information is output only for a device that is disposed closest to the device. Image processing apparatus. The control means includes
11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of specified devices, guidance information is output only for a device that consumes the least power among them. The control means includes
11. The image according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of the specified devices, guidance information is output only for a device having the fastest image processing job speed among them. Processing equipment. Comprising designation accepting means for accepting designation of an external image processing apparatus from a user;
The control means includes
When there are a plurality of identified devices, the output means outputs the information as the guidance information, and the designation accepting means accepts designation of a device that the user desires to use among the plurality of devices. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the transition instruction is transmitted only to a designated apparatus. A selection input receiving means for receiving selection input from the user of the first and second conditions as image processing conditions;
Each of the external image processing devices is
Correction control means for executing predetermined correction control for image stabilization triggered by the transition instruction;
First image processing means for executing an image processing job based on the first condition;
Second image processing means for executing an image processing job based on the second condition,
The control means includes
When the first condition is selected by the user for the specified apparatus, an instruction to execute the correction control before execution of an image processing job based on the first condition is given by the second condition. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when selected, an instruction to execute the correction control is transmitted after execution of an image processing job based on the second condition. Each of the external image processing devices is
When the transition instruction is received, the image processing job is warmed up until it becomes executable,
The control means includes
First acquisition means for acquiring a time T assumed to be required from the reception of the transition instruction to the executable state for the identified device;
A second acquisition means for acquiring a time U that is assumed to be required for the user to move from the own device to the specified device;
11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when T <U, the transition instruction is transmitted after (UT) time has elapsed from a predetermined time.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the predetermined time is a time when the output unit is instructed to output the guidance information or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time. Connected to each external image processing apparatus via a network;
The control means includes
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, for each of the external image processing apparatuses, the second identification information about the apparatus is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network at a predetermined time. .

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