JP2009284210A - Image forming apparatus and user management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely prevent illegal use of an image forming apparatus and leakage of information by making extremely short the duration time of a state wherein anybody uses the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a card reader 6 which communicates by radio with an IC card 7 storing identification information for determining whether the apparatus is allowed to be used, an authentication unit 9 which authenticates whether the image forming apparatus is usable on the basis of the identification information that the card reader 6 receives from the IC card 7, and a control unit 8 which enables the image forming apparatus to be used when the authentication unit 9 authenticates the usable state thereof. The card reader 6 makes intensity of an emitted electromagnetic wave larger than that in an unusable state when the image forming apparatus is allowed to be used to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic wave between the card reader 6 and IC card 7, and the control unit 8 disables the apparatus to be used when the card reader 6 becomes unable to communicate with the IC card 7 storing the identification information showing that the apparatus is usable. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention can be used only when a storage medium such as an IC card is read by wireless communication and the use qualification is authenticated, thereby preventing unauthorized use and managing the use of the apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer and a user management system.

  In general, companies and government offices install image forming devices such as printers, copiers, multifunction devices, etc. for each department or floor, instead of one by one because of problems such as cost and installation location. There are cases where an image forming apparatus and individual terminals are connected by a network or the like, and the image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of people. In this case, if the image forming apparatus is always available, information leakage due to unauthorized printing by a third party is likely to occur. In the case of shared use, if the number of printed sheets and the user are not managed, private printing is easily performed, and cost awareness cannot be improved.

  Therefore, there is a case where a management device is installed in the image forming apparatus in order to perform usage management. Although the mode and operation of this management apparatus are diverse, generally, a magnetic card or IC card is distributed to each person who uses the image forming apparatus, and each person's identification information (for example, employee ID or affiliation) is distributed to this magnetic card. (Department information) is stored. The image forming apparatus is basically made unusable, and the image forming apparatus is provided with a reading device such as a magnetic card, and the image forming device is set based on the identification information read from each individual magnetic card. It is authenticated whether it can be used. Each user can use the image forming apparatus only when it is recognized that the image forming apparatus can be used. An image forming apparatus that performs such authentication is described in Patent Document 1.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a detection unit that detects a non-contact type authentication medium, a reading unit that reads identification information of the non-contact type authentication medium, and identification information read by the reading unit are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. A management apparatus for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a transmission unit; and a use permission cancellation instructing unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the use permission state on condition that the contactless authentication medium is no longer detected by the detection unit (See Patent Document 1: Claim 1 etc.).
JP2007-004598

  However, even if the use management of the image forming apparatus is performed by using a magnetic card or an IC card, generally, a certain time has passed since the use is completed, or the availability state provided on the operation panel or the like is canceled. On condition that the release key is pressed, the image forming apparatus shifts from the available state to the unavailable state. Therefore, there is a problem that anyone can use the image forming apparatus continuously after the use is completed until a certain time elapses or when the user forgets to press the release key. That is, the management device cannot function effectively.

  In Patent Document 1, use of the image forming apparatus is permitted only while it exists in the IC card detection area of the management apparatus (see Patent Document 1: Paragraph [0117] and the like). However, in Patent Document 1, the IC card detection area is generally indicated as an area that can be detected when the IC card is held over or placed on the IC card detection unit, and is extremely close. (See Patent Document 1: Paragraphs [0065], [0067], etc.). Therefore, the IC card detection area is narrow, and it is easy for the IC card to be left behind. When the user leaves the IC card, anyone can use the image forming apparatus. In addition, when the IC card is held over the IC card detection unit, the user needs to hold the IC card constantly during use of the image forming apparatus, and there is a problem that convenience is poor.

  Further, Patent Document 1 also describes that the image forming apparatus is disabled after a certain time has elapsed since the IC card is no longer detected or when the release instruction button is pressed. (Patent Document 1: Refer to Claim 2 and Claim 3 etc.), which is not much different from conventional usage management, until a certain time elapses or if the user forgets to press the release key, the usage is completed. Thereafter, the problem that anyone can continue to use the image forming apparatus is not solved. That is, the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not solve the above problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. In the usable state of the image forming apparatus, the intensity of electromagnetic waves in communication between the storage medium and the wireless communication unit is increased compared to the unusable state of the apparatus. If the user is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, the usable state is maintained, and when the user becomes incapable of communication due to leaving the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is disabled so that anyone can form an image. It is an object to prevent continuation of a state where the apparatus can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention of claim 1 is directed to a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a storage medium that stores at least identification information for determining whether or not an image forming apparatus can be used, and the wireless communication unit from the storage medium An authentication unit that authenticates whether the image forming apparatus can be used based on the received identification information; and a control unit that can use the image forming apparatus when the authentication unit authenticates the use. The wireless communication unit emits an electromagnetic wave with an intensity that cannot be communicated unless the storage medium is held close to the wireless communication unit when the image forming apparatus is unusable, and image formation is performed when the image forming apparatus is usable. Increasing the intensity of electromagnetic waves emitted than the unusable state of the device increases the intensity of electromagnetic waves between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium, the control unit is in an available state, If serial wireless communication unit becomes said storage medium for storing identification information authenticated as available and incommunicable, it was decided to an image forming apparatus and unavailable.

  According to this configuration, in an available state of the image forming apparatus, the intensity of electromagnetic waves between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium is increased, and when the communication with the storage medium becomes impossible, the image forming apparatus cannot be used. When the user leaves the image forming apparatus after using the image forming apparatus such as printing after the use is completed, the image forming apparatus can be automatically disabled. Accordingly, anyone who has caused a certain period of time since the image forming apparatus became available, forgetting to press the release key, or forgetting to place a storage medium such as an IC card in the reader, can be used by anyone. Can be prevented from continuing.

  Conventionally, in order to maintain the usable state of the image forming apparatus, it has been necessary to keep a storage medium such as an IC card over the reading portion, which may impair the convenience of the user. According to the present invention, the strength of electromagnetic waves between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium is increased in a usable state of the image forming apparatus (the degree to which wireless communication can be performed between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium while holding an IC card or the like) Therefore, the user only needs to have an IC card or the like, and the convenience can be improved. In addition, since the intensity of electromagnetic waves between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium is increased only when the image forming apparatus is available, the power consumption can be suppressed, and the holder of an IC card or the like can be located near the image forming apparatus. When it passes, communication with an IC card or the like is performed, so that the image forming apparatus is not erroneously made available.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the wireless communication unit becomes unable to communicate with the storage medium storing the identification information authenticated as usable during job execution, The control unit determines that the image forming apparatus cannot be used after the job to be executed is completed. According to this configuration, since the image forming apparatus cannot be used after the job to be executed is completed, for example, when printing a large number of sheets, even if the user leaves the image forming apparatus for convenience, The job will not be interrupted.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, for example, when the storage medium has its own power source, the intensity of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the storage medium can be switched, The wireless communication unit transmits an instruction to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the storage medium to the storage medium when the image forming apparatus is available. Also with this configuration, it is possible to increase the intensity of electromagnetic waves in communication between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the user management system for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is provided with a storage medium for storing at least identification information for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used, and the image forming apparatus. A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a storage medium; and an authentication unit that authenticates whether or not the device can be used based on the identification information received by the wireless communication unit from the storage medium. The image forming apparatus transmits a signal indicating that the authentication is possible to the image forming apparatus, and the wireless communication unit and the storage medium hold the storage medium over the wireless communication unit when the image forming apparatus cannot be used. When the image forming apparatus is in an available state, the wireless communication unit and the storage medium are stronger than those in the unusable state of the image forming apparatus. Greatly to it was decided to carry out the communication. This configuration captures the present invention as a user management system, and as a result, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be achieved in using the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the duration of the state in which anyone can use the image forming apparatus can be extremely easily reduced, so that illegal use of the image forming apparatus and information leakage can be surely prevented. be able to.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses, but a case where the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine 1 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of a multifunction machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view of a multifunction machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment has a document conveying device 3a at the top, and the main body of the multifunction device 1 includes an operation panel 2, a document reading unit 3b, a sheet supply unit 4a, and a sheet conveyance. A path 4b, an image forming unit 5a, a fixing unit 5b, a card reader 6 (corresponding to a wireless communication unit), and the like are provided.

  The document transport device 3a automatically and continuously scans the documents loaded on the document loading tray 32 one by one by rotating the plurality of document transport roller pairs 31 during document copying. Transport toward the reading position. The document reading unit 3b reads a document and forms image data of the document. A contact glass 33 is provided on the upper surface of the document reading unit 3b, and optical members such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor (for example, CCD) are provided in the document reading unit 3b.

  The optical system member is used to irradiate a document transported by the document transport device 3a or a document placed on the contact glass 33, and output each pixel of the image sensor that receives the reflected light of the document. The value is A / D converted to generate image data. The multifunction device 1 can perform printing based on the image data obtained by reading (copy function). When the document on the contact glass 33 is placed and read, the document conveying device 3a is provided with a fulcrum at the back of the paper surface of FIG. Then, the original is pressed by the original conveying device 3a.

  The sheet supply unit 4a stores a plurality of sheets (for example, various sheets such as copy sheets, plain sheets, recycled sheets, thick sheets, and OHP sheets) and sends them one by one to the sheet conveyance path 4b. The paper supply unit 4a includes a cassette 41 on which stored paper is placed, a paper feed roller 42 that is rotationally driven to feed the paper from the cassette 41 to the paper transport path 4b, and the like. For example, at the time of printing, the paper feed roller 42 is driven to rotate, and the sheets necessary for image formation are sent out one by one to the sheet conveyance path 4b.

  The paper transport path 4 b transports paper from the paper supply unit 4 a to the discharge tray 43. An image forming unit 5a, a fixing unit 5b, and the like are arranged on the paper conveyance path. In the paper transport path 4b, a guide 44 for guiding the paper, a pair of transport rollers 45 that are rotationally driven during paper transport, and the transported paper are put on standby in front of the image forming unit 5a, and toner A registration roller pair 46 and the like for feeding paper at the timing of image formation are provided.

  The image forming unit 5a forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image to the conveyed paper. Therefore, the image forming unit 5a includes a photosensitive drum 51 supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1, a charging device 52, a laser scanning unit 53, and the like disposed around the photosensitive drum 51. A developing device 54, a transfer roller 55, a cleaning device 56, and the like are provided.

  The toner image formation and transfer process will be described. A photosensitive drum 51 that is provided substantially at the center of the image forming unit 5a and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction is a charging device that is provided obliquely above and to the right of the photosensitive drum 51 in FIG. 52 is charged to a predetermined potential. The laser scanning unit 53 is provided on the right side of the charging device 52 in FIG. 1, and outputs laser light L based on image data, scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, and electrostatics corresponding to the image data. A latent image is formed. As the image data, image data obtained by the document reading unit 3b, image data transmitted from the user terminal 100 or the partner FAX apparatus 200 (see FIG. 2) connected via a network, or the like is used.

  In FIG. 1, a developing device 54 provided obliquely below and to the right of the photosensitive drum 51 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 and develops it. The transfer roller 55 provided on the left side of the photosensitive drum 51 is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 51 to form a nip. The sheet enters the nip while being timed according to the toner image. When the paper enters, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 55, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the paper. The cleaning device 56 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 51 after the transfer.

  The fixing unit 5b fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 5b in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a heating roller 57 and a pressure roller 58 that incorporate a heating element. The heating roller 57 and the pressure roller 58 are in pressure contact to form a nip. Then, as the sheet passes through the nip, the toner on the sheet surface is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The paper after toner fixing is received by the discharge tray 43. In this way, image formation (printing) is performed when the copy function and the printer function are used.

  As will be described in detail later, at least above the right side of the multifunction device 1 in the present embodiment, identification information for determining whether or not the multifunction device can be used is stored, and an IC card 7 (storage medium) held by each user And a card reader 6 for reading data stored in the IC card 77. The use management of the multifunction device 1 is performed by the card reader 6 and the IC card 7 distributed to the users of the multifunction device 1. For example, the card reader 6 reads the IC card 7, authenticates whether or not the user is a user, specifies the user, and further leaves a history of the function used in the multifunction device 1, the number of printed sheets, the use date and time. This prevents anyone other than the authorized person from using the multifunction machine 1 and manages the use of the multifunction machine 1.

  On the other hand, the IC card 7 stores identification information that is data for identifying and specifying the user who owns the card. This identification information can be data for identifying an individual such as an employee ID or a department to which the employee belongs. The card reader 6 communicates with the IC card 7 by radio waves (electromagnetic waves), acquires identification information stored in the IC card 7, and authentication is performed based on the identification information.

  Then, based on FIG. 2, next, the hardware configuration of the multi function device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A control unit 8 is provided in the multifunction device 1, and the control unit 8 controls the operation of the entire multifunction device 1, and includes, for example, a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, and the like.

  The CPU 81 is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the multifunction machine 1 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 82 and developed. The storage unit 82 is a combination of nonvolatile and volatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and HDD. The storage unit 82 stores various data such as a control program for the multifunction device 1, control data, image data, and setting data for the multifunction device 1. The image processing unit 83 performs various types of image processing on the image data to be printed and the image data transmitted to the user terminal 100 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200.

  The control unit 8 is connected to each unit such as the operation panel 2, the document conveying device 3a, the document reading unit 3b, the sheet feeding unit 4a, the sheet conveying path 4b, the image forming unit 5a, and the fixing unit 5b through signal lines. Control is performed so that the multifunction device 1 operates reliably. Further, the control unit 8 is connected to an I / F unit 84 (interface unit) including various connectors and sockets. The I / F unit 84 is connected to a plurality of user terminals 100 and a counterpart FAX device 200 via a network, a public line, or the like. For example, the image data read by the document reading unit 3b is transferred to the user terminal 100 or the counterpart FAX device 200 ( Internet fax may be used) (scanner function, FAX function). Also, image formation can be performed based on image data transmitted from the user terminal 100 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200 (printer function, FAX function).

  And the authentication part 9 is connected to the control part 8 regarding this invention. In this embodiment, the authentication unit 9 can be provided as a device (circuit), and FIG. 2 shows a mode in which the authentication unit 9 is connected to the control unit 8 via the I / F unit 84. . On the other hand, the authentication unit 9 can be realized by software, for example, by the CPU 81 of the control unit 8, the storage unit 82, a program, and the like, and the circuit of the authentication unit 9 is arranged on the same substrate of the control unit 8, It may be directly connected to the substrate, and there is no particular limitation on the arrangement location as long as data can be transmitted and received between the control unit 8 and the authentication unit 9.

  The authentication unit 9 is connected to the card reader 6, and the identification information of the IC card 7 acquired by the card reader 6 and the data held by the authentication unit 9 to authenticate whether it can be used (hereinafter referred to as “authentication data”). And the card holder is qualified to use the multifunction device 1 for authentication. That is, the authentication unit 9 authenticates whether or not the multifunction device 1 can be used based on the identification information received by the card reader 6 from the IC card 7. For example, the authentication unit 9 stores the identification information stored in the IC card 7 possessed by the user who can use the multifunction device 1 as the authentication data for all the IC cards 7. In the authentication work, for example, it is confirmed whether there is data that matches the identification information obtained from the IC card 7 in the authentication data.

  The control unit 8 of the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment basically makes the multifunction device 1 unusable. For example, in an unusable state, even if an operation / input for performing copying or FAX transmission is performed on the operation panel 2, copying or FAX transmission is not performed. In other words, the control unit 8 ignores the operation instruction input from the operation panel 2. For example, even when image data is transmitted from the user terminal 100, printing is not performed. In other words, transmission of image data is accepted and temporarily stored in the storage unit 82 or the like, but printing is not performed. Thereby, unauthorized use of the multifunction device 1 by outsiders can be prevented.

  On the other hand, the authentication result in the case of being usable is sent to the control unit 8, and upon receiving this authentication result, the control unit 8 puts the multifunction device 1 into a usable state. In other words, when the authentication unit 9 sends an authentication result indicating that the card holder has the qualification to use the multifunction device 1 (when it is recognized as an IC card 7 of a usable person), the multifunction device 1 Be available. That is, the control unit 8 makes the image forming apparatus available when the authentication unit 9 authenticates that it can be used.

(Configuration of card reader 6, IC card 7, and authentication unit 9)
Next, based on FIG. 3, the card reader 6, the IC card 7, and the authentication unit 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and connection of the authentication unit 9, the card reader 6, and the IC card 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the multifunction device 1 is provided with a card reader 6, and the card reader 6 performs wireless communication with the IC card 7 by electromagnetic waves (radio waves) as described above. The card reader 6 includes a CPU 61, a memory 62, an antenna 63, a modulation circuit unit 64, a demodulation unit 65, an output switching unit 66, and the like.

  The CPU 61 performs operation control of the card reader 6 and various calculations using a control program and control data stored in the memory 62. The antenna 63 performs radio communication with the IC card 7 and receives radio waves (electromagnetic waves) and radio waves (reflected waves, etc.) from the IC card 7. The modulation circuit unit 64 sends out a carrier wave and performs modulation by placing a signal wave on the carrier wave. The modulation circuit unit 64 corresponds to a modulation / demodulation method employed for communication between the card reader 6 and the IC card 7 such as amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, pulse modulation, and the like.

  The output switching unit 66 is a part that changes and switches the intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the antenna 63 toward the IC card 7 in accordance with switching between the usable state and the unusable state of the multifunction device 1. When the multifunction device 1 is in a usable state, the card reader 6 emits electromagnetic waves that can be read to the extent that the user with the IC card 7 can read the IC card 7 as long as the user is within a predetermined range from the multifunction device 1. Increase strength. On the other hand, in the unusable state of the multifunction device 1, the intensity of electromagnetic waves emitted is reduced to such an extent that the IC card 7 can be read only after the IC card 7 is close to the card reader 6. The demodulator 65 demodulates a signal wave from the IC card 7 and extracts a data signal such as identification information sent from the IC card 7. The intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted in each of the usable state and the unusable state is determined by the communication frequency, the setting of the maximum communicable distance between the card reader 6 and the IC card 7, and the like.

  Next, the IC card 7 that stores identification information for specifying a user will be described. The IC card 7 includes an IC chip 71 that includes a control circuit, an arithmetic circuit, a modem circuit, a memory, and the like, an antenna 72, and a power supply unit 73. The IC chip 71 stores identification information for specifying the user. Further, the IC chip 71 receives an instruction from the card reader 6 by wireless communication, and transmits user stored data in the IC chip 71 to the card reader 6. Further, in response to an instruction from the card reader 6, data in the IC chip 71 can be written / updated. In this case, the card reader 6 functions as a card writer.

  The IC card 7 receives the carrier wave emitted from the card reader 6, rectifies the carrier wave by the power supply unit 73, drives the IC chip 71 using it as a power supply, and converts the data held from the antenna 72 to the reflected wave A so-called passive type device that transmits the data to the card reader 6 can be employed.

  The card reader 6 is connected to the authentication unit 9 and can transmit and receive data. The authentication unit 9 includes a CPU 91, a memory 92, and a connection circuit 93. The CPU 91 controls the operation of the authentication unit 9. The memory 92 stores an operation control program of the authentication unit 9, authentication data such as identification information of a person who may use the multifunction device 1, and the like. Then, the CPU 91 compares the identification information of the IC card 7 read by the card reader 6 and transmitted to the authentication unit 9 with the authentication data stored in the memory 92, and whether there is matching data in the authentication data. Confirm. If they match, a signal indicating that the use of the multifunction device 1 should be permitted and information for specifying the user such as the matched identification information is transmitted from the connection circuit 93 to the control unit 8. .

  The authentication unit 9 can exchange data with the control unit 8 via the connection circuit 93. Further, the card reader 6 may be connected to the connection circuit 93 so that data can be transmitted and received between the authentication unit 9 and the card reader 6.

  Next, registration and setting of the IC card 7 so that the multifunction device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used will be described with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B show an example of the operation panel 2 of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows the entire operation panel 2, and FIG. 4B shows a display at the time of setting for user registration. An example of a screen is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the operation panel 2 provided on the upper front side of the multifunction machine 1 includes various keys for input and setting such as a numeric keypad 21 and a start key 22. Further, the operation panel 2 includes a liquid crystal display unit 23 that displays an operation state of the apparatus and various messages, and can perform various settings, mode selections, and the like using a touch panel. For example, in addition to selecting a function to be used such as a copy function of the multifunction device 1, various functions such as enlargement / reduction and density adjustment in printing can be set from the operation panel 2.

  Then, the operation panel 2 may be operated to enable new registration or change of the user of the multifunction device 1. In this case, for example, by operating the operation panel 2, various data (for example, personal name, department to which the multifunction peripheral 1 can be used, network address of the user terminal 100, etc.) can be input. Then, identification information to be stored in the IC card 7 is generated from various data, the generated identification information is added as authentication data to the memory 92 of the authentication unit 9, and the card reader 6 is used as a card writer. The identification information may be stored / updated in the IC card 7. That is, new registration of the IC card 7 can be performed.

  When performing these inputs, the control unit 8 displays, for example, a soft keyboard 24 as shown in FIG. 4B on the liquid crystal display unit 23, and the user inputs using the soft keyboard 24. May be performed. In addition, when the IC card 7 is used for a company employee ID or a public institution ID, the card reader 6 reads the employee ID or ID, and the read information is used as authentication data for authentication. The information may be stored in the memory 92 of the unit 9. As a result, the use of the multifunction device 1 can be managed without preparing a new IC card 7.

  Next, an example of the flow of authentication control of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of authentication control of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the start is a point in time when the multifunction device 1 is performing a predetermined start-up operation or start-up process, such as when the power is turned on or when returning from a power saving mode (sleep mode or the like).

  Then, after completing the start-up operation and the start-up process, the control unit 8 first makes the multifunction device 1 unusable (step # 1). Specifically, since the user performs copying, FAX transmission, and document scanning, the control unit 8 cancels the operation / input even if the operation panel 2 is operated. Even if image data and print setting data such as a print instruction or paper size are transmitted from the user terminal 100, printing is not performed at that time. Note that when the printer function is used, the image data transmitted from the user terminal 100 to the multifunction device 1 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 82 or discarded after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example. May be.

  The card reader 6 transmits an electromagnetic wave (radio wave) for detecting that the IC card 7 is held over at a constant cycle (step # 2). At this time, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is large enough to enable wireless communication with the IC card 7 when the IC card 7 is brought close to it. For example, the output of the card reader 6 is determined by measuring electric field strength, magnetic field strength, power flux density, and the like.

  Then, the card reader 6 confirms whether or not the IC card 7 is held over (step # 3). For example, the card reader 6 confirms whether or not a signal is returned from the IC card 7. The card reader 6 continues this confirmation work until the IC card 7 is held over (No in step # 3). On the other hand, if the card reader 6 receives electromagnetic waves (such as reflected waves) from the IC card 7 (Yes in step # 3), the card reader 6 acquires identification information data stored in the IC card 7 from the IC card 7 by wireless communication. (Step # 4).

  The data of the identification information acquired by the card reader 6 is transmitted to the authentication unit 9 (step # 5), and the authentication unit 9 confirms whether the multifunction device 1 can be used with the IC card 7 held up. . In other words, the identification information acquired by the card reader 6 is confirmed, for example, whether there is a match in the set authentication data that is stored in the memory 92 and assigned to a user who can use the multifunction device 1. (Step # 6). If there is no match between the acquired identification information and the authentication data and the use should not be permitted (No in step # 6), the control unit 8 maintains the unusable state of the multifunction device 1. (Step # 7), the process returns to Step # 2.

  On the other hand, when the acquired identification information matches the authentication data and the use is permitted (Yes in step # 6), the authentication unit 9 sends a signal to the control unit 8 that the use should be permitted, Data specifying the user is transmitted (step # 8). This makes it possible to manage who used the multifunction device 1 such as how many copies were made. Note that data indicating the usage status of each user, such as the number of printed sheets, the date and time of use, and the function used in the management of the multifunction device 1, may be stored in the storage unit 82 of the multifunction device 1, for example, or separately managed. May be stored in the server 300 (see FIG. 2) provided for the purpose, or may be stored in the memory 92 of the authentication unit 9, and there is no limitation on the storage location as long as it can be used later.

  In response to this, the control unit 8 puts the multifunction device 1 into an available state. Further, for example, when the multifunction device 1 is used as a printer, if the image data has already been transmitted from any of the user terminals 100 and is held in the storage unit 82, the job is a user job corresponding to the identification information. The image data may be printed (step # 9).

  When the multifunction device 1 becomes available, the card reader 6 switches the output electromagnetic wave intensity by the output switching unit 66 so that the intensity of the output electromagnetic wave is larger than that in the unavailable state (at step # 2). The intensity of electromagnetic waves in communication between the reader 6 and the IC card 7 is increased (step # 10). That is, the card reader 6 emits an electromagnetic wave with an intensity that cannot be communicated unless the IC card 7 is held close to the card reader 6 when the multifunction device 1 is unusable, and the multifunction device 1 when the multifunction device 1 is usable. By increasing the intensity of the emitted electromagnetic wave as compared with the unusable state, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave between the card reader 6 and the IC card 7 is increased.

  The intensity of the electromagnetic wave at this time can be set as appropriate. For example, as long as the holder of the IC card 7 is within a predetermined range (for example, several tens of centimeters to several meters) with the multifunction device 1 as the center, the card reader 6 and the IC card 7 can be set to such a strength that communication is possible. Further, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave may be further changed stepwise so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave in the usable state of the multifunction machine 1 can be set according to the installation environment of the multifunction machine 1.

  Then, the card reader 6 confirms whether it can communicate with the IC card 7 in which the identification information of the user who is currently using the multifunction device 1 is stored (step # 11). If communication is possible (Yes in step # 11), a signal for notifying that communication is possible is input from the card reader 6 to the control unit 8 via the authentication unit 9 (step # 12). As long as this signal is input, the control unit 8 maintains the usable state of the multifunction device 1 (step # 13).

  On the other hand, if communication is not possible (No in step # 11), the user is deemed not to be within a predetermined communicable range because the use of the multi-function device 1 has been completed. A signal for notifying that communication has been disabled is input to the control unit 8 via step # 14. Then, the control unit 8 confirms whether any job is currently being executed, such as a plurality of copies by the user or printing as a printer (step # 15).

  If the job is being executed (Yes in step # 15), it is recognized that the user has temporarily left the multi-function device 1 until the job is completed, and the control unit 8 avoids interruption of the job. Then, the job is completed (step # 16). After that, the control unit 8 makes the multifunction device 1 unusable, and the output switching unit 66 makes the output electromagnetic wave intensity smaller than the usable state (to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave in the unusable state). Switching is performed to reduce the intensity of electromagnetic waves in communication between the card reader 6 and the IC card 7 (step # 17). That is, when the job cannot be performed with the IC card 7 that stores the identification information authenticated as being usable by the card reader 6 during execution of the job, the control unit 8 waits for completion of the job to be executed. 1 is unavailable.

On the other hand, if communication is disabled and the job is not being executed (No in step # 15),
The user can determine that he / she has left the multifunction device 1 because the purpose of using the multifunction device 1 has been achieved, and the control unit 8 puts the multifunction device 1 in an unusable state (step # 17). As described above, the control unit 8 disables the multifunction device 1 when communication with the IC card 7 storing the identification information authenticated as being usable by the card reader 6 is disabled.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, in an available state of the image forming apparatus, the intensity of electromagnetic waves between the card reader 6 (wireless communication unit) and the IC card 7 (storage medium) is increased to communicate with the storage medium. If the user cannot use the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus cannot be used. When the user leaves the image forming apparatus after using the multifunction device 1 (image forming apparatus) such as printing, the image forming apparatus is automatically used. It can be disabled. Therefore, after the completion of the use, the fixed time has not passed since the image forming apparatus became available, the user forgot to press the release key, or the storage medium such as the IC card 7 was left in the reader. However, it is possible to prevent the state where the image forming apparatus can be used. Conventionally, in order to maintain the usable state of the image forming apparatus, it has been necessary to keep the storage medium such as the IC card 7 over the reading portion, which may impair the convenience of the user. Since the forming apparatus can be used and the intensity of the electromagnetic wave between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium is increased, the user only needs to have the IC card 7 or the like, and the convenience can be improved. In addition, since the intensity of electromagnetic waves between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium is increased only when the image forming apparatus is available, power consumption can be suppressed, and the holder of the IC card 7 or the like is simply near the image forming apparatus. In the case where the image forming apparatus passes, the communication with the IC card 7 or the like is performed, so that the image forming apparatus cannot be used by mistake.

  In addition, since the image forming apparatus cannot be used after the job to be executed is finished, for example, when printing a large number of sheets, even if the user leaves the image forming apparatus for convenience, the job is interrupted halfway. It will not be done.

  Although the present invention can be regarded as an invention of an image forming apparatus, user management for an image forming apparatus including an authentication unit 9, a wireless communication unit (card reader 6), and a storage medium (IC card 7). It can also be regarded as a system.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the passive IC card 7 is used as the IC card 7 has been described. However, the active IC card 7 including a unique power source (battery) in the card may be used. When the IC card 7 has a built-in battery and the intensity of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the IC card 7 can be switched, the card reader 6 transmits the IC card 7 when the multifunction device 1 is available. An instruction to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the IC card 7 to increase not only the card reader 6 but also the intensity of the electromagnetic wave output from the IC card 7. The communicable distance between the IC cards 7 can be extended.

  That is, the card reader 6 emits an electromagnetic wave with an intensity that cannot be communicated unless the IC card 7 is held close to the card reader 6 when the multifunction device 1 is unusable, and the multifunction device 1 when the multifunction device 1 is usable. An instruction for increasing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the unusable state of the card and for increasing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the IC card 7 is transmitted to the storage medium, so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave between the card reader 6 and the IC card 7 is increased. Enlarge. Then, the availability of the multifunction device 1 is determined based on the availability of communication. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the continuation of the state in which anyone can use the multifunction machine 1 can be prevented, as in the above embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, encryption may be performed in communication between the card reader 6 and the IC card 7.

  Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a multifunction machine that performs usage management by reading a storage medium such as an IC card by wireless communication using a card reader or the like.

1 is a schematic front sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the authentication part which concerns on this embodiment, a card reader, and an IC card, and a connection. An example of the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment is shown, (a) shows the entire operation panel 2, and (b) shows an example of a display screen at the time of setting during user registration. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of authentication control of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device)
6 Card reader (wireless communication unit) 66 Output switching unit 7 IC card (storage medium)
8 Control unit 9 Authentication unit

Claims (4)

A wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a storage medium that stores at least identification information for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used;
An authentication unit that authenticates whether the image forming apparatus can be used based on the identification information received by the wireless communication unit from the storage medium;
When the authentication unit authenticates that it can be used, a control unit that can use the image forming apparatus;
Have
The wireless communication unit emits an electromagnetic wave with an intensity that cannot be communicated unless the storage medium is held close to the wireless communication unit when the image forming apparatus is unavailable, and the image forming apparatus is available when the image forming apparatus is available By increasing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted than the unusable state, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave between the wireless communication unit and the storage medium is increased,
The control unit disables the use of the image forming apparatus when communication with the storage medium storing the identification information authenticated as usable by the wireless communication unit is disabled in an available state. Image forming apparatus. During the job execution, when the wireless communication unit becomes unable to communicate with the storage medium storing the identification information authenticated to be usable,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit disables the image forming apparatus after a job to be executed is completed.   When the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the storage medium is switchable, the wireless communication unit transmits an instruction to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the storage medium to the storage medium in an available state of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A storage medium for storing at least identification information for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used;
A wireless communication unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and performs wireless communication with the storage medium;
An authentication unit that authenticates whether or not the device can be used based on the identification information received by the wireless communication unit from the storage medium,
The authentication unit transmits a signal indicating that the authentication is possible to the image forming apparatus,
When the image forming apparatus cannot be used, the wireless communication unit and the storage medium communicate with the intensity of electromagnetic waves that cannot be communicated unless the storage medium is held close to the wireless communication unit, and the image forming apparatus can be used. Then, the wireless communication unit and the storage medium perform communication by increasing the intensity of electromagnetic waves as compared with an unusable state of the image forming apparatus.

Images