JP2013022935A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording apparatus in which a license code is issued to the recording apparatus, the code is analyzed, and limitation of the use of consumables etc used in the recording apparatus is enabled based on the analysis result.SOLUTION: The recording apparatus is a recording means for receiving image data transmitted from a host computer and printing the image data, and has an input means for inputting a license code and an analysis means for analyzing the license code. The license code contains expiration date data and changes the conditions for determining whether it is usable or not depending on the analysis output of the license code, and the recording apparatus operates based on a predetermined limitation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium.

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses equipped with various functions have been made. Among them, there is a device that can selectively use a part or all of the function in accordance with the usage pattern of the user.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-243179 discloses a device that can execute an application and obtains license data that enables the application from a computer via a network.

  License status information for the application is acquired via the network, license data that enables the application to be executed is generated based on the license status information, and the device that acquired the license data can operate based on the license data. Become.

  In such an apparatus, for example, the license data is acquired according to the function used by the user, and the user can use only a part of the function by setting it in a multifunctional image forming apparatus. By selling license data, it is possible to easily set a fee according to the function used by the user when renting a multifunctional image forming apparatus.

JP 2008-243179 A

  In the conventional technique, an external license data generation server and a license acquisition apparatus communicate via a network, and the license acquisition apparatus acquires license data as necessary. The license data is acquired by the image forming apparatus connected to the license acquisition apparatus via the local network, and the function is limited according to the license data. In the image forming apparatus connected to the local network, the function can be easily restricted. However, if the image forming apparatus is not connected to the local network, the function cannot be restricted. Further, since the license data of all the devices to which the license acquisition device is connected is analyzed, if there is a problem with this license acquisition device, there is a problem that all the other connected devices cannot be used. There is also a security problem because the license data is communicated via the network. Also, the license data itself has not been verified to be correct.

  The present invention provides a recording apparatus that issues a use permission code to a recording apparatus, enables the function of the recording apparatus to be limited based on the use permission code, and enables a specific consumable item to be used.

  The recording apparatus of the present invention includes a receiving circuit that receives image data transmitted from a host computer, a conversion unit that converts the image data into image data for printing, a recording unit that prints the image data for printing, and use An input means for inputting a permission code, and a recording device whose function is limited according to the use permission code input by the input means, wherein the use permission code input by the input means is analyzed An analysis unit; a confirmation unit that determines whether the function is restricted; a code storage unit that stores the use permission code; and a display unit that displays the use permission code. A first code portion and a second code portion, wherein the analysis means analyzes the first code portion to generate analysis data, and the confirmation means includes the analysis data The second code part is input, and it is determined whether or not the analysis data and the second code part have a predetermined relationship. If the predetermined relationship exists, the use permission code is stored in the code storage means. Storing, releasing the restriction of the function, maintaining the restriction of the function if the predetermined relationship is not provided, and displaying the use permission code stored in the code storage means by the display means, The content of the first code is displayed and the content of the second code is not displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably and easily perform an operation that allows the function of the apparatus to be limited according to the input use permission code and allows only a specific consumable item to be used.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the operations of the use permission code analysis unit and the use permission code confirmation unit. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the use permission code input process. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the display when the use permission code is input.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a recording apparatus 100 includes a data receiving unit 102 that is a receiving circuit that receives print data transmitted from a host computer 10, a print data generating unit 103 that is a unit that converts received data into print data, An operation panel 108 as input means for inputting a use permission code, a use permission code analyzing means 107 for analyzing the use permission code, and confirming whether the use permission code is correct and determining whether the operation is within the function restriction. A use permission code confirmation unit 106, a data reception switching unit 101 that switches data reception restriction in an error state, a recording unit 104 as a printing unit that prints print data, and an error notification to the recording apparatus 100. Error notification means 105.

  Data reception switching means 101 is means for selecting data or commands to be received in communication with the host computer 10. In the normal case, the print data transmitted from the host computer 10 is received by the receiving circuit 102. However, when there is an abnormality such as a function restriction state, the receiving circuit 102 is controlled to stop receiving the print data. The recording unit 104 is a recording unit that records on a recording medium such as an ink jet printer or an electrophotographic printer.

  The use permission code is partially or entirely encrypted data. In addition, the use permission code can include attribute information such as a unique number, a usable period, a use region, and a use group of the recording apparatus 100, and the data can be encrypted. The use group indicates attributes belonging to limited conditions and ranges such as those sold in a specific region, a specific route, a specific period, and the like, or those having special specifications. There are various methods of encryption, but those that perform a predetermined conversion by a specific function are also included.

  The use permission code is analyzed by the use permission code analyzing means 107, and analysis data such as a unique number, a usable period, a use region, a use group, and the like is generated. The use permission code confirmation unit 106 confirms whether the use permission code is correct. The data analyzed by the use permission code analyzing means 107 and the input use permission code are compared with each other by a predetermined method, and it is determined whether or not the result is correct. For example, a predetermined conversion is performed on a part of the use permission code, and the comparison is made with the encrypted data. By this determination, it can be determined whether the use permission code itself is correct, whether the use permission code itself is not correct, or whether it is input by mistake. The result is also displayed. If the use permission code itself is correct, the recording apparatus 100 can be used. If wrong, major functions such as printing are stopped.

  In addition, the use permission code confirmation unit 106 acquires unique information stored in a memory included in the recording device 100 such as an external device or a consumable, and determines whether the recording device 100 can use it. . This is because information relating to usable devices and information relating to conditions for enabling use are stored in advance in the recording apparatus 100 and compared with information stored in external devices and consumables that are mounted. Judgment is necessary.

  The use permission code confirmation unit 106 compares the generated unique number with the unique number of the recording apparatus 100 and calculates whether or not they match. If they do not match, it is determined that the use permission code is not for the recording apparatus 100. If they match, whether or not the usable period has already passed is compared with a clock inside the apparatus and verified. If it has passed, it is determined that the code is not for the recording apparatus 100 but an incorrect use permission code. If it has not passed, it is determined that the use permission code is correct for the recording apparatus 100.

  In addition, the use permission code confirmation unit 106 extracts use group data from the analysis result and stores the data in the storage unit in the recording apparatus 100. This can be used as a condition for determining the use of an external device. Further, it can also be used as a condition for limiting various functions of the recording apparatus 100.

  For example, specific information stored in an external device or consumable is input and compared with information such as a use group stored in the recording apparatus 100, and whether or not the external device can be used is restricted. You can judge whether it is kimono.

  By inputting the use permission code, it is possible to selectively provide the recording apparatus 100 with a condition for restricting the use later. Since the use permission code is valid for the specific recording apparatus 100, the condition is not set to other devices by mistake.

  In addition, if an external device or a consumable item should be restricted, the external device cannot be used. Then, data indicating that the data cannot be used is output to the error notification unit 105.

  An internal clock of the recording apparatus 100 is provided. The internal clock is compared with the usable period to calculate whether it is within the range. If it is within the range, the recording apparatus 100 operates normally. If it is out of the range, data indicating that it is not within the expiration date is output to the error notification means 105. The error notification unit 105 outputs a signal to the data reception switching unit 101 and prohibits reception of image data from the host computer 10.

  The operation panel 108 includes a switch for selecting whether the recording apparatus 100 sets communication with the host computer 10 online or offline. Further, various data for controlling the recording apparatus 100, such as a use permission code, is input. Further, data necessary for controlling the recording apparatus 100 is displayed.

  The recording apparatus 100 needs to be regularly maintained. For example, when the recording apparatus 100 is an ink jet printer, the head and nozzles need to be periodically cleaned. There is a need to. The printer goes online for printing after the maintenance is completed. At this time, it is confirmed whether it is within the period of use. If confirmation is performed at such timing, the expiration date of use passes during printing, and the printing can be terminated without stopping.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the use permission code analysis unit and the use permission code confirmation unit. An explanation will be given using an ink cartridge as an example of an external device or a consumable. An ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus 100, and is connected to the consumable internal memory 109 provided in the ink cartridge so that data can be transmitted and received. For example, this is a state in which an ink cartridge is inserted into the ink jet printer, and the control means in the ink jet printer and the memory in the ink cartridge are connected.

  The use permission code 117 is input from the operation panel 108. The use permission code 117 includes a first code part 118 that is not encrypted and a second code part 119 that is encrypted. The first code part 118 includes data representing a use group. The second code portion 119 includes other data representing the encrypted usage group. The use permission code 117 is input to the use permission code analyzing means 107. The use permission code analyzing means 107 analyzes the input use permission code 117. The encryption of the use permission code 117 is analyzed, and if it is confirmed that it is a correct use permission code, the use permission code 117 is stored in the use permission code storage unit 114 of the memory 113. The stored use permission code includes data that is a condition for restricting use.

  The memory 113 is an internal storage unit of the recording apparatus 100, and is a function restriction storage unit that stores various data such as conditions for limiting the storage apparatus 100, for example. The conditions and the functions corresponding to the conditions are associated and stored. The memory 113 includes a consumable usable type storage unit 115 and stores in advance information on external devices connected to the recording device. The consumables usable type storage unit 115 stores in advance information indicating types of usable external devices and consumables connected to the recording apparatus 100. The memory 113 includes a consumable useable number storage unit 116. The consumables usable number storage unit 116 stores in advance a usable external device connected to the recording apparatus 100, a range of numbers assigned to the external devices such as consumables or consumables. For example, the number attached to an external device or consumable is external device information, and the use of the external device or consumable can be determined by determining the usable date, usable region, manufacturing date, unique number, and other threshold values. Information that can be restricted.

  The data communication unit 112 controls data transmission / reception between the recording apparatus 100 and the external device or the consumable internal memory 109 stored in the consumable. The consumable item internal memory 109 stores consumable item unique number 110 and consumable item type number 111 data. The consumable item unique number 110 includes and stores information such as a serial number, a factory number, a production date and time, and usable group information that is uniquely assigned to the consumable item as necessary. The consumable item type number 111 is data indicating the type of the consumable item. For example, it is data indicating the type of ink, usable period, usable area, etc., and is selectively stored as necessary.

  The use permission code confirmation unit 106 compares the data in the consumable internal memory 109 with the data in the memory 113 and determines whether or not the use of the consumable is restricted. For example, when the ink cartridge is installed in the recording apparatus 100, data of the consumable item type number 111 and the consumable item unique number 110 is acquired from the consumable item internal memory 109 by the data communication unit 112. Since the consumables usable type storage unit 115 stores in advance ink type data that can be used by the printing apparatus 100, it can be determined whether or not the ink can be used by comparing the data. The use permission code confirmation means 106 compares both data. If they match as a result of the comparison, it is determined that the mounted ink cartridge can be used. If they do not match, it is determined that the ink cartridge cannot be used.

  The recording unit 104 can print the contents of the memory 113. However, when the use permission code 117 is printed, the content of the first code portion 118 is printed as it is, but the content of the second code portion 119 is printed in advance, for example, “*”. This is to prevent the contents of the second code part from being disclosed to others in order to improve security.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the use permission code input process. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the display when the use permission code is input. The operation of the use permission code input process will be described below.

  When a new use of the recording apparatus 100 is started or after initialization, the use permission code is input, the input use permission code is analyzed, and it is determined whether the use permission code is a correct code. If is correct, the device can be used within the use restriction range of the use permission code.

  First, since the use permission code of the recording apparatus 100 has not been input, a use restriction error is displayed, and the input of a new use permission code is awaited (step S101). At this time, if no data has been input yet, the initial value 0 is displayed. The operation panel 108 includes a first code display unit 120 that displays the first code unit 118 of the use permission code 117 and a second code display unit 121 that displays the second code unit 119 of the use permission code 117. Since the first code portion 117 is unencrypted data, the first code display portion 120 displays the value of the first code portion 118 as it is, that is, 0. The second code portion 118 is encrypted data, and the second code display portion 121 is not displayed as it is but is displayed in black, that is, cannot be discriminated. This is to prevent the use permission code from leaking outside.

  Next, a use permission code is input from the operation panel 108 (step S102). The first code part 118 and the second code part 119 are input.

  The input use permission code is analyzed by the use permission code analyzing means 107 (step S103), and it is confirmed by the use permission code checking means 106 whether the analyzed code is a correct code (step S104). If it is a code, the use permission code is stored in the use permission code storage unit 114 of the memory 113 (step S105).

  Next, when the use permission code is not correct, a use restriction error is displayed again (step S101), and the print data from the host computer 10 is not received until the correct use permission code is input.

  Further, when the correct code is input, the use of the consumables usable type storage unit 115 and the consumables usable number storage unit 116 in the memory 113 within the input use permission code is used. The information is changed or the flag is changed based on the possible period, the use group, and the like. For example, the use group in the input use permission code indicates a group that can use the recording device. Based on the information of this group, the consumables usable type information stored in the consumables usable type storage unit 115 is changed. This group can be used when there are five types of inks A to E that can be used, but D and E are masked if there are three types of inks A to C. By doing so, it can be determined that the ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus 100 can be used if the ink type is A to C, and that it cannot be used if it is D or E. By inputting the usable code in this way, it is possible to restrict the function later. Similarly, information related to conditions in the memory 113 can be changed based on information included in the usable code such as information on the area of use and information on the period of use.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reliably and easily perform operations with use restrictions.

  The present invention can be used in a recording apparatus such as an ink jet recording apparatus or an electrophotographic recording apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Host computer 100 Recording apparatus 101 Data reception switching means 102 Data receiving means 103 Print data generation means 104 Recording means 105 Error notification means 106 Use permission code confirmation means 107 Use permission code analysis means 108 Operation panel

Claims (6)

  A receiving circuit for receiving image data transmitted from a host computer, a converting means for converting the image data into image data for printing, a recording means for printing the image data for printing, and an input means for inputting a use permission code And a recording device whose function is limited in accordance with the use permission code input by the input means, an analysis means for analyzing the use permission code input by the input means, and the function It further comprises confirmation means for determining whether restriction is possible, code storage means for storing the use permission code, and display means for displaying the use permission code. The use permission code includes a first code section and a second code section. A code portion, wherein the analysis means analyzes the first code portion and generates analysis data, and the confirmation means includes the analysis data and the second code portion. Input, determine whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between the analysis data and the second code part, and if there is the predetermined relationship, store the use permission code in the code storage means and limit the function When the display unit does not have the predetermined relationship, the function restriction is maintained, and when the use permission code stored in the code storage unit is displayed by the display unit, the content of the first code is A recording apparatus that displays and does not display the contents of the second code.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first code portion includes information indicating an attribute of the use permission code.   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving circuit does not receive the image data from the host computer when the predetermined relationship is not satisfied.   Function restriction storage means for storing the function restriction in association with a condition, the use permission code includes information on the condition for the function restriction, and the confirmation means is input when the predetermined relation is satisfied The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the function restriction stored in the function restriction storage unit that satisfies the condition is selected, and the recording apparatus operates within the range of the selected function restriction.   In the case of connecting an external device, it further includes data communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the external device, receiving the specific information of the external device from the external device, the confirmation means inputs the specific information, and The function restriction storage means is searched on the condition of specific information, and when the function restriction that satisfies the condition is found, the external device is disabled, and when there is no function restriction that satisfies the condition, the external device can be used. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:   The said recording means prints the said 1st code part memorize | stored in the said code | symbol storage means, The said 2nd code part performs specific printing except the content of this 2nd code part. The recording device described in 1.

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