JP2010000702A - Image forming apparatus, power supply control method executed in image forming apparatus, power supply control program, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can further save useless consumption of power than conventionally, to provide a power supply control method executed in an image forming apparatus, and to provide a power supply control program and an image forming system. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus keeps an authentication device (authentication information detecting part) and a print engine suspended in a waiting state. When a printing command is received from an external terminal (YES in step S102), only the authentication device is returned (step S103). When it is determined that the user is a user who is permitted printing of image data (YES in step S105), the print engine is returned, thereby starting image formation (step S106). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, a control method and a control program for the image forming apparatus, and more particularly to detecting user authentication information. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an authentication information detection unit, a power control method executed in the image forming apparatus, a power control program, and an image forming system.

  With conventional image forming devices, if you forget to remove the printed material after printing, there is a possibility that the printed material can be seen by others. If the document is a highly confidential important document, there is a problem of serious damage. It was.

  Therefore, an image forming apparatus including an authentication device (authentication information detection unit) that detects authentication information (for example, information recorded on a fingerprint, an ID (Identification) card) to identify a user has been proposed. In such an image forming apparatus, when printing, the user accesses the authentication apparatus, and the printing operation is started only when the user is authenticated. Thereby, since the printed matter output by the user can be taken immediately, security can be improved.

  In such a conventional image forming apparatus, the authentication apparatus is always supplied with power and is always prepared for access from the user. Therefore, power is always consumed even when user authentication is not required.

In order to reduce such wasteful power consumption, a technique such as Patent Document 1 has also been proposed. That is, both the client PC and the image forming apparatus are provided with an authentication device. When the client PC requests printing, the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and at the same time, identification information for identifying the print data is stored in the authentication key. When the user removes the authentication key, the client PC shifts to the power saving mode and cancels the power saving mode of the image forming apparatus itself.
JP 2007-172493 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when the authentication key is removed, the mode of the image forming apparatus itself becomes the normal mode, and thus it cannot be said that power is completely saved.

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, since authentication devices are required at two locations on the PC side and the image forming apparatus side, access to the authentication key is required twice, which impairs convenience. Also, since there are many authentication accesses, there is a high possibility that the authentication key will be lost.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object thereof is executed in an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can save unnecessary power consumption as compared with the related art. A power supply control method, a power supply control program, and an image forming system are provided.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, and detecting means for detecting user authentication information And authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print image data based on the authentication information detected by the detection means, and a print engine for printing the image data A power supply means for supplying power to the detection means and the print engine; and a power supply control means for controlling the power supply means to suspend the detection means and the print engine in a standby state. When the print command is received, only the detection means is restored, and the user prints the image data by the authentication processing means. If it is determined that the authorized user, to return the print engine.

  Preferably, the power supply control unit pauses the detection unit again when the processing by the authentication processing unit is completed.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a time measuring unit for measuring an elapsed time after receiving the print command, and the power supply control unit further outputs the print command even when the processing by the authentication processing unit is not completed. When the authentication information is not detected by the detection means within a specific time after reception, the detection means is suspended.

  Preferably, the power supply control unit further returns the detection unit when a predetermined instruction is input from the user even in the standby state.

  Preferably, an input / output unit is further provided for outputting a notification to the effect that the detection unit is suspended to the external terminal that has output the print command when the detection unit is suspended in a specific case.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes notification means for notifying that the detection means has been stopped when the detection means is paused in a specific case.

Preferably, the specific time is a time preset by the user.
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a state determination unit for detecting whether or not a print stop factor has occurred by detecting the state of the print engine, and the power control unit further permits the user by the authentication processing unit. Even if it is determined that the user is a user, if the state determination unit determines that a print stop factor has occurred, the detection unit remains suspended until the print stop factor is canceled. To.

  Preferably, at least one of an image reading unit for reading an image and a communication input unit for inputting print data via a telephone line is further provided, and the power control unit is further in a standby state. However, when the authentication start instruction is input by the user, the detection means is returned.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, and detects destination information of the image forming apparatus. Detected by the destination information detection means, the judgment means for judging whether the destination information was a printing machine or a multifunction machine, the authentication information detection means for detecting user authentication information, and the authentication information detection means Based on the authentication information, the authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print the image data, the print engine for printing the image data, the detection means, and power to the print engine Power supply means for supplying power, and control of the power supply means for stopping the detection means and the print engine in the standby state. And a power control means, wherein the power control means is a first control means for performing a first control of the power supply means when the destination information is determined to be a printing press, and the destination information is a multifunction peripheral. And a second control means for performing a second control of the power supply means when it is determined that the first control means only receives the authentication information detection means when a print command is received from the external terminal. The second control means restores only the authentication information detection means when a print command is received from the external terminal and when an instruction to start authentication is input by the user. Both the control means return the print engine when it is determined that the user is a user permitted to print image data based on the user authentication information detected by the authentication information detection means.

  A power control method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and A power control method executed in an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, and in a standby state, pausing the detection unit and the print engine; Based on the steps of receiving the print command from the external terminal, the step of returning only the detection unit when the print command is received, the step of detecting the user authentication information by the detection unit, and the detected authentication information, Determining whether or not the user is permitted to print image data; and a user permitted to print the image data. When it is judged that, and a step for returning the print engine.

  A power control method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and A power control method executed in an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, the step of detecting destination information of the image forming apparatus, and the destination information A step of determining whether the printer is a printing machine or a multifunction machine; a first power control step for performing first control of a power supply unit when the destination information is determined to be a printing machine; A second power control step for performing a second control of the power supply unit when it is determined that the first power control step is performed by an external terminal. Including a step of returning only the detection unit when a print command is received, and the second power control step includes a case where the print command is received from an external terminal and a case where an instruction to start authentication is input by the user The first power supply control step and the second power supply control step are both performed by a user who is permitted to print image data based on the user authentication information detected by the detection unit. The method further includes the step of returning the print engine if it is determined.

  A power supply control program according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and A power control program to be executed by an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network. The control program pauses the detection unit and the print engine in a standby state. A step of receiving a print command from the external terminal, a step of returning only the detection unit when the print command is received, a step of detecting the user authentication information by the detection unit, and the detected authentication information A step of determining whether the user is a user permitted to print image data, based on: If the user is determined to be an authorized user, and a step for returning the print engine.

A power supply control program according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and A power control program to be executed by an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, the control program detecting destination information of the image forming apparatus; A step of determining whether the destination information is a printing machine or a multifunction machine; a first power control step of performing a first control of the power supply unit when the destination information is determined to be a printing machine; and the destination information And a second power supply control step for performing a second control of the power supply unit when it is determined that the printer is a multifunction device. The step includes a step of returning only the detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal, and the second power control step includes a step of starting authentication when the print command is received from the external terminal and the user. When an instruction is input, the method includes a step of returning only the detection unit, and both the first and second power control steps are performed by the user printing image data based on the user authentication information detected by the detection unit. The method further includes the step of returning the print engine when it is determined that the user is an authorized user.

  An image forming system according to still another aspect of the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and the image forming apparatus performs user authentication. Detection means for detecting information, first transmission means for transmitting authentication information detected by the detection means to the management apparatus, a print engine for printing image data, and power for the detection means and the print engine And a power supply control means for controlling the power supply means to suspend the detection means and the print engine in the standby state. The management device is based on authentication information transmitted from the image forming apparatus. Authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print image data, and authentication by the authentication processing means. A second transmission unit that transmits the result to the image forming apparatus, and the power control unit further returns only the detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal via the network, and the management device If the authentication result transmitted is a result indicating that the user is an authorized user, the print engine is returned.

  According to the present invention, in the standby state, the authentication information detection unit and the print engine are stopped, and when image data is received from the external terminal, only the authentication information detection unit is returned. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be reduced more than when the image forming apparatus itself shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode when the image data is received.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an authentication information detection unit for detecting user authentication information and a print engine. In the copy function, user authentication may always be performed, whereas in the printer function, the client PC (Personal
User authentication is performed only after receiving a print command (print request) from a computer. Further, after the user authentication is performed, the printing operation is started. This is utilized in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is set to the power saving mode in a standby state for a print request. That is, both the authentication information detection unit and the print engine are suspended. When the print command is received, only the authentication information detection unit is returned. Further, when the user authentication is completed, the authentication information detection unit is again put into a dormant state, and necessary devices such as a print engine are restored. Thereby, energy saving of the image forming apparatus and the authentication information detecting unit included in the image forming apparatus can be performed.

Note that “pause” includes both cutting off the power and reducing the supplied power from the normal driving state (returning state), but in the present embodiment, it represents the former. Further, “return” represents that power necessary for driving is supplied.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail. In addition, as an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment, an apparatus manufactured at low cost is assumed. Therefore, the interface unit with the user (for example, the operation panel unit) is configured to be able to display only the minimum necessary information and input the minimum necessary instruction. The operation panel unit includes a function of an operation unit that receives an instruction from a user and a display unit that displays information.

[Embodiment 1]
<About configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of client PCs 300A, B, and C, and a management apparatus 400. These devices are connected to each other via the network 2. Each client PC 300 creates print target data using application software or the like. Then, a print command for the created print target data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 2. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on the received print command.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 is a printer having only a printer function.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 201, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) unit 205, an authentication information detection unit 206, a network I / F (interface) 207, a print engine 208, An operation panel unit 209 and a power supply unit 211 are provided, and each hardware is connected by a bus 210.

  The control unit 201 temporarily records a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 202 that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 for storing programs and data in advance, and work data and programs to be executed. RAM (Random Access Memory) 204. In the present embodiment, functions executed by the CPU 202 will be described later.

  The HDD unit 205 stores various data and programs in a nonvolatile manner. The authentication information detection unit 206 detects user authentication information such as fingerprints or information recorded on an ID card. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the authentication information is a fingerprint.

  The network I / F 207 is connected to the network (communication network) 2 and exchanges data and programs with the client PC 300 and the management apparatus 400.

  The print engine 208 includes a motor, prints an image based on a print command received by the network I / F 207 on a recording medium such as paper, and discharges the recording medium on which the image is formed to a discharge unit (not shown).

The operation panel unit 209 displays information and receives instructions from the user.
The power supply unit 211 supplies power to each unit. The power supply unit 211 has a function of switching supply / non-supply of power to the authentication information detection unit 206 and the print engine 208. Specifically, for example, the power supply unit 211 includes a switching unit 211A (see FIG. 5) for switching conduction / non-conduction of a power supply line between a power supply (not shown) and the authentication information detection unit 206.
In addition, a switching unit 211B (see FIG. 5) for switching conduction / non-conduction of the power supply line between the power source (not shown) and the print engine 208 is included. The switching units 211A and 211B are configured by switches, for example.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 preferably further includes a reading unit 215 for reading a program and data recorded on a removable recording medium (for example, a memory card) 216. The program and data read by the reading unit 215 are stored in the HDD unit 205, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing hardware configurations of the client PC 300 and the management apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, each client PC 300 records a CPU 301 for controlling the entire apparatus, a ROM 303, a RAM 305, an HDD 307, an FDD (Flexible Disk Drive), a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive, and the like. A reading unit 309 that reads information from the medium 3, an input unit 311 including a keyboard and a mouse, a communication unit 313 for connecting to the network 2 and communicating with the outside, and a display unit 315 are included. .

  Similarly, the management apparatus 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 403, a RAM 405, an HDD 407, a reading unit 409, an input unit 411, a communication unit 413, and a display unit 415.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, control unit 201 includes a reception determination unit 10, a power supply control unit 12, an access determination unit 14, a user authentication unit 16, and an output control unit 18.

  The reception determination unit 10 determines whether the network I / F 207 has received a print command from the client PC 300. In addition, the reception determination unit 10 stores image data based on the received print command in the job storage area 2052 of the HDD unit 205 in association with the management information.

  The power supply control unit 12 controls conduction / non-conduction of the switching units 211 </ b> A and 211 </ b> B included in the power supply unit 211. In other words, the power control unit 12 can individually switch the authentication information detection unit 206 and the print engine 208 on (turn on) and off (disconnect). Specifically, the power control unit 12 performs control to turn off the power when the print data (print command) is in a standby state, and turn on the power when the print data is received.

  The access determination unit 14 determines whether there is an access from the user based on the signal from the authentication information detection unit 206.

  When the user is accessed, the user authentication unit 16 is based on the authentication information detected by the authentication information detection unit 206, that is, fingerprint data, and the accessed user is permitted to print image data based on the print command ( Hereinafter, it is authenticated whether or not it is “permitted user”. It is assumed that user information 2051 used for authentication by the user authentication unit 16 is stored in advance in the HDD unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 100. The data structure of the user information 2051 will be described later.

The output control unit 18 drives the print engine 208 and performs output control of image data based on the received print command. When the user authentication by the user authentication unit 16 is successful, that is, when the output control unit 18 determines that the user who has accessed is authorized to print the received data, the output control unit 18 stores the job storage area of the HDD unit 205. The latest job (image data based on the received print command) stored in 2052 is read. Then, the read image data is output to the print engine 208. As a result, the print engine 208 prints and discharges the image data.

  The operation of each functional block described as being included in the control unit 201 in FIG. 4 may be realized by executing software stored in the ROM 203, or at least one is realized by hardware. May be.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of user information 2051 stored in the HDD unit 205.

  Referring to FIG. 5, user information 2051 includes a user ID item 500, an authentication data item 502, and a set time data item 504, and these items are stored in association with each other. The user ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the user, and stores, for example, the same information as the user identification information sent from the client PC 300 together with the print command. The authentication data is image data of a corresponding user's fingerprint. The set time data indicates a time for waiting for user access after receiving a print command, that is, a time for which the authentication information detecting unit 206 is kept on, and is set in advance by the corresponding user. Note that the set time data is not used in the present embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the item 504 is not included in the user information 2051.

  In this embodiment, the user information 2051 is stored in the image forming apparatus 100, but may be stored in the HDD 407 of the management apparatus 400. In this case, the management apparatus 400 may execute the function of the user authentication unit 16. Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user identification information sent together with the print command is transmitted to the management apparatus 400, and the authentication data associated with the user identification information is transmitted from the management apparatus 400. User authentication may be performed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the job storage area 2052 in the HDD unit 205.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in job storage area 2052, image data as print target data and management information of the image data are stored in association with each other. The management information includes, for example, a job ID item, a user ID item, a print ID item, an authentication flag item, a reception date and time item, and a capacity item.

  The job ID is identification information given to uniquely identify a job. The user ID is user identification information transmitted from the client PC. The print ID is information for identifying whether a print command (print target data) is sent from a client PC or a facsimile (not shown). For example, “1” is stored in the former case, and “2” is stored in the latter case. Note that the print ID is described for the following description of the embodiment, and is not included in the present embodiment.

  The authentication flag indicates whether or not the received data requires user authentication. For example, “1” is set if user authentication is required. Note that information that does not require user authentication is output regardless of user access.

The reception date and time is the date and time when the print command is received, and stores data measured by a timer (not shown). The capacity indicates the capacity of the image data.

<About operation>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the authentication information detection unit 206 is also referred to as “authentication device”.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing power supply control according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is stored in advance in the ROM 203 as a program, and the CPU 202 reads and executes this program.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when power of image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, CPU 202 performs an image forming preparation operation (step S101). Specifically, for example, an image forming unit (not shown) of the print engine 208 is cleaned and fixing warm-up is performed. When the power supply of the device itself is turned on, the sleep mode is set. At this stage, the authentication apparatus and the print engine 208 are kept off.

  The reception determination unit 10 determines whether a print request (print data) is received from the client PC 300 or the like (step S102). The process is on standby until a print request is received (NO in step S102). When a print request is received (YES in step S102), information regarding the received print data is stored in the job storage area 2052, and the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S <b> 103, the power supply control unit 12 transmits a control signal to the switching unit 211 </ b> A of the power supply unit 211 and turns on the power supply of the authentication device. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to a state waiting for access from the user.

  Next, the access determination unit 14 determines whether or not user determination has been performed, that is, whether or not the user has accessed (contacted) the authentication device (step S104). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the user's finger is in contact with the authentication device. Wait until user determination is made (NO in step S104).

  If it is determined that user discrimination has been performed (YES in step S104), user authentication unit 16 matches the fingerprint image data, which is authentication information detected by the authentication device, and the authentication data stored in HDD unit 205 in advance. Whether or not (step S105). More specifically, the user to be identified is identified from the user identification information received together with the print data from the client PC 300, and the authentication data associated with the user ID of the identified user is read. Then, the degree of coincidence between the image data detected by the authentication device and the read authentication data is determined. Only when it is determined that they match, it is determined that the accessing user is an authorized user. That is, it is determined that the user authentication is successful.

  If the user authentication unit 16 determines that the user is an authorized user (YES in step S105), the power supply control unit 12 transmits a control signal to the switching unit 211A to turn off the power supply of the authentication device (step S106). At the same time, the power supply control unit 12 supplies power to the print engine 208 and the like by transmitting a control signal to the switching unit 211B. Thereby, the sleep mode is canceled. The output control unit 18 then drives the print engine 208 to form an image on a recording medium based on the received print data. As a result, the recording medium on which the image is formed is discharged to a discharge unit (not shown).

This is the end of the power control in the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the effect of power supply control in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 shows a graph representing changes in the power value along the time axis. At the time when the power is turned on, it is in a standby state for a print command requiring authentication. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the sleep mode (power saving mode).

  Thereafter, when a print command is received, only the power supply of the authentication device is turned on. In the conventional image forming apparatus, the sleep mode is canceled at this time and power is supplied to the print engine 208. In the present embodiment, the power value in the sleep mode is used until the authentication is completed. However, only a little power consumption is required.

  Thereafter, when the authentication is completed, the power of the authentication device is turned off and power is supplied to the print engine 208 to start the printing operation. That is, the sleep mode is canceled, but the authentication apparatus is not used during printing, so the power of the authentication apparatus is turned off. Accordingly, the power value consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 during the printing operation is the highest, but the power consumption during the printing operation can be reduced as compared with the image forming apparatus provided with the conventional authentication device.

  When the printing operation ends, for example, when a predetermined time elapses, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the sleep mode (standby state).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the timing of power supply to the authentication apparatus, that is, the authentication information detection unit 206, and power supply to the print engine 208 can be shifted. As a result, the power saving effect can be further enhanced as compared with the conventional case.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Since the basic configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, in addition to the functional blocks shown in FIG. 1, timer unit 20 and request detection unit 22 are included in control unit 201. Further, instead of the access determination unit 14, an access determination unit 14A is included.

  The timer 20 measures the elapsed time since the reception determination unit 10 received the print data. The request detection unit 22 detects whether there is an authentication request from the user via the operation panel unit 209. In addition to the above, the access determination unit 14A also determines whether or not the time measured by the time measuring unit 20 has reached a specific time.

  The time until the user accesses the authentication device of the image forming apparatus 100 differs depending on the location of the client PC 300. Therefore, the “specific time” is preferably a time set for each client PC 300 or for each user. In the present embodiment, for example, it is a time set in advance for each user, and is set time data represented by the item 504 (FIG. 5) of the user information 2051 described above. The set time is assumed to be a time when some allowance is provided for the time when the user authentication is reliably completed after the user issues a print instruction.

  The specific time does not necessarily have to be a time set in advance by the user, and may be a time (for example, 10 minutes) determined in advance at the time of shipment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing power control in the second embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 10, in the first embodiment, the process waits until the user determination is performed in step S104. However, in this embodiment, while the user determination is not performed, access determination unit 14A Then, it is determined whether or not a specific time has elapsed since reception of the print data (step S207). It is assumed that the set time corresponding to the specific time is read out together with the fingerprint image data when the user is specified from the received user identification information. In the flowchart, it is assumed that the specified user has previously set 5 minutes.

  If it is determined that 5 minutes have not elapsed since the reception of the print data (NO in step S207), the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that 5 minutes have elapsed since the reception of the print data (YES in step S207), the authentication apparatus is turned off (step S208).

  Next, the request detection unit 22 determines whether an authentication request has been received from the user via the operation panel unit 209 (step S209). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel unit 209 when accepting an authentication request from the user in step S209 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, operation panel unit 209 includes, for example, an area 2091 for displaying a message “please perform fingerprint authentication” and an instruction button 2092 for receiving a print cancel instruction. In this example, an authentication information detection unit 206 is provided on the operation panel unit 209.

  Referring to FIG. 10 again, the authentication apparatus is turned off until an authentication request is received from the user (NO in step S209). If an authentication request is accepted from the user (YES in step S209), the process returns to step S103, and the power of the authentication apparatus is turned on.

  In the first embodiment, since the authentication apparatus is turned on and waits until the user accesses, even if the user forgets to take a printed matter, the authentication apparatus is turned on. It was. On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the authentication apparatus is turned on, the authentication apparatus is automatically turned off when a specific time elapses without authentication. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the authentication apparatus from being turned on when the user forgets to go to take a printed matter or when there is a circumstance where the user cannot take the printed matter immediately. Thereby, useless power consumption can be further reduced.

  Note that the authentication request from the user can be made on the operation panel unit 209 of the image forming apparatus 100, but the authentication request may be instructed to the client PC 300. Alternatively, it may be displayed on the screen of the client PC 300 that the authentication apparatus has been turned off after a specific time has elapsed, or may be notified to the user by the operation panel unit 209 of the image forming apparatus 100 or lighting of an LED.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for notifying the display unit 315 of the client PC 300 that the authentication apparatus is turned off. Referring to FIG. 12, window 60 is displayed on display unit 315. In window 60, a message that “the power of the authentication apparatus has been turned off”, a button 61 for accepting a re-execution instruction, And a button 62 for receiving a cancel instruction.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Since the basic configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, in addition to the functional blocks of the first embodiment, state determination unit 30 is included in control unit 201.

  The state determination unit 30 determines the state of the print engine 208. Specifically, it is determined whether or not trouble such as JAM (paper jam) has occurred.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing power control in the third embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the process of step S307 is inserted between steps S102 and S103.

  In step S307, the state determination unit 30 determines whether or not the print engine 208 is ready to print. If it is determined that printing is not possible (NO in step S307), the process waits until printing is possible. If it is determined that printing is possible (YES in step S307), the process proceeds to step S103, and the authentication apparatus is powered on.

  If authentication is performed in a state where printing cannot be performed, the requested printed matter cannot be obtained even if the user is authenticated. In such a case, the user is assumed to leave the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, when the image becomes ready for printing and image formation is performed, the discharged printed matter may be viewed by others.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve security by making it impossible to perform authentication itself when printing is not possible. In addition, power consumption can be reduced by turning off the power of the authentication device until printing is possible.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Since the basic configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100A according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment includes an image reading unit 212 corresponding to the copy function and / or a communication I / F 213 corresponding to the facsimile function in addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Provided. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first to third embodiments is an apparatus (printer) having only a printer function, whereas the image forming apparatus 100A has a copy function and / or a facsimile in addition to the printer function. It is an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) that also has a function.

  The image reading unit 212 reads image data from a document. Communication I / F 21 is connected to a telephone network (not shown).

  Since image forming apparatus 100A has a copy function and a facsimile function, it is necessary for the user to turn on the power of the authentication device by user access when copying a document and receiving data transmitted by facsimile. is there.

  FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100A according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 16, in comparison with the first embodiment, request detection unit 40 is included in control unit 201 in the present embodiment. Further, instead of the output control unit 18, an output control unit 18A is included.

  The request detection unit 40 detects an authentication request from the user via the operation panel unit 209. The output control unit 18A further outputs the image data read by the image reading unit 212 to the print engine 208. In addition, the output control unit 18A outputs image data of a print job corresponding to the facsimile stored in the job storage area 2052 to the print engine 208.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing power control in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 17, in the first embodiment, the process waits until the print data is received in step S102, but in the present embodiment, the process in step S407 is performed.

  In step S407, the request detection unit 40 determines, for example, whether or not a predetermined button has been pressed based on a signal from the operation panel unit 209. If it is determined that the panel button is not pressed (NO in step S407), the process returns to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the button on the panel has been pressed (YES in step S407), the process proceeds to step S103, and the authentication apparatus is turned on.

  In step S106A, the power of the authentication apparatus is turned off, and an image forming process including scanning is executed.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the power control processing procedure is changed depending on whether the image forming apparatus is a printer having only a printer function or an MFP having other functions.

  When the image forming apparatus is a printer, the configuration is the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. When the image forming apparatus is an MFP, the configuration is the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100A according to the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 18, in the present embodiment, control unit 201 further includes destination detection unit 50 and request detection unit 52 in addition to the functional blocks shown in the first embodiment. .

The destination detection unit 50 detects destination information of the image forming apparatus. “Destination information” is information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is a printing machine (printer) having only a printing function or an MFP having other functions in addition to the printing function. The destination detection unit 50 determines its destination (printer / MFP) based on information stored in the ROM 202, for example. Alternatively, the management apparatus 400 is inquired to determine its own destination. In the latter case, it is assumed that destination information for each image forming apparatus is stored in the HDD 407 of the management apparatus 400.

  Alternatively, for each destination, the CPU port may be fixed to H / L by resistance with hardware and the port state may be read by software. That is, a different substrate may be provided for each destination.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing power control in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 / 100A is powered on, the destination detection unit 50 performs destination discrimination. Thereafter, a preparatory operation (step S101) is performed.

  Next, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the determined destination is a printer destination (step S508). If it is determined that the image forming apparatus is intended for a printer (YES in step S508), that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus itself is image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer is not destined for the printer (NO in step S508), that is, if it is determined that it is the image forming apparatus 100A, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the reception determination unit 10 determines whether print data has been received. If it is determined that the print data has been received (YES in step S509), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, when it is determined that print data has not been received (NO in step S509), the request detection unit 52 determines whether or not the button on the operation panel unit 209 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button on the operation panel has been pressed (YES in step S510), the process proceeds to step S103, and the authentication apparatus is turned on.

  If it is determined that the button on operation panel unit 209 has not been pressed (NO in step S510), the process returns to step S509.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the function of detecting the destination of the image forming apparatus is provided, and the power control is performed according to the detected destination. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, power consumption can be appropriately reduced regardless of whether the image forming apparatus is directed to a printer or an MFP.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is efficient to store a common program in the ROM 203 of the image forming apparatus without preparing another program for each destination.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 19, the destination is detected every time the image forming apparatus is turned on. However, once the destination is detected, the destination information (for example, “0” in the case of a printer) is detected. In the case of MFP, “1”) is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD unit 205, for example. Therefore, after the second time, the destination information may be read from the HDD unit 205 in step S507.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the processing of the first embodiment is performed when the image forming apparatus is intended for a printer. However, any one of the second and third embodiments may be performed. .

  In each of the embodiments described above, the authentication information detection unit 206 is a device that detects a fingerprint as authentication information. However, power supply to the authentication information detection unit 206 and power supply to the print engine 208 and the like. As long as they are separated, there is no limitation to this. Therefore, for example, the authentication information detection unit 206 may be a device that reads information from an ID card or a device that accepts a password input from a user.

Moreover, you may combine the above-mentioned Embodiment 1-5.
Further, a power control method performed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) or a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card and provided as a program product. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. Note that the program product includes the program itself and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the client PC and management apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the user information memorize | stored in HDD part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the job storage area contained in HDD part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the effect by the power supply control in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on an operation panel part when accepting the authentication request from a user in step S209 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which notifies that the power supply of the authentication apparatus was turned off on the display part of client PC. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control in Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 2 Network, 3 Recording medium, 10 Reception judgment part, 12 Power supply control part, 14, 14A Access judgment part, 16 User authentication part, 18, 18A Output control part, 20 Timing part, 22 Request detection part, 30 status determination unit, 40 request detection unit, 50
Destination detection unit, 52 request detection unit, 100, 100A image forming apparatus, 201 control unit, 202 CPU, 203 ROM, 205 HDD unit, 206 authentication information detection unit, 207 network I / F, 208 print engine, 209 operation panel unit , 210 bus, 211 power supply unit, 211A, 211B switching unit, 212 image reading unit, 213 communication I / F, 215 reading unit, 216 recording medium, 300A, B, C client PC, 301, 401 CPU, 303, 403 ROM 305, 405 RAM, 307, 407 HDD, 309, 409 Reading unit, 311, 411 Input unit, 313, 413 Communication unit, 315, 415 Display unit, 2051 User information, 2052 Job storage area.

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network,
Detecting means for detecting user authentication information;
Authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print the image data based on the authentication information detected by the detection means;
A print engine for printing the image data;
Power supply means for supplying power to the detection means and the print engine;
Power control means for controlling the power supply means in order to halt the detection means and the print engine in a standby state;
The power control means returns only the detection means when the print command is received from the external terminal, and the user is permitted to print the image data by the authentication processing means. An image forming apparatus that, when judged, restores the print engine.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit further pauses the detection unit when the processing by the authentication processing unit is completed. It further comprises a time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time after receiving the print command,
The power control means is further in a specific case where authentication information is not detected by the detection means within a specific time after receiving the print command even if the processing by the authentication processing means is not completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is suspended.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power control unit further returns the detection unit when a predetermined instruction is input from a user even in the standby state.   An input / output unit for outputting a notification to the effect that the detection unit is suspended to the external terminal that has output the print command when the detection unit is suspended in the specific case. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 3 or 4.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify that the detection unit is stopped when the detection unit is stopped in the specific case.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific time is a time preset by a user. A state determining unit for determining whether or not a print stop factor has occurred by detecting the state of the print engine;
The power control unit is further determined by the state determination unit that the printing stop factor has occurred even when the authentication processing unit determines that the user is an authorized user. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is kept paused until the printing stop factor is canceled. At least one of an image reading means for reading an image and a communication input means for inputting print data via a telephone line;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control unit further returns the detection unit when an instruction to start authentication is input by the user even in the standby state. apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network,
Destination information detecting means for detecting destination information of the image forming apparatus;
A determination means for determining whether the destination information is a printing machine or a multifunction machine;
Authentication information detection means for detecting user authentication information;
Authentication processing means for performing authentication based on the authentication information detected by the authentication information detecting means to determine whether or not the user is permitted to print the image data;
A print engine for printing the image data;
Power supply means for supplying power to the detection means and the print engine;
Power supply control means for controlling the power supply means for stopping the detection means and the print engine in a standby state,
The power control means includes
First control means for performing first control of the power supply means when the destination information is determined to be a printing press;
Second control means for performing second control of the power supply means when the destination information is determined to be a multifunction peripheral,
The first control means returns only the authentication information detection means when a print command is received from the external terminal,
The second control unit returns only the authentication information detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal and when an instruction to start authentication is input by the user,
When both the first and second control means determine that the user is permitted to print the image data based on the user authentication information detected by the authentication information detection means. And an image forming apparatus for returning the print engine. A print command that includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and is received from an external terminal via a network A power control method executed in an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on
Pausing the detection unit and the print engine in a standby state;
Receiving a print command from the external terminal;
Returning the detection unit only when the print command is received;
The detection unit detecting user authentication information;
Determining whether the user is a user permitted to print the image data based on the detected authentication information;
A power control method comprising: returning the print engine when it is determined that the user is an authorized user. A print command that includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and is received from an external terminal via a network A power control method executed in an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on
Detecting destination information of the image forming apparatus;
Determining whether the destination information was a printing machine or a multifunction machine;
A first power control step of performing a first control of the power supply unit when it is determined that the destination information is a printing press;
A second power control step of performing a second control of the power supply unit when it is determined that the destination information is a multifunction peripheral;
The first power control step includes a step of returning only the detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal,
The second power control step includes a step of returning only the detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal and when an instruction to start authentication is input by a user,
Both the first and second power control steps are performed when it is determined that the user is a user permitted to print the image data based on user authentication information detected by the detection unit. A power control method further comprising the step of returning the print engine. A print command that includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and is received from an external terminal via a network A power supply control program to be executed by an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on
The control program is
Pausing the detection unit and the print engine in a standby state;
Receiving a print command from the external terminal;
Returning the detection unit only when the print command is received;
The detection unit detecting user authentication information;
Determining whether the user is a user permitted to print the image data based on the detected authentication information;
And a step of returning the print engine when it is determined that the user is an authorized user. A print command that includes a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print engine, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit and the print engine, and is received from an external terminal via a network A power supply control program to be executed by an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on
The control program is
Detecting destination information of the image forming apparatus;
Determining whether the destination information was a printing machine or a multifunction machine;
A first power control step of performing a first control of the power supply unit when it is determined that the destination information is a printing press;
A second power control step of performing a second control of the power supply unit when it is determined that the destination information is a multifunction peripheral;
The first power control step includes a step of returning only the detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal,
The second power control step includes a step of returning only the detection unit when a print command is received from the external terminal and when an instruction to start authentication is input by a user,
Both the first and second power control steps are performed when it is determined that the user is a user permitted to print the image data based on user authentication information detected by the detection unit. An image forming apparatus power supply control program further comprising the step of returning the print engine. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Detecting means for detecting user authentication information;
First transmission means for transmitting the authentication information detected by the detection means to the management device;
A print engine for printing the image data;
Power supply means for supplying power to the detection means and the print engine;
Power control means for controlling the power supply means in order to suspend the detection means and the print engine in a standby state,
The management device
Authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print the image data based on the authentication information transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
Second transmission means for transmitting an authentication result by the authentication processing means to the image forming apparatus,
The power control unit further returns only the detection unit when a print command is received from an external terminal via a network, and the authentication result transmitted from the management apparatus is permitted by the user. An image forming system for returning the print engine when it is a result of being a user.

Images