JP2009080629A - Printer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer system which prevents a warning from being repeatedly given to the same user when notifying shortage of consumables or replacement of parts to the user in advance, in the printer system equipped with a function to authenticate the user of a printer. <P>SOLUTION: In the printer system which performs printout after authentication of the user who has instructed print processing of a print job by the printer 2 side, duplicate warning to the same user can be prevented by identifying a user of the printer at the warning by the user authentication function; recording the warned user in a memory means; comparing authentication information of the printer user with a record of the warned user registered in the memory means when the same warning occurs again; and preventing generation of the warning when they match. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus system having a function for authenticating a user who uses a printing apparatus, and in particular, when notifying a user of an alarm such as a consumable shortage notice or a life parts replacement notice, the same user is repeatedly duplicated. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus system that performs control so as not to issue an alarm notification.

Today, there are various types of printers such as electrophotographic printers, ink jet printers, thermal transfer printers, etc. as printing devices. In any type of printer, consumables such as ink, toner, and paper used for printing. Is required.
In addition, these printing apparatuses use so-called life-long parts that must be replaced with new ones when they are used repeatedly for a long period of time, and the recording performance gradually deteriorates. ing.

In such a printing apparatus, for the convenience of the user, a remaining amount detection mechanism for each consumable or a life measurement mechanism for a consumable part is provided. Many of them have a notice function for notifying the user in advance that the battery is near, or a notice function for notifying that the life is near before the life parts are completely unusable. Patent Document 1 is an example of a printing apparatus having such a consumable shortage notice function. Patent Document 2 is an example of a life management method in an electronic device having a function of notifying the replacement time of a part having a life.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-230235 JP 2003-077555 A

However, in such a printing apparatus, if a consumables deficiency state such as a low ink level, a low toner level, or a low paper level occurs and is detected by a detection mechanism such as a residual quantity sensor, an alarm is generated. In order to allow the user to fully recognize the consumables shortage warning / lifetime part warning, such as by displaying or further stopping the printing process and allowing the user to perform a confirmation operation (pause release operation) Control is taking place.
When the user recognizes this alarm and performs an instruction operation for continuing the printing operation, the printer continues the remaining printing process as instructed by the user.
When such an alarm notification occurs, the user who has recognized the alarm may prepare consumables or replacement parts.In many cases, however, the alarm is a “notice” for lack of consumables. The recognized user does not immediately perform preparation work for consumables / life replacement parts, and is handed over to the user who uses the printer as it is (without notifying that an alarm has occurred). .

  As a printer, when the user who uses the printer changes to another user even though the alarm is notified, the alarm is not notified to the new user, and no action is taken as it is. If the user continues to use the printer for a short time, the printer will suddenly stop printing such as no toner or no paper, which will cause a great trouble for users who are not informed of the warning alarm. It can also lead to distrust of the device.

In view of this, a method has been implemented in which the alarm is repeatedly generated at every elapse of a predetermined time and control is performed so that the above-described trouble does not occur even when the user changes.
However, even when such a method is adopted, it is difficult to predict how much printing work one user will continue, and if an alarm is frequently generated or a pause process is performed, If the same user is continuously printing, the alarm will often occur, or the printing operation will be paused. For users who have already recognized the alarm, the alarm will be cleared. This method is extremely complicated and requires a lot of harmful effects such as poor work efficiency.
Therefore, the present invention identifies a user in use in a printer having a user authentication function for performing print processing after recognizing the user of the printer, and once an alarm is notified to the same user, The present invention provides a printing apparatus that performs control so as to notify a different user of a necessary alarm without repeatedly notifying the same alarm.

  According to the present invention, according to the present invention, a printing apparatus that receives a print job output from a terminal apparatus can print out the print job by authenticating a user who has instructed printing processing of the print job. In the printing apparatus system, the defect detection means for detecting the occurrence of a defect in the printing apparatus in advance, the alarm generation means for generating an alarm in response to the detection of the defect, and the printing apparatus user at the time of occurrence of the alarm Storage means for recording the alarm-notified user who has been identified and notified of the alarm by the user authentication function, alarm canceling means for canceling the alarm and allowing the printing process to continue, and operation of the canceling means And a continuation process permission control means for permitting continuation of the print output process of the printing apparatus, and when the alarm occurs again, A printing apparatus system is provided, wherein authentication information of an apparatus user and an alarm-reported user record registered in the storage unit are compared, and if they match, control is performed to avoid occurrence of an alarm. Can be achieved.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to notify whether the user who is using the printing apparatus is a user who has already notified the alarm or a user who is newly using without knowing the occurrence of the alarm. Therefore, the printing process can be performed without performing a complicated alarm canceling operation or the like for the user.
The defect detection means is means for detecting, for example, a lack of consumables in the printing apparatus.

The consumable is toner used for printing, and the alarm is configured to display a message prompting replacement of the toner supply unit.
In addition, the consumable item is ink used for printing, and the alarm is configured to display a message prompting replacement of the ink supply unit.
The consumable item is a sheet used for printing, and the alarm is configured to display a message prompting the user to replenish the printing sheet.

The printing apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the defect detection unit is a unit that detects that a replacement part in the apparatus is near the end of its life.
Further, the replacement part is a photosensitive drum unit, and the alarm is configured to display a message notifying that it is almost time to replace the photosensitive drum unit.
The replacement part is an image carrier belt unit, and the alarm is configured to display a message notifying that the replacement time of the image carrier belt unit is near.
Further, the replacement part is a fixing unit, and the alarm is configured to display a message notifying that the replacement time of the fixing unit is near.

  According to the present invention, the alarm is notified while recognizing the user who uses the printing apparatus. Therefore, the same user is not repeatedly notified of the same alarm, and the user is uncomfortable or the printing is performed. The work efficiency will not be reduced. In addition, for users who newly use the printing device, the alarm status generated during use by the previous user is again notified, so that the consumable shortage status of the device and the replacement timing of the life parts can be accurately determined. Thus, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of trouble, and it is possible to provide a highly reliable printing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printing apparatus system according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a terminal device 1 is a host device such as a personal computer (PC), and is connected to a printing device 2 via a LAN (Ethernet (registered trademark)). The terminal device 1 has a reading for acquiring an individual identification number (UID) from the IC card 3 for allowing use after user authentication when the terminal device user individually owns and works with the terminal device. An IC card R / W4 is connected as a device. Further, the IC card R / W 5 is also used as a reading device for acquiring the individual identification number (UID) from the IC card 3 in order to authenticate and authorize the user when using the printing device. It is connected. In the present invention, the individual identification number (UID) is user authentication information for permitting use of the terminal device and the printing device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 1 includes a CPU 6, a display control unit 7, an input control unit 8, a USB communication control unit 9, a LAN communication control unit 10, and a storage unit 11. Further, a display 12 is connected to the display control unit 7, a keyboard 13 is connected to the input control unit 8, and the above-described IC card R / W 4 is connected to the USB communication control unit 9 as an authentication device.
The storage unit 11 includes a ROM 14, a RAM 15, and an HDD 16, and an authentication engine 17, a print driver 18, and resident software 19 that are programs necessary for the processing of this example are stored in the HDD 16. These programs are used in the processing flow described later in FIG.

On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the printing apparatus 2 described above. As shown in the figure, an authentication control unit (authentication engine) 21, a display operation control unit 22, a LAN communication control unit 23, a storage device control unit 24, and a printing mechanism unit 25 are connected to the PPR control unit 20. . Further, an IC card R / W 5 is connected as an authentication device to the authentication control unit 21, a display operation unit 26 is connected to the display operation control unit 22, and a storage device unit (HDD) 27 is connected to the storage device control unit 24. Is connected.
In the PPR control unit 20, in addition to a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown), an alarm generated in a printing apparatus, which will be described later, and authentication information of a user who performed the alarm canceling operation are registered and recorded so as to be rewritable as a list. Built-in memory.
Further, inside the printing mechanism section 25, the photosensitive drum 32 is exposed according to image information, and a process mechanism section 28 that develops the formed electrostatic image with toner, and paper for transferring the toner-developed image is fed. A sheet feeding mechanism 29 that performs the operation, and a number of sensors 30 that identify and detect the operating state of each mechanism are incorporated.

On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows a basic configuration of an IC card 3 which is a representative example of a portable recording medium containing an individual identification number (UID) used in this example (non-contact type). In the following description, an example of an IC card will be described as a portable recording medium, but it is not limited to an IC card.
The IC card 3 includes a CPU 43, a ROM 44, a RAM 45, an EEPROM (nonvolatile memory) 46, and a communication unit. The communication unit terminal uses a contact for a contact type IC card, and an antenna 47 for a non-contact type IC card. Is used. Reading and writing of data in the memory (44, 45, 46) in the IC card is performed under the control of the CPU 43, and authentication and encryption are performed by the CPU 43 for data access.

In this example, an individual identification number (UID) is used in the information stored in the IC card 3. This number is stored in all IC cards without being duplicated regardless of the type, and is stored without being encrypted. That is, a non-contact IC card is equipped with a Proximity Integrated Circuit Card (PICC) chip, and this PICC has an individual identification number, UID (Unique identifier) or PUPI (Pseudo-Unique PICC Identifier). (ISO) / International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard, ISO / IEC 14443, etc.
Therefore, by configuring an authentication system that uses this individual identification number (UID), authentication printing that allows mixed use of IC cards becomes possible.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing apparatus 2. In the process mechanism unit 29, a photosensitive drum unit 32 configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body so as to be replaceable when it reaches the end of its life, A toner replenishing unit 33 configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body in order to replenish toner to the developing device and replenish new toner when the toner is depleted is provided for each printing color (Y, M, C, K). ) Separately arranged in tandem.
In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 34 for transferring the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 32 for the respective colors in a superimposed manner and forming a composite image can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body so that it can be replaced at the end of its life. It is composed of free units. Further, the fixing device 35 for heat-fixing the toner image on the paper on which the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 34 is transferred can be replaced when it reaches the end of its life. It is configured as a detachable unit. The developing device or toner supply unit 33 is provided with a toner remaining amount detection sensor for identifying the remaining amount of toner. The paper feed mechanism 29 is also provided with a paper remaining amount sensor for identifying the remaining amount of paper. In addition, a number of sensors 30 for monitoring and identifying the internal state of the apparatus are also provided in other parts, and all signals output from these sensors are sent to the engine control unit 31 for judgment by the internal processing unit. Corresponding operations are controlled.

  Further, the engine control unit 31 is provided with a life management function for parts having a life used for the process mechanism unit 28 and the like, and counts and measures an image forming operation amount (life management counter), Depending on the lifespan of the part (count-up value table), control is performed to notify the time of replacement for each part. This control also generates a replacement notice alarm for the life part as well as a consumable part replacement notice alarm. Is done.

First, the authentication printing method in the printing apparatus system of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the authentication printing process of this example. Note that the processing on the left side shown in the figure shows the processing of the terminal device 1, and the processing on the right side shows the processing of the printing device 2.
First, login processing of the terminal device 1 is performed (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). The authentication process at this time does not prevent the use of a portable recording medium (such as an IC card) containing an individual identification number (UID), but authentication information handled during authentication printing in order to minimize the risk of leakage of personal information. It is desirable to use authentication information different from (UID).

Next, a print instruction is given to the application (S2). In this printing instruction, the property screen (printing device driver 18) of the printing device 2 is called as necessary to perform format setting and the like.
Next, when a printing instruction is issued at the terminal device 1, the resident software 19 in the terminal device 1 detects the printing instruction, performs a display requesting authentication by the IC card 3, and displays the terminal device 1. A state of waiting for authentication by the IC card 3 is set (S3).
Next, when the IC card 3 is placed on the IC card R / W (authentication device) 4 (S4), the authentication engine 17 passes the IC card R / W (authentication device) 4 and the individual identification number of the IC card 3 ( UID). Here, when the individual identification number (UID) can be acquired normally (YES in S5), the print driver 18 generates a print file and embeds the acquired individual identification number (UID) in the print file (S6). If the individual identification number (UID) cannot be acquired normally (S5 is NO), the process returns to the process (S3).
When the individual identification number (UID) can be normally acquired, the individual identification number (UID) is embedded in the print file as described above, and when the print file is completed (S7), the completed print file is transferred to the printing apparatus 2. (S8).

On the other hand, on the printing device 2 side, the transferred print file is stored in the storage device unit 27 of the printing device 2 (S9). At that time, the encrypted individual identification number (UID) is decrypted and extracted from the print file, a folder is created in the storage unit 27, and the print file is stored. If a folder with the same individual identification number (UID) already exists, it is stored in the folder. These print files are managed as an authentication pending state until the printing process is executed.
In the print file in the authentication pending state, the hold time set for each print file is monitored by the PPR control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 2, and when the set time elapses, the print file is automatically deleted ( S10 is YES, S15). This deletion of the print file is to prevent a failure of information security caused by leaving the pending print file unattended.

Next, for example, when the user approaches the printing apparatus 2 and puts the IC card 3 on the IC card R / W (authentication device) 5 (S11), the authentication control unit (authentication engine) 21 causes the individual IC card 3 to move. When the identification number (UID) can be acquired (S12 is YES), the process (S13) is executed, and when the individual identification number (UID) of the IC card 3 cannot be acquired (S12 is NO), the process (10) Return to.
In the process (S13), the acquired individual identification number (UID) is used to search for a print file in which the number matching the acquired individual identification number is embedded in the storage device unit 27 of the printing apparatus 2.
Next, a print / discharge process is executed for the print file that has been authenticated by the above process (S14).

If there is another pending print file, the corresponding print file is deleted, a series of processes are repeated, and the pending print file is deleted (S15, S16).
The printing apparatus system of the present invention is read from an IC card in the printing apparatus system including a terminal apparatus and a printing apparatus connected via a network by the method as described above when a printing instruction is given by an application on the terminal apparatus. The individual identification number (UID) and the login sign of the terminal device are stored in a print file, transferred to the printing device, and authentication printing is performed by using the IC card again in the printing device. Accordingly, the print file transferred from the terminal device can be authenticated and identified by the user who instructed the printing individually.
Next, in the printing apparatus system that performs the authentication printing as described above, by identifying the user from the individual identification number, once for the user who has notified the alarm about the consumable shortage notice or the replacement notice of the life parts The method of the present invention for controlling so as not to notify the same alarm twice will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when the printing apparatus of the present invention displays an alarm. In the present invention, as described above, there are alarms such as a consumables shortage alarm for notifying that consumables are almost exhausted or a lifespan replacement warning alarm for notifying that replacement of a lifespan is near. In order to simplify the description, the following description will be collectively referred to as an alarm.

  When the print data is input from the terminal device 1, the printing apparatus 2 executes the process shown in FIG. First, the input of document data is determined (ST-1). If there is no input (ST-1 is NO), the process waits. If the input of print data is determined (ST-1 is YES), the alarm described above. It is determined whether or not the flag is stored in the nonvolatile memory in the engine control unit. If there is no alarm flag (ST-2 is YES), execution of the printing process (ST7) is permitted as it is. If any alarm flag is stored in the non-volatile memory here, it is determined whether or not the user who has already issued the alarm and has performed the operation to cancel the alarm is processing this print data. In ST3.

  That is, as described above, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the user who is performing the printing process can be specified from the individual identification number. Therefore, the fact that the user has performed the alarm canceling operation is stored in the alarm canceling operation user list memory provided in the PPR control unit 20. In the user list that has performed the alarm release operation, the type of the alarm that has occurred and the individual identification number of the user who has released the alarm are recorded in association with each other. In this list, the cause of the alarm is removed. For example, in the case of a toner shortage alarm, the sensor has been replaced with a new toner cartridge, or in the case of a photosensitive drum life alarm, the sensor has been replaced with a new photosensitive drum unit. If detected, the registration information is controlled to be deleted from the list.

  Accordingly, in ST3, the user registered in the alarm release operation user list is confirmed with respect to the generated alarm, and whether or not the user matches the user currently using the printing apparatus is identified. If there is a mismatch or the user who has performed the release operation is not registered (ST3 is NO), an alarm message corresponding to the type of alarm is selected and displayed on the display device (ST4). For example, if a toner remaining amount sensor detects a remaining amount of toner equal to or less than a predetermined amount and a toner shortage warning alarm flag is stored in the nonvolatile memory in response to this, the preparation of a replenishment toner unit is prompted. A processing program for displaying a message is selected from a ROM built in the engine control unit 31 and executed, and the alarm is displayed on the display operation unit 26 via the display operation control unit 22. The alarm flag is controlled by a subroutine program (not shown) so as to be repeatedly valid every time the preset time elapses. Therefore, even if a user recognizes an alarm and performs a canceling operation, the alarm flag is set again and the alarm message is displayed repeatedly unless the sensor detection output returns to a normal state after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is controlled.

  Further, in ST4, not only the alarm message display but also the printing process of the apparatus is paused to allow the user to fully recognize the occurrence of the alarm, and in response to this, the user performs an input operation to instruct the continuation process. It is determined whether or not to wait in ST5 (ST5 is NO). When the user confirms the alarm and inputs an operation signal for instructing the continuation of the printing operation through the display operation unit 26 (YES in ST5), the alarm message processed in ST4 is canceled and the above-described operation is performed. The alarm release operation user list in the non-volatile memory is registered and stored in combination with the generated alarm and the individual identification number of the user who canceled the alarm (ST6), and then the printing process is executed (ST7). . On the other hand, when the alarm release operation user list is confirmed in ST3, it is determined that the user who performed the release operation for the generated alarm matches the user who is currently performing the printing operation (YES in ST3). Since the user who is currently using should have already recognized the alarm, it avoids redundant alarm notification, and shifts directly to the print execution process (ST7).

By performing the processing as described above, in the present invention, since control is performed so that the same alarm is not repeatedly notified to the user who once notified the alarm, the user feels uncomfortable. And the printing work efficiency is not lowered.
In this example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP (multifunction printer / multifunction printer)) may be used instead of the printer 2 having the above-described configuration. The alarm type is not limited to the consumables shortage notice and the life time notice of the life parts, but can be applied to other alarm processes. The printing processing method of the printing apparatus is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and any method such as an ink jet printer or a thermal transfer printer may be used. Therefore, the consumable that generates an alarm is not limited to toner, and may be a consumable according to the printing method, such as ink or ink ribbon.

  Furthermore, in the above example, the information used for user authentication is the individual identification number read from the IC card, but the user name information incorporated in the print data, the IP address (MAC address) of the terminal device (client PC) It is also possible to use a logon name or the like input when starting the terminal device as user identification information. Furthermore, in the case of a system equipped with a biometrics authentication device such as fingerprint authentication, information obtained from these devices can be used as user authentication information.

It is a figure explaining the whole structure of the printing apparatus system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the structure of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the basic composition of an IC card. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication printing process of this example. It is a flowchart explaining the processing procedure of the overlapping alarm generation | occurrence | production avoidance which controls so that it may not generate an alarm redundantly to the authenticated user who once alert | reported the alarm in this example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Terminal device 2 ... Printing device 3 ... IC card 4, 5 ... IC card R / W
6 ... CPU
7 ... Display control unit 8 ... Input control unit 9 ... USB communication control unit 10 ... LAN communication control unit 11 ... Storage unit 12 ... Display 13 ... Keyboard 14 ... ROM
15 ... RAM
16 ... HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 ... Authentication engine 18 ... Printing device driver 19 ... Resident type software 20 ... PPR control part 21 ... Authentication control part 22 ... Display operation control part 23 ... LAN communication control part 24: Storage device control unit 25: Printing mechanism unit 26: Display operation unit 27 ... Storage device unit 28: Process mechanism unit 29 ... Paper feed mechanism unit 30: Others Sensor 31... Engine control unit 32M, 32C, 32Y, 32K... Photoconductor drum unit 33M, 33C, 33Y, 33K .. Toner replenishment unit 34. Intermediate transfer belt 35.・ CPU
37 ... ROM
38 ... RAM
39 ・ ・ ・ EEPROM
40 ... Antenna

Claims (7)

In a printing apparatus system that enables printing output of a print job by authenticating a user who has instructed printing processing of the print job on a printing apparatus side that receives a print job output from a terminal apparatus,
Fault detection means for detecting in advance the occurrence of a fault in the printing apparatus;
Alarm generating means for generating an alarm in response to detection of the malfunction;
Storage means for identifying the user of the printing apparatus at the time of occurrence of the alarm by the user authentication function and recording the alarm notified user who has notified the alarm;
An alarm canceling means for canceling the alarm and enabling the printing process to continue;
In accordance with the operation of the canceling means, the printing apparatus includes a continuation process permission control unit that permits continuation of the print output process,
When the alarm occurs again, the authentication information of the printing apparatus user is compared with the alarm-reported user record registered in the storage means, and if they match, control is performed to avoid the occurrence of the alarm. A printing apparatus system.   The printing apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the alarm generation unit temporarily stops a print processing operation of the printing apparatus in order to reliably transmit the alarm generation to the user.   The printing apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the alarm canceling unit includes an input operation unit that operates to notify the printing apparatus that the user has recognized the alarm.   The printing apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the defect detection unit is a unit that detects a lack of consumables in the printing apparatus.   The printing apparatus system according to claim 4, wherein the consumable is toner used for printing.   The printing apparatus system according to claim 4, wherein the consumable is paper used for printing.   The printing apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the defect detection unit is a life detection unit that detects that a replacement part in the printing apparatus has a short life.

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