JP2014026020A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce time and effort for altering the setting of the function to be performed and avoid a situation where altering the setting of the function to be performed results in a waste, when a function that has been set as a function to be performed during an initial state is a function that is not permitted to be performed by the log-in user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus sets a function that is not prohibited in advance from being set in combination with a function that has been already set as a target function, which is a function that is able to be replaced by a function different from the user authentication function among functions set as a target function during an initial state where a log-in authentication user is not present and matches a user authentication function, based on information indicating a user authentication function which each authentication user can set as a target function and based on information having determined a combination of functions able to be replaced by each other, both pieces of information being stored in advance, as a function to be performed, when the authentication user is brought into a log-in state.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for setting a function to be executed in an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, for example, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, for each user registered in advance in the image forming apparatus, a technique for registering a function permitted to be used by each user is known. It has been. Then, if the user is authenticated as a registered user, for example, by entering a user name and password, using the technology, only the functions that have been previously permitted for the user are used. A technique for making it usable is known.

  In addition, in an image forming apparatus, generally, for example, a combination of alternative functions that cannot be executed together, such as a combination of a single-sided printing function and a double-sided printing function executed when executing a copy function, is determined by a user. A technique is known in which functions that are frequently used are set in advance as functions to be executed during an initial state in which no authenticated user exists. By using this technology, among the combinations of functions that can be replaced, the functions that are frequently used are preset as the functions to be executed. The opportunity to perform an operation of selecting a function to be executed from among the functions and setting the selected function as a function to be executed is reduced.

JP 2005-086561 A JP 2006-344128 A

  However, using the above technique, for example, when the double-sided printing function is preset as a function to be executed while the image forming apparatus is in an initial state, when the user finishes the authentication, the authenticated user On the other hand, use of the single-sided printing function is permitted, but use of the double-sided printing function may not be permitted. In this case, the user has to perform an operation of setting the single-sided printing function permitted to be used as the function to be executed instead of setting as the function to be executed of the double-sided printing function.

  Further, even if the authenticated user cancels the setting as the execution target function of the double-sided printing function and performs an operation for setting the single-sided printing function as the execution target function, the image of a plurality of originals It is prohibited in advance as a functional restriction to execute both a booklet printing function that collects and double-sided printing, prints a booklet like a magazine, and the single-sided printing function, and When the booklet printing function is set as a function to be executed while the image forming apparatus is in the initial state, the single-sided printing function cannot be executed. In other words, there is a possibility that it is wasted that the operation for setting the single-sided printing function as the target function is performed again.

  In this way, a function that has been set in advance as a function to be executed while the image forming apparatus is in an initial state is a function that is not permitted to be set as a function to be executed by an authenticated user thereafter. In some cases, the authenticated user has to take the trouble of resetting an alternative function permitted to be used as a function to be executed. Further, even if it takes time to re-set the function as the execution target function, the image forming apparatus is reset as the execution target function in relation to the function set as the execution target function during the initial state. There is a possibility that the execution of the function that has been performed is prohibited, and in this case, there is a possibility that the trouble of resetting it as the function to be executed is wasted.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when a user is authenticated, a function that has been set in advance as a function to be executed during the initial state of the image forming apparatus is given to the user. On the other hand, when the function is not allowed to be executed, it is possible to reduce the trouble of changing the setting of the execution target function and avoid the possibility that the change of the setting of the execution target function is wasted. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform the above-described process.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a control unit that executes a plurality of functions, and login information for authenticating an authenticated user who is permitted in advance to use the image forming apparatus. Is stored in association with a plurality of authenticated users, a login information receiving unit that receives input of the login information, and the login information received by the login information receiving unit is the user information storage. A login authentication unit that places the authenticated user corresponding to the login information in a login state when the login information matches the login information stored in the unit, and a function to be executed by the control unit among the plurality of functions Accepting the designation by the authenticated user in the logged-in state, A target function setting unit that sets the function as a target function, and an authorization information storage unit that stores in advance user authorization information that associates each authenticated user with a user authorization function that can be set as the target function by each authenticated user And an alternative function information storage unit that preliminarily stores alternative function information that defines combinations of functions that can be substituted for each other among the plurality of functions, and when the authenticated user is brought into the login state by the login authentication unit, Of the initial setting function that is one or more functions preset as the target function while the image forming apparatus is in the initial state, the user authorization for the authenticated user in the login state In place of the user prohibition function, which is a function different from the user authorization function associated with the information, Among the functions that can be substituted for the user prohibition function defined in the function information, the user substitution function that is a function that matches the user authorization function associated with the user authorization information for the authenticated user in the login state A first target function change unit that executes a first target function change process for setting the target function as the target function, wherein the first target function change unit is the target function in the first target function change process. When the user alternative function to be set is an exclusive function that is a function that is prohibited in advance from being set as the target function in combination with a set function that is already set as the target function, The setting of the target user alternative function to be set as the target function is prohibited.

  According to this configuration, when the authenticated user is logged in by the first target function changing process, the user substitution function is automatically set as the target function instead of the user prohibition function. For this reason, when an authenticated user enters the login state, the authenticated user manually replaces the user prohibition function with a user substitution function that can be substituted for the user prohibition function. It is possible to reduce the trouble of setting an alternative function as a target function.

  In addition, according to this configuration, in the first target function changing process, the user alternative function to be set as the target function is an exclusive function that is prohibited in advance from being set as the target function in combination with the set function. If it is a function, setting as a target function of the user alternative function to be set is prohibited. For this reason, when an authenticated user enters the login state, the user executes the exclusive function even though he / she takes time to set the user alternative function, which is the exclusive function instead of the user prohibited function, as the target function. By prohibiting this, it is possible to avoid wasting the effort.

  The plurality of authenticated users are previously grouped into a plurality of groups, and the user information storage unit further includes group information for identifying a group to which each authenticated user belongs to the plurality of authentication users. The authorization information storage unit further stores group authorization information that associates each group with a group authorization function that is a function that can be set as the target function by an authenticated user belonging to each group. A group identified by the group information associated with the authenticated user in the login state of the initial setting function when the authenticated user is in the login state by the login authentication unit. For an authentication group, the group associated by the group authorization information Among the functions that can be substituted for the group prohibition function defined in the alternative function information, instead of the group prohibition function that is different from the group authorization function, the authentication group is associated with the authentication group by the group authorization information. A second target function changing unit that executes a second target function changing process for setting a group substitution function that is a function that matches a given group authorization function as the target function, wherein the second target function changing unit includes: In the second target function changing process, if the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function, the setting of the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is prohibited. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, when the authenticated user is logged in by the second target function changing process, the group substitution function is automatically set as the target function instead of the group prohibition function. For this reason, when an authenticated user enters the login state, the authenticated user manually replaces the group prohibited function with a group substitution function that can be substituted for the group prohibited function. It is possible to reduce the trouble of setting an alternative function as a target function.

  Further, according to this configuration, in the second target function change process, the target group substitution function set as the target function is an exclusive function that is prohibited in advance from being set as the target function in combination with the set function. If it is a function, setting as a target function of the group substitution function to be set is prohibited. For this reason, when the authenticated user enters the login state, the exclusive function is executed even though the user takes time to set the group substitution function that is the exclusive function instead of the group prohibition function as the target function. By prohibiting this, it is possible to avoid wasting the effort.

  In addition, when two functions included in each combination are sequentially set as the target functions for a plurality of combinations when combining two different functions from among the plurality of functions, the functions included in the combination Among them, it is the first pattern that is a combination that should be prohibited from setting only the function set first as the target function and setting the function set later as the target function, or both of the two functions. A function that is a second pattern that is a combination to be set as the target function, or a function that is set after releasing the setting as the target function of the function that is set first among the functions included in the combination Setting pattern information that determines whether the third pattern is a combination that should be set as the target function only in advance Further comprising a setting pattern information storage unit that 憶, the exclusion function is a combination of the first pattern with respect to the already-set function is preferably a function combined as a function to be set after the.

  According to this configuration, in the first target function changing process, the determination as to whether or not the target user alternative function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function is performed with respect to the set function defined by the setting pattern information. Judgment is made based on whether or not the functions are combined as functions set later by the combination of the first patterns.

  In the setting pattern information, among the functions included in the first pattern combination, the function set first is permitted to be set as the target function, and the function set later is set as the target function. It is stipulated that setting is prohibited.

  Therefore, in the first target function changing process, the target user alternative function to be set as the target function is combined as a function set later by the combination of the first pattern with respect to the set function defined by the setting pattern information. If it is determined that the function is a function that has been set, the setting as the target function of the set function as the function that is set earlier is appropriately enabled, and the target of the user substitution function as the function that is set later Setting as a function is prohibited.

  Further, according to this configuration, in the second target function change process, the determination as to whether the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function is made to the set function that is determined by the setting pattern information. On the other hand, it is determined by the combination of the first pattern whether it is a function combined as a function set later.

  Therefore, in the second target function change process, the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is combined as a function set later by the combination of the first pattern with respect to the set function defined by the setting pattern information. If it is determined that the function has been set, the setting as the target function of the set function as the function set earlier is appropriately enabled, and the target of the group substitution function as the function set later Setting as a function is prohibited.

  The first target function changing unit may further include a warning notifying unit that notifies a warning, and the first target function changing unit may include a user alternative function to be set as the target function in the first target function changing process. Further, it is preferable that the warning notification unit notifies a warning indicating that the user prohibition function cannot be set as a target function.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to make the authenticated user in the logged-in state aware that the user prohibition function is set as the target function by the warning notification by the warning notification unit. As a result, the authenticated user who is in the logged-in state can quickly take measures such as canceling the setting as the target function of the user prohibition function.

  The first target function changing unit may further include a warning notifying unit that notifies a warning, and the first target function changing unit may include a user alternative function to be set as the target function in the first target function changing process. Further, the warning notification unit notifies a warning indicating that the user prohibition function cannot be set as a target function, and the second target function change unit uses the target function as the target function in the second target function change process. When the target group substitution function to be set is the exclusive function, it is preferable that the warning notification unit further notifies a warning indicating that the group prohibition function cannot be set as the target function.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to make the authenticated user in the logged-in state aware that the group prohibition function is set as the target function by the warning notification by the warning notification unit. As a result, the authenticated user who is in the logged-in state can quickly take measures such as canceling the setting as the target function of the group prohibition function.

  According to the present invention, when a user is authenticated, a function that is set in advance as a function to be executed while the image forming apparatus is in an initial state is a function that is not permitted to be executed by the user. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the trouble of changing the setting of a function to be executed, and can avoid the possibility of changing the setting of the function to be executed. It becomes possible.

1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multifunction peripheral that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of an operation part. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a multifunction machine. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the user information storage part. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the alternative function information storage part and the authorization information storage part. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement which makes an authentication user a login state. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a 1st object function change process and a 2nd object function change process. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement of the process which performs the function set as an object function. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a login screen. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen for setting a target function. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting pattern information memorize | stored in the setting pattern information storage part. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen in which the warning which shows that a user prohibition function cannot be set as an object function was alert | reported by the alert alerting | reporting part. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen for performing the setting of the target function after a 1st target function change process. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen in which the warning which shows that a group prohibition function cannot be set as an object function was alert | reported by the alert alerting | reporting part. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen for performing the setting of the target function after a 2nd target function change process.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1 includes a document reading unit 5, a document feeding unit 6, a main body unit 8, and an operation unit 7.

  The document reading unit 5 is disposed on the upper portion of the main body unit 8. The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner unit 51 including an exposure lamp and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a document table 52 and a document reading slit 53 made of a transparent member such as glass.

  The scanner unit 51 is configured to be movable by a drive unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 52, the scanner unit 51 is moved along the document surface at a position facing the document table 52, and the document image is scanned. The image data acquired while scanning is output to the control unit 10 described later. Further, when reading a document fed by the document feeding unit 6, the document is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 53 and synchronized with the document feeding operation by the document feeding unit 6 via the document reading slit 53. The image of the original is acquired, and the image data is output to the control unit 10 described later.

  The document feeding unit 6 is disposed above the document reading unit 5. The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placing unit 61 for placing a document, a document discharge unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placed on the document placing unit 61. A document transport mechanism 63 that feeds the sheets one by one, transports them to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and discharges them to the document discharge section 62;

  The main body 8 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 412 that feeds paper one by one from the paper feed cassette 461 or the manual feed tray 462, and conveys the image to the image forming unit 4. An image forming unit 4 to be formed, and a stack tray 47 and a discharge tray 48 from which a sheet on which an image is formed are discharged are provided.

  The image forming unit 4 includes a paper transport unit 41, an optical scanning device 42, a photosensitive drum 43, a developing unit 44, a transfer unit 45, and a fixing unit 46.

  The paper transport unit 41 is provided in the paper transport path in the image forming unit 4, and transports the paper transported by the paper feed roller 412 to the photosensitive drum 43 and transports the paper to the stack tray 47. A transport roller 414 for transporting the paper, a transport roller 415 for transporting the paper to the discharge tray 48, and the like.

  The optical scanning device 42 outputs laser light based on the image data input to the control unit 10. The optical scanning device 42 scans the photosensitive drum 43 with this laser beam, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 43.

  The developing unit 44 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 43. The transfer unit 45 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 to a sheet. The fixing unit 46 heats the sheet on which the toner image is transferred to fix the toner image on the sheet.

  The operation unit 7 is provided in the front part of the multifunction machine 1 and is configured to allow input of various operation instructions by the user. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 7 is provided with a touch panel device 71, indicators 72a to 72f, input keys 73a to 73d, switches 74a to 74m, a start key 75, a stop key 76, and a reset key 77. .

  The touch panel device (display unit) 71 includes a liquid crystal display P having a touch panel function. When the soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display P is touched by the user by the touch panel function, the touch panel device 71 receives an instruction to press the soft key. In addition, the touch panel device 71 accepts a locus of a position touched by the user on the liquid crystal display P as an instruction for a gesture operation by the touch panel function. Based on the trajectory information received by the touch panel device 71, a gesture operation instruction is received by the control unit 10 described later.

  For example, the touch panel device 71 may be tapped by tapping the liquid crystal display P, operated to pick up the liquid crystal display P with two fingers, or operated to spread two fingers from the picked state, Instructions for gesture operations such as a swipe operation for sliding the finger as it is while touching the liquid crystal display P and a flick operation for moving the finger so as to lightly touch the liquid crystal display P are input.

  The indicators 72a to 72f are made of light emitting diodes, and indicate the state of the multifunction device 1 by blinking or turning on / off. For example, the indicator 72a blinks during printing, the indicator 72b blinks during transmission of data to the outside, and the indicator 72c blinks during reception of data from the outside. The indicator 72d blinks during access to data stored in a hard disk or memory provided in the multi function device 1. The indicator 72e lights up or blinks when an abnormality occurs. The indicator 72f is lit when the multifunction device 1 is powered on.

  The input keys 73a to 73d are provided for inputting numbers and symbols and for erasing or confirming the input character string. For example, the input key 73a is a so-called numeric key group, and is provided for inputting numbers and symbols. The input key 73b is a so-called clear key, and is provided for erasing an input character string. The input key 73c is a so-called abbreviated key, and is provided for reading and inputting a character string stored in advance in a memory or the like. The input key 73d is a so-called enter key (return key), and is provided to confirm a character string input instruction, a soft key selection instruction, and the like.

  The switches 74 a to 74 m are switches for switching each function provided in the multifunction device 1. For example, as a typical example, the switch 74a switches to a system menu function for performing initial settings related to the overall operation of the multifunction machine 1 and displays an operation screen for performing an initial setting value setting operation for each function. A switch for displaying on the liquid crystal display P. Hereinafter, the switch 74a is referred to as a system menu button 74a.

  The switch 74j is a switch that switches to a copy function for printing using image data read by the scanner unit 51 and displays an operation screen on the liquid crystal display P for performing a setting operation related to the copy function.

  As will be described later, the switch 74e cancels the login state of the authenticated user who is in the login state, and changes the MFP 1 to the initial state where there is no authenticated user in the login state. It is a switch for switching to. Hereinafter, the switch 74e is referred to as a logout instruction button 74e.

  The start key 75 is provided to start the operation of each function. The stop key 76 is provided to stop the operation of each function. The reset key 77 is provided to return a target function, which is a function set by the user as a function to be executed, to a predetermined initial setting function to be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction device 1 is connected such that the document reading unit 5, the document feeding unit 6, the image forming unit 4, the operation unit 7, the communication unit 9, and the control unit 10 can communicate with each other. The operation unit 7 includes a speaker 78 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 is omitted unless otherwise specified.

  The speaker 78 is a device that outputs a predetermined audio signal in accordance with an instruction input from a warning notification unit 16 described later.

  The communication unit 9 includes a facsimile communication unit 91 and a network I / F unit 93. The facsimile communication unit 91 is connected to the telephone line 95. The facsimile communication unit 91 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) for controlling connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile and a modulation / demodulation circuit for modulating / demodulating a signal for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 91 transmits the image data read by the document reading unit 5 to another facsimile device via the telephone line 95, and receives image data transmitted from the other facsimile device.

  The network I / F unit 93 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 97. The network I / F unit 93 is a communication interface circuit for executing communication with a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the LAN 97. The network I / F unit 93 transmits the image data read by the document reading unit 5 to an external computer such as a personal computer via the LAN 97, or receives image data transmitted from the external computer.

  The four storage units 81 to 84 are configured by a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example, and are classified according to the type of information to be stored.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the user information storage unit 81. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the user information storage unit 81, login information UL for authenticating an authenticated user who is permitted to use the MFP 1 in advance is associated with a plurality of authenticated users. Each is remembered. The login information UL includes, for example, a user name for identifying each authenticated user and a password that is input when authenticating the authenticated user.

  Further, in the user information storage unit 81, for example, group information UG for identifying a group to which each authenticated user belongs among a plurality of predetermined groups such as a business department or a class to which the authenticated user belongs, Each of them is stored in association with a plurality of authenticated users.

  For example, in FIG. 4, login information UL1 is stored in association with the authenticated user with the user name “user01”. In FIG. 4, the group information UG is composed of a group name for identifying the group. Specifically, the group name “group01” for identifying the group to which the authenticated user belongs is stored as the group information UG1 in association with the authenticated user with the user name “user01”.

  Similarly, login information UL2 is stored in association with the authenticated user having the user name “user02”. Further, the group name “group01” for identifying the group to which the authenticated user with the user name “user02” belongs is stored as group information UG1 in association with the authenticated user with the user name “user02”. Further, login information UL3 is stored in association with the authenticated user having the user name “usersys”. Further, the group name “groupsys” for identifying the group to which the authenticated user with the user name “usersys” belongs is stored as group information UG0 in association with the authenticated user with the user name “usersys”.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the alternative function information storage unit 82 and the authorization information storage unit 83. As shown in FIG. 5, the alternative function information storage unit 82 stores in advance alternative function information EF that defines a combination of functions that can be substituted for each other among a plurality of functions that can be executed by the control unit 10.

  Specifically, double-sided / single-sided, booklet, color, aggregation, and magnification are defined as function classifications. The functions belonging to (associated with) each function classification are determined as combinations of functions that can be substituted.

  For example, in the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. 5, the function classification “double-sided / single-sided” includes a single-sided printing function and a double-sided printing function, and is a combination of alternative functions that cannot be executed together. Similarly, in the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. 5, the function classification “booklet”, for example, automatically replaces the order of the images of a plurality of documents and collects the images of two documents into one. Thus, a booklet printing function for arranging and printing an image so as to have a saddle stitch layout, such as a magazine, and a booklet printing off function not performing the booklet printing function are included.

  Further, in the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. 5, the function classification “color” includes a color function and a monochrome function, and the function classification “aggregation” is a 2-in-1 aggregation function that aggregates two images into one image. An aggregation off function that does not perform the 2-in-1 aggregation function is included, and an automatic magnification function and a fixed magnification function are included in the function classification “magnification”.

  In the authorization information storage unit 83, user authorization information UF that associates each user with a user authorization function that is a function that can be set as a target function that is a target function that is executed by the control unit 10 by an authenticated user in the login state. Is stored in advance. In the user authorization information UF shown in FIG. 5, a function that is “permitted” in the user name column is a user authorization function that can be set as a target function that is permitted to be executed by the authenticated user.

  For example, in the user authorization information UF shown in FIG. 5, as a user authorization function associated with the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01”, a single-sided printing function, a booklet printing function, a booklet printing off function, a monochrome function, a 2-in-1 aggregation function, Eight functions are defined: an aggregation off function, an automatic magnification function, and a fixed magnification function. That is, when the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01” is in the login state, one or more of the eight user authorization functions can be set as the target function.

  Similarly, as a user authorization function to be associated with the authenticated user identified by the user name “user02”, one-sided printing function, two-sided printing function, booklet printing function, booklet printing off function, color function, monochrome function, 2 in 1 aggregation function, aggregation off Ten functions are defined: a function, an automatic magnification function, and a fixed magnification function. That is, when the authenticated user identified by the user name “user02” is in the login state, one or more of the ten user authorization functions can be set as the target function.

  When a plurality of user authorization functions belong to one function classification, these user authorization functions are combinations of alternative functions that cannot be executed together by the authenticated user.

  For example, among the eight user authorization functions corresponding to the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01”, the booklet printing function and the booklet printing off function belong to the same function classification “booklet” in the alternative function information EF. . Therefore, when the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01” is in the login state, the authenticated user can set only one of the booklet printing function and the booklet printing off function as the target function. it can.

  Similarly, when the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01” is in the login state, the authenticated user is one of the 2in1 aggregation function and the aggregation off function belonging to the function classification “aggregation” in the alternative function information EF. Can be set as the target function, and only one of the automatic magnification function and the fixed magnification function belonging to the function classification “magnification” can be set as the target function.

  Further, the authorization information storage unit 83 stores group authorization information GF that associates a group authorization function, which is a function that can be set as a target function by an authenticated user belonging to each group, with each group. In the group authorization information GF shown in FIG. 5, the function that is “permitted” in the group name column is a group authorization function that can be set as a target function that is permitted to be executed by an authenticated user belonging to the group.

  For example, in the group authorization function shown in FIG. 5, as a group authorization function associated with the group identified by the group name “group01”, a single-sided printing function, a booklet printing function, a booklet printing off function, a color function, a monochrome function, and a 2-in-1 aggregation function Eight functions of an automatic magnification function and a fixed magnification function are defined. That is, an authenticated user belonging to the group identified by the group name “group01” can set one or more of the eight group authorization functions as a target function when in a login state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the authenticated user belonging to the group identified by the group name “group01” is associated with the group name UG1 corresponding to the group identified by the group name “group01”. An authenticated user identified by “user01” and an authenticated user identified by the user name “user02”. Therefore, the authentication user identified by the user name “user01” and the authentication user identified by the user name “user02” are subject to the eight group authorization functions associated with the group identified by the group name “group01”. It can be set as a function.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01” is not permitted to set the color function as the target function by the user authorization information UF, but belongs to the group name “group01” It is permitted to set the color function as the target function by the group authorization information GF corresponding to the group identified by “”. The authenticated user identified by the user name “user01” is permitted to set the aggregate off function as the target function by the user authorization information UF, but the group identified by the group name “group01” to which the user belongs. It is not permitted to set the aggregation off function as the target function by the group authorization information GF corresponding to.

  In this way, for example, the same authentication as the function permitted to be set as the target function by the user authorization information UF corresponding to a certain authenticated user due to, for example, the timing when the user authorization information UF and the group authorization information GF are determined is different. The function permitted to be set as the target function by the group authorization information GF corresponding to the user may be different.

  However, even in such a case, as will be described later (described in detail in the description of step S23 in FIG. 8), it may be set as a target function by at least one of the user authorization information UF and the group authorization information GF. A function that is not permitted (in the above example, the color function and the aggregation off function) is configured not to be permitted to be set as a target function.

  The setting pattern information storage unit 84 stores setting pattern information described later in advance.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 10 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a read only memory (ROM) that stores a predetermined control program, and a RAM (temporarily storing data). It includes a memory such as a random access memory (ASIC), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) that is dedicated hardware configured to be capable of high-speed processing of predetermined processing such as image processing, and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 10 executes various processes by executing a control program stored in a ROM or the like by the CPU, and controls the operation of each unit in the multifunction machine 1.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 is a processing unit that executes a plurality of functions, in particular, a login information receiving unit 11, a login authentication unit 12, a target function setting unit 13, a first target function changing unit 14, and a second target. A function change unit 15 and a warning notification unit 16 are configured.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for setting an authenticated user in a login state. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations of the first target function change process and the second target function change process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of processing for executing a function set as a target function. Hereinafter, an operation from the state in which the multifunction device 1 is in the initial state to the execution of the function set as the target function will be described with reference to FIGS. And each processing part 11-16 is explained in full detail in the said description.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the multifunction device 1 is turned on and the multifunction device 1 is in an initial state, the control unit 10 uses an initial setting function, which is one or more predetermined functions, as a target function. Set (S1). Here, setting as a target function indicates, for example, storing information such as a function name for identifying the target function in the RAM.

  The initial setting function is set by, for example, a setting operation by the user on the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display P in the system menu function switched by pressing the system menu button 74a. For example, in FIG. 5, the initial setting function corresponds to a function indicated by a circle in the initial setting function column. Specifically, in FIG. 5, a duplex printing function, a booklet printing function, a color function, an aggregation off function, and an automatic magnification function are set as initial setting functions.

  Next, the control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display P to display a login screen for allowing the user to input login information (S2).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a login screen. For example, in the login screen shown in FIG. 9, reference numeral IN1 indicates a user name input field, and reference numeral IN2 indicates a password input field. Here, when a user name (for example, “user01” in FIG. 9) is input in the input field IN1, a password is input in the input field IN2, and the login button B1 is pressed, the login information receiving unit 11 The user name and password input in the input fields IN1 and IN2 are accepted as login information (S3; YES).

  The control unit 10 stores the input character in the RAM or the like and converts it to “*” each time a character is input to the input field IN2 so that the password input to the input field IN2 is not visually recognized. To display. In accordance with this, the login information receiving unit 11 receives the character string stored in the RAM or the like by the control unit 10 as the input password.

  When login information is received by the login information receiving unit 11 (S3; YES), the login authentication unit 12 matches the received login information with the login information UL (FIG. 4) stored in the user information storage unit 81. It is determined whether or not to perform (S4).

  In step S4, when the login authentication unit 12 determines that the login information received in step S3 matches the login information UL (FIG. 4) stored in the user information storage unit 81 (S4; YES), The authenticated user corresponding to the login information is set in the login state. Here, the login state indicates, for example, that the user name included in the login information UL of the authenticated user who has entered the login state is stored in the RAM.

  On the other hand, when the login authentication unit 12 determines in step S4 that the login information received in step S3 does not match the login information UL stored in the user information storage unit 81 (S4; NO), For example, since the input login information is invalid, a message prompting the user to input the login information again is displayed on the liquid crystal display P, etc., and the user is prompted to input the login information again. Return.

  When the authenticated user is logged in by the login authentication unit 12 (S4; YES), the first target function changing unit 14 executes a first target function changing process.

  Here, the target function setting screen related to the first target function change process will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for setting a target function. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the target function setting unit 13 receives designation of a target function to be executed by the control unit 10 by a user by operating an operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display P. The target function setting unit 13 sets the received function as the target function.

  For example, FIG. 10 is an operation screen for setting a detailed function related to the copy function as a target function. In the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 10, reference numerals K <b> 1 to K <b> 5 indicate soft keys for allowing the user to specify any one of the target functions from among a plurality of substitutable functions belonging to the function classification. Reference signs F1 to F5 are display columns for character string information indicating functions set as target functions among the functions belonging to the respective function classifications corresponding to the soft keys K1 to K5.

  For example, the operation screen shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the initial setting function (FIG. 5) set as the target function in step S1 by the user's operation, the duplex printing function, the booklet printing function, the color function, the aggregation off function, and the automatic function. A state in which the magnification function is set as a target function is shown. When the user designates the duplex printing function by operating the soft key K1 displayed as “double-sided / single-sided” corresponding to the function classification “double-sided / single-sided”, the target function setting unit 13 sets the duplex printing function as the target function. The control unit 10 displays information “duplex” indicating the duplex printing function in the display field F1.

  Similarly, by operating the soft keys K2 to K5 corresponding to the function classifications “booklet”, “color”, “aggregation”, and “magnification”, the booklet printing function, color function, aggregation off function, and automatic magnification function can be used by the user. Is specified as the target function by the target function setting unit 13, and information indicating the target function is displayed in the display fields F2 to F5 by the control unit 10, respectively.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the first target function changing unit 14 starts executing the first target function changing process, first, user authorization information UF (FIG. 5) stored in the authorization information storage unit 83 is stored. Whether or not the initial setting function set as the target function in step S1 includes a user prohibition function that is a function different from the user authorization function associated with the authenticated user who is in the login state. Is determined (S5).

  In step S5, if the first target function changing unit 14 determines that the user prohibited function is included in the initial setting function (S5; YES), the alternative function stored in the alternative function information storage unit 82 Of the functions that can be substituted for the user prohibition function determined to be included in the initial setting function in step S5 using information EF (FIG. 5), the user associated with the authenticated user who is in the login state A user alternative function that is a function that matches the authorization function is specified, and it is determined whether or not the specified user alternative function is an exclusive function (S6). Here, the exclusive function indicates a function that is prohibited in advance from being set as a target function in combination with a set function that is already set as a target function.

  Specifically, the first target function changing unit 14 uses a double-sided printing function, which is an initial setting function set as the target function in step S1, using the user authorization information UF shown in FIG. If the booklet printing function, color function, aggregation off function, and automatic magnification function include a duplex printing function that is different from the user authorization function associated with the authenticated user identified by the user name "user01" judge. At this time, the first target function changing unit 14 stores the double-sided printing function in the RAM as a user prohibited function.

  Next, in step S6, the first target function changing unit 14 uses, for example, the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. The single-sided printing function, which is a user authorization function associated with the authenticated user identified in (1), is used as the user substitution function. Then, the first target function changing unit 14 determines whether or not the single-sided printing function that is a user alternative function is an exclusive function.

  Specifically, the first target function changing unit 14 uses the setting pattern information stored in the setting pattern information storage unit 84 (FIG. 3) to determine whether or not the user alternative function is an exclusive function. . FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the setting pattern information SP stored in the setting pattern information storage unit 84.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the setting pattern information SP includes two different functions, each having a list of functions set as target functions on the vertical axis and functions set as target functions on the horizontal axis. The combination of functions is shown in tabular form. Each square in the table indicates whether the combination of two different functions corresponding to each square is a first pattern P1, a second pattern P2, or a third pattern P3 shown below. A character string is attached.

  In the combination of the first pattern P1, when two functions included in the combination are sequentially set as target functions, only the function set first is set as the target function and the function set later is set as the target function. It is a combination that should be prohibited. In FIG. 11, each square corresponding to the combination of the first patterns P1 is represented as a hatched square with a background with an underlined character string “P1”.

  For example, in the setting pattern information SP shown in FIG. 11, in the combination C1 in which the booklet printing function is set as the function set first and the aggregation off function is set as the function set later, the booklet printing function is set as the target function first. In this case, the aggregation off function cannot be set as the target function, and only the previously set booklet printing function should be set as the target function.

  The combination of the second pattern P2 is a combination in which two functions included in the combination are to be set as target functions. In other words, the two functions included in the combination of the second patterns P2 can operate together independently of each other. In FIG. 11, each square corresponding to the combination of the second patterns P2 is represented as a square to which the character string “P2” is attached.

  For example, in the setting pattern information SP shown in FIG. 11, the combination C2 in which the color function is set as the function set first and the duplex printing function is set as the function set later is set when the color function is set as the target function first. In addition, the double-sided printing function can be set as a target function, and both the color function and the double-sided printing function should be set as target functions.

  The combination of the third pattern P3 is a combination in which only the function set later is set as the target function by canceling the setting as the target function of the function set first among the two functions included in the combination. is there. In FIG. 11, each square corresponding to the combination of the third pattern P3 is represented as a black square with a background with a white character string “P3”.

  For example, in the setting pattern information SP shown in FIG. 11, it is determined by the combination C3 in which the monochrome function is the function set first and the color function is the function set later, that is, the alternative function information EF (FIG. 5). If the monochrome function is set as the target function first and the color function is set as the target function, the combination of the alternative functions that cannot be set as the target function is the monochrome function that was set as the target function first. It is determined as a combination of the third pattern P3 that the setting of the function should be canceled.

  However, the combination of the 3rd pattern P3 is not limited to the combination of the substitutable function defined by the alternative function information EF (FIG. 5). For example, in the setting pattern information SP shown in FIG. 11, in the combination C4 in which the single-sided printing function is set to the function set first and the booklet function is set to the function set later, the single-sided printing function is set as the target function first. In this case, when the booklet function is to be set as the target function, it is determined as a combination of the third pattern P3 that the setting of the single-sided printing function previously set as the target function should be canceled.

  Therefore, the first target function changing unit 14 sets the initial setting function set as the target function in step S1 as the set function that is already set as the target function in step S6. The SP is associated with the double-sided printing function BF1, the booklet printing function BF2, the booklet printing function BF3, the color function BF3, the aggregation off function BF4, and the automatic magnification function BF5 on the vertical axis in FIG. Further, the first target function changing unit 14 associates the single-sided printing function, which is a user alternative function, with the single-sided printing function AF1 on the horizontal axis in FIG. 11, which is a function set later in the setting pattern information SP.

  Then, the first target function changing unit 14 includes, in the setting pattern information SP, the one-sided printing function AF1 associated with each of the set functions BF1 to BF5 associated with the previously set function as the function set later. It is determined whether a combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 exists among the five combinations C11 to C15.

  Here, in the setting pattern information SP in FIG. 11, the combination C12 in which the booklet printing function BF2 as the set function is set as the function set first and the single-sided printing function AF1 as the user substitute function is set as the function set later. Is defined as a combination corresponding to the first pattern P1. Therefore, the first target function changing unit 14 determines that the combination C12 that is a combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 exists among the five combinations C11 to C15.

  As described above, in the setting pattern information SP, the combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 sets only the function set first as the target function when two functions included in the combination are sequentially set as the target function. Thus, it is determined as a combination that should be prohibited from setting a function set later as a target function. The exclusive function is a function that is prohibited in advance from being set as a target function in combination with a set function that is already set as a target function.

  Therefore, the first target function changing unit 14 uses the combination C12 which is a combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 in combination with the booklet function BF2 as the set function, which is the function set as the target function first, It is determined that setting the single-sided printing function AF1 as an alternative function as a target function is prohibited, that is, it is determined that the single-sided printing function AF1 as a user alternative function is an exclusive function (S6; YES).

  Returning to FIG. 7, when the first target function changing unit 14 determines in step S6 that the user alternative function is the exclusive function (S6; YES), the control unit 10 performs the target function setting operation. An operation screen for performing the operation is displayed, and character string information corresponding to the function set as the target function is displayed on the operation screen. At the same time, the first target function changing unit 14 causes the warning notification unit 16 to notify a warning indicating that the function that has been determined as the user prohibited function in step S5 cannot be set as the target function (S7). Thus, the first target function changing unit 14 prohibits setting the user alternative function as the target function instead of the user prohibited function, and ends the first target function changing process (S5, S6, S7).

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in which a warning indicating that the user prohibition function cannot be set as a target function is notified by the warning notification unit 16. FIG. 12 shows an operation screen for setting a detailed function related to the copy function as a target function, as in FIG. In step S6, if the first target function changing unit 14 determines that the user alternative function is an exclusive function (S6; YES), the control unit 10 performs details on the copy function, for example, as shown in FIG. Displays the operation screen for setting the function as the target function, and the character strings corresponding to the double-sided printing function, booklet printing function, color function, aggregation off function, and automatic magnification function that are set as the target function Information is displayed in the display columns F1 to F5, respectively.

  At the same time, the first target function changing unit 14 causes the warning notification unit 16 to notify a warning indicating that the function that is the user prohibited function in step S5 cannot be set as the target function. Specifically, the warning notification unit 16 indicates, for example, that an authenticated user who is in a logged-in state is not permitted to execute the double-sided printing function that is the user prohibition function stored in the RAM in step S5. A warning is notified to the user by displaying the message in the message display field M1.

  However, the warning notification method by the warning notification unit 16 is not limited to this. For example, the speaker 78 (FIG. 3) is used to output a sound signal that is predetermined according to the content of the warning (for example, a beep sound signal having a different tone depending on the content of the warning). May be.

  On the other hand, if the first target function changing unit 14 determines in step S6 that the user alternative function is not the exclusive function (S6; NO), the first target function changing unit 14 sets the user alternative function as the target function instead of the user prohibited function. Then, the control unit 10 displays an operation screen for allowing the user to perform the target function setting operation, and displays character string information corresponding to the function set as the target function on the operation screen (S8). Accordingly, the first target function changing unit 14 ends the first target function changing process (S5, S6, S8).

  In step S5, if the first target function changing unit 14 determines that there are a plurality of user prohibited functions, the first target function changing unit 14 executes step S6 for each user prohibited function, and then performs step S7 or step S8. Execute.

  Specifically, in step S5, the first target function changing unit 14 uses the user authorization information UF (FIG. 5) associated with the authenticated user identified by the user name “user01”, in step S1 If it is determined that two user-prohibited functions, the double-sided printing function and the color function, exist in the initial setting function set as the function (S5; YES), the double-sided printing function is set as the user-inhibited function as described above, and the step After executing S6 and step S7, next, step S6 is executed with the color function as the user prohibition function.

  In this case, the first target function changing unit 14 uses, for example, the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. 5 to identify the user name “user01” among the functions that can be substituted for the color function that is a user-inhibited function. A monochrome function, which is a user authorization function associated with a user, is used as a user substitute function. Then, the first target function changing unit 14 determines whether or not the monochrome function that is the user alternative function is an exclusive function (S6).

  The first target function changing unit 14 is a function in which a set function that is currently set as a target function is a function that is set first in the setting pattern information SP. Function BF1, booklet printing function BF2, color function BF3, aggregation off function BF4, and automatic magnification function BF5 are made to correspond. Further, the first target function changing unit 14 causes the user alternative function to correspond to the monochrome function AF2 on the horizontal axis in FIG. 11, which is a function set later in the setting pattern information SP.

  Then, the first target function changing unit 14 includes, in the setting pattern information SP, each of the set functions BF1 to BF5 corresponding to the previously set function and the monochrome function AF2 corresponding to the function set later. It is determined that there is no combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 among the five combinations C21 to C25.

  Therefore, the first target function changing unit 14 determines that the monochrome function AF2 as the user substitute function is not the exclusive function (S6; NO), and replaces the color function as the user prohibited function with the monochrome function as the user substitute function. Set the function as the target function. Then, the control unit 10 displays character string information corresponding to the function set as the target function on the operation screen for causing the target function to be set (S8).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for setting the target function after the first target function change process. In step S8, the first target function changing unit 14 causes the control unit 10 to perform an operation screen for setting the target function displayed in step S7 executed earlier, as shown in FIG. 12), instead of the color function which is a user prohibition function, character string information corresponding to the monochrome function set as the target function is displayed in the display field F3 of the operation screen.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in step S4, for example, when the authenticated user identified by the user name “user02” shown in FIG. 4 enters the login state, the first target function changing unit 14 in step S5, the user name “user02”. Since all the initial setting functions are included in the ten user authorization functions corresponding to the authenticated user using the user authorization information UF (FIG. 5) associated with the authenticated user identified by It is determined that the user prohibition function is not included in the initial setting function (S5; NO). In this case, the second target function changing unit 15 executes a second target function changing process.

  In the second target function changing process, first, the second target function changing unit 15 is set as the target function in step S1 using the group authorization information GF (FIG. 5) stored in the authorization information storage unit 83. It is determined whether or not the initial setting function includes a group prohibition function which is a function different from the group authorization function associated with the group to which the authenticated user who is logged in belongs (S9). Hereinafter, a group to which an authenticated user who is logged in belongs is called an authentication group.

  In step S9, if the second target function changing unit 15 determines that the group prohibition function is included in the initial setting function (S9; YES), the alternative function stored in the alternative function information storage unit 82 Of the functions that can be substituted for the group prohibition function determined to be included in the initial setting function in step S9 by using the information EF (FIG. 5), it matches the group authorization function associated with the authentication group. A group substitution function that is a function is identified, and it is determined whether the identified group substitution function is an exclusive function in the same manner as in step S6 (S10).

  Specifically, in step S9, the second target function changing unit 15 first sets the group information UG1 associated with the authenticated user identified by the user name “user02” as user information, for example, as shown in FIG. It is obtained from the storage unit 81 and grasps that the group identified by the group name “group1” is an authentication group.

  Then, the second target function changing unit 15 uses, for example, the group authorization information GF shown in FIG. 5, which is the initial setting function set as the target function in step S <b> 1, which is a duplex printing function, a booklet printing function, a color function, It is determined that the aggregation off function and the automatic magnification function include a duplex printing function different from the group authorization function associated with the authentication group identified by the group name “group01”. At this time, the second target function changing unit 15 stores the double-sided printing function in the RAM as a group prohibiting function.

  Next, in step S10, the second target function changing unit 15 uses, for example, the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. 5 and uses the group name “group01” among the functions that can be substituted for the double-sided printing function that is a group prohibited function. The single-sided printing function, which is a group authorization function associated with the authentication group identified in (2), is used as a group replacement function. Then, the second target function changing unit 15 uses the setting pattern information SP (FIG. 11) similarly to step S6 described above to determine whether or not the single-sided printing function that is a group replacement function is an exclusive function. .

  Specifically, the second target function changing unit 15 sets the initial setting function set as the target function in Step S1 as the set function that is already set as the target function, respectively, as the setting pattern information SP. Are associated with the double-sided printing function BF1, the booklet printing function BF2, the color function BF3, the aggregation off function BF4, and the automatic magnification function BF5 on the vertical axis in FIG. Further, the second target function changing unit 15 associates the single-sided printing function that is the group substitution function with the single-sided printing function AF1 on the horizontal axis in FIG. 11 that is a function that is set later in the setting pattern information SP.

  The second target function changing unit 15 then sets the one-sided printing function AF1 corresponding to each of the set functions BF1 to BF5 corresponding to the function set earlier in the setting pattern information SP as the function set later. It is determined that there is a combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 among the five combinations C11 to C15.

  Therefore, the second target function changing unit 15 uses the combination C12 which is a combination corresponding to the first pattern P1 in combination with the booklet function BF2 as the set function, which is the function set as the target function first, It is determined that setting the single-sided printing function AF1 as an alternative function as a target function is prohibited, that is, it is determined that the single-sided printing function AF1 as a group alternative function is an exclusive function (S10; YES).

  Returning to FIG. 7, when the second target function changing unit 15 determines in step S10 that the group substitution function is the exclusive function (S10; YES), the control unit 10 performs the target function setting operation. An operation screen for performing the operation is displayed, and character string information corresponding to the function set as the target function is displayed on the operation screen. At the same time, the second target function changing unit 15 causes the warning notification unit 16 to notify a warning indicating that the function that has been determined to be the group prohibited function in step S9 cannot be set as the target function (S11). As a result, the second target function changing unit 15 prohibits setting the group alternative function as the target function instead of the group prohibiting function, and ends the second target function changing process (S9, S10, S11).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in which a warning indicating that the group prohibition function cannot be set as a target function is notified by the warning notification unit 16. FIG. 14 shows an operation screen for setting a detailed function related to the copy function as a target function, as in FIG. In step S10, if the second target function changing unit 15 determines that the group substitution function is an exclusive function (S10; YES), the control unit 10 performs details on the copy function, for example, as shown in FIG. Displays the operation screen for setting the function as the target function, and the character strings corresponding to the double-sided printing function, booklet printing function, color function, aggregation off function, and automatic magnification function that are set as the target function Information is displayed in the display columns F1 to F5, respectively.

  At the same time, the second target function changing unit 15 causes the warning notification unit 16 to notify a warning indicating that the function that has been determined to be the group prohibited function in step S9 cannot be set as the target function. Specifically, the warning notification unit 16 sends a message indicating that, for example, the authentication group is not permitted to execute the double-sided printing function that is the group prohibiting function stored in the RAM in step S9. By displaying in the display column M1, a warning is notified to the user.

  On the other hand, if the second target function changing unit 15 determines in step S10 that the group replacement function is not an exclusive function (S10; NO), the second target function changing unit 15 sets the group replacement function as the target function instead of the group prohibition function. Then, the control unit 10 displays an operation screen for allowing the user to perform the target function setting operation, and displays character string information corresponding to the function set as the target function on the operation screen (S12). Thereby, the second target function change unit 15 ends the second target function change process (S9, S10, S12).

  In step S9, when the second target function changing unit 15 determines that there are a plurality of group prohibited functions, the second target function changing unit 15 executes step S10 for each group prohibited function, and then performs step S11 or step S12. Execute.

  Specifically, in step S9, the second target function changing unit 15 uses the group authorization information GF (FIG. 5) associated with the authentication group identified by the group name “group01”, and performs the target in step S1. If it is determined that there are two group prohibiting functions, the duplex printing function and the aggregate off function, among the initial setting functions set as functions (S9; YES), as described above, the duplex printing function is set as the group prohibiting function. After executing step S10 and step S11, next, step S10 is executed with the aggregation off function as the group prohibition function.

  In this case, the second target function changing unit 15 is identified by the group name “group01” among the functions that can be replaced with the aggregate off function that is the group prohibited function, using, for example, the alternative function information EF shown in FIG. The 2-in-1 aggregation function, which is a group authorization function associated with the authentication group, is used as a group replacement function. Then, the second target function changing unit 15 determines whether or not the 2-in-1 aggregation function that is the group substitute function is an exclusive function (S10).

  The second target function changing unit 15 is a function in which the set function that is currently set as the target function is the function that is set first in the setting pattern information SP. Function BF1, booklet printing function BF2, color function BF3, aggregation off function BF4, and automatic magnification function BF5 are made to correspond. Further, the second target function changing unit 15 associates the group substitution function with the 2-in-1 aggregation function AF3 on the horizontal axis in FIG. 11, which is a function set later in the setting pattern information SP.

  Then, in the setting pattern information SP, the second target function changing unit 15 corresponds to each of the set functions BF1 to BF5 corresponding to the previously set function and the 2in1 aggregate function AF3 corresponding to the function set later. Among the five combinations C31 to C35, it is determined that there is no combination corresponding to the first pattern P1.

  Accordingly, the second target function changing unit 15 determines that the 2-in-1 aggregation function AF3 as the user substitution function is not the exclusive function (S10; NO), and replaces the aggregation off function as the group prohibition function with the group substitution function. The 2-in-1 aggregation function is set as the target function. And the character string information corresponding to the function set as a target function is displayed on the said operation screen on the operation screen for performing the setting operation of a target function by the control part 10 (S12).

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for setting a target function after the second target function change process. In step S12, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the second target function changing unit 15 causes the control unit 10 to perform an operation screen for setting the target function displayed in step S11 previously executed (see FIG. 14). 14), the character string information corresponding to the 2-in-1 aggregation function set as the target function is displayed in the display field F4 of the operation screen instead of the aggregation-off function which is the group prohibition function.

  Returning to FIG. 7, when the control unit 10 receives an input of an execution instruction for the logout function, for example, when the logout instruction button 74 e is pressed by the authenticated user (S <b> 13; YES), the control unit 10 enters the login state. The login state of the authenticated user is canceled, the MFP 1 is changed to the initial state, and the process returns to step S1. Note that releasing the login state indicates, for example, deleting information such as the user name of the authenticated user corresponding to the login state set in the RAM.

  On the other hand, when the input of the logout function execution instruction is not accepted by the control unit 10 (S13; NO), for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the function specified by the user by the target function setting unit 13 is the target function. When set (S20), the control unit 10 uses the user authorization information UF (FIG. 5) stored in the authorization information storage unit 83, as in step S5, for the function set as the target function. It is determined whether there is a user prohibition function that is different from the user authorization function associated with the authenticated user in the login state (S21).

  In step S21, when the control unit 10 determines that the user prohibition function, which is a function different from the user authorization function associated with the authenticated user in the login state, exists in the function set as the target function (S21; YES), similarly to step S7, the warning notifying unit 16 notifies a warning indicating that the user prohibited function grasped in the determination process in step S21 cannot be set as the target function (S22), and causes step S20 to Return. Note that, in the determination process in step S21, when the control unit 10 recognizes that there are a plurality of user prohibition functions, in step S22, the warning notification unit 16 causes at least one of the plurality of user prohibition functions. A warning indicating that one or more user prohibited functions cannot be set as the target function is notified.

  In step S21, the control unit 10 determines that there is no user prohibition function that is different from the user authorization function associated with the authenticated user in the login state among the functions set as the target function. If it is determined (S21; NO), as in step S9, the group authorization information GF (FIG. 5) stored in the authorization information storage unit 83 is used to set the function set as the target function. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a group prohibition function which is a function different from the group authorization function associated with the authentication group (S23).

  In step S23, when the control unit 10 determines that there is a group prohibited function that is different from the group authorization function associated with the authentication group among the functions set as the target function (S23). ; YES), the process proceeds to step S22, and, similarly to step S11, the warning notification unit 16 notifies a warning indicating that the group prohibition function grasped by the determination process in step S23 cannot be set as the target function (S22). Return to step S20. Note that, in the determination process in step S23, the control unit 10 recognizes that there are a plurality of group prohibition functions, and in step S22, the warning notification unit 16 causes at least one of the plurality of group prohibition functions to exist. A warning indicating that one or more group prohibition functions cannot be set as the target function is notified.

  In other words, as described above, the function permitted to be set as the target function by the user authorization information UF (FIG. 5) corresponding to a certain authenticated user and the group authorization information GF (FIG. 5) corresponding to the same authenticated user. Even if the function that is permitted to be set as the target function is different, it is set as the target function by at least one of the user authorization information UF and the group authorization information GF by performing step S21 and step S23. A function that is not permitted to be set is not configured as a target function.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines in step S23 that there is no group prohibition function that is different from the group authorization function associated with the authentication group among the functions set as the target function. (S23; NO), the process proceeds to step S24 to execute the function set as the target function. Then, the control unit 10 returns to Step S13 (FIG. 7) while the start key 75 (FIG. 2) is not pressed, that is, while the start instruction of the function operation is not received (S24; NO). repeat. Then, when the start key 75 (FIG. 2) is pressed and the control unit 10 receives an instruction to start the function operation (S24; YES), the control unit 10 executes the function set as the target function ( S25), the process returns to step S13.

  As described above, after the first target function changing process (S5, S6, and S7 or S8) is performed by the first target function changing unit 14, the second target function changing process ( Instead of the configuration of executing S9, S10, and S11 or S12), the second target function changing process (S9, S10, and S11 or S12) by the second target function changing unit 15 is executed first, and thereafter The first target function changing unit 14 may execute the first target function changing process (S5, S6, and S7 or S8).

  As described above, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, when the authenticated user is logged in by the first target function changing process, the user substitution function is automatically set as the target function instead of the user prohibition function. (S8). For this reason, when an authenticated user enters the login state, the authenticated user manually replaces the user prohibition function with a user substitution function that can be substituted for the user prohibition function. It is possible to reduce the trouble of setting an alternative function as a target function.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, in the first target function changing process, a function in which the target user substitution function to be set as the target function is prohibited in advance from being set as the target function in combination with the set function. If it is an exclusive function (S6; YES), setting as a target function of the user alternative function to be set is prohibited (S7). For this reason, when an authenticated user enters the login state, the user executes the exclusive function even though he / she takes time to set the user alternative function, which is the exclusive function instead of the user prohibited function, as the target function. By prohibiting this, it is possible to avoid wasting the effort.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, when the authenticated user enters the login state by the second target function changing process, the group substitution function is automatically set as the target function instead of the group prohibition function. (S12). For this reason, when an authenticated user enters the login state, the authenticated user manually replaces the group prohibited function with a group substitution function that can be substituted for the group prohibited function. It is possible to reduce the trouble of setting an alternative function as a target function.

  Further, according to this configuration, in the second target function change process, the target group substitution function set as the target function is an exclusive function that is prohibited in advance from being set as the target function in combination with the set function. If it is a function (S10; YES), setting as a target function of the group substitution function to be set is prohibited (S11). For this reason, when the authenticated user enters the login state, the exclusive function is executed even though the user takes time to set the group substitution function that is the exclusive function instead of the group prohibition function as the target function. By prohibiting this, it is possible to avoid wasting the effort.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, in the first target function changing process, the determination as to whether the target user alternative function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function is based on the setting pattern information SP (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the set function is a function that is combined as a function that is set later by combining the first pattern P1 with the set function (S6).

  In the setting pattern information SP, among the functions included in the combination of the first pattern P1, the function set earlier is permitted to be set as the target function, and the function set later is set as the target. It is stipulated that setting as a function is prohibited.

  Therefore, in the first target function change process, the user alternative function to be set as the target function is determined by the combination of the first pattern P1 with respect to the set function defined by the setting pattern information SP (FIG. 11). When it is determined that the functions are combined as the functions to be set (S6; YES), the setting as the target function of the set function as the function set earlier is validated appropriately. The setting as the target function of the user substitution function as the set function is prohibited.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, in the second target function changing process, the determination as to whether the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function is made based on the setting pattern information SP (FIG. 11). A determination is made based on whether or not the set function is a function that is combined as a function that is set later by combining the first pattern P1 with the set function (S10).

  Therefore, in the second target function change process, the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is later determined by the combination of the first pattern P1 with respect to the set function defined by the setting pattern information SP (FIG. 11). When it is determined that the functions are combined as the functions to be set (S10; YES), the setting as the target function of the set function as the function set earlier is validated appropriately. The setting as the target function of the group substitution function as the set function is prohibited.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to make the authenticated user in the logged-in state aware that the user prohibition function is set as the target function by the warning notification by the warning notification unit 16 (S7). . As a result, the authenticated user who is in the logged-in state can quickly take measures such as canceling the setting as the target function of the user prohibition function.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to make the authenticated user who is logged in know that the group prohibition function is set as the target function by the warning notification by the warning notification unit 16 (S11). . As a result, the authenticated user who is in the logged-in state can quickly take measures such as canceling the setting as the target function of the group prohibition function.

  Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and a scanner device, in addition to the case where the image forming apparatus is applied to the above-described multifunction device 1. Further, the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment.

  For example, in steps S7 and S11, the warning notification unit 16 may be simplified so as not to issue a warning.

  Further, only the combination of the first patterns P1 determined in the setting pattern information SP may be stored in the ROM or the like, and the configuration may be simplified so as not to include the setting pattern information storage unit 84. Accordingly, in step S6, the first target function changing unit 14 sets the function that has already been set as the target function (set function) first, and sets the user alternative function later. In the combination of functions to be determined, it is determined whether there is a match with the combination of the first patterns P1 stored in the ROM or the like. A simplified configuration may be adopted so as to determine that the function is an exclusive function.

  Similarly, in step S10, the second target function changing unit 15 sets a function that has already been set as the target function (set function) first, and sets a group alternative function later. It is determined whether there is a combination that matches the combination of the first patterns P1 stored in the ROM or the like among the combinations of functions to be performed. A simplified configuration may be adopted so as to determine that the function is an exclusive function.

  Further, the user information storage unit 81 may be simplified so as not to store the group information UG (FIG. 4). Accordingly, the second target function changing unit 15 is simplified so as not to be provided, and is simplified so as not to execute the processes of steps S9 to S12 (FIG. 6) and step S23 (FIG. 7). It may be configured.

1: MFP (image forming apparatus)
10: Control unit 11: Login information receiving unit 12: Login authentication unit 13: Target function setting unit 14: First target function changing unit 15: Second target function changing unit 74a: System menu button 74e: Logout instruction button 75: Start Key 81: User information storage unit 82: Alternative function information storage unit 83: Authorization information storage unit 84: Setting pattern information storage unit EF: Alternative function information GF: Group authorization information P1: First pattern P2: Second pattern P3: First 3 patterns SP: setting pattern information UF: user authorization information UG, UG0, UG1: group information UL, UL1, UL2, UL3: login information

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus including a control unit that performs a plurality of functions,
A user information storage unit that stores login information for authenticating an authenticated user who is a user permitted to use the image forming apparatus in advance, in association with a plurality of the authenticated users;
A login information receiving unit that receives input of the login information;
A login authentication unit that places the authenticated user corresponding to the login information in a login state when the login information received by the login information reception unit matches the login information stored in the user information storage unit When,
A target function to be executed by the control unit among the plurality of functions, receiving a designation by the authenticated user in the login state, and setting the received function as a target function;
An authorization information storage unit that stores in advance user authorization information that associates each authenticated user with a user authorization function that is a function that can be set as the target function by each authenticated user;
An alternative function information storage unit that preliminarily stores alternative function information that defines a combination of functions that can be substituted among the plurality of functions;
An initial setting function that is one or a plurality of functions set in advance as the target function while the image forming apparatus is in the initial state when the authenticated user is in the login state by the login authentication unit Instead of the user prohibition function, which is a function different from the user authorization function associated with the user authorization information for the authenticated user in the login state, the user defined by the alternative function information Among the functions that can be substituted for the prohibited function, a user substitution function that is a function that matches the user authorization function associated with the user authorization information for the authenticated user in the login state is set as the target function A first target function change unit that executes a first target function change process;
With
In the first target function changing process, the first target function changing unit is configured to combine the target user substitution function to be set as the target function with a set function that is already set as the target function. An image forming apparatus that prohibits the setting of the target user alternative function to be set as the target function when the exclusive function is a function that is prohibited in advance from being set as a function. The plurality of authenticated users are grouped in advance into a plurality of groups,
The user information storage unit further stores group information for identifying a group to which each authenticated user belongs, in association with a plurality of the authenticated users,
The authorization information storage unit further stores group authorization information that associates each group with a group authorization function that is a function that can be set as the target function by an authenticated user belonging to each group,
An authentication group that is a group identified by group information associated with the authenticated user in the login state in the initial setting function when the authenticated user is in the login state by the login authentication unit. On the other hand, instead of the group prohibition function that is a function different from the group authorization function associated with the group authorization information, among the functions that can be substituted for the group prohibition function defined in the alternative function information, A second target function change unit that executes a second target function change process for setting, as the target function, a group replacement function that is a function that matches the group authorization function associated with the authentication group by the group authorization information And further comprising
In the second target function changing process, the second target function changing unit, when the target group replacement function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function, the target of the target group replacement function to be set The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein setting as a function is prohibited. Among the functions included in the combination, when two functions included in each combination are sequentially set as the target function for a plurality of combinations when combining two different functions from the plurality of functions, It is the first pattern that is a combination that should be set such that only the function set first is set as the target function and the function set later is set as the target function, or both of the two functions are the target It is the second pattern that is a combination to be set as a function, or, among the functions included in the combination, only the function that is set after releasing the setting as the target function of the function set earlier Preliminarily store setting pattern information that determines whether the third pattern is a combination to be set as the target function Further comprising a setting pattern information storage unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exclusive function is a function that is combined with the set function as a function that is set later by combining the first pattern. It further includes a warning notification unit that notifies a warning,
In the first target function change process, the first target function change unit further includes the user prohibition by the warning notification unit when the user alternative function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning indicating that a function cannot be set as a target function is notified. It further includes a warning notification unit that notifies a warning,
In the first target function change process, the first target function change unit further includes the user prohibition by the warning notification unit when the user alternative function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function. Alerts that the function cannot be set as the target function,
In the second target function change process, the second target function change unit further includes the group prohibition by the warning notification unit when the target group substitution function to be set as the target function is the exclusive function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a warning indicating that the function cannot be set as the target function is notified.

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