JP3031962B2 - Control method of image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a multicolor color copying apparatus, a simple management apparatus having a function called a password function for inhibiting a copying operation unless a registered password (ID number) is input. It has been known. These devices merely restrict whether key input or copying operation is permitted as a whole, and do not individually limit various image forming functions for each user.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] On the other hand, the functions of the copying apparatus are becoming extremely complex and complicated year by year, and a user (user, operator) is inadvertently started an unwilling program. The likelihood of causing undesired machine operation to the user also tends to increase.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling an image forming apparatus that allows only a specific user to use a specific function. An object of the present invention is to reduce the user's operation burden as much as possible while ensuring identification accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of executing a standard function and a specific function, in which the use of the standard function is permitted. A first code inputting step, a first permission step of permitting use of the standard function based on the first code input in the first input step, and a first permission step of: In a state where use of the standard function is permitted, an instruction step of instructing the specific function and a second code for permitting use of the specific function in response to the instruction of the specific function in the instruction step are input. Requesting to perform the second function, and a second inputting step of inputting a second code for permitting use of the specific function in response to the request in the requesting step; A second permission step of permitting use of the specific function based on the second code input in the input step.

Here, the method may further include a step of setting whether or not the first code and the second code are shared.

Further, a timer may be started according to the operation of the requesting step, and the request may be stopped according to a value of the timer.

Further, the specific function has a facsimile function.

[Operation] In the present invention, in a control method of an image forming apparatus for permitting a specific function only to a specific user, the identification accuracy between the specific user and other users when using the specific function is ensured. Thus, the burden on the user can be reduced as much as possible.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Basic Configuration FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral A denotes a registration unit for individually registering an arbitrary character string as a secret code corresponding to one or more types of specific functions or operation keys. B is storage means for storing the arbitrary character string registered by the registration means A. C is input means for inputting a character string. D is a determination means for comparing the character string input from the input means C with the specification of the specific function or operation key and the character string stored in the storage means B, and determining whether or not the two match. is there.
E is control means for selectively enabling the setting of the specific function or operation key when the judgment means D is affirmative.

In another embodiment, when the determination unit D makes an affirmative determination, the control unit E changes the specific function or the setting content of the operation key or the setting unit.

Further, as another form, the arbitrary character string registered as a secret code by the registration means A is a personal identification number individually assigned to the apparatus user or a part of the personal identification number. The character string to be entered is a password or a part of the password.

2 to 6 are diagrams showing the configuration and operation of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus (copying apparatus) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing sequence control of a copying machine and control of a man-machine interface with a user. An operation unit 102 has various keys and the like which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 103 is a memory having a backup battery (R
AM) for storing a secret code and a password for restricting the function according to the present invention.

104 is a group of drivers for driving each load for sequence control, and 105 is a group of sensors for monitoring the state of each load for sequence control.

The copying apparatus according to the present embodiment is a so-called digital / analog (digital / analog) copying apparatus employing a known electrophotographic method using a charged image having a laser writing function, and thus the internal configuration and the like will not be described in detail here.

Configuration of Operation Unit Next, the configuration of the operation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes a power switch for controlling power supply to the entire copying apparatus. 202 is a reset key,
During standby, it operates as a key to return to the standard mode. 203 is a copy key. Reference numeral 204 denotes a color developing device selection switching key, which is used to select and switch between two phenomenon units (not shown). Reference numeral 205 denotes a numeric keypad for mainly inputting the number of copies.

Reference numeral 236 denotes a password input key, which allows a specific operator to perform a copy operation by using this key, and prohibits a copy operation from being performed for any other operator unless a password is input using the password input key. It is possible to

206 is a key for selecting the cassette 3, 207 is a copy density adjustment key, 208 is a key for selecting the same size copy, 209 is a zoom key for specifying a copy magnification at a predetermined magnification, for example, in 1% steps.
Reference numeral 230 denotes an auto scaling key for automatically enlarging or reducing according to the size of the transfer paper, reference numeral 210 denotes a standard magnification key for specifying a standard reduction or standard enlargement magnification, reference numeral 211 denotes a key for designating a copy paper frame erasure, reference numeral 212 denotes a key. A key for specifying the binding margin at one end of the copy paper, a key 213 for specifying a photo mode for copying a halftone image such as a photo original, a reference numeral 225 for specifying an area, and a reference number 226 for specifying an area Area call key for partially correcting the contents of the area set by key 225, 217 is a guide key for knowing the contents of each function, 2
Reference numeral 31 denotes an interrupt mode key for selecting an interrupt mode.

214 is a multiplex key for selecting the multiplex mode, 215 is a continuous key for dividing the copy area of the original glass table into two right and left sides, and specifying continuous copy for automatically making two copies, and 216 for selecting the duplex copy mode. Keys 219 and 220 are keys for specifying the operation of a sorter (not shown). 222, 223 and 224
Is a key for designating a mode for writing predetermined character data to a copy image, and designates a date writing mode, a memo writing mode, and a number writing mode, respectively. 227, 228 and 229 in the mode memory key for storing the copying mode that has been set multiple stores a copy mode triplicate and M ₁ ~M _3.

Reference numeral 238 denotes a liquid crystal display element for displaying the number of copies, transfer paper size, set magnification, message, and the like.

239 to 250 are LED (light emitting diode) indicators.
First, 239 is a sorter use display LED when using a sorter
To display a sort mode, a group mode, and the like.
Reference numeral 240 denotes an automatic exposure adjustment display that lights when the automatic exposure adjustment (AE) key 237 is pressed, reference numeral 241 denotes a density display corresponding to the density key 207, and reference numeral 242 denotes whether the developing device selection key 204 is pressed. When a color developing device in a plurality of developing device storage devices that are optionally installed is selected, a color display corresponding to the color of the developing device is turned on. 243 is auto variable key 230
Is displayed, 244 is a photo mode indicator, 245 is a date writing mode indicator, 2
46 is an area designation display, 247 is a binding allowance mode display, 248
Is a memo writing mode indicator, 249 is a frame erasing mode indicator, and 250 is a number writing indicator.

Reference numeral 251 denotes a two-color light emitting LED arranged in the start key. The LED is lit green when the start is possible, and is red when the wait is disabled or the start is impossible such as an out-of-paper alarm.

Here, the functions of the keys 222 to 224 for designating a writing function using a semiconductor laser (not shown) are service functions provided only to specific users, and can be set only when a pre-registered secret code is input.

In addition, an area designation key 225 that enables area designation is
For general users, simplicity of operation is realized as a limited function for fixed area trimming function, and arbitrary areas can be specified for users who have entered a pre-registered secret code. It enables the realization of advanced area editing.

Secret Code Registration Operation FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a secret code registration operation in the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

When the user performs an input operation for secret code registration (step 301), the mode shifts to a registration mode. Here, this input operation is realized in the order specified by a plurality of predetermined keys, and is soft-protected so that the user cannot inadvertently shift to the registration mode.

Next, the user is made to select whether to register the code of the writing function of the mode specification keys 222 to 224 of the operation unit 102 or the code registration of the area specification (step 302). Three types of secret codes can be registered for each of writing and area designation (steps 303 to 305, 308 to 3
Ten). That is, steps 303 to 30 in a predetermined area of the memory 103
When all of the three types of registration codes related to 5 are “0000”, the secret code has not been set yet, so that it is programmed so that the writing function can be realized for all users (steps 303 to 303). 305). When the secret codes related to the area designation in steps 308 to 310 are all "0000", the program is programmed so that any user can designate an arbitrary area by understanding that the secret code is not limited. (Step 308
~ 310).

When the registration of the three types of secret codes is completed as described above, the liquid crystal display element 238 becomes a selection screen for allowing the user to select whether to continue or end the registration. When the user selects the end of the registration (step 306), the screen returns to the standard screen. Return (step 307).

Special Function Setting Operation The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows details of the setting processing means relating to the writing function of the mode designation keys 222 to 224.

Now, the secret code of the writing function is “1111”,
It is assumed that three types “2222” and “3333” are registered in the RAM 103.

When a date (year / month / day) write key input of mode designation key 222 is performed (step 401), liquid crystal display element 238 displays a secret code request screen (steps 402 to 40).
6). Here, when the registration code of “1111”, “2222” or “3333” is correctly input by the user from the numeric keypad 205 (step 407), the date writing mode display 245
Lights up, and the date function is set (step 408).
If no other code input or key input is made by the time-up, the date function is not set. Therefore, the timer is started by the key input of the mode specifying key 222 (step 404). If the secret code is not input within a predetermined time (step 405), the key input of the mode specifying key 222 is invalidated and the liquid crystal display element is turned off. 238 is returned to the standard screen (step 409).

When all the registered codes in the RAM 103 are “0000” (step 402), there is no restriction as described above, and the mode setting key 222
, The date writing can be set freely (steps 402 and 408). Other mode setting keys 223,2
The setting of 24 is the same as that of the key 222 described above.

The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows the details of the setting processing procedure relating to area designation.

It is assumed that three types of secret codes “1111”, “2222”, and “3333” are registered in the RAM 103 as the area designating secret codes in the same manner as described above. At this time, when the user inputs the area designation key 225 (step 501), the unique area trimming mode is set (steps 502 and 50).
3). At this time, if the secret code is input within a predetermined time (steps 504 to 507), the unique area designation is released, and an arbitrary area designation and an edit mode can be set (step 508). At this time, when the secret code can be set, the screen of the liquid crystal display element 238 does not display a secret code request message unlike the above-described writing function. This is because the area designation key is sufficient for the general user to perform trimming of the unique area, and displaying the request for the secret code here is rather difficult to use.

Therefore, an “S” indicating that a secret code can be set is displayed at the corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display element 238, or an area designating LED is provided so that the intention is transmitted only to a specific user.
By flashing the display 246 only within a predetermined time,
The purpose is fully achieved.

Other Embodiments In the embodiments described above, the secret code is set to the function of the apparatus. However, the secret code is also used for each registered secret code in conjunction with the entire secret code function. It may be configured to set whether or not.

In the above embodiment, the description has been made using a digital / analog (digital / analog) copying apparatus. However, the present invention is of course not limited to this. For example, a copying apparatus with a digital facsimile function may be used. Many similar applications are conceivable, such as configuring a user to use a fax function.

Further, in the above embodiment, an arbitrary numeral string is exemplified as the secret code, but other character strings such as a combination of alphanumeric characters can be applied.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that allows only a specific user to perform a specific function, a specific user and a user other than the specific user when using the specific function are used. The user's operation burden can be reduced as much as possible while ensuring the identification accuracy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing details of the operation unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. 101: CPU, 102: Operation unit, 103: RAM, 205: Numeric keypad, 236: Security code input key, 222: Mode designation key for specifying the date writing mode, 223: Memo writing mode Mode designation key for designation, 234 …… Mode designation key for designation of number writing mode, 225 …… Area designation key, 226 …… Area call key, 238 …… Liquid crystal display, 245 …… Date / time writing mode display 246 …… Area designation display, 248… Memo writing mode display, 250 …… Number writing display.

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-311362 (JP, A) JP-A-4-22260 (JP, A) JP-A-54-25738 (JP, A) JP-A-59-210454 (JP) JP-A-61-93459 (JP, A) JP-A-61-75434 (JP, A) JP-A-1-100564 (JP, A) JP-A-55-115157 (JP, A) 4-19756 (JP, A) JP-A-3-120561 (JP, A) JP-A-3-96655 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of executing a standard function and a specific function, wherein: a first input step of inputting a first code for permitting use of the standard function; and a first input step. A first permission step of permitting use of the standard function based on the first code input in the step (a), and an instruction step of designating a specific function in a state where use of the standard function is permitted by the first permission step. Requesting a request to input a second code for permitting use of the specific function in response to the instruction of the specific function in the instruction step; and responding to the request in the requesting step. A second input step of inputting a second code for permitting use of the specific function; and the special function based on the second code input in the second input step. Method of controlling an image forming apparatus characterized by a second authorization step of permitting use of the function. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising setting whether or not the first code and the second code are shared. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a timer is started according to the operation of the requesting step, and the request is stopped according to a value of the timer. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific function has a facsimile function.