JP2016066890A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to set notification and make it possible to reliably notify the user of notification preset by an authorized person.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming apparatus (U) including: first setting means (C5E) for performing setting of an operation of a notification member (11) when an administrator is authenticated by authentication means (C4); second setting means (C6D) for performing setting of the operation of the notification member (11) when the administrator is not authenticated by the authentication means (C4); operation setting means (C10) for setting the operation of the notification member (11), when operating the notification member (11), while putting priority on the details of the settings set by the first setting means (C5E) over the details of the settings set by the second setting means (C6D); and operation means (C11) for operating the notification member (11) on the basis of the settings set by the operation setting means (C10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Regarding the technique for generating a buzzer sound in an image forming apparatus, techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 below are known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 02-032372 as Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus in which an input sound, a warning sound, and a copy end sound can be manually set according to preference by a user.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-194598 as Patent Document 2 discloses that the user can set the validity / invalidity of an alarm sound when an abnormality occurs during execution of image formation, and temporarily when an abnormality occurs. When the notification stop is input, the notification is temporarily stopped, the repair work by the user is finished, and when the READY switch is input, the temporary notification stop setting is canceled and the temporary notification stop is stopped. Even if it is forgotten to cancel, a configuration is described in which an alarm sound sounds when the next abnormality occurs.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-264457 as Patent Document 3, when a mute key is input, output of an operation confirmation sound and a warning sound is prohibited and input of a cancel key is performed. A configuration is described in which a warning sound or the like is output when another user uses by returning from the mute state to the normal state after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-032372 (page 6, lower right column, line 7 to page 7, upper left column, line 11, FIG. 11) JP2011-194598A ("0020" to "0034") JP 2002-264457 A (“0035” to “0037”, “0059” to “0062”)

  It is a technical object of the present invention to make it possible to notify a user of a notification set in advance by an authorized person while enabling a user to set a notification.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
A main body of an image forming apparatus for recording an image on a medium;
A notification member that notifies the user according to the operation of the main body;
Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user has authority to set the main body;
First authentication means for setting the operation of the notification member when authenticated by the authentication means;
A second setting means for setting the operation of the notification member when the authentication means is not authenticated;
An operation for setting the operation of the notification member by prioritizing the setting content set by the first setting means over the setting content set by the second setting means when operating the notification member. Setting means;
Based on the setting set by the operation setting means, operating means for operating the notification member;
It is provided with.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
When the notification member is operated, the second setting means is corrected by correcting the setting contents set by the second setting means with the setting contents set by the first setting means. The operation setting means for giving priority to the setting contents set by the first setting means over the setting contents set by
It is provided with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an authorized person can pre-set the user's notification while enabling the user notification setting as compared to the case where the setting when the authentication is not given priority over the setting when the authentication is not made. The user can be surely notified of the set notification.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to draw the setting when the authentication is not performed as compared with the case where the setting when the authentication is not performed is not corrected with the setting when the authentication is performed.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a user interface according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an authentication image according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a setting image for an administrator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a volume setting image for an administrator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an individual setting image according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a user setting image according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a volume setting image for a user according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of the volume setting process for the administrator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of volume setting processing for a user according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of buzzer control processing according to the first embodiment.

Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a copying machine U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is an example of a main body of an image forming apparatus, and includes a printer unit U1 as an example of an image recording apparatus. A scanner unit U2 as an example of a reading unit and an example of an image reading device is supported on the upper portion of the printer unit U1. An auto feeder U3 as an example of a document transport device is supported on the upper portion of the scanner unit U2. The scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment supports a user interface U0 as an example of an input unit. The user interface U0 can be operated by the operator by inputting the user interface U0.
A post-processing device U4 is arranged on the right side of the printer unit U1.

  A document tray TG1 as an example of a medium container is disposed on the upper part of the auto feeder U3. A plurality of documents Gi to be copied can be stacked and stored in the document tray TG1. A document discharge tray TG2 as an example of a document discharge unit is formed below the document tray TG1. A document transport roll U3b is disposed between the document tray TG1 and the document discharge tray TG2 along the document transport path U3a.

A platen glass PG as an example of a transparent document table is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit U2. In the scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment, a reading optical system A is disposed below the platen glass PG. The optical system A for reading in Example 1 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the platen glass PG. The reading optical system A is normally stopped at the initial position shown in FIG.
On the right side of the optical system A for reading, an imaging element CCD as an example of an imaging member is arranged. An image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the image sensor CCD.
The image processing unit GS is electrically connected to a controller C and a writing circuit D as an example of a control unit of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit D is electrically connected to Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, K: black exposure devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, ROSK.

In FIG. 1, photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk as examples of an image holding member are disposed below exposure apparatuses ROSy to ROSk as examples of a latent image forming apparatus.
Around the photosensitive drum Pk for K color, along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum Pk, a charger CRk, a developing device GK, a primary transfer roll T1k as an example of a primary transfer device, and an image carrier A drum cleaner CLk as an example of a cleaner is disposed.
A charging voltage for charging the photosensitive drum Pk is applied from the power supply circuit E to the charger CRk. The developing device GK includes a developing roll R0 as an example of a developer holding body. A developing voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the developing roll R0. A primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developer is applied from the power supply circuit E to the primary transfer roll T1k.

In the first embodiment, the photosensitive drum Pk, the charger CRk, and the drum cleaner CLk are unitized as an image carrier unit UK. The image carrier unit UK is detachably supported with respect to the printer unit U1.
For each of the colors Y, M, and C, image carrier units UY, UM, and UC configured similarly to the K color are provided. Therefore, each image carrier unit UY, UM, UC also includes photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, chargers CRy, CRm, CRc, and drum cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc.
In the first embodiment, the developing devices GY to GK are also unitized and supported so as to be detachable from the printer unit U1.
The image carrier units UY, UM, UC, UK and the developing devices GY, GM, GC, GK constitute toner image forming members UY + GY, UM + GM, UC + GC, UK + GK.

A belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer device is disposed below the image carrier units UY to UK. The belt module BM includes an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member, belt support rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a as examples of support members of the intermediate transfer member, and primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m. , T1c, T1k. The belt support rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, and T2a include a belt drive roll Rd as an example of a drive member, a tension roll Rt as an example of a tension applying member, a walking roll Rw as an example of a meandering prevention member, and a driven member A plurality of idler rolls Rf as an example and a backup roll T2a as an example of a counter member for secondary transfer are included.
The intermediate transfer belt B is supported by the belt support rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow Ya.

  Below the backup roll T2a, a secondary transfer unit Ut as an example of a medium transport device is disposed. The secondary transfer unit Ut is an example of a secondary transfer member, and includes a secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a second transport member. The secondary transfer roll T2b is supported by the backup roll T2a so as to be separated and in contact with an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of a first conveying member. An area where the secondary transfer roll T2b is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt B forms a secondary transfer area Q4 which is an example of a transfer area and an example of a counter area. Further, a contact roll T2c as an example of a contact member for applying a voltage is in contact with the backup roll T2a. A secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the toner charging polarity is applied to the contact roll T2c from the power supply circuit E at a preset time. The rolls T2a to T2c constitute a secondary transfer device T2.

A belt cleaner CLB as an example of an intermediate transfer member cleaner is disposed on the downstream side of the secondary transfer region Q4 with respect to the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B.
The primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer unit T2, the belt cleaner CLB, and the like constitute a transfer device T1 + B + T2 + CLB that transfers the image on the surface of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk onto the sheet S.

Under the printer unit U1, paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 as an example of a medium storage unit are supported so as to be able to enter and exit. The sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR3 store sheets S as an example of a medium.
A pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member is disposed on the upper left side of each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3. On the left side of the pick-up roll Rp, a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member is disposed.
On the left side of each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3, a medium transport path SH1 extending upward is formed. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged in the transport path SH1.
In the transport path SH1, a registration roll Rr as an example of a feeding member is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and on the upstream side of the secondary transfer region Q4.

A registration guide SGr as an example of a medium guide member and a sheet guide SG1 before transfer are sequentially arranged on the downstream side of the registration roll Rr with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S.
A post-transfer sheet guide SG2 as an example of a medium guide member is disposed on the downstream side of the secondary transfer region Q4 with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. A conveyance belt BH as an example of a medium conveyance member is disposed on the downstream side of the sheet guide SG2 after transfer with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S.
A fixing device F is disposed on the downstream side of the conveyance belt BH with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. A fixing region Q5 is formed by a region where the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp are in contact with each other.

A discharge path SH3 as an example of a medium transport path is formed on the downstream side of the fixing device F with respect to the transport direction of the sheet S. The discharge path SH3 extends rightward toward the post-processing device U4. A transport roll Rb as an example of a medium transport member is disposed at the downstream end of the discharge path SH3. An upstream end of a reversing path SH4 as an example of a medium transport path is connected to the downstream end of the discharge path SH3. The reversing path SH4 according to the first embodiment joins the conveyance path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration roll Rr through the space below the secondary transfer unit Ut and above the uppermost sheet feed tray TR1. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged on the reversing path SH4.
A first gate GT1 as an example of a transfer path switching member is disposed at a branch portion between the discharge path SH3 and the reversal path SH4.

The post-processing device U4 has a processing path SH5 as an example of a medium transport path. In the processing path SH5, a plurality of transport rolls Rb as an example of a medium transport member are arranged. In addition, the conveyance roll Rb of Example 1 is comprised so that normal / reverse rotation is possible. A decurler U4a as an example of a curvature correction device is disposed in the processing path SH5. The decurler U4a according to the first embodiment includes a first curl correction member h1 and a second curl correction member h2 as examples of a curvature correction member.
A discharge roll Rh as an example of a discharge member is disposed on the downstream side of the decurler U4a with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. A discharge tray TH1 as an example of a discharge unit is disposed on the downstream side of the discharge roll Rh with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The discharge tray TH1 according to the first exemplary embodiment is supported to be movable in the vertical direction according to the stacking amount of the sheets S.
The medium transport path SH of the first embodiment is configured by the elements having the symbols SH1 to SH5. Further, a medium transport system SU is constituted by the elements having the symbols SH, Ra, Rb, Rr, Rh, SGr, SG1, SG2, BH, GT1 and the like.

(Description of image forming operation)
In FIG. 1, in the copying machine U according to the first embodiment, when a copy start key is input on the user interface U0, the scanner unit U2 reads a document.
When the automatic feeder U3 is used to automatically convey and copy a document, each document that sequentially passes through the reading position on the platen glass PG with the reading optical system A stopped at the initial position. Gi is exposed. Accordingly, the plurality of documents Gi stored in the document tray TG1 sequentially pass through the document reading position on the platen glass PG and are discharged to the document discharge tray TG2.
When the operator places the document Gi on the platen glass PG by hand, the optical system A for reading moves in the left-right direction, and the document on the platen glass PG is scanned while being exposed.

The reflected light from the original document Gi passes through the optical system A for reading and is condensed on the image sensor CCD. The image pickup device CCD converts the reflected light of the original collected on the image pickup surface into an electric signal.
The image processing unit GS converts the read signal input from the image sensor CCD into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal to the writing circuit D of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit D outputs a laser drive signal corresponding to image information of Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black input from the image processing unit GS at a preset time. Are output to the exposure apparatuses ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, and ROSk of the respective colors as an example.
The controller C outputs a signal for controlling the timing when the write circuit D outputs a signal, the power supply circuit E, and the like.

  The surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk are charged by the chargers CRy to CRk, respectively. On the photosensitive drums Py to Pk whose surfaces are charged, electrostatic latent images are formed by laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk as an example of writing light output from the exposure apparatuses ROSy to ROSk. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk are converted into toner images as examples of visible images of Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black by the developing devices GY to GK. Developed.

The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k. When a multicolor image, that is, a so-called color image is formed, the toner images on the photosensitive drums Py to Pk are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B in a superimposed manner. In the case of black image data only, only K: black photosensitive drum Pk and developing device GK are used, and only a black toner image is formed. Accordingly, only the black toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B.
After the primary transfer, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk is cleaned by the drum cleaners CLy to CLk.
The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4.

  The sheets S of the respective trays TR1 to TR3 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a preset sheet feeding time. The sheets S picked up by the pick-up roll Rp are separated one by one by the rolling roll Rs when picked up in a state where a plurality of sheets S are overlapped. The sheet S that has passed the separating roll Rs is conveyed to the registration roll Rr by a plurality of conveying rolls Ra.

The registration roll Rr sends out the sheet S in accordance with the time when the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer region Q4. The sheet S sent out by the registration roll Rr is guided by the guides SGr and SG1 and conveyed to the secondary transfer region Q4.
The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the sheet S by the secondary transfer unit T2 when passing through the secondary transfer region Q4. In the case of a color image, the toner images primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B are secondarily transferred to the sheet S at once.
The intermediate transfer belt B after passing through the secondary transfer region Q4 is cleaned of residual toner by a belt cleaner CLB.

The sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing device F through a medium guide member SG2 after transfer and a conveyance belt BH as an example of a medium conveyance member before fixing. The toner image on the surface of the sheet S is heated and fixed by the fixing device F when passing through the fixing region Q5. The sheet S on which the toner image is heated and fixed in the fixing area Q5 is conveyed through the discharge path SH3.
When the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray TH1, the sheet S conveyed through the discharge path SH3 is carried into the processing path SH5 of the post-processing device U4. The switching gate h3 switches the conveyance destination to the first curl correction member h1 or the second curl correction member h2 in accordance with the curvature of the sheet S conveyed to the processing path SH5, the so-called curl direction. The curl correction members h1 and h2 correct the curl of the sheet S that passes therethrough. The sheet S with the curl corrected is discharged to the discharge tray TH1 by the discharge roll Rh.

  When the sheet S is printed on both sides, the first gate GT1 switches the conveyance destination of the sheet S to the reversing path SH4 after the rear end of the sheet S passes through the first gate GT1. And the conveyance roll Rb of the downstream end of discharge path SH3 and the conveyance roll Rb of process path SH5 reversely rotate. Accordingly, the sheet S that has passed through the first gate GT1 is carried into the reversing path SH4 in a state where the transport direction is reversed by the transport roll Rb. That is, the sheet S is switched back. The switched-back sheet S is conveyed through the reversing path SH4 and conveyed to the registration roll Rr with the front and back sides reversed.

(Explanation of user interface)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a user interface according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 2, the user interface U0 of the first embodiment includes a display panel 1 as an example of a display member. The display panel 1 according to the first embodiment includes a so-called touch panel that displays an image and allows a user to touch and input with a finger. The user interface U0 includes a start button 2 as an example of an input member for starting copying, a numeric keypad 3 as an example of a numerical input unit member, an authentication button 4 as an example of an authentication start member, and a setting as an example of a setting start member. Various input members such as a start button 6 and a stop button 7 as an example of an end input member for ending various operations and operations are included.

(Description of the control part of Example 1)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, a controller C as an example of a control unit included in the copying machine U has an input / output interface I / O for inputting / outputting signals to / from the outside. Further, the controller C has a read only memory (ROM) in which a program and information for performing necessary processing are stored. Further, the controller C has a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing necessary data. Further, the controller C includes a central processing unit (CPU) that performs processing according to a program stored in a ROM or the like. Therefore, the controller C of the first embodiment is configured by a small information processing apparatus, a so-called microcomputer. Therefore, the controller C can implement various functions by executing programs stored in the ROM or the like.

(Signal output element connected to controller C)
The controller C of the printer unit U1 receives an output signal from a signal output element such as the user interface U0.
U0: User Interface The user interface U0 includes a power button U01 as an example of a power-on unit, a display panel 1, a start button 2, a numeric keypad 3, an authentication button 4, a setting start button 6, a stop button 7, and the like. .

(Controlled element connected to controller C)
The controller C is connected to a drive circuit D1 as a drive source, a buzzer control circuit D2, a power supply circuit E, and other control elements (not shown). The controller C outputs those control signals to the circuits D1 to D2, E and the like.
D1: Driving circuit for driving source The driving circuit D1 for driving source drives a main motor M1 as an example of a driving source, thereby developing photosensitive drums Py to Pk, developer holding members for developing devices GY to GK, and intermediate transfer. The belt B, the heating roll Fh of the fixing device F, the transport roll Ra, and the like are driven to rotate.
D2: Buzzer Control Circuit A buzzer control circuit D2 as an example of a notification member drive circuit controls a buzzer 11 as an example of a notification member to generate a sound.

E: Power Supply Circuit The power supply circuit E includes a power supply circuit E1 for development, a power supply circuit E2 for charging, a power supply circuit E3 for transfer, and a power supply circuit E4 for fixing.
E1: Power supply circuit for development The power supply circuit E1 for development applies a development voltage to the developer holding bodies of the development devices GY to GK. E2: Power Supply Circuit for Charging The power supply circuit E2 for charging applies a charging voltage to the chargers CRy to CRk.
E3: Power Supply Circuit for Transfer The power supply circuit E3 for transfer applies a transfer voltage to the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k and the secondary transfer roll T2b.
E4: Power Supply Circuit for Fixing The power supply circuit E4 for fixing supplies heating power to the heating member of the heating roll Fh of the fixing device F.

(Function of controller C)
The controller C has a function of executing a process according to an input signal from the signal output element and outputting a control signal to each control element. That is, the controller C has the following functions.
C1: Image Formation Control Unit The image formation control unit C1 controls the driving of each member of the copier U, the application timing of each voltage, and the like in accordance with the image information input from the scanner unit U2, thereby forming an image. Run the job that is the action.

C2: Drive Source Control Unit The drive source control unit C2 controls the drive of the main motor M1 via the drive source drive circuit D1, and controls the drive of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk and the like.
C3: Power Supply Circuit Control Unit The power supply circuit control unit C3 controls the power supply circuits E1 to E4 to control the voltage applied to each member and the power supplied to each member.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an authentication image according to the first embodiment.
C4: Authentication Unit The authentication unit C4 authenticates whether the user has the authority to set the copying machine U. That is, it is authenticated whether the user is an administrator who has the authority to change the settings of the copying machine U. For example, the authentication unit C4 according to the first embodiment displays the authentication image 21 illustrated in FIG. 4 on the display panel 1 when the authentication button 4 is input. The authentication image 21 according to the first embodiment includes a password input field 21a for inputting a password as an example of authentication information, a “login” button 21b as an example of an authentication execution unit for performing authentication, and an “end” to end authentication. Button "21c. In FIG. 4, when the password is entered in the password entry field 21a and the login button 21b is entered, the authentication means C4 is configured to store the password entered in the display panel 1 in advance and the password stored in the authentication means C4. Determine whether they match. If the passwords match, it is determined that the user is an administrator, and if the passwords do not match, authentication fails.

C5: Administrator Setting Unit The administrator setting unit C5, which is an example of the certifier setting unit, includes an administrator setting image display unit C5A, an individual volume setting storage unit C5B, and an administrator setting unit. A volume setting image display means C5C, an individual setting image display means C5D, and a volume setting means C5E for an administrator are provided, and various settings of the copier U are set based on an input from an authenticated administrator. Do.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a setting image for an administrator according to the first embodiment.
C5A: Administrator Setting Image Display Unit The administrator setting image display unit C5A displays on the display panel 1 a manager setting image 31 that displays items that can be set by a person having administrator authority. . In FIG. 5, the setting image 31 for the administrator of the first embodiment includes a “sound” setting button 31a for setting the volume, a “clock” setting button 31b for setting the time, and the density of each color. "Image quality" button 31c for performing detailed image quality settings such as setting of image quality and overall brightness, and "tray" for setting of paper size and paper type accommodated in paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 ”Button 31 d,“ Report ”button 31 e for setting whether or not to output a report as an example of a report such as an output history and FAX transmission history, and other settings are performed. An “other” button 31 f for completing the setting operation, and an “end” button 31 g for ending the setting operation. In the first embodiment, the administrator setting image 31 is displayed on the display panel 1 when authenticated by the authentication unit C4.

C5B: Individual Volume Setting Storage Unit The individual volume setting storage unit C5B, which is an example of the first setting storage unit, includes various types of output that are output along with the operation of the copying machine U as an example of the first setting information. Stores sound volume setting information. The individual volume setting storage means C5B according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a warning sound at the time of abnormality, a warning sound for notifying that it is time to replace consumables, a warning sound when image formation ends abnormally, and an input button. 2 to 7 input sound, sound notifying that it is almost time to replace consumables, sound notifying that the fax output has ended normally, sound notifying that copying has ended normally, Stores various items that emit a sound such as a sound for notifying that preparation for image formation has been completed after the power is turned on or after returning from the energy-saving state, and set values of the respective items. In the first embodiment, “+1” is stored as a setting value when the volume is increased by one step with respect to a later-described collective setting volume described later. In the first embodiment, the volume can be adjusted in a range of 1 to 3 levels. It should be noted that “−1” is stored when the volume is decreased by one level, and “± 0” is stored when the volume is adjusted to the batch set volume. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the individual volume setting can be set in the range of “−3” to “+3”.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a volume setting image for an administrator according to the first embodiment.
C5C: Volume setting image display means for administrator The volume setting image display means C5C for the administrator is displayed when the “sound” setting button 31a is input in the setting image 31 for the administrator. Is displayed on the display panel 1. In FIG. 6, in the volume setting image 41 of the first embodiment, a setting item display field 41 a in which setting items are displayed, and a “return” button 41 b for ending the volume setting and returning to the administrator setting image 31. Have. In the setting item display field 41a of the first embodiment, various items stored in the storage unit C5B for individual volume setting and the current setting values of the respective items are displayed. The volume setting image 41 is configured to allow input for selecting any item.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an individual setting image according to the first embodiment.
C5D: Individual Setting Image Display Unit The individual setting image display unit C5D displays the individual setting image 51 shown in FIG. 7 when an input for selecting an item in the setting item display field 41a is input. FIG. 7 shows a FAX reception volume setting image as an example. In FIG. 7, in the individual setting image 51 of the first embodiment, a setting display field 51a for displaying the current setting value, an increase / decrease button 51b as an example of an input unit for changing the setting value, and the setting value are updated. An "update" button 51c for ending, and a "return" button 51d for ending the individual setting and returning to the volume setting image 41. In the individual setting image 51 of the first embodiment, every time an increase input of the increase / decrease button 51b is input, the set value is changed to a value added by 1, and each time a decrease is input, the set value is decremented by 1. The value is changed.

C5E: Volume setting means for administrator Volume setting means C5E for administrator as an example of the first setting means displays a setting display field when the “update” button 51c is input in the individual setting image 51. The setting value of the corresponding item stored in the storage unit C5B of the individual volume setting is updated to the setting value displayed in 51a.

C6: User Setting Unit The user setting unit C6 includes a collective volume setting storage unit C6A, a user setting image display unit C6B, and a user volume setting image display unit C6C. A volume setting unit C6D for a user, and performs various settings of the copier U based on an input of an unauthenticated user.
C6A: Collective Volume Setting Storage Unit The collective volume setting storage unit C6A as an example of the second setting storage unit is an example of the second setting information. The volume setting volume which is the volume setting information of is stored. In the collective volume setting storage unit C6A according to the first embodiment, as the collective set volume, any one of the four set values of high volume “+3”, medium volume “+2”, low volume “+1”, and mute “0” is set. Remember.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a user setting image according to the first embodiment.
C6B: User Setting Image Display Unit The user setting image display unit C6B displays on the display panel 1 a user setting image 61 that displays items that can be set by a user who does not have administrator authority. indicate. In FIG. 8, the setting image 61 for the user in the first embodiment includes a “sound” setting button 61 a for collectively setting the volume, and “simple” image quality setting for increasing or decreasing the density. "Image quality" button 61b, "Tray" button 61c for setting the priority order of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 to be used, and "Other" button 61d for making other settings, and the setting work is completed. And an “end” button 61e. Note that the setting image display means C6B for the user of the first embodiment displays the setting image 61 for the user on the display panel 1 when the setting start button 6 is input.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a volume setting image for a user according to the first embodiment.
C6C: User Volume Setting Image Display Means The user volume setting image display means C6C is used when the “sound” setting button 61a is input in the user setting image 61. A volume setting image 71 is displayed. In FIG. 9, the volume setting image 71 for the user according to the first embodiment includes a volume display unit 71 a that displays a volume, a highlight display 71 b that is an example of a setting display that displays a set value of the current volume, and a setting. An “update” button 71c for updating the value and a “return” button 71d for ending the batch setting and returning to the setting image 61 for the user are provided. In the volume setting image 71 according to the first embodiment, the highlight display 71b indicates the volume of the input volume every time the user makes an input touching any of the volume fields “0” to “3” of the volume display section 71a. Move to column.

C6D: User volume setting means The user volume setting means C6D as an example of the second setting means is highlighted when the “update” button 71c is input in the volume setting image 71. The set value stored in the storage unit C6A for the collective volume setting is updated to the set value of the volume for which 71b is set.
C7: Buzzer Output Command Receiving Unit A buzzer output command receiving unit C7 as an example of a notification command receiving unit receives a command to sound the buzzer 11. In the first embodiment, an output command is transmitted from the image forming control means C1 when the buzzer 11 is sounded, such as when it ends abnormally or when a consumable is replaced.

C8: Collective Volume Setting Acquisition Unit The collective volume setting acquisition unit C8 is configured to store the collective volume setting stored in the collective volume setting storage unit C6A when the buzzer output command receiving unit C7 receives the buzzer output command. Get information.
C9: Individual Volume Setting Acquisition Unit The individual volume setting acquisition unit C9 performs various volume settings stored in the individual volume setting storage unit C5B when the buzzer output command receiving unit C7 receives the buzzer output command. The volume setting information corresponding to the buzzer output command is acquired from the above information.

C10: Output Volume Setting Unit The output volume setting unit C10 as an example of the operation setting unit, when operating the buzzer 11, is more for the administrator than the setting contents set by the user volume setting unit C6D. The operation of the buzzer 11 is set by giving priority to the setting contents set by the volume setting means C5E. The output volume setting means C10 according to the first embodiment corrects the setting contents set by the user volume setting means C6D with the setting contents set by the administrator volume setting means C5E. The setting contents set by the administrator volume setting means C5E are prioritized over the setting contents set by the user volume setting means C6D. Specifically, with respect to the set values “+3” to “0” of the collective volume setting set by the volume setting means C6D for the user, the volume setting “set by the volume setting means C5E for the administrator” is set. A value corrected by adding numerical values of “−3” to “+3” is set as the output volume of the buzzer 11. In the first embodiment, the upper limit value of the output volume is set to “+3” and the lower limit value is set to “−3”. When the upper limit value or the lower limit value is exceeded as a result of the addition, the upper limit value or the lower limit value is set. Is set as the output volume.

C11: Buzzer Control Unit A buzzer control unit C11 as an example of a notification member operation unit operates the buzzer 11 based on the setting set by the output sound volume setting unit C10. That is, the buzzer 11 is sounded at the set volume.

(Explanation of flowchart of Example 1)
Next, a control flow in the copying machine U according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart, a so-called flowchart.
(Description of Flowchart of Volume Setting Processing for Administrator in Embodiment 1)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of the volume setting process for the administrator according to the first embodiment.
The processing of each step ST in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is performed according to a program stored in the controller C of the copying machine U. This process is executed in parallel with other various processes of the copying machine U.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is started when the copying machine U is turned on.
In ST1 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the authentication button 4 has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2. If no (N), ST1 is repeated.
In ST2, an authentication process for displaying the authentication image 21 and performing authentication is executed, and the process proceeds to ST3.
In ST3, an administrator setting image 31 is displayed on the display panel 1. Then, the process proceeds to ST4.

In ST4, it is determined whether or not the “sound” setting button 31a is input in the setting image 31 for the administrator. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST5, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST8.
In ST5, it is determined whether or not an “end” button 31g is input in the setting image 31 for the administrator. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST6, and if yes (Y), the process returns to ST1.
In ST6, it is determined whether or not the “clock” setting button 31b or the like has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST7. If no (N), the process returns to ST4.
In ST7, processing according to input such as “clock” setting processing is executed, and the process returns to ST4.

In ST8, an administrator volume setting image 41 is displayed on the display panel 1. Then, the process proceeds to ST9.
In ST9, it is determined whether or not an input for selecting an item has been made in the setting item display field 41a. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST10, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST11.
In ST10, it is determined whether or not the “return” button 41b is input in the administrator volume setting image 41. If yes (Y), the process returns to ST3. If no (N), the process returns to ST9.
In ST11, the individual setting image 51 is displayed on the display panel 1. Then, the process proceeds to ST12.

In ST12, it is determined whether or not a setting is input via the increase / decrease button 51b. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST13. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST14.
In ST13, the display of the setting display column 51a is changed according to the input. Then, the process returns to ST12.
In ST14, it is determined whether or not the “update” button 51c in the individual setting image 51 has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST15, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST16.
In ST15, the setting value stored in the storage unit C5B for individual volume setting is updated to the setting value displayed in the setting display field 51a. Then, the process returns to ST8.
In ST16, it is determined whether or not the “return” button 51d in the individual setting image 51 has been input. If yes (Y), the process returns to ST8. If no (N), the process returns to ST12.

(Explanation of Flowchart of User Volume Setting Processing in Embodiment 1)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of volume setting processing for a user according to the first embodiment.
The processing of each step ST in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is performed according to a program stored in the controller C of the copying machine U. This process is executed in parallel with other various processes of the copying machine U.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is started when the copying machine U is turned on.
In ST21 of FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the setting start button 6 has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST22, and if no (N), ST21 is repeated.
In ST22, a setting image 61 for the user is displayed on the display panel 1. Then, the process proceeds to ST23.
In ST23, it is determined whether or not the “sound” setting button 61a is input in the user setting image 61. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST24, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST27.

In ST24, it is determined whether or not an “end” button 61e has been input in the setting image 61 for the user. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST25, and if yes (Y), the process returns to ST21.
In ST25, it is determined whether or not an “image quality” button 61b or the like has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST26, and, if no (N), the process returns to ST23.
In ST26, processing according to input such as “image quality” setting processing is executed, and the process returns to ST23.

In ST27, a volume setting image 71 for the user is displayed on the display panel 1. Then, the process proceeds to ST28.
In ST28, it is determined whether or not an input for setting the volume, that is, an input to the volume display portion 71a of the volume setting image 71 for the user has been made. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST29, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST30.
In ST29, the highlight display 71b is changed according to the input. Then, the process returns to ST28.

In ST30, it is determined whether or not the “update” button 71c of the user volume setting image 71 has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST31, and if no (N), the process proceeds to ST32.
In ST31, the information of the storage unit C6A for batch volume setting is updated to the volume setting information that is highlighted 71b in response to the input to the volume display unit 71a. Then, the process returns to ST22.
In ST32, it is determined whether or not the “return” button 71d of the user volume setting image 71 has been input. If yes (Y), the process returns to ST22. If no (N), the process returns to ST28.

(Description of Flowchart of Buzzer Control Processing in Embodiment 1)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of buzzer control processing according to the first embodiment.
The processing of each step ST in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is performed according to a program stored in the controller C of the copying machine U. This process is executed in parallel with other various processes of the copying machine U.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is started when the copying machine U is turned on.
In ST41 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not a buzzer output command for generating a buzzer sound has been received. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST42, and if no (N), ST41 is repeated.
In ST42, collective volume setting information is acquired. Then, the process proceeds to ST43.
In ST43, volume setting information corresponding to the buzzer sound generated from the individual volume setting information is acquired, and the collective volume setting is corrected. Then, the process proceeds to ST44.
In ST44, a buzzer sound is generated at the corrected volume. Then, the process returns to ST41.

(Buzzer sound setting processing function)
In the copying machine U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, a general user who does not have administrator authority can set the volume in the user volume setting image 71 in a batch. Therefore, according to the preference of the user, it is possible to collectively set the volume of the warning sound at the abnormal end, the input sound of the numeric keypad 3 or the like. Further, an administrator having administrator authority can set the volume of various sounds in detail through the administrator volume setting image 41. When the buzzer sound is actually sounded, the buzzer sound is sounded at a volume corrected based on the sound volume set by the administrator with respect to the sound volume set by the user.

In the configuration in which the user can individually set the sound on and off as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, if the number of situations in which sound is output increases, the user may feel annoyed. is there. In addition, depending on the setting of the user, the output setting of a sound that is highly important for the user, such as a warning sound at the time of abnormality, may be set to off. In this case, there is a possibility that the user cannot recognize the abnormality of the device.
Even if the output of sound is temporarily stopped or the output of the notification sound is turned off as in Patent Documents 2 and 3, when the input for eliminating the abnormality is made or a predetermined time has elapsed, it is automatically In the configuration in which the sound output setting is restored, it is necessary to reset every time the sound setting is changed, which is troublesome for the user who uses it every time and is difficult to match the user's preference. .

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the user can set the volume in a lump, and the inconvenience of setting the volume is reduced as compared with the prior art. Further, in the first embodiment, when the administrator sets the volume, correction is performed by setting the administrator's volume.
For example, even if the user sets the volume to zero, that is, mute, if the administrator sets the volume at the time of occurrence of abnormality to “+3”, the administrator's setting is given priority and “+3” is set. A buzzer sounds at a volume of. In addition, for example, when using it in a store that accepts orders by FAX, even if the user sets the volume to “+1”, the administrator wants to recognize that the order has been received, so When the reception volume is set to “+1”, a buzzer sound is generated at a volume “+2” higher than the volume “+1” that is set by the user when the FAX is output.

Therefore, the volume set by the administrator as needed is prioritized over the user's volume setting, and the volume set by the user is corrected and output. Therefore, for a situation in which the administrator wants to notify the user with a buzzer sound, such as a device abnormality, the notification is reliably performed according to the setting of the administrator.
In particular, in the first embodiment, the volume obtained by correcting the user setting with the administrator setting is used, and the output volume is linked to the user setting. Therefore, for example, in the configuration in which the item set by the administrator is output at the volume set by the administrator regardless of the user's setting, the user's preference may not be reflected at all. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the output sound volume is linked to the user's setting, and the user's preference is drawn and partially reflected.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H06) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine U as an example of the image forming apparatus is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a printer, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the exemplified specific numerical values can be arbitrarily changed according to the design and specifications. For example, the sound volume is set to three levels + four levels of mute, but is not limited to this, and can be changed to three levels, five levels or more, or two levels of on and off.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the buzzer 11 is illustrated as an example of the notification member that notifies the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any configuration that can notify the user, such as a lamp as an example of a light emitting member, a voice guidance output, and a vibration device as an example of a vibration member, can be used. For example, in the case of using a lamp, in place of setting the buzzer volume in the first embodiment, it is possible to set the light quantity and color of the lamp, the blinking speed, the lighting period, etc. It is.

(H04) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the user's setting is corrected based on the administrator's setting is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first embodiment, the administrator sets the correction value for the user setting. However, the administrator can directly set the volume instead. In other words, for items for which the administrator has set the volume to “+2”, no matter how the user adjusts the volume, the administrator setting takes precedence and the buzzer sounds at a volume of “+2”. Only for items that are not set, the buzzer can be sounded by setting the volume of the user.

(H05) In the above embodiment, authentication using a password is exemplified as an authentication method, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an arbitrary authentication method can be employed such as performing authentication by reading an ID card or the like.
(H06) In the above-described embodiments, the illustrated images, setting items, and the like are not limited to those illustrated in the embodiments, and can be arbitrarily changed according to design, use, and the like.

11 ... Notification member,
C4: Authentication means,
C5E: first setting means,
C6D: second setting means,
C10: operation setting means,
C11: Operating means,
S ... medium
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1... Main body of the image forming apparatus.

Claims (2)

A main body of an image forming apparatus for recording an image on a medium;
A notification member that notifies the user according to the operation of the main body;
Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user has authority to set the main body;
First authentication means for setting the operation of the notification member when authenticated by the authentication means;
A second setting means for setting the operation of the notification member when the authentication means is not authenticated;
An operation for setting the operation of the notification member by prioritizing the setting content set by the first setting means over the setting content set by the second setting means when operating the notification member. Setting means;
Based on the setting set by the operation setting means, operating means for operating the notification member;
An image forming apparatus comprising: When the notification member is operated, the second setting means is corrected by correcting the setting contents set by the second setting means with the setting contents set by the first setting means. The operation setting means for giving priority to the setting contents set by the first setting means over the setting contents set by
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images