JP2017074745A - Image formation apparatus, image formation system and setting takeover method of image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which can prevent takeover of setting information to an indefinite number of devices.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: image formation means which forms an image; storage means which stores a set value for operating the image formation means and a use situation of the image formation means; external memory interface means performing input/output of data to an external memory which has RAM being a non-volatile storage area where data can be written and read and ROM being a storage area where data can be read but cannot be written and identification information is recorded, and where the set value and use situation are written in the RAM; and import means which rewrites the use situation stored in a storage unit on the basis of the use situation read from the RAM when the information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM is written to the RAM.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a setting takeover method for an image forming apparatus.

  When an image forming device breaks down and needs to be replaced with another device, the new device is set in the same way as the original device in order to continue using the new device in the same way as the original device. It is necessary to do. With the recent increase in functionality of devices, it is cumbersome to manually set a wide variety of setting items in a new device, and if the work time is prolonged, the device cannot be used during that time, which impairs user convenience. .

  Therefore, a technique for reading (importing) settings of an original device saved (exported) in an external memory with a new device is known in order to reduce downtime when the device is replaced.

  There is a service in a form that pays a cost corresponding to a usage situation such as the number of printed sheets to the introduced image forming apparatus. When replacing an image forming apparatus used in such a service form, it is necessary to transfer not only the setting but also information for charging indicating the usage status such as the number of printed sheets from the original apparatus to the new apparatus.

  However, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses used in such a service form, other than the apparatus that should originally be replaced using an external memory that stores the settings of one image forming apparatus and billing information If information is transferred to the device, not only appropriate settings are made, but there is a problem that correct accounting cannot be performed.

  In relation to this problem, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that prevents an erroneous operation when import import data is replaced.

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, when an exported setting value stored in an external memory is imported by a device, information indicating that it has been used is added. You can't do that. However, the problem that it is still possible to copy the exported setting values in advance and store them in a plurality of external memories and import them into different devices cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a setting takeover method for an image forming apparatus that prevent setting information from being transferred to an unspecified number of devices. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image,
A storage unit for storing a setting value for operating the image forming unit and a usage status of the image forming unit;
The RAM, which is a nonvolatile storage area where data can be read and written, and the ROM, which is a storage area where data can be read and cannot be written and identification information is recorded, and the setting values and the usage status are written to the RAM External memory interface means for inputting / outputting data to / from the external memory,
An import unit that rewrites the usage status stored in the storage unit according to the usage status read from the RAM when information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM is written to the RAM;
Have

  The image forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the setting takeover method for the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can prevent the setting information from being taken over to an unspecified number of devices.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the table in which the external memory 2 stores information. 5 is a flowchart of import processing in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. It is an example of a screen display at the time of selection of import processing. 6 is a flowchart of export processing in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. It is an example of a screen display at the time of selection of export processing. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a user interface unit 10, an external memory interface unit 11, an information processing unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an image forming unit 14. The external memory 2 can be accessed.

  The user interface unit 10 provides information related to the operation of the apparatus to the user and receives input from the user. The user interface unit 10 can be configured by a touch panel in which, for example, a touch sensor that receives, as an input, coordinates of a position in contact with a display that displays information in a visually recognizable manner is input.

  The external memory interface unit 11 accesses the external memory 2 to input / output data. The external memory interface unit 11 can be configured by a connector and a driver that comply with existing connection standards such as USB (registered trademark) and SD memory card (registered trademark).

  The information processing unit 12 processes information related to image formation by the image forming apparatus 1 based on user input to the user interface unit 10 and controls the operation of each unit. The information processing unit 12 can be configured by a CPU that executes a program read into a memory.

  The storage unit 13 stores predetermined information in a nonvolatile manner and reads it out as necessary. The storage unit 13 can be configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

  The image forming unit 14 receives input image data and outputs image data. The image forming unit 14 can be configured by a scanner that optically receives an image input, a printer that outputs an image to a medium, or the like.

  Next, functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a user interface unit 100, an external memory interface unit 110, an import unit 120, an export unit 121, a storage unit 130, and an image forming unit 140. The external memory 2 includes a RAM 200 and a ROM 210.

  The user interface unit 100 provides information regarding the operation of the apparatus to the user and accepts input from the user. The user interface unit 100 can be implemented when the information processing unit 12 controls the user interface unit 10.

  The external memory interface unit 110 accesses the external memory 2 and inputs / outputs data. The external memory interface unit 110 can be implemented by the information processing unit 12 controlling the external memory interface unit 11.

  The import unit 120 stores the usage state or setting value of the image forming apparatus 1 read from the external memory 2 by the external memory interface unit 110 in the storage unit 130 described later. The import unit 120 can be implemented by executing a predetermined program in the information processing unit 12.

  The export unit 121 outputs the usage state or setting value of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the storage unit 130 described later, and writes it to the external memory by the external memory interface unit 110. The export unit 121 can be implemented by executing a predetermined program in the information processing unit 12.

  The storage unit 130 stores the usage status or setting value of the image forming apparatus 1. The usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus 1 such as printing, scanning, and copying is used. At this time, it may be aggregated separately for color and monochrome, or may be aggregated for each paper size. The usage fee can be charged to the user of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the value of the usage status. The set value of the image forming apparatus 1 is a set value when the image forming apparatus 1 operates. For example, an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway, and a DNS when the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the network. A value indicating a server or the like is applicable. The storage unit 130 can be implemented in the storage unit 13.

  The image forming unit 140 performs a composite operation of receiving input image data and outputting image data. Specifically, a scan that outputs an optically input image as electronic data, a copy that outputs an optically input image to a medium, a fax transmission / reception that is an image input / output via a public telephone line, Processing such as network printing for outputting an image input from a host computer via various communication interfaces such as LAN and USB (registered trademark) to a medium is performed. The image forming unit 140 can be implemented when the information processing unit 12 controls the image forming unit 14.

  The RAM 200 included in the external memory 2 is a nonvolatile storage area in which data can be read and written. Reading and writing data to and from the RAM 200 can be performed by the external memory interface unit 110. The RAM 200 can be implemented by a flash memory, a magnetoresistive RAM, a resistance change memory, a ferroelectric memory, or the like.

  The ROM 210 of the external memory 2 is a storage area where data can be read and cannot be written, and identification information is recorded. In the ROM 210, identification information that is unique information for identifying the external memory 2 is recorded. The ROM 210 can be implemented by a mask ROM, a PROM, or the like.

  The external memory 2 can store the usage status and setting values of the image forming apparatus 1. The external memory 2 stores information in a table as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  The setting information in FIG. 3 corresponds to the setting value of the image forming apparatus 1, and values such as an IPv4 address and an IPv4 subnet mask set in the image forming apparatus 1 are stored in the RAM 200 for each item. The charging information in FIG. 3 corresponds to the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1, and the monochrome printing count and color printing count in the image forming apparatus 1 are stored in the RAM 200 for each item.

  The device information in FIG. 3 corresponds to the device information of the image forming apparatus 1. The device information is information that can identify the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a device number unique to the device can be used as the device information, but is not limited thereto. The device information is stored in the RAM 200.

  The external memory unique information in FIG. 3 corresponds to the identification information of the external memory 2. The external memory specific information is stored in the ROM 210.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of import processing in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, when the power is turned on (step S101), the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether an import instruction has been given (step S102). The instruction for the import process is made, for example, when the user selects “import” on the user interface unit 100 displaying the image shown in FIG.

  If it is determined that the import is instructed (S102: Y), the image forming apparatus 1 collates the identification information (step S103). The verification of the identification information is performed by determining whether information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM 210 of the external memory 2 is written in the RAM 200. If it is determined that no import instruction has been given (S102: N), the process proceeds to step S109 described later.

  Here, the information corresponding to the identification information may be the identification information itself stored in the ROM 210 or may be encrypted with a predetermined encryption key. At this time, the information corresponding to the identification information may be other information in addition to the identification information, for example, information encrypted with a predetermined encryption key in combination with the usage status and setting value of the image forming apparatus 1. In this way, the relationship between the external memory 2 and the stored information can be confirmed at a more detailed level. The predetermined encryption key may be stored in the storage unit 130. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 decrypts information corresponding to the encrypted identification information and performs collation.

  The information corresponding to the identification information may be an error detection code generated based on the identification information. The error detection code is a code for detecting an error in data and is, for example, a checksum, but may be a hash value obtained by a hash function or the like other than that. The error detection code may be generated based on information obtained by adding other information to the identification information. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 generates an error detection code based on information corresponding to the identification information and performs collation.

  If the collation of the identification information is OK, that is, it is determined that the information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM 210 of the external memory 2 is written in the RAM 200 (S103: Y), the image forming apparatus 1 stores the device information in the RAM 200. It is determined whether or not is written (step S104). If the collation of the identification information is not OK (S103: N), the process proceeds to step S107 described later.

  If it is determined that the device information is not written in the RAM 200 (S104: N), the image forming apparatus 1 rewrites the usage status stored in the storage unit 130 according to the usage status read from the RAM 200 (step S105). As a result, the usage status is imported from the external memory 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 1 writes device information in the RAM 200 (step S106). The device information may be stored in the storage unit 130, but may be mounted as firmware on another memory, for example, a substrate on which the information processing unit 12 is mounted.

  If it is determined that the device information is written in the RAM 200 (S104: Y), the process proceeds to step S107 described later. By dividing the processing according to the presence or absence of device information written in the RAM 200 when the usage status is rewritten, it is prohibited to import the usage status from the external memory 2 used for importing the usage status to the image forming apparatus 1 to another image forming apparatus 1 once. Therefore, illegal data transfer is prevented.

  The image forming apparatus 1 rewrites the setting value stored in the storage unit 130 with the setting value read from the RAM 200 (step S107). As a result, the setting value is imported from the external memory 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 1 writes a predetermined flag in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 (step S108). The flag is used so that the external memory 2 used for importing into the other image forming apparatus 1 is not used for exporting the usage status in the export processing described later.

  The image forming apparatus 1 that has executed step S108 or has determined that import has not been instructed in step S102 determines whether or not power-off has been instructed (step S109). If it is determined that power off is not instructed (S109: N), the process returns to step S102. If it is determined that power-off is instructed (S109: Y), the power is turned off and the process is terminated.

  Next, an export process in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the export process in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, when the power is turned on (step S201), the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether an export instruction is given (step S202). An instruction for the export process is made, for example, when the user selects “export” to the user interface unit 100 displaying the image shown in FIG. If it is determined that no export instruction has been given (S202: N), the process proceeds to step S207, which will be described later.

  If it is determined that export has been instructed (S202: Y), the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether a flag is written in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 (step S203). The flag is written in step S108 in the import process.

  If it is determined that the flag is not written in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 (S203: N), the image forming apparatus 1 writes the usage status stored in the storage unit 130 in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 (step S204). . As a result, the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 is exported to the external memory 2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the flag is written in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 (S203: Y), the image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to the next process without writing the usage status to the external memory 2. By confirming the flag in this way, the usage status of the external memory 2 used for importing into another image forming apparatus 1 can be prohibited.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 1 writes the setting value stored in the storage unit 130 in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 (step S205). As a result, the setting value of the image forming apparatus 1 is exported to the external memory 2.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 1 writes information corresponding to the identification information recorded in the ROM 210 of the external memory 2 in the RAM 200 (step S206). As described above, the information corresponding to the identification information may be the identification information itself, or may be information obtained by encrypting the identification information or an error detection code generated based on the identification information. Further, encryption or error detection code generation may be performed by adding other information to the identification information.

  The image forming apparatus 1 that has executed step S206 or has determined that export is not instructed in step S202 determines whether or not power-off has been instructed (step S207). If it is determined that power-off is not instructed (S207: N), the process returns to step S202. If it is determined that power-off is instructed (S207: Y), the power is turned off and the process is terminated.

  By configuring the image forming apparatus 1 in this manner, even if information stored in the RAM 200 of the external memory 2 is copied to the RAM 200 of another external memory 2, the copy source external memory 2 and the copy destination external memory 2 are copied. Since the identification information differs between and, import from the copy destination external memory 2 cannot be performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the setting information from being transferred to an unspecified number of devices.

  The embodiment of the present invention as the image forming apparatus 1 has been described so far, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, each functional block described as having the image forming apparatus 1 may be divided into a plurality of devices and may be implemented in the form of an image forming system in which these devices are connected to each other via a network or the like. is there.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system according to this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1a and an image forming apparatus 1b. Each image forming apparatus has the same functional blocks as those of the image forming apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG.

  In this system, the image forming apparatus 1a has an import unit 120a, and the image forming apparatus 1b has an export unit 121b. As a result, the usage status and setting information of the image forming apparatus 1b can be exported to the external memory 2 by the export means 121b, and can be imported from the external memory 2 to the image forming apparatus 1a by the import means 120a. The operations of the import unit 120a and the export unit 121b at this time are as described above for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. With this procedure, the setting is inherited from the image forming apparatus 1b to the image forming apparatus 1a.

  Although not shown, it goes without saying that the image forming apparatus 1a may have an export unit, and the image forming apparatus 1b may have an import unit.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications, within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims, It can be changed.

1, 1a, 1b Image forming apparatus 10 User interface unit 11 External memory interface unit 12 Information processing unit 13 Storage unit 14 Image forming unit 100, 100a, 100b User interface unit 110, 110a, 110b External memory interface unit 120, 120a, 120b Import means 121, 121a, 121b Export means 130, 130a, 130b Storage means 140, 140a, 140b Image forming means 2 External memory 200 RAM
210 ROM

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-39805

Claims (10)

An image forming means for forming an image;
A storage unit for storing a setting value for operating the image forming unit and a usage status of the image forming unit;
The RAM, which is a nonvolatile storage area where data can be read and written, and the ROM, which is a storage area where data can be read and cannot be written and identification information is recorded, and the setting values and the usage status are written to the RAM External memory interface means for inputting / outputting data to / from the external memory,
An import unit that rewrites the usage status stored in the storage unit according to the usage status read from the RAM when information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM is written to the RAM;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The import unit writes device information capable of identifying the image forming apparatus into the RAM when the use state stored in the storage unit is rewritten according to the use state read from the RAM. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.   The importing unit does not rewrite the usage status stored in the storage unit according to the usage status read from the RAM when the device information is written in the RAM. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the import unit rewrites the setting value stored in the storage unit with the setting value read from the RAM.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an export unit that writes the usage state stored in the storage unit into the RAM and writes information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM into the RAM. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the export unit writes the setting value stored in the storage unit into the RAM.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information corresponding to the identification information is information obtained by encrypting at least the identification information with an encryption key stored in the storage unit. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information corresponding to the identification information is an error detection code generated based on at least the identification information. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming means for forming an image;
A storage unit for storing a setting value for operating the image forming unit and a usage status of the image forming unit;
The RAM, which is a nonvolatile storage area where data can be read and written, and the ROM, which is a storage area where data can be read and cannot be written and identification information is recorded, and the setting values and the usage status are written to the RAM External memory interface means for inputting / outputting data to / from the external memory,
Have
One image forming apparatus includes:
In addition to writing the usage status stored in the storage means to the RAM, the export means further writes information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM to the RAM,
Other image forming apparatuses include:
The system further includes an import unit that rewrites the usage status stored in the storage unit according to the usage status read from the RAM when information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM is written in the RAM. An image forming system. A method for taking over setting of an image forming apparatus,
The usage status stored in the storage unit of the one image forming apparatus is written in a RAM which is a non-volatile storage area in which data in the external memory can be read and written, and in a ROM which is a readable and non-writable storage area in the external memory. An export step of writing information corresponding to the recorded identification information into the RAM;
When information corresponding to the identification information read from the ROM of the external memory is written in the RAM, the information stored in the storage unit of the other image forming apparatus according to the usage status read from the RAM An import process that rewrites usage, and
Taking over the setting of an image forming apparatus having

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