JP2006196983A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preserving settings by individuals in equipment and automatically controlling the equipment into a state set in the past without any action when an individual operates. <P>SOLUTION: An image copying machine having a general image input device and a general image output device and a general purpose computer having a network function have an individual ID specifying means of making the image copying machine specify its operator, a recording means of recording setting data of the image processor in the general purpose computer, an ID acquiring means of making the image processor acquire an individual ID from the general purpose computer, and a link means of correlating the setting data that the general computer records in the image processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has a function called user mode that can change settings according to user preferences.
JP 2000-98812 A

  However, due to the characteristics of the image forming apparatus, the user does not own one, and many people generally share it. Therefore, although there is a function that the user can set according to his / her preference, even if the user switches to his / her preference, the user may arbitrarily switch it.

  Further, for example, as information held by an individual such as address book data is accumulated and stored on the image forming apparatus, there is a case where it takes a long time to search because it becomes enormous data.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and can save the setting for each individual in the device, and automatically performs the past without any action when operated by the individual. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of controlling a device in a set state.

  In the present invention, the personal computer and the PDA device are storage memories that can be operated by the image forming apparatus, thereby enabling the individual to manage data to be recorded by the individual.

  When an operator logs in to the image forming apparatus, data is loaded into the image forming apparatus from the PC and PDA apparatus, and by changing the behavior, a plurality of users can set their own settings and data. It is possible to hold it, and the device can be used comfortably.

That is, the present invention relates to an image copying apparatus having a general image input device and an image output device, and a general-purpose computer having a network function.
A personal ID specifying means for the image copying apparatus to specify its own operator;
Recording means for recording setting data of the image processing apparatus on the general-purpose computer;
ID acquisition means for the image processing apparatus to acquire a personal ID from the general-purpose computer;
Link means for associating the setting data recorded by the general-purpose computer on the image processing apparatus;
Data reading means for the image processing apparatus to read the setting data from the general-purpose computer using the link means;
Data writing means for the image processing apparatus to write the setting data from the general-purpose computer using the link means;
Setting update means for switching the device settings of the image processing apparatus according to the data of the reading means;
An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

  By using the present invention, it becomes possible to store the settings for each individual in the device, and automatically control the device to a state set in the past without any action when the individual operates. Is possible.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  1 to 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Based on these, a basic configuration will be described.

Configuration of Color Scanner Unit FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  First, the configuration of the color scanner unit shown within the broken line 380 will be described.

(Explanation of device name)
Reference numeral 101 denotes a CCD, 311 denotes a substrate on which the CCD 101 is mounted, 300 denotes a scanner CPU that controls the entire scanner device, and 312 denotes an image processing unit that performs digital image processing after digitizing an analog image signal sent from the CCD base 311. IP substrate 301, original platen glass 301, original document feeder (DF) 302 (a configuration in which a pressure plate (not shown) is mounted instead of original document feeder 302), and 303 and 304 illuminate the original 305 and 306 are reflectors for condensing the light from the light sources 303 and 304 on the document, and 307 to 309 are for optically guiding the document set on the platen to the 101 CCD. A mirror 310 is a lens for condensing the projection light of the mirror on the CCD 101, and 314 is a halogen lamp 303/304. First mirror base (carriage) for housing the reflectors 305 and 306 and the mirror 307, 315 is a second mirror base for housing the mirrors 308 and 309, and 316 is the first mirror base 314 and the second mirror base 315 in the sub-scanning direction. It is a stepping motor drive unit that drives in the left-right direction in the drawing.

  Reference numeral 313 denotes an external interface with another device. Although not shown in the present embodiment, this scanner image is used for this external interface, such as a LAN interface device for connecting to a network, a SCSI interface device for connecting to a personal computer, a FAX device for operating as a FAX, etc. The scanner CPU 300 communicates with the CPU of the external device via this interface, and the determined image data is output from the external interface 313 at the determined timing. can do.

  Reference numeral 353 denotes a dedicated interface for exchanging images and commands with a printer in charge of image output when this scanner is used as an image copying apparatus.

(How to read the manuscript)
The document placed on the platen glass 301 by the DF 302 or the user gives an instruction for the scanner CPU 300 to read an image to various places by a document reading event such as pressing of a copy button (not shown). Specifically, the light sources 303 and 304 are turned on to make the CCD base 311 operable, and image processing parameters are set in the image processing base 312. When each preparation is completed, the stepping motor driving unit 316 is operated to drive the first mirror base at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction, and sequentially irradiate the entire surface of the document. At this time, the second mirror table 315 is mechanically optically designed so as to be driven to ½ of the first mirror table 314, and precisely irradiates the original with 101 CCDs. The CCD 101 has light receiving sensors arranged in the main scanning direction (front-back direction in the figure), and an analog voltage proportional to the amount of light can be sequentially taken in from a register corresponding to the light receiving sensor at regular intervals. is there. By repeating this continuous capture in the main scanning direction and movement driven in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to capture the entire surface of the document as a two-dimensional image (two-dimensional image data takes a one-dimensional array on the time axis). ). This image data is transferred from the CCD base 311 to the image processing base 312, and after appropriate image processing, the image is output outside the scanner via either the external interface 313 or the printer interface 353.

(Description of image processing)
Next, the digital image processing unit 312 in the image processing board 312 will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the digital image processing unit 312. The case of operating as an image copying apparatus will be described below.

  The document on the platen glass is guided to the CCD 101 and converted into an electrical signal (in the case of a color sensor, the CCD 101 is a 3-line CCD, even if RGB color filters are mounted inline on the 1-line CCD in RGB order) The R filter, G filter, and B filter may be arranged for each CCD, or the filter may be on-chip or the filter may be configured separately from the CCD). Then, the electrical signal (analog image signal) is input to the image processing unit 312, and clamp & Amp. & S / H & A / D unit 102 samples and holds (S / H), clamps the dark level of the analog image signal to the reference potential, and amplifies it to a predetermined amount (the above processing order is not limited to the notation order), and A / D-converted and converted into, for example, RGB 8-bit digital signals. The RGB signal is subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 103, and then, when the CCD 101 is a three-line CCD in the stitching & MTF correction correction & document detection unit 104, the stitching process differs in the reading position between the lines. Therefore, the delay amount for each line is adjusted according to the reading speed, the signal timing is corrected so that the reading positions of the three lines are the same, and the MTF for reading changes according to the reading speed and the magnification, The change is corrected, and the document detection recognizes the document size by scanning the document on the platen glass. The input signal masking unit 105 corrects the spectral characteristics of the CCD 101 and the spectral characteristics of the light sources 303 and 304 and the reflectors 305 and 306 by the input masking unit 105 for the digital signal whose reading position timing is corrected. The output of the input masking unit 105 is input to a selector 106 that can be switched to an external I / F signal. The signal output from the selector 106 is input to the color space compression & background removal & LOG conversion unit 107 and background removal unit 115. After the background is removed, the signal input to the background removal unit 115 is input to the black character determination unit 116 that determines whether the document is a black character in the document, and generates a black character signal from the document. In the color space compression & background removal & LOG conversion unit 107 to which the output of the other selector 106 is input, the color space compression determines whether the read image signal is within a range that can be reproduced by the printer. If not, the image signal is corrected so that it can be reproduced by the printer. Then, background removal processing is performed, and RGB signals are converted to CMY signals by LOG conversion. The timing of the output signal of the color space compression & background removal & LOG conversion unit 107 is adjusted by a delay 108 in order to correct the signal and timing generated by the black character determination unit 116. The moire removal unit 109 removes moire from these two types of signals, and 110 performs a scaling process in the main scanning direction. Reference numeral 111 denotes a UCR & masking & black character reflection unit. The CMY signal of the signal processed by the scaling processing unit is generated as a CMYK signal by UCR processing, and the masking processing unit corrects the signal to the output of the printer and determines the black character. The determination signal generated by the unit 116 is fed back to the CMYK signal. The signal processed by the UCR & masking & black character reflection unit 111 is subjected to density adjustment by the γ correction unit 112 and then subjected to smoothing or edge processing by the filter unit 113. The signal processed as described above is converted from an 8-bit multilevel signal to a binary signal by a binary conversion unit 117. (The conversion method may be a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method.) Through these processes, an image is sent from the printer interface 353 or the external interface 313 to the printer or other device.

(Image signal structure)
FIG. 4A is a timing chart of image signals flowing in the scanner.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes a V-ENBL that represents an effective image section in the sub-scanning direction. Reference numeral 402 denotes H-SYNC which is a synchronization signal in the main scanning direction. Reference numeral 403 denotes V-CLK which is a synchronization signal for one pixel in the main scanning direction. Reference numeral 404 denotes an image signal read from the CCD and subjected to AD conversion (although only one is described, Data-R, Data-G, and Data-B exist). Since 422 cannot describe the whole, the part other than the characteristic part is omitted.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between an image of a read original and an image signal. In this figure, the main scanning direction is the Y direction, and the sub-scanning direction is the X direction. That is, the CCD 101 has pixels in the Y direction, and in this figure, the image is captured while moving from the left direction to the right direction.

  V-ENBL 401 indicates an effective area of the image. When the first mirror table 314 is driven at a constant speed and the original reading start point in FIG. 4B is reached, V-ENBL 401 is at an effective level, indicating the head of the image data and the effective area. That is, the image projected from the first mirror table 314 to the CCD 101 is the first line image in the main scanning direction 411 to 414 in FIG.

  At this time, the H-SYNC 402 reads an image from the 101 CCD in synchronization with the V-CLK of 403 triggered by the effective edge of the synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction. Are converted into digital data by the circuit 102 of the image processing unit 312 and converted into image data of 411, 412, 413,.

  For the time of 1H of H-SYNC, the first mirror stage 314 is accurately controlled so as to move to the next capture line. After the capture of the first line is completed, the second lines 415 to 417 are similarly controlled. Capture. This operation is repeated sequentially and continuously until the last line 418-420 is taken. Since capturing in the main scanning direction has been completed, V-ENBL is turned OFF, indicating that the image data has become invalid. 421 in FIG. 4B is image data outside the effective image.

  In this way, the read original can be taken in as two-dimensional image data.

(Configuration of printer unit)
Next, the configuration of the printer unit indicated by a broken line 381 in FIG. 3 will be described.

  A reader interface 383 is an interface for connecting a scanner device when a printer is used as an image copying apparatus.

  Reference numeral 382 denotes an external interface. Although not shown in the present embodiment, the external interface is connected to a device that is required to output an image to the printer, such as a LAN interface device for connecting to a network, a SCSI interface device for connecting to a personal computer or the like. The printer CPU 384 communicates with the CPU of the external device via this interface, and the decided image data can be input from the external interface 382 at the decided timing.

  Reference numeral 317 denotes an M image forming unit, 318 denotes a C image forming unit, 319 denotes an M image forming unit, and 320 denotes a K image forming unit. Since all the image forming units 317 to 320 have the same configuration, the M image forming unit 317 will be described in detail below, and the description of the other image forming units will be omitted.

  In the M image forming unit 317, 342 is a photosensitive drum, and a latent image is formed on the surface thereof by the light from the LED array 210. Reference numeral 321 denotes primary band electricity, which charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 342 to a predetermined potential to prepare for latent image formation. A developing unit 322 develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum 342 to form a toner image. The developing device 322 includes a sleeve 345 for applying a developing bias for development. Reference numeral 323 denotes transfer band electricity, which discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 333 and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 342 to a recording sheet or the like on the transfer belt 333. In this embodiment, since the transfer efficiency is good, the cleaner portion is not disposed (it goes without saying that there is no problem even if the cleaner portion is mounted).

(Description of printer image processing system)
The LED array control method corresponding to FIG. 1 which is an image processing system of the scanner 380 is shown in FIG. 2 and will be described below.

  An image output from the printer interface 353 of the scanner 380 in FIG. 3 is input to the scanner interface 383 of the printer 381. This means that a scanner image is input from 383 in FIG. The image data input from 383 is stored in a large-capacity memory 201 (the memory may be a semiconductor memory, a fixed storage device, or a combination thereof, as long as it is a memory for storing images). At the same time as or after storage, for example, in response to an image output request such as a paper leading edge signal from the paper leading edge sensor 347, image data is read from the large capacity memory 201 and placed in the delay units 202 to 205 respectively. The difference in distance between the paper leading edge sensor and each image forming unit can be adjusted by a predetermined delay amount of each color, and four colors can be printed at predetermined positions. The LED drives 206 to 209 generate signals for driving the LEDs 210 to 213.

(Image formation method)
Next, a procedure for forming an image on recording paper or the like will be described. Recording paper or the like stored in the cassettes 340 and 341 is supplied onto the transfer belt 333 by sheet feeding rollers 336 and 337 one by one by pickup rollers 339 and 338. The fed recording paper is charged by an adsorption charger 346. Reference numeral 348 denotes a transfer belt roller that drives the transfer belt 333 and charges the recording paper or the like in a pair with the adsorption charger 346 to adsorb the recording paper or the like to the transfer belt 333. Reference numeral 347 denotes a paper front end sensor that detects the front end of a recording paper or the like on the transfer belt 333. The detection signal of the paper leading edge sensor is sent from the printer unit to the scanner unit, and is used as a sub-scanning synchronization signal when a video signal is sent from the scanner unit to the printer unit.

  Thereafter, the recording paper or the like is conveyed by the transfer belt 333, and toner images are formed on the surface of the image forming units 317 to 320 in the order of MCYK. The recording paper or the like that has passed through the K image forming unit 320 is separated from the transfer belt 333 after being neutralized by the neutralization charger 349 to facilitate separation from the transfer belt 333. A peeling charger 350 prevents image disturbance due to peeling discharge when the recording paper or the like is separated from the transfer belt 333. The separated recording paper or the like is charged by the pre-fixing chargers 351 and 352 and then the toner image is thermally fixed by the fixing device 334 in order to compensate for the toner adsorption force and prevent image disturbance. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray.

(Image copy operation)
When a copy button arranged on an operation unit (not shown) as an image copying apparatus is pressed, the scanner 380 issues an image output request to the printer 381. Then, an image reading request is given from the printer to the scanner, and image reading is started as described above. At the same time or after the end of image reading, the printer 381 can discharge the image input from the scanner to the paper discharge tray 335 according to the above description, thereby enabling a copying operation.

(Description of this method)
<Configuration of portable information device and means for recognizing personal ID>
Details of the portable information device corresponding to 3307 in FIG. 7 are shown below.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a portable information device.

  In the present embodiment, the following configuration is described as an example, but the present invention is applicable to a device capable of performing information communication, and the function is not particularly limited as shown in this figure. The same effect can be obtained with ID cards of magnetic recording methods that are widely used at present. Therefore, the medium for recording the personal ID is not limited.

  3401 is an antenna for exchanging information with the outside, 3402 is a transmission unit that transmits information to the 3401 antenna, 3403 is a reception unit that receives information from the 3401 antenna, 3404 is an electrical signal that transmits the sound of the operator and surroundings A microphone for converting the electric signal into a sound and a speaker for outputting electric signals to the operator and the surroundings 3406, an operation unit for the operator to give a command to the portable information device, and 3407 for the portable information A CPU that controls the entire device, 3408 is a volatile memory necessary for the operation of the 3407 CPU, and a memory that controls a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM so that data is not erased even when the communication destination is powered off, Reference numeral 3409 denotes a display unit for notifying the operator and the surroundings of the device status and message.

  The 3408 memory also has the owner's personal information, which is unique. Although the present invention does not touch on details of authentication, an individual can be specified by known authentication means by this personal information (hereinafter referred to as “personal ID”).

<Description of function (calling method) of portable information device>
The function of the portable information device in FIG. 8 will be described.

  In this embodiment, assuming that the portable information device shown in FIG. 8 is a general mobile phone, general functions will be described.

  When calling from the mobile phone. The operator inputs a telephone number from the 3406 operation unit. The number is echoed back on the 3409 operation unit by the 3407 CPU. When the operator presses a call start button (not shown) in the 3406 operation unit, a call request is generated to the nearest telephone station via the 3402 communication unit and the 3401 antenna, and the call partner is connected to the line. After the line is connected, the words spoken by the operation to the 3404 microphone are converted into signals by the 3402 transmission unit and transmitted to the communication partner via the 3401 antenna. In addition, the words spoken by the communication partner enter the 3403 receiver from the 3401 antenna, are converted into analog signals, and are transmitted to the operator via the 3405 speaker.

  Next, a case where digital information is exchanged will be described.

  Information for transmission is transmitted from the 3408 memory to the 3401 antenna via the 3407 CPU and 3402 transmission unit and transmitted. The reception side is stored in the 3408 memory from the 3401 antenna to the 3403 reception unit and 3407 CPU.

  An LCD is generally used for the 3409 display unit. An image can be displayed by 3407 CPU writing a bitmap pattern to a VRAM (not shown), and various expressions can be made.

  Since these techniques are well-known, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Description of schematic diagram of configuration of the present invention>
FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram used in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 3301 denotes the image forming apparatus described above. Reference numeral 3302 denotes a network. Reference numeral 3303 denotes a computer. Reference numeral 3304 denotes a user who operates the computer. Reference numeral 3305 denotes a link established between the computer and the image forming apparatus. A user 3306 is located near the image forming apparatus and operates the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 3307 denotes a portable information device carried by the 3306 user. Reference numeral 3308 denotes a link established between the portable information device and the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus and the computer are connected by the network. Therefore, the 3304 user can input a JOB into 3301 using the computer 3303 and generate a printed matter. At this time, an individual is specified in the computer by a known log-in means, and the printer driver can transmit this personal ID simultaneously with JOB. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 3301 can recognize that the instructed print job belongs to the user 3304.

  A 3306 user is located near the 3301 image forming apparatus and can perform a copy operation by operating the operation panel. Similarly, the portable information device carried by the user 3306 has a personal ID in the memory, and can transmit the personal ID to the image forming apparatus 3301 using a known wireless communication means. The image forming apparatus 3301 can recognize that the designated copy job belongs to the user 3304.

<Explanation of user mode screen>
FIG. 5 shows a screen of the LCD operation unit in the image copying apparatus. This screen is a screen that opens when the user performs device-specific settings. 3102 is a common specification setting, and settings that are not classified into functions are categorized. Reference numeral 3103 denotes a copy function setting, in which settings in CopyFunction are categorized. Reference numeral 3104 denotes a timer setting in which timer-related settings are categorized. Reference numeral 3105 denotes a network setting, and network-related settings are categorized. Reference numeral 3106 denotes department management settings, which categorize the settings in the function for acquiring device usage information for each department. Reference numeral 3107 denotes an address book setting, which can register a destination with which the image forming apparatus frequently communicates. Reference numeral 3108 denotes a printer function setting, in which settings relating to the PrinterFunction are categorized.

  By pressing a button on which a desired character is written on the LCD screen, the user can transition to the categorized screen and change / set detailed device settings.

<Data structure in this method>
FIG. 6 shows a data structure (Tree) in this system.

  This database is stored in a non-volatile memory 3301 in the image copying apparatus.

  3201 is the top of the data structure in the present invention. Reference numerals 3202 to 3204 denote layers in which user IDs such as 3308 and 3305 in FIG. 7 are stored. That is, for example, 3203 is the top of the data structure of the setting set for one specific user, and all the data connected under this means that the value set as the user's setting by 3203 is stored. (This description explains the data structure of the user 3203, and does not limit the items / functions).

  Similarly, one of the other specific users will be constructed in a layer equivalent to 3203, for example, 3202 and 3204 or lower.

  Reference numerals 3102 to 3107 denote data corresponding to the user mode categories in FIG. Data 3240 to 3262 are data categorized below 3102 to 3108. These setting types may further have a tree structure, which is an enormous number. In the present embodiment, the description will be made only partially for convenience of explanation.

  3240 is ON / OFF of the key click sound, and memorize | stores whether an input sound is sounded when a user performs operation. Reference numeral 3241 stores whether or not a sound is generated when an alarm occurs. 3242 stores what language is displayed on the operation unit. Reference numeral 3253 stores whether or not platen document detection is performed for 3103 CopyFunction. Reference numeral 3254 stores whether or not to search for a cassette containing paper of the same size when there is no paper during printing for 3103 CopyFunction. Reference numeral 3255 stores a paper discharge tray destination for 3103 CopyFunction. Reference numeral 3256 stores a tint adjustment value for 3103 CopyFunction. Reference numeral 3257 stores shortcut buttons for designating frequently used functions on the operation unit at the time of 3103 CopyFunction. Reference numeral 3260 denotes an emulation function of 3108 PrinterFunction, which stores whether PostScript is interpreted. Reference numeral 3261 stores a discharge tray for 3108 PrinterFunction. 3262 stores the color adjustment value of 3108 PrinterFunction.

  3271 to 3272 are users stored in 3107 AddressBook. Reference numerals 3273 to 3275 store information on 3271 users.

  The stored data is for the user ID 3203, and the 3204 user can store the same level of data, and has a data structure necessary for storing the setting value for each user ID.

<NetworkFileSystem>
A general method for managing information as a file is called FileSystem. FileSystem defines FileName, and can store / read information using the FileName as a key. This is generally used for volatile / nonvolatile memories, HDDs, etc., and is used for managing / saving information temporarily / permanently.

  There is a known technology called Network File System (hereinafter referred to as NFS) virtually in non-contact communication or wired network. This is a function that can be handled like a FileSystem in its own device by mounting the FileSystem via the Network.

  In this embodiment, the NetworkFileSystem protocol may be used. However, for example, when mounting, a setting set may be read into the buffer from the portable information terminal to the image copying apparatus, and a read request is generated. There is no problem even if only the thing is read into the buffer. The same applies to writing.

<Mounting / unmounting personal data>
The mount in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 3301 has a protocol for its own setting (hereinafter referred to as FDSP).

(The present embodiment is not related to a protocol, and is not different from a general communication protocol, so the details are omitted.)
A means for connecting a database used by 3301 on the portable information device 3307, which is a characteristic part of this system, will be described. The processing flow is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10A is a flow when starting to mount a database.

  Hereinafter, the step is indicated as S on the drawing.

  In step 3611, a user detection wait is performed. When a user is detected, a predetermined protocol negotiation is performed in step 3612 via the network. In step 3613, the file system corresponding to the user ID obtained in the previous negotiation is mounted.

  For example, 3202 is a state in which the database is not mounted yet, and the database existing under the tree 3203 is referred to the file system ahead of the network by the mount function in the network file system. This completes the mounting.

  The portable information device 3307 has a File System inside. It is necessary to set Export so that the FileSystem can be mounted by the FDSP protocol. As a general method in the current technology, there is a method in which a driver for FDSP is installed in the portable information device 3307 and the export size is designated from within the driver. This driver has an FDSP protocol negotiation function, and can establish a network path in consideration of security between the 3301 image forming apparatus, the 3307 portable information apparatus, and the 3304 PC.

  FIG. 10-2 is a flowchart when unmounting the database.

  When the user cannot be detected in step 3622 or the logout process of a user (not shown) is explicitly instructed, the process moves to step 3623 to unmount the FileSystem. At this time, the user ID of 3203 is in a state in which the subsequent tree disappears, and access to personal data is denied.

<Process 1 flow of this method>
In FIG. 11, when a 3306 user stands near the image copying apparatus 3301, the personal ID 3308 is specified by negotiation of the FDSP protocol as indicated by 3702. Then, the mount sequence of the FileSystem operates. An event that the user has specified occurs, and the personal data mounting operation described above is performed. Specifically, since the data connected below the tree 3320 in FIG. 6 is data dedicated to the user ID 3203, the mount operation by the network file system is performed in the layer 3203 (this is the 3701 database is 3703). This means that it is connected to the database 3710 as indicated by the arrow 3704 through the route).

  Next, each place re-updates the setting data. Specifically, the 3101 LCD unit in FIG. 5 inquires the database unit in FIG. 6 for information on 3240, 3241, and 3242 that are data necessary for operation of the operation unit. This flow is shown in Fig. 9-2.

  In step 3521, the user ID corresponding to the personal ID 3308 is determined. The setting data is extracted from the tree corresponding to the user ID specified in step 3522, and the value is returned in step 3523. By repeating this flow, the entire image copying apparatus is updated to 3306 according to the personal setting.

  Next, it is assumed that the 3306 user opens the user mode screen 3101 and changes the setting. Then, the user setting is changed based on the flow of FIG. That is, step 3511 is when waiting for an instruction. When instructed, the user ID is determined in step 3512 and the tree 3203 is selected. In step 3513, the DB is searched, and in step 3514, data at a predetermined location is accessed (this means that 3705 data is exchanged).

  As a specific example of this effect, if the preference of the operator of 3306 is set to 3240 key click sound ON, 3241 alarm sound OFF, 3242 language is English, it has 3307 personal ID. When the user wears a device and stands in the neighborhood of the image copying apparatus 3301, the operation unit screen is switched to English, a click sound is generated when the operation is performed, and the alarm is not turned on.

  When the 3306 user moves away from the vicinity of the image copying apparatus 3301, the FileSystem unmount sequence operates to perform the operation of disconnecting the database. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 3301 changes its own setting to the default setting and returns to the initial state.

  Access to these 3705 data results in 3706 Network access to the storage on the 3307 PDA that is the possession of 3306 via the Network described above. In other words, according to this method, it is possible to save and carry personal settings in the 3307 PDA device, which is his property. This means that, for example, the settings made for the image copying apparatus used in the normal office can be applied to an image copying apparatus in a different place having the same protocol. As a specific effect that is particularly effective, various settings data such as the address book and language that you normally set and use are also used when you operate the image copy device in the conference room you visited for the first time. It means that it is applied automatically.

  With the method as described above, settings in one image copying apparatus can be managed for each individual, and the state of the main body can be updated according to the settings.

<Process 2 of this method>
A case where the operator 3306 is operating the PC 3304 will be described.

  Although not described in detail in the present embodiment, if there is a means for recording the personal ID in the PC 3304, the operation as described above can be performed as long as it is connected by Network. For example, when the user uses the image copying apparatus 3301 as a printer, a personal ID 3305 is transmitted. Accordingly, the items of the printer function setting 3108 are reflected by the same means as described above, and it is possible to operate by switching the setting to the user's favorite operation.

Block diagram of the image processing unit of the scanner Block diagram of the image processing unit of the printer The figure which shows the whole structure of an image forming apparatus Image of scanner image signal The figure which shows the operation part screen (user mode) of an image copying apparatus The figure which shows the data structure in this invention Schematic diagram of the configuration of the present invention The figure which shows a portable information device flowchart flowchart Schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

3301 Image forming apparatus 3302 Network
3303 computer 3304 user 3305 link 3306 user 3307 portable information device 3308 link

Claims (8)

In an image copying apparatus having a general image input device and an image output device, and a general-purpose computer having a network function,
A personal ID specifying means for the image copying apparatus to specify its own operator;
Recording means for recording setting data of the image processing apparatus on the general-purpose computer;
ID acquisition means for the image processing apparatus to acquire a personal ID from the general-purpose computer;
Link means for associating the setting data recorded by the general-purpose computer on the image processing apparatus;
Data reading means for the image processing apparatus to read the setting data from the general-purpose computer using the link means;
Data writing means for the image processing apparatus to write the setting data from the general-purpose computer using the link means;
Setting update means for switching the device settings of the image processing apparatus according to the data of the reading means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting data according to claim 1 is a display language.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting data is an address book.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting data is a copy function setting.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting data according to claim 1 is an off / on function setting of a key click sound.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting data is any one of a display language, an address book, and a copy function setting.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data selection means is any one of a display language, an address book, and a copy function setting.   An image forming apparatus, wherein the general-purpose computer according to claim 1 is a portable information device and the network function is wireless.

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