JP3654244B2 - Image forming apparatus and management system thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus used for a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and the like, and a management system thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an image forming apparatus, generally, a process unit such as a toner cartridge or a drum unit is detachable, and when these have reached the end of their life, they are replaced with new ones. For example, in a process unit as a toner cartridge, when toner or the like is consumed, an old process unit is removed and a new process unit is attached.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in recent years, non-genuine products (so-called pirated versions) supplied by third parties are available at low cost, and users may use pirated process units. In such a pirated process unit, the physical properties of toner and the like are different from those of genuine products, so the image quality deteriorates, and if such a pirated process unit is used for a long time, it is related to the image forming process in the apparatus. It also leads to the result of accelerating the deterioration of parts.
[0004]
Therefore, conventionally, a barcode is attached to the process unit and the apparatus body reads the barcode to determine whether it is a genuine product, or a memory is provided in the process unit, and the apparatus body is genuine based on the information read from the memory. A method of judging whether the product is a product is used.
[0005]
However, in any case, there is a problem in that the cost increases because parts, circuits, software, etc. for reading barcodes and memories must be provided in the apparatus main body.
[0006]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of determining whether it is a genuine product without incurring excessive costs, and a management system using the image forming apparatus. It is intended to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image forming unit having a detachable process unit and a scanner for reading a document, and is provided on a sheet attached to the process unit by the scanner.Trademarks, consumables codes and serial numbersA control unit that reads an image and determines whether the process unit is a genuine product from the read image data. When a new process unit is installed in the device, the image on the sheet attached to the process unit is read by the scanner. Let meThe control unit permits the use of the process unit only when the three image elements of the trademark, the consumable code, and the serial number are all correct.It is characterized by that.
[0008]
  In this image forming apparatus, the sheet attached to the process unitTrademarks, consumables codes and serial numbersBy reading the image with a scanner, it is determined whether or not the process unit is a genuine product, so it is only necessary to attach a sheet to the process unit. Therefore, since the process unit itself is not provided with a barcode or memory, the cost of the process unit can be reduced, and there is no need to provide parts, circuits, software, etc. for reading the barcode and memory in the apparatus body. Cost can be reduced.
[0009]
  AlsoThe image on the sheet attached to the process unit isTrademark, consumable code and serial number are three elements,Increases ability to identify genuine products.
[0010]
  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus management system of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication link, and the image forming apparatus includes a detachable process unit. An image forming unit, a scanner that reads a document, and a sheet attached to a process unit read by the scannerTrademarks, consumables codes and serial numbersAn image data transmission unit that transmits image data to the management apparatus and a determination information reception unit that receives determination information from the management apparatus, and is attached to the process unit when a new process unit is attached to the image forming apparatus The image on the sheet is read by a scanner, and the management device receives the image data on the sheet from the image forming apparatus, and the image data received by the image data receiving unit. A determination unit for determining whether or not the process unit is a genuine product, and a determination result transmission unit for transmitting the determination result information by the determination unit to the image forming apparatus.The determination unit determines that the process unit is a genuine product only when the three image elements of the trademark, the consumable code, and the serial number are all correct.It is characterized by that.
[0011]
According to this management system, the image data of the sheet is processed and the function of judging whether or not it is a genuine product is provided on the management device side, so the program of the image forming apparatus itself relating to the processing and judgment is simplified. As a result, the cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and a clue to grasp how non-genuine products are available can be obtained.
[0012]
In the present invention, the process unit refers to a toner cartridge, a drum unit, or a process unit in which a drum and a toner cartridge are integrated.
[0013]
Further, when a code is attached to the process unit, an object for identifying whether the process unit is new is necessary for the process unit. For example, when the process unit is a toner cartridge, the built-in fuse is blown when it is used, and whether or not it is blown is checked. Alternatively, a code for identifying whether or not the product is new is set in a built-in EEPROM or the like, and whether or not the product is new is determined by examining the code.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. Here, a composite apparatus having both a copy function and a facsimile function is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus.
[0016]
In FIG. 1, an MPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 functions as a control unit that determines whether or not a process unit is a genuine product from image data of a sheet read by a scanner 10 in addition to a function of controlling the entire composite apparatus. It has a function.
[0017]
An NCU (Network Control Unit) 2 and MODEM 3 are connected to the MPU 1. The NCU 2 is controlled by the MPU 1 to control the connection between the line L and the composite apparatus, and has a function of sending a dial pulse corresponding to the telephone number of the communication partner and a function of detecting an incoming call. The line L is connected to a general public telephone network (PSTN). MODEM 3 modulates and demodulates transmission / reception data, specifically, modulates transmission data, which is originally a digital signal, into an analog audio signal, sends it to line L via NCU 2, and conversely receives it from line L via NCU 2. The analog audio signal is demodulated into a digital signal.
[0018]
The MPU 1 is connected to an operation unit 4, a display unit 5, a LAN I / F (Local Area Network Interface) 6, a ROM 7, a RAM 8, an image memory 9, a scanner 10, and a printer 11.
[0019]
The operation unit 4 includes a numeric keypad for inputting numbers such as telephone numbers and FAX numbers, operation keys for instructing various operations, a start key for instructing the start of FAX and printing, and the like. The display unit 5 soft-prints and displays various information such as the telephone number and FAX number input by operating the operation unit 4 and the toner remaining amount of the printer 11. As the display unit 5, a CRT display or an LCD (liquid crystal display device) is used. The LAN I / F 6 is used to connect to a LAN to which a server 23 and a client PC (personal computer) 24 are connected.
[0020]
The ROM 7 stores in advance a program and the like for controlling the operation of the entire composite apparatus. The RAM 8 stores a format defined for image data (trademark, consumables code, serial number) of a postscript sheet attached to the process unit, and stores a history of image data related to genuine products that have already been input and accepted. It has an identification number / history area 8a to be stored. The RAM 8 stores data necessary for control by the MPU 1 and data that needs to be temporarily stored during the control operation. The image memory 9 stores image data read by the scanner 10 and stores image data received from the outside via the line L and the MODEM 3 or the LAN I / F 6. The scanner 10 reads an original image using, for example, a CCD image sensor.
[0021]
The printer 11 records the received image data, the image data read by the scanner 10, or the image data stored in the image memory 9 by printing on paper, and performs hard copy output. In this embodiment, the process unit is a toner cartridge 12, and the toner cartridge 12 is detachable from the printer 11. The toner cartridge 12 is provided with a fuse 12a. The fuse 12a is not blown before the toner cartridge 12 is used, and the printer 11 can be used by being blown at the time of use. The toner cartridge 12 is packaged together with a sheet described later at the time of shipment.
[0022]
Further, this image forming apparatus is connected to the service center 20 as a management system using the apparatus. Here, the image forming apparatus is connected to the service center 20 via the telephone line L and also connected via the Internet 21. The LAN I / F 6 is connected to a LAN provided with a server 23 and a client PC 24, and the LAN and the Internet 21 are connected by a bridge 22.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the system on the service center 20 side includes a mail server 23, a client PC 24, a database 25, a facsimile server 26 connected to the LAN, and a facsimile server 26 connected to the public telephone line L. It is also connected to the Internet 21 via the bridge 22. The database 25 stores image data (trademark, consumable code, serial number) of the sheet of the toner cartridge 12 and the like.
[0024]
The sheet packed together with the toner cartridge 12 at the time of shipment has a form as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example. The sheets 30 and 30 ′ here are for optical character reading (OCR) in which image data is read by the scanner 10. On the sheet 30 in FIG. 3A, a trademark 31, a consumable code 32, and a serial number 33 are printed. By setting up the trademark 31, when a pirate trader uses this sheet, the trademark is used without permission, and the pirate trader can be suppressed by infringement of the trademark right, and the deterrent power against the pirated trader becomes strong. .
[0025]
The consumable code 32 and the serial number 33 are a combination of English letters and numbers. Of these, as the serial number 33, a unique number is set for each toner cartridge so that the pirated dealer obtains a genuine product and its sheet, and the toner cartridge filled only with toner is used as a genuine product together with the sheet. Even after the sale, the serial number is already stored in the identification number / history area 8a of the RAM 8 of the image forming apparatus or the database 25 of the service center 20, so that the non-genuine product can be easily identified.
[0026]
The consumables code 32 and the serial number 33 are not limited to a combination of English letters and numbers, and may be characters, or may be a bar code 34 like a sheet 30 ′ shown in FIG.
[0027]
Next, the operation of the composite apparatus when the toner cartridge 12 (process unit) is replaced will be described separately for the user side apparatus and the service center 20 side apparatus with reference to flowcharts. However, the sheet is as shown in FIG.
[0028]
First, the operation of the image forming apparatus on the user side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In step ST1 of the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is determined whether a new toner cartridge is installed in the apparatus. In this determination, the fuse 12a provided in the toner cartridge 12 is used here, the presence or absence of blow of the fuse 12a is detected, it is determined that the fuse 12a is not blown, and the fuse 12a is not blown. It is determined that If the result of this determination is NO, in step ST2, normal print processing is performed with the currently installed toner cartridge.
[0029]
When the mounted toner cartridge is new, in step ST3, for example, “Please set the sheet attached to the cartridge to the scanner and press the start key” is displayed on the display unit 5. In response to this, in step ST4, it is determined whether the user has set the sheet bundled in the new toner cartridge on the scanner 10 and turned on the start key of the operation unit 4.
[0030]
When the start key is turned on, the sheet image is read by the scanner 10 in step ST5, and the image data is stored in the image memory 9. Next, in step ST6, a trademark area is extracted from the image data. In step ST7, the extracted data is collated with data stored in the identification number / history area 8a of the RAM 8 in advance. Subsequently, in step ST8, it is determined whether the trademark is correct as a result of the collation. If the trademark is different from the registered one, the process proceeds to step ST17 in FIG. 5 to display “Toner cartridge is not correct. Replace with a genuine toner cartridge” on the display unit 5, and in step ST18. The printing operation by the printer 11 is prohibited.
[0031]
On the other hand, if the trademark is a correct trademark, in step ST9, a consumable code area is extracted from the image data. In step ST10, the extracted area is subjected to OCR (optical character reading) processing, and English letters and numerals are displayed. Convert the combination into consumable code data. In step ST11, the converted consumable code data is compared with data stored in advance in the identification number / history area 8a of the RAM 8 to determine whether the consumable code is correct. If the result of this determination is that the consumables code is incorrect, the process proceeds to step ST17 in FIG. 5 and displays "Incorrect toner cartridge. Replace with a genuine toner cartridge." In ST18, the printing operation by the printer 11 is prohibited.
[0032]
On the other hand, when the consumable code is correct, in step ST12, a serial number area is further extracted from the image data. In step ST13, the extracted area is subjected to OCR processing, and a combination of English letters and numbers is converted into a serial number. Convert to data. In step ST14, it is determined whether or not the converted serial number data is in the history data stored in the identification number / history area 8a of the RAM 8. As a result of this determination, if the serial number data is present in the history data, that is, if it is a serial number that has been used in the past, the process proceeds to step ST17 in FIG. 5, and “Toner cartridge is not correct. Please change to “.” Is displayed on the display unit 5, and the printing operation by the printer 11 is prohibited in step ST18.
[0033]
On the other hand, if the serial number data is not included in the history data, it is determined that the new toner cartridge installed in the apparatus is a genuine product, and in step ST15, the fuse of the toner cartridge is blown, and the toner cartridge is installed in step ST16. The printing operation by the printer 11 with the toner cartridge is permitted. That is, according to this process, if all three elements of the trademark 31, the consumable code 32, and the serial number 33 printed on the sheet 30 are not correct, the printing operation is not permitted and the ability to avoid the use of pirated copies is high.
[0034]
4 and 5 is performed by the image forming apparatus itself to determine whether the image data (trademark 31, consumable code 32, serial number 33) of the sheet 30 is correct. The operation in the case of determination will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the processing from steps ST21 to ST25 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is the same as steps ST1 to ST5 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0035]
In step ST25, the image of the sheet is read by the scanner 10, and the image data is stored in the image memory 9. Then, in step ST26, it is determined whether e-mail can be used for the service center 20. If it is possible, a file is created from the image data in step ST27, and whether or not the image data is correct is determined on the service center 20 side in step ST28. Therefore, an e-mail attached with the file is sent to the service center 20. Send. Next, in step ST29, it is determined whether an email related to the determination result has been received from the service center 20, and waits until it is received.
[0036]
When the e-mail from the service center 20 is received, the process proceeds to step ST34 in FIG. 7, and based on the determination result, it is determined whether the new toner cartridge installed in the apparatus is a genuine product. If the new toner cartridge is a genuine product, in step ST35, the fuse of the toner cartridge is blown, and in step ST36, the printing operation by the printer 11 with the attached toner cartridge is permitted.
[0037]
On the other hand, when the new toner cartridge is a pirated version, in step ST37, “toner cartridge is not correct. Please replace with a genuine toner cartridge” is displayed on the display unit 5, and in step ST38, the printer 11 Prohibits printing.
[0038]
On the other hand, if e-mail cannot be used in step ST26, the line is closed in step ST30 in order to use the telephone line network L instead of communication via the Internet 21. In step ST31, the telephone number of the service center 20 is dialed. In step ST32, the image data is transmitted by facsimile. When the transmission is completed, the line is released in step ST33.
[0039]
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST39 in FIG. 8, where it is determined whether there is an incoming call signal, and waits until there is a call signal. If there is a call signal, the line is closed in step ST40, and it is determined in step ST41 whether the call signal originates from the service center 20. If this determination is YES, it is determined in step ST42 whether there is information indicating genuine / non-genuine toner cartridges in the procedure signal. If this determination is YES, the information is taken in, and in step ST43. Open the line.
[0040]
Further, when the determination at step ST41 is NO, the call originates from other than the service center 20, and when the determination at step ST42 is NO, even if the caller is the service center 20, this time the genuine product / Since there is no information indicating a non-genuine product, normal facsimile reception is performed in step ST44 in any case.
[0041]
If the transmission is from the service center 20 and there is information indicating genuine / non-genuine products, the information is taken in, and then the process proceeds to step ST34 in FIG. It is determined whether the new toner cartridge is a genuine product. If the new toner cartridge is a genuine product, in step ST35, the fuse of the toner cartridge is blown, and in step ST36, the printing operation by the printer 11 with the attached toner cartridge is permitted.
[0042]
On the other hand, when the new toner cartridge is a non-genuine product, in step ST37, “the toner cartridge is not correct. Please replace it with a genuine toner cartridge” is displayed on the display unit 5, and in step ST38, the printer 11 is prohibited.
[0043]
Next, the operation on the service center 20 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, in step ST51 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not an e-mail from the image forming apparatus on the user side has been received. If received, in step ST52, it is determined whether or not a sheet image file is attached to the received e-mail. To do. If no file is attached, normal e-mail processing is performed in step ST53. If the file is attached, in step ST54, the image file is developed into a bitmap, and in step ST55, a trademark area is extracted from the bitmap image.
[0044]
In step ST56, the extracted trademark is subjected to pattern matching processing with the trademark registered in the database 25. In step ST57, it is determined whether the extracted trademark matches the registered trademark as a result of the matching process. If not, the process proceeds to step ST66 in FIG. 10, and the user attaches a non-genuine toner cartridge to the apparatus. In step ST67, an e-mail indicating that the mounted toner cartridge is not a genuine product is returned to the user side, and the process ends.
[0045]
On the other hand, if the trademarks match in step 57, then in step ST58, a consumable code area is extracted from the bitmap image. In step ST59, the extracted area is subjected to OCR processing. In step ST60, it is determined whether the processed consumable code matches the consumable code registered in the database 25. As a result, if they do not match, the process proceeds to step ST66 in FIG. 10, and the fact that the user has installed a non-genuine toner cartridge in the apparatus 25 is stored in the database 25. Further, in step ST67, the installed toner cartridge is genuine. An e-mail indicating that the product is not a product is returned to the user, and the process is terminated.
[0046]
If the consumable codes match in step ST60, a serial number region is further extracted from the bitmap image in step ST61 of FIG. In step ST62, the extracted area is subjected to OCR processing. In step ST63, it is determined whether the processed serial number is present in the serial numbers registered in the database 25. As a result, if it exists, in step ST66, the fact that the user has installed a non-genuine toner cartridge in the apparatus is stored in the database 25. Further, in step ST67, it indicates that the installed toner cartridge is not a genuine product. An e-mail is returned to the user side, and the process ends.
[0047]
On the other hand, if the processed serial number is not registered in the database 25, the serial number is stored in the database 25 in correspondence with the user in step ST64, and the mounted toner cartridge is genuine in step ST65. An e-mail indicating that the product is a product is returned to the user, and the process is terminated.
[0048]
On the other hand, if no e-mail is received from the user-side image forming apparatus in step ST51, the process proceeds to step ST68 in FIG. 11 to determine whether there is a facsimile reception from the user-side image forming apparatus. If there is no facsimile reception, other processing is performed in step ST77. When there is facsimile reception, in step ST69, the image data is transferred from the facsimile server 26 and stored in the memory. In step ST70, it is determined whether the image data is sheet image data. If they are different, other processing is performed in step ST77.
[0049]
If the image data is sheet image data, in step ST71, a trademark area is extracted from the sheet image data. In step ST72, the extracted trademark is subjected to pattern matching processing with the trademark registered in the database 25. Do. In step ST73, it is determined whether the extracted trademark matches the registered trademark as a result of the matching process. If not, the process proceeds to step ST82 in FIG. 12, and the user mounts a non-genuine toner cartridge on the apparatus. In step ST83, the facsimile server 26 is instructed to send information to the user that the mounted toner cartridge is a non-genuine product, and the process ends.
[0050]
On the other hand, if the trademarks match in step ST73, then in step ST74, a consumable code area is extracted from the sheet image data. In step ST75, the extracted region is subjected to OCR processing. In step ST76, it is determined whether or not the processed consumable code matches the consumable code registered in the database 25. As a result, if they do not match, the process proceeds to step ST82 in FIG. 12, and the fact that the user has installed a non-genuine toner cartridge in the apparatus 25 is stored in the database 25. The facsimile server 26 is instructed to send information indicating that it is a genuine product to the user, and the process ends.
[0051]
If the consumable codes match in step ST76, a serial number area is further extracted from the sheet image data in step ST78 of FIG. 12, and the extracted area is subjected to OCR processing. In step ST79, it is determined whether the processed serial number is present in the serial numbers registered in the database 25. As a result, if it exists, the process moves to step ST82 to store in the database 25 that the user has installed a non-genuine toner cartridge in the apparatus, and in step ST83, the installed toner cartridge is a non-genuine product. The facsimile server 26 is instructed to send information indicating that the information is present to the user, and the process ends.
[0052]
On the other hand, when the processed serial number is not registered in the database 25, the serial number is stored in the database 25 in correspondence with the user in step ST80, and in step ST81, the mounted toner cartridge is genuine. The facsimile server 26 is instructed to send information indicating that the product is a product to the user, and the process is terminated.
[0053]
  In the operation of the above embodiment, it is assumed that the sheet 30 in FIG., DisappearA sheet 30 'shown in FIG. 3 (b) in which the wear code and the serial number are the bar code 34 may be used.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sheet attached to the process unitTrademarks, consumables codes and serial numbersBy reading the image with a scanner, it is determined whether or not the process unit is a genuine product, so it is only necessary to attach a sheet to the process unit. Therefore, since the process unit itself is not provided with a barcode or memory, the cost of the process unit can be reduced, and there is no need to provide parts, circuits, software, etc. for reading the barcode and memory in the apparatus body. Cost can be reduced.
[0055]
  In addition, according to the management system of the present invention, since the management apparatus side has a function of processing the image data of the sheet and determining whether or not it is a genuine product, the image forming apparatus apparatus related to the processing / determination is provided. The program itself can be simplified, the cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and a clue to grasp how non-genuine products are available can be obtained.
  Furthermore, according to the image forming apparatus and the management system of the present invention, the use of the process unit is not permitted unless all three elements of the trademark, consumable code, and serial number image on the sheet are correct. High ability to identify (the ability to avoid the use of pirated versions).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment and an example of a management system using the apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system on the service center side in the management system.
FIG. 3A is a plan view showing one form of a sheet attached to a toner cartridge (process unit) in the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3B is a plan view showing another form.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation process at the time of replacement of a toner cartridge in the management system, and an operation process of a user side device when a genuine product / non-genuine product is determined by a user device.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation process when a toner cartridge is replaced in the management system, and an operation process of a user side device when a genuine product / non-genuine product is determined by a service center device; .
FIG. 7 is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation process at the time of toner cartridge replacement in the same management system, and an operation process of the service center side device when the genuine product / non-genuine product is determined by the service center side device. is there.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. 11;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MPU (control unit)
2 NCU
3 MODEM
6 LAN I / F
8 RAM
8a Identification number / history area
10 Scanner
11 Printer (image forming unit)
12 Toner cartridge (process unit)
12a fuse
20 Service Center
21 Internet
L Telephone network

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit having a detachable process unit and a scanner for reading a document,
The scanner includes a control unit that reads an image of a trademark, a consumable code, and a serial number on a sheet attached to the process unit, and determines whether the process unit is a genuine product from the read image data. The image on the sheet attached to the process unit is read by a scanner when mounted on the apparatus, and the control unit performs the process only when all three image elements of the trademark, the consumable code, and the serial number are correct. An image forming apparatus which permits use of a unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process unit is provided with a fuse, and the use permission is performed by fusing the fuse of the process unit . An image forming apparatus and a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication link;
The image forming apparatus manages an image forming unit having a detachable process unit, a scanner for reading an original, and image data of a trademark, a consumable code, and a serial number on a sheet attached to the process unit read by the scanner. An image data transmitting unit for transmitting to the apparatus and a determination information receiving unit for receiving the determination information from the management apparatus; on a sheet attached to the process unit when a new process unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus; The image is read by a scanner.
The management device includes an image data receiving unit that receives image data on a sheet from the image forming device, and a determination unit that determines whether the process unit is a genuine product based on the image data received by the image data receiving unit. If, possess a determination result transmitting unit that transmits the determination result information by the determination unit to the image forming apparatus, wherein the determination unit, only when trademark, three image elements of consumables code and serial number are correct all the A management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein a process unit is identified as a genuine product .

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