JP2008028588A - Image forming device and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow each user to individually manage setting information such as a job memory, abbreviated dialling, etc., improve complicated calling procedure, and use a plurality and many kinds of image forming devices therefor. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with a connecting port (a USB interface 21) to which a USB memory 20 of a portable recording medium is detachably connected, a controller 10 which controls to automatically call the setting information from the USB memory 20 when the USB memory 20 is connected to the USB interface 21, and a user interface 3 which preferentially displays the setting information called from the USB memory 20 by the controller 10 than other setting information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program that perform various processes on input image data and output the data, and more particularly to an apparatus that can execute an automatic operation by connecting a portable recording medium.

  A job memory function and a speed dial that can be registered when a plurality of setting contents in the image forming apparatus are registered and used at the time of use are functions that are convenient for the user, such as reducing the burden of repeated work and shortening the operation time. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 proposes to set a plurality of functions in an initial state according to the use frequency as an alternative to a job memory. Patent Document 2 proposes that a job memory and a shortened dial can be managed for each user specified by the authentication function.

JP 2003-223079 A JP 2003-118177 A

  However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, the copy setting screen is maintained according to the frequency of use, but it cannot cope with various usages of individual users. Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is effective only when the authentication function is enabled and one account is given to one user. Otherwise, the registered content affects other users. There is a possibility of giving, and it cannot cope with various usages of individual users. Further, when one user uses a plurality of devices, there arises a problem that registration work must be performed on each device.

  An object of the present invention is to enable individual users to individually manage setting information such as job memories and speed dials, to improve the labor involved in calling, and to be used by a plurality of and many types of image forming apparatuses.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a portable recording medium is detachably connected, and when the portable recording medium is connected to the connecting port, setting information is obtained from the portable recording medium. Control means for performing a control for automatically calling the setting information, and a display means for displaying the setting information called from the portable recording medium by the control means with priority over the other setting information.

  The present invention also provides a step of detecting whether or not a portable recording medium is connected to a connection port in an image forming program for performing various processing on the input image data and outputting the result, and a portable recording method for the connection port. A step of automatically calling the setting information from the portable recording medium when detecting that the medium is connected, and a step of displaying the setting information called from the portable recording medium with priority over other setting information An image forming program provided.

  In the present invention, when the portable recording medium is connected to the connection port, the setting information in the portable recording medium is automatically called and displayed on the display means with priority over the other setting information. Can manage individual setting information on a portable recording medium and use it immediately when necessary.

  Therefore, the present invention has the following effects. That is, it is possible to quickly use the setting information unique to each user simply by storing the setting information in the portable recording medium and connecting the portable recording medium to the connection port. As a result, the user can carry the individual setting information and reuse it in various devices.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a USB memory is taken as an example of the portable recording medium, but the same applies to other portable recording media.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment displays an image input unit 1 that inputs image data, an image output unit 2 that outputs image data, a predetermined setting content for the user, and a condition from the user. A user interface 3 that receives input and a controller 10 that controls each unit are provided.

  The controller 10 also includes an input interface 11 that controls data input / output with the image input unit 1, an output interface 12 that controls data input / output with the image output unit 2, and the user interface 3. A UI interface 13 that performs data input / output, a page memory 14 that is captured by the image input unit 1 and stores image data, a CPU 15 that executes a control program and an image processing program, a system memory 16, a hard disk drive 17, A facsimile card interface 18 for inputting / outputting data to / from the facsimile card 4 and a nonvolatile memory 19 for storing various setting conditions are provided.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, a USB interface 21 that is a connection port of the USB memory 20 is provided. The USB interface 21 is provided in the apparatus housing so that the user can easily attach and detach the USB memory 20.

  Such an image forming apparatus is a multi-function machine having various processing functions such as scanning, printing, copying, facsimile transmission / reception, and image data transmission / reception by e-mail. For this reason, it is desired that setting conditions that are easy to use for individual users, such as setting conditions, processing procedures, and destination information corresponding to various functions, can be used quickly. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of satisfying such a request, the setting information of each user is called and registered using the USB memory 20 so that the setting information for each user can be carried along with the USB memory 20. ing.

  When the USB memory 20 is connected to the USB interface 21 of the image forming apparatus, the controller 10 automatically reads information stored in the USB memory 20. When the read information includes setting information (here, address data such as job memory or speed dial information), the user interface 3 is notified of this.

  The user interface 3 determines whether to display the contents of the USB memory 30 according to the screen displayed at that time. For example, in the case of a job memory call screen, USB job memory information is acquired, and the job memory in the USB memory 20 is displayed with priority over the job memory registered therein. When the job memory in the USB memory 20 is displayed on the user interface 3, the user selects a desired job memory therefrom. As a result, the controller 10 accesses the job memory information in the USB memory 20 and makes a job start request.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing when a USB memory is connected. First, when the USB memory is connected to the USB interface (step S11), the controller issues an instruction to read the job memory in the USB memory (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the job memory of the corresponding service is registered in the USB memory (step S13). Here, the controller determines whether or not it is a job memory based on an identifier attached to information (file) in the USB memory. If the job memory is not registered, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if registered, a list of job memories registered in the USB memory is displayed on the user interface (step S14). The user refers to the list of job memories displayed on the user interface and selects a desired job memory (step S15). Then, the contents of the selected job memory are reflected in the job function setting (step S16).

  By such processing, the user can call up the job memory registered in the USB memory and display it on the user interface simply by connecting the USB memory while the desired service is selected. The memory can be selected and executed.

  Next, a specific user interface screen transition will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. FIG. 3A shows display contents when the job memory registration screen is selected in a state where the USB memory is not connected. When the external memory is not connected, a list of job memories registered in the internal memory of the apparatus is displayed.

  When an external memory (for example, a USB memory) is connected in this state, the contents of the job memory registered in the external memory are automatically read and preferentially displayed as shown in FIG. That is, of the information registered in the external memory, information added with identification information (extension etc.) corresponding to the current mode (here, job memory registration mode) (here, identification information indicating the job memory is added). File) and automatically call it. In this example, job memories of “Setting 1” and “Setting 2” are stored in the external memory, and these are displayed as a list. If the job memory is not registered in the connected external memory, that fact is displayed with priority.

  Here, by pressing the “internal memory” button, it is possible to switch to the previously displayed internal memory display (see FIG. 3C). Also, when the job memory registration screen is selected with the external memory connected, the contents of the external memory are automatically called up and the screen display shown in FIG.

  Next, screen transitions when a job memory is called will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. FIG. 4A shows display contents when the job memory call screen is selected in a state where an external memory (for example, a USB memory) is not connected. When the external memory is not connected, a list of job memories registered in the internal memory of the apparatus is displayed.

  When an external memory (for example, a USB memory) is connected in this state, the contents of the job memory registered in the external memory are automatically read and preferentially displayed as shown in FIG. That is, of the information registered in the external memory, information added with identification information (extension etc.) corresponding to the current mode (here, the job memory calling mode) (here, identification information indicating the job memory is added). File) and automatically call it. In this example, job memories of “Setting 1” and “Setting 2” are stored in the external memory, and these are displayed as a list. If the job memory is not registered in the connected external memory, that fact is displayed with priority.

  Here, it is also possible to switch to the internal memory by pressing the “internal memory” button (see FIG. 4C). Also, when the job memory call screen is selected with the external memory connected, the contents of the external memory are automatically called and the screen display shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing when a service is selected with a USB memory connected. First, when a USB memory is connected (step S21) and a service is selected in this state (step S22), it is determined whether or not the job memory of the service is registered in the USB memory (step S23). If the job memory is not registered here, the screen shifts to a normal setting screen (step S24).

  On the other hand, if there is registration of the job memory, it is confirmed from the information added to the job memory whether or not a job memory having the same model code and the same optional configuration is registered (step S25).

  The model code and the option configuration are information indicating a code indicating a model when the job memory is registered and information indicating an option type selectable for the model among the information added to the job memory. Therefore, if the model code and option configuration of the job memory registered in the USB memory correspond to the model code and option configuration of the device to which the USB memory is connected, all options can be selected, but they are not supported In some cases, some or all of the functions will not be available.

  Here, if there is no job memory having the same model code and the same optional configuration, it is determined whether or not the selected job memory can be executed (step S26). If not, the process shifts to a normal setting screen. (Step S24).

  On the other hand, if it can be executed in the determination in step S26, and if there is a job memory having the same model code and the same option configuration in the determination in step S25, the process proceeds to step S27, and a list of job memories registered in the USB memory is obtained. Is displayed. This is because some functions may be available even if the same model code and the same optional configuration are not used.

  When the user selects a desired job memory from this list (step S28), it is determined from the additional information of the selected job memory whether or not the same model code and the same optional configuration are obtained (step S29), and the same model code and If they are not of the same option configuration, it is determined whether there is missing information (step S30).

  Here, if there is missing information, the lack is displayed on the user interface (step S31). If there is no missing information and if the same model code and the same optional configuration are determined in step S30, the job based on the job memory is executed (step S32).

  After the job is executed, it is determined again whether or not the same model code and the same option configuration are used (step S33). If the model code and option contents are different, a new job memory is created and registered in the external memory (step S34). ). Thereby, when the job memory is used again in this image forming apparatus, it can be immediately reused as a job memory having the same model code and the same optional configuration.

  If the job memory of the executed job has the same model code and the same option configuration, the process is terminated without performing new registration. In the above example, a match or mismatch between the model code and the option configuration is searched, but instead of these, version information of the apparatus may be used, or a search target may be used together.

  Next, screen transition when registering a shortened dial will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. FIG. 6A shows the display contents when the speed dial registration screen is selected in a state where the external memory is not connected. When the external memory is not connected, a list of speed dials registered in the internal memory of the apparatus is displayed.

  When an external memory (for example, a USB memory) is connected in this state, the speed dial information registered in the external memory is automatically read and preferentially displayed as shown in FIG. 6B. That is, of the information registered in the external memory, information added with identification information (extension, etc.) corresponding to the current mode (here, abbreviated dial registration mode) (here, identification information indicating the abbreviated dial is added). File) and automatically call it. If speed dial information is not registered in the connected external memory, a message to that effect is displayed.

  Here, it is possible to switch to the internal memory by pressing the “internal memory” button (see FIG. 6C). Also, when the abbreviated dial registration screen is displayed with the external memory connected, the contents of the external memory are automatically called up and the screen display shown in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, setting information such as a job memory and a speed dial can be stored in the USB memory, so that it can be carried as user-specific information and can be reused. In addition, since the setting information of each user is stored in the USB memory, the USB memory can be connected to other devices to facilitate use between multiple models. In addition, the setting information is not affected by other users.

  In addition, since the setting information such as job memory and speed dial has an identifier that can be identified as the information, even if other information is stored in the USB memory, only the setting information is surely received. Can be used. In addition, since the setting information such as the job memory includes a model code and optional contents, it can be maintained as highly compatible information at the time of reuse.

  Furthermore, when the USB memory is connected, it is displayed with higher priority than the setting information stored in the image forming apparatus, so that the user can save the trouble of calling the information in the USB memory. Also, since the setting information in the connected USB memory is automatically selected for the user interface, it is possible to save the trouble of calling up the information.

  In addition, since it is possible to know in advance information that has been lost due to use between models, erroneous operations can be prevented. In addition, since information can be reused even if it is missing due to inter-model use, it is possible to maintain information as highly compatible information as it is used.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining a process when a USB memory is connected. It is a schematic diagram explaining the transition of the job memory registration screen by connection of USB memory. It is a schematic diagram explaining the screen transition when calling the job memory. It is a flowchart explaining a process when a service is selected in a state where a USB memory is connected. It is a schematic diagram explaining the screen transition in the case of registering a speed dial.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image input part, 2 ... Image output part, 3 ... User interface, 4 ... Facsimile card, 10 ... Controller, 11 ... Input interface, 12 ... Output interface, 13 ... UI interface, 15 ... CPU, 20 ... USB memory, 21 ... USB interface

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus that performs various processing on the input image data and outputs it,
A connection port for detachably connecting a portable recording medium;
When the portable recording medium is connected to the connection port, control means for performing control to automatically call the setting information from the portable recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: display means for preferentially displaying setting information called from the portable recording medium by the control means over other setting information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to determine and call the setting information based on an identifier of a file stored in the portable recording medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the setting information called from the portable recording medium does not correspond to the own apparatus, the control unit performs control to display the fact on the display unit. . When the setting information called from the portable recording medium does not correspond to the own device, the control means performs control to rewrite the setting information corresponding to the own device and register the setting information in the portable recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information is a job memory in which a predetermined processing procedure is registered. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information is address data in which a destination of image data is registered. In an image forming program that performs various processing on the input image data and outputs it,
Detecting whether a portable recording medium is connected to the connection port;
When detecting that the portable recording medium is connected to the connection port, automatically calling the setting information from the portable recording medium;
And a step of displaying the setting information called from the portable recording medium with priority over other setting information.

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