JP2016055470A - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that allows a user side to easily add or change selection function and a program.SOLUTION: The image forming device comprises: a main body which comprises basic function and further at least one selection function that can be used according to settings; a memorizing portion 114 that can memorize and hold at least one setting information for the selection function; a key information acquiring portion 14 that acquires key information generated based on unique identification information of a main body through short-range communication; and a setting information processing portion 16 that when acquiring the key information, changes present setting information of the main body to setting information corresponding to the key information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  Program storage means for storing a first program for controlling the image forming apparatus, acquisition means for acquiring a second program for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a first program stored in the program storage means Rewriting means for rewriting the second program acquired by the acquiring means, and a change content information acquiring means for acquiring change content information related to the change content of the second program via the network, There is known an image forming apparatus including a control unit that causes a display unit to display change content information acquired by a change content information acquisition unit (Patent Document 1).

  An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image read by an image reading means or an image input from an external device, the image processing apparatus comprising: a communication means that communicates with an external apparatus; and an external device via the communication means. When the setting change of the image processing apparatus is requested, permission means for permitting the setting change, and contents of the setting change after the setting change when the setting change of the image processing apparatus is performed according to the permission of the permission means And a notification means for notifying the contents of the setting change after the setting change is performed and the image processing apparatus is restarted, and when a response to the notification is obtained. An image processing apparatus that permits the operation of the processing apparatus is also known (Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-190003 A Japanese Patent No. 4749348

Conventionally, when the function of an image forming apparatus is added or changed on the user side, a specialized maintenance worker of the image forming apparatus changes the setting information of the image forming apparatus using a specific apparatus. , Features were added or changed.
The present invention makes it easier to add or change a selection function on the user side compared to a case where a key information acquisition unit that acquires key information corresponding to setting information of a selection function via short-range communication is not provided. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that can perform the above processing.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
In addition to the basic function, the main body with at least one selection function that can be used according to the setting,
A storage unit capable of storing and holding at least one setting information of the selection function;
A key information acquisition unit that acquires key information corresponding to the setting information of the selection function generated in association with the unique identification information of the main body via short-range communication;
A setting information processing unit that changes the current setting information of the main body to setting information corresponding to the key information when the key information is acquired;
It is characterized by that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The setting information of the selection function is productivity information of the main body, billing processing information according to use of the main body, and document print processing information.
It is characterized by that.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The setting information processing unit does not change the setting information of the selection function when the unique identification information associated with the key information does not match.
It is characterized by that.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
Further comprising a notifying means for notifying the contents of the setting information of the selection function, and notifying the contents of the setting information of the selection function changed when the setting information of the selection function is changed;
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, the program according to claim 5 is:
On the computer,
A storage function capable of storing and holding at least one setting information of the selection function;
A key information acquisition function for acquiring key information corresponding to the setting information of the selection function generated in association with the unique identification information of the own device via short-range communication;
A setting information processing function for changing the current setting information of the device itself to setting information corresponding to the key information when the key information is acquired;
It is characterized by that.

According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, compared with a case where the key information acquisition unit that acquires the key information corresponding to the setting information of the selection function via short-range communication is not provided, on the user side It is possible to easily add or change the selection function.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the key information acquisition unit for acquiring the key information corresponding to the setting information of the selection function via short-range communication is not provided, the user can produce the main body. It is possible to easily change the property information, the charging processing information corresponding to the use of the main body, and the setting information of the document print processing information.
According to the invention described in claim 3, the setting information can be changed safely.
According to the invention described in claim 4, the user can grasp the contents of the selected function added.

2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing information exchange of the control device 10. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of function information of a selection function stored in a nonvolatile memory 114. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for changing setting information of the image forming apparatus 1.

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings with reference to embodiments and specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and specific examples.
Also, in the description using the following drawings, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension and the like are different from the actual ones, and are necessary for the description for easy understanding. Illustrations other than the members are omitted as appropriate.

(1) Overall Configuration and Operation of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. .
Hereinafter, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1.1) Overall Configuration The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 2 that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, a reading unit 3 that reads a document and the like, and an operation information unit 4 as a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI). Etc. are provided.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 scans an image optically by the reading unit 3 to obtain image data (scan function), performs predetermined processing on the image data obtained by the reading function, and applies an image to a recording medium. A copy function (copy function) for recording as an image, and an image formation function (print function) for forming an image on a recording medium by performing image processing such as color conversion and scaling on image data acquired via a communication line, etc. I have.

  The reading unit 3 includes an automatic document feeding unit 310 and an image reading unit 320. The automatic document feeder 310 conveys the document S placed on the document table 311 to the reading position of the image reading unit 320, and the image reading unit 320 uses an image sensor (not shown) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor. The image read in is converted into image data which is an electric signal.

  An operation information unit 4 is arranged on the front side of the reading unit 3. The operation information unit 4 is configured by combining a liquid crystal display panel, various operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and the user of the image forming apparatus 1 inputs various settings and instructions via the operation information unit 4. Various information is displayed to the user of the image forming apparatus 1 via the liquid crystal display panel.

(1, 2) Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 2 includes a control device 10, a paper feeding device 20, a photosensitive unit 30, a developing device 40, a transfer device 50, in an internal space formed by a housing F (not shown). A fixing device 60, a power supply device 70, a driving device 80, and an exposure device LH are arranged.

The control apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus control unit 11 as an example of a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and a controller unit 12 as an example of an image processing control unit that prepares image data corresponding to a print processing request. , An exposure control unit 131 that controls lighting of the exposure apparatus LH, a power control unit 132 that controls the power supply unit 70, a conveyance control unit 133 that controls sheet conveyance of the sheet feeding device 20, and a drive that controls the rotational drive of the drive unit 80 A control unit 134 and the like are included.
The power supply device 70 applies a high voltage for image formation to the photosensitive unit 30, the developing device 40, the transfer device 50, and the like, and supplies power to the exposure device LH and the fixing device 60.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 11 receives an image formation start instruction signal and image data from the controller unit 12, conveys the sheet by the sheet feeding device 20, the photosensitive unit 30, the developing device 40, the transfer device 50, the fixing device 60, and exposure control. Control of image formation by the unit 131, application of a high voltage, power supply, and the like by the power supply control unit 132 is performed.

  The controller unit 12 converts print information input from an external information transmission device (for example, a personal computer) into image data for forming a latent image. The image data is output to the exposure device LH as a drive signal at a preset timing via the exposure control unit 13 of the image forming device control unit 11, and a latent image is formed on the photoconductive drum 31 of the photoconductive unit 30. The

  The photoconductor unit 30 is a replaceable unit including a photoconductor drum 31 that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and when mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the photoconductor drum 31. The exposure device LH, the developing device 40, and the transfer device 50 are arranged along the rotation direction of the toner image, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred to the paper P conveyed from the paper supply device 20 via the transfer device 50. Is transcribed.

  The paper P on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer device 50 is conveyed to the fixing device 60 in a state where the toner image is not fixed. The toner image is fixed on the paper P conveyed to the fixing device 60 by the action of pressure and heating, and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 1a provided in the image forming apparatus 1, for example.

(2) Configuration of control device and change of setting information FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the exchange of information of the control device 10, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the function information of the selection function stored in the nonvolatile memory 114. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for changing the setting information of the image forming apparatus 1.
Hereinafter, addition of setting function setting information in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(2.1) Configuration of Control Device The control device 10 includes an image forming device control unit 11, a controller unit 12, a key information acquisition unit 14, a setting information acquisition unit 15, a setting information processing unit 16, and a UI control unit 17. Yes.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 11 reads and executes a control program, a RAM 112 that functions as a working space, a ROM 113 that stores a control program that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, and various setting information of selection functions. In addition, a nonvolatile memory (NVM in FIG. 3) 114 is provided as an example of a storage unit that stores the main body serial ID and the like of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The CPU 111 is connected to the RAM 112, the ROM 113, and the nonvolatile memory 114, and reads the operation control program of the image forming apparatus 1 from the ROM 113, and reads and rewrites information in the RAM 112 and the nonvolatile memory 114.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the nonvolatile memory 114 of the image forming apparatus control unit 11 includes an area 114 a that holds setting information of various selection functions and an area 114 b that holds the main body serial ID of the image forming apparatus 1. .

  In the image forming apparatus 1, as an example of the basic function, for example, when only the copy function (copy function) is usable and the selection function is disabled, the selection function can be used. On the user side, a specialized maintenance worker of the image forming apparatus 1 selects or changes setting information held in the nonvolatile memory 114 of the image forming apparatus control unit 11 using a specific apparatus. The selection function may be added or changed.

  As various setting information of the selection function, information on productivity of the image forming apparatus 1 (number of images that can be formed per minute, hereinafter referred to as PPM configuration), consumable management processing including billing processing (price collection processing). Information on the management function (hereinafter referred to as consumables billing configuration) and information on the presence / absence of a print function via the network (hereinafter referred to as print configuration).

In the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet feeding device 20, the photosensitive unit 30, the developing device 40, the transfer device 50, the fixing device 60, and the like are rotated and driven at a predetermined speed via a driving device 80 to form an image. As a result, it has inherent productivity (the number of images that can be formed per minute: PPM).
When changing the PPM configuration on the user side, a specialized maintenance worker of the image forming apparatus 1 uses a specific apparatus for changing the PPM in the nonvolatile memory 114 of the image forming apparatus control unit 11. The PPM of the image forming apparatus 1 has been changed by selecting the setting information relating to productivity that is held.

  Further, when the user changes the consumables management or billing management conditions according to the device combination change by the user, the specialized maintenance worker of the image forming apparatus 1 uses a specific apparatus to The consumables charging configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is changed by selecting the consumables charging configuration held in the nonvolatile memory 114 of the forming apparatus control unit 11.

  Furthermore, based on the image forming apparatus 1 having a copying function (copying function), the addition of a printing function via a network is used as a multi-function printer (MFP) having a function other than the copying function. In the case where it is performed on the operator side, a specialized maintenance worker of the image forming apparatus 1 selects a print configuration held in the nonvolatile memory 114 of the image forming apparatus control unit 11 using a specific apparatus. The print function was added.

The setting information of the selection function of the image forming apparatus 1 on the user side is added by changing the setting information of the selection function held in the nonvolatile memory 114 of the image forming apparatus control unit 11 using a specific apparatus. There is a risk that it will not be performed safely.
In addition, it has been an excessive burden on a specialized maintenance worker to change or add setting information on the user side using a specific device.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when changing various setting information of at least one selection function of the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. The unique key information KJ generated in association with the main body serial ID as an example of the unique identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 via NFC (Near Field Communication) as an example of, for example, a portable information device Obtained from the MB and changes the setting information of the selection function.

As a result, a specialized maintenance worker of the image forming apparatus 1 adds or changes setting information of at least one selection function of the image forming apparatus 1 using NFC without using a specific apparatus, and the user side Change functions and settings.
Hereinafter, the flow of processing for changing device setting information of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the portable information device MB such as a smartphone transmits the main body serial ID of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is managed from a management server or the like that centrally manages the selection function of the image forming apparatus 1. The key information KJ associated with the serial ID is received. The key information KJ includes a unique encrypted alphanumeric string associated with changes in various device setting information performed in the image forming apparatus 1.
Note that the key information KJ of the unique encrypted alphanumeric string has a much smaller information capacity than the setting information of the selection function, so even if NFC with a low communication speed is used, a communication error will occur. The risk of becoming small is small.

Then, when the portable information device MB that has received the key information KJ is held over the key information acquisition unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 1, the key information for the image forming apparatus 1 to change the setting information of the selection function using NFC is obtained. Obtain (S101).
The obtained key information KJ is collated with the main body serial ID of the own apparatus recorded in the area 114b holding the main body serial ID of the image forming apparatus 1 in the nonvolatile memory 114, and the main body serial ID is authenticated (S102). ).

  When the authentication of the main body serial ID matches (S102; Yes), the initial value setting (n = 1) of the function number n of the selection function included in the acquired key information KJ is performed (S103). For example, when the selected function is a PPM configuration, a consumable billing configuration, or a print configuration, the number of functions n is n = 3.

  Then, the setting information acquisition unit 15 selects setting information of a selection function corresponding to the key information KJ held in the area 114a of the nonvolatile memory 114 (S103), and the setting information processing unit 16 performs the image forming apparatus 1 Is changed to the setting information of the new selection function N1 selected by the setting information acquisition unit 15 (S104).

  When the image forming apparatus control unit 11 changes to the setting information of the new selection function N1, the image forming apparatus control unit 11 updates the flag (initial value: 0) of the area holding the setting information of the selected selection function N1 in the nonvolatile memory 114 ( Prohibit reuse: 1) (S105).

Then, the image forming apparatus control unit 11 checks whether or not the new selection function selected by the setting information acquisition unit 15 has reached the function number N of the selection function included in the acquired key information KJ (S106). .
In step S106, when the selected new selected function has not reached the function number N (S106; No), processing for the next selected function is performed.

  When the new selection function selected by the setting information acquisition unit 15 reaches the function number N of the selection functions included in the acquired key information KJ (S106; Yes), the image forming apparatus control unit 11 performs the current selection function. Is displayed on the operation information section 4 of the image forming apparatus 1 to notify the user that the setting information of the selected function has been changed (S107).

The image forming apparatus 1 acquires unique key information KJ generated in association with the main body serial ID of the image forming apparatus 1 from the portable information device MB using NFC, and changes the setting information of the selection function. In addition to the basic function, at least one selection function is selected and can be used, and the image forming apparatus 1 having a new function can be used.
Specifically, as an example, a change to a higher PPM image forming apparatus 1 than before, a new print function added to the copy function, a new consumables charge management function corresponding to the usage form of the image forming apparatus 1 Is added on the user side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 2 ... Image forming part 3 ... Reading part 4 ... Operation information part 10 ... Control apparatus 11 ... Image forming apparatus control part 111 ... CPU
114... Nonvolatile memory 114 a... Area (main body serial ID is held)
114b area (holds various setting information)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Controller part 131 ... Exposure control part 132 ... Power supply control part 133 ... Conveyance control part 134 ... Drive control part 14 ... Key information acquisition part 15 ... Setting information acquisition part 16 ... Setting information processing unit 17 ... User interface control unit 20 ... Paper feeding device 30 ... Photoconductor unit
40: Developing device 50 ... Transfer device 60 ... Fixing device 70 ... Power supply device 80 ... Driving device KJ ... Key information MB ... Portable information device

Claims (5)

In addition to the basic function, the main body with at least one selection function that can be used according to the setting,
A storage unit capable of storing and holding at least one setting information of the selection function;
A key information acquisition unit that acquires key information corresponding to the setting information of the selection function generated in association with the unique identification information of the main body via short-range communication;
A setting information processing unit that changes the current setting information of the main body to setting information corresponding to the key information when the key information is acquired;
An image forming apparatus. The setting information of the selection function is productivity information of the main body, billing processing information according to use of the main body, and document print processing information.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The setting information processing unit does not change the setting information of the selection function when the unique identification information associated with the key information does not match.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Further comprising a notifying means for notifying the contents of the setting information of the selection function, and notifying the contents of the setting information of the selection function changed when the setting information of the selection function is changed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. On the computer,
A storage function capable of storing and holding at least one setting information of the selection function;
A key information acquisition function for acquiring key information corresponding to the setting information of the selection function generated in association with the unique identification information of the own device via short-range communication;
A setting information processing function for changing the current setting information of the device itself to setting information corresponding to the key information when the key information is acquired;
A program characterized by that.

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