JP3828045B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Examples of user authentication means in the image forming apparatus as described above include means for performing user authentication as shown in the following (1) or (2) (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2000-47534 and 2001-272894). No. publication etc.).
(1) A code such as a numerical value assigned to each user by an operation on the operation panel is input to perform user authentication (identification).
(2) A device such as a card reader is prepared outside, and user authentication is performed by setting a card in the device.
[0003]
These user authentication means (user identification means) are used (for example, a copy function) while the authenticated user is using a function (for example, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, or a scanner function) of the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the number of sheets used by the printer function, the transmission time at the time of facsimile transmission by the facsimile function, the number of scans by the scanner function, etc. are stored in the memory and used for later billing of usage fees.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in a school or workplace where an image forming apparatus is installed, image formation is performed on a user (student or employee) except for a specific time (for example, AM 8:00 to PM 7:00) or a day of the week (for example, Monday to Friday). You may not want to use the device.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized use by preventing the functions of the image forming apparatus from being used except at a specific time or day of the week.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that forms an image of image information on a sheet is characterized as follows in order to achieve the above object.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a user identifying means for identifying a user; a timer / calendar means for generating current time and day information; and a time at which the function of the image forming apparatus can be used for each user. Use time setting means for setting the day of the week, and time when the user can use the function of the image forming apparatus for each user set by the use time day setting means when the user is identified by the user identification means; Based on the day of the week and the information from the timer / calendar means, a use determination enable / disable setting means for determining whether or not the function of the image forming apparatus can be used, and a determination that the function of the image forming apparatus can be used by the means Use permission means for permitting the use of the function of the image forming apparatus only to the user who has been sent.
[0006]
An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the use determination enable / disable setting unit determines that the function of the image forming apparatus cannot be used, the image forming apparatus includes: Use change inquiry information display means for displaying inquiry information for changing the time or day of the week when the function can be used is provided.
An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the function of the image forming apparatus capable of setting the time and day of the week that can be used by the use time and day setting means is selectable. Function setting means is provided.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanism portion of a digital copying machine which is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
In this digital copying machine, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 1 is mounted on the upper part of the copying machine main body, and a finisher 100 as a post-processing device is connected to a side portion. An operation display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 is provided on the upper surface on the front side of the copying machine main body.
[0008]
First, a copy operation (copy operation) by the digital copying machine will be described.
In this digital copying machine, a document bundle placed on the document table 2 of the ADF 1 with the image surface facing up is placed at the bottom when the print key (start key) 34 on the operation display unit 30 is pressed in the copy mode. Are sequentially fed onto the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4 one by one from the original and set at a predetermined position. The set original is read by a scanner (reading unit) 50 serving as an image reading unit. After the reading is completed, the original is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.
[0009]
Here, every time reading of one document image is completed, the document set detection sensor 7 detects whether or not there is a next document on the document table 2, and if there is, the document is similar to the previous document. The sheet is fed onto the contact glass 6 and thereafter the same operation as described above is performed.
The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 are driven by a common motor (not shown).
[0010]
The transfer sheets (sheets) stacked on the first sheet feeding tray 8, the second sheet feeding tray 9, and the third sheet feeding tray 10 are the first sheet feeding device 11, the second sheet feeding device 12, and the third sheet feeding, respectively. The paper is fed by the device 13 and is transported to a position where it is in contact with the photosensitive drum 15 by the vertical transport unit 14. Actually, one of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 is selected, and the transfer paper is fed therefrom.
The image data (image information) input by reading the original image by the scanner 50 is directly stored in the image memory 66 of FIG. 5 constituting the image storage means, and then the image printing means (image forming means) is configured. Is sent to a writing unit 57 in the printer 80, and written by the writing unit 57 as a laser beam onto a precharged surface (charged by a charger (not shown)) of the photosensitive drum 15, and that portion is developed. By passing through 27, a toner image is formed there.
[0011]
Then, the transfer paper fed from the selected paper feed tray is conveyed by the conveying belt (transfer belt) 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 15 while the toner image on the photosensitive drum 15 is transferred to one surface. Then, the toner image is thermally fixed by the fixing unit 17.
Thereafter, the transfer paper is conveyed by the paper discharge unit 18 to the finisher 100 as a post-processing device in the single-sided copy mode.
At this time, for example, in order to reverse the transfer paper on which the toner image is formed on one side in order to discharge face-down (the image surface faces downward in order to align the transfer paper in the page order), the transfer paper is discharged. The paper is transported to the double-sided paper feed path 113 by the unit 18, switched back by the reverse unit 112, and then transported to the finisher 100 through the reverse paper discharge transport path 114.
[0012]
In the finisher 100, a transfer sheet having a toner image formed on one side, that is, a transfer sheet that has been copied on one side, is sent from the copying machine main body to the stacker conveyance roller (normal discharge roller) 102 side by the branch deflection plate 101. Alternatively, it is selectively guided to the stapler conveyance roller 105 side.
That is, when the branch deflection plate 101 is switched upward, the transfer paper from the copying machine main body is discharged to the stacker tray (normal discharge tray) 104 via the stacker transport roller 102 and the stacker discharge roller 103. can do.
The stacker tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move in the front-rear direction. The stacker tray 104 moves back and forth for each original or for each copy unit that is sorted using the image memory 66, and the transfer paper (copy paper) to be discharged can be simplified. It is something to sort.
[0013]
When the branching deflection plate 101 is switched downward, the single-sided copied transfer sheet sent from the copying machine main body is discharged to the staple tray 108 via the stapler transport roller 105 and the stapler discharge roller 107. be able to.
Each time a sheet of transfer paper is discharged on the staple tray 108, it is aligned by a jogger (falling stopper) 109 for aligning the edges, and is bound by the stapler 106 when one copy is completed. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 falls onto the staple completion discharge tray (drop tray) 110 by its own weight and is stored therein.
[0014]
On the other hand, in the double-sided copy mode, the transfer paper (transfer paper on which single-sided copying has been performed) on one side is transported to the double-sided paper feed path 113 by the paper discharge unit 18 and switched back by the reverse unit 112. Then, it is sent to the duplex conveying unit 111.
The transfer paper sent to the double-sided conveyance unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided conveyance unit 111 in order to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 15 again, and again by the vertical conveyance unit 14 to the photosensitive drum 15. After the toner image is transferred to the other surface, the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 17 and conveyed to the finisher 100 by the paper discharge unit 18. Thereafter, the same operation as described above is performed. Is called.
[0015]
Note that the photosensitive drum 15, the conveyance belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the development unit 27 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 is driven by a paper feeding clutch. It is transmitted and driven. The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven by the drive of the main motor being transmitted by the intermediate clutch. Further, each part for image forming processing including the above-described writing unit 57 constitutes the printer 80 of FIG.
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation display unit 30 provided in the copying machine main body of the digital copying machine.
The operation display unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, a mode clear key 35, and an initial setting key 36.
The liquid crystal touch panel 31 includes a touch panel on the surface of the liquid crystal display, and information for inputting various function keys, the number of copies, a message indicating the state of the machine, and the order contents of replacement parts or consumables related to image formation. And keys can be displayed.
[0017]
The numeric keypad 32 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies (number of copies) and magnification.
The clear / stop key 33 is a key for clearing the number of copies (the number of copies to be printed) and stopping the operation being executed (reading operation or printing operation).
The print key 34 is a key for instructing the start of the copy operation.
The mode clear key 35 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set modes.
The initial setting key 36 is used to arbitrarily customize the initial state of the machine. In this embodiment, the initial setting menu screen can be displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 by pressing the key.
[0018]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 when the power is turned on.
When an operator (user) touches one of the function keys on the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the function (mode) displayed in the frame of the function key is selected, and the monochrome is displayed. The display is reversed (shown by hatching in FIG. 4).
Further, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, when the magnification is changed, a magnification value or the like), a detailed function setting operation screen is displayed by touching the function key.
Since the liquid crystal touch panel 31 uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.
[0019]
In the operation screen shown in FIG. 4, a message area for displaying a message such as “Ready to copy” or “Please wait” is provided on the upper left side, and the number of copies set (number of copies) is set on the right side. The copy number display area for displaying the image is displayed at the bottom of the message area. Automatic density key [Auto density] for specifying (setting) automatic adjustment of image density, Automatic for specifying automatic selection of transfer paper A paper selection key [automatic paper selection] and a normal magnification key [normal magnification] for designating the same magnification as a copy magnification are displayed side by side.
[0020]
Furthermore, from the right side of the second row from the bottom, a sort key [sort] for designating processing for arranging copies (copied transfer sheets) part by page in order, and a stack for designating processing for sorting copies by page A key [stack] and a staple key [staple] for designating a process for binding the sorted parts one by one are displayed side by side.
From the right side at the bottom, a scaling key [magnification] for designating the enlargement / reduction magnification as a copy magnification, a duplex key [duplex] for designating a duplex mode for copying on both the front and back sides of the transfer paper, An erase / move key [erase / move] for designating a binding margin mode and the like, and a print key [print] for designating printing of a stamp, date, page, etc. are displayed.
[0021]
Next, an operation from reading an image of a document by the scanner 50 to forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 15 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic latent image is a potential distribution generated by writing image data with a laser beam on the surface of the photosensitive drum 15 (the surface charged by the charger).
[0022]
The scanner 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like.
The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown).
When reading an image of a document, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change.
The optical scanning system is driven by a drive unit including a scanner drive motor (not shown).
[0023]
The scanner 50 optically reads a document image and converts it into an electrical signal (reads document image data). That is, the image surface of the document is illuminated by the exposure lamp 51 of the optical scanning system, and the reflected light image from the image surface is passed through the first mirror 52, the second mirror 55, the third mirror 56, and the lens 53, and the CCD image sensor. An image is formed on the light receiving surface 54 and converted into an electric signal by the CCD image sensor 54.
At this time, by moving the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 in the left-right direction in FIG. 2, the image reading magnification in the document feeding direction changes. That is, the left and right positions of the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 are set corresponding to the copy magnification specified (set) in advance.
[0024]
The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, a mirror 60, and the like, and inside the laser output unit 58 is a polygon mirror (rotating multi-surface) that is rotated at a constant high speed by a laser diode that is a laser light source and a motor. Mirror).
The laser beam emitted from the laser output unit 58 is deflected by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 59, is folded back by a mirror 60, and is focused on a charged surface of the photosensitive drum 15 to form an image. The
[0025]
That is, the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the photosensitive drum 15 rotates, and image data (image signal) output from the image processing unit shown in FIG. Write in line units. An electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed on the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 15 by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotational speed and scanning density (recording density) of the photosensitive drum 15.
The laser beam immediately before scanning on the photosensitive drum 15 is detected by a synchronization detection sensor (not shown). Then, a laser scanning control unit (not shown) uses a main scanning synchronization signal output from the synchronization detection sensor, and generates a control signal for inputting and outputting the image data and the laser diode lighting start timing for each scanning. .
[0026]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing unit (IPU) in this digital copying machine.
The reflected light image (image) from the document surface is received by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into image data as an electrical signal (photoelectrically converted), and further converted from an analog value to a digital value (binary or binary) by the A / D converter 61. Multilevel digital signal) and quantized. The image data converted into the digital value is subjected to shading correction by the shading correction unit 62 and then subjected to image processing such as MTF correction and γ correction by the image processing unit 63.
[0027]
The shading correction is correction of uneven illumination of the exposure lamp 51 (light source) that illuminates the document surface and variations in sensitivity of the CCD image sensor 54. The MTF correction is to correct blur caused by the optical system, and the γ correction is to correct the non-linearity of the sensitivity of the CCD image sensor 54.
[0028]
The selector 64 switches the destination of the image data, and selectively sends the image data from the image processing unit 63 to the scaling unit 71 or the memory controller 65. Between the selector 64 and the memory controller 65, image data can be input and output bidirectionally.
The scaling unit 71 performs scaling processing (enlargement processing or reduction processing) on the image data from the selector 64 in accordance with a preset scaling ratio (copy magnification), and outputs it to the writing unit 57 of the printer 80. The scaling factor here is a scaling factor in the document width direction (a direction orthogonal to the document feeding direction). The scaling unit 71 can also scale the image data from the selector 64 (image data input from the scanner 50 side) according to the scaling ratio in the document width direction and the feeding direction.
[0029]
The CPU 68 is a central processing unit and controls the entire digital copying machine in a centralized manner, such as writing and reading image data to and from the image memory 66 by the memory controller 65, and controlling the scanner 50 and the writing unit 57. .
The ROM 69 is a read-only memory and stores various fixed data including a control program for operating the CPU 68.
The RAM 70 is a readable / writable memory and stores various types of information including registration information for each user described later. The RAM 70 is backed up by a battery (not shown).
[0030]
The I / O port 75 controls data input / output with the operation display unit 30 and the like.
The SCSI controller (SCSI driver) 76 is a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device (host) such as another digital copying machine or a personal computer. The SCSI controller (SCSI driver) 76 receives image data input from the scanner 50 directly or on a local LAN (local area network). It is possible to receive image data transmitted to another digital copying machine or terminal device via a local network such as a network) or directly from another digital copying machine or terminal device or via the local network. Note that communication means other than the SCSI controller 76 may be provided to enable communication with other digital copying machines or terminal devices.
[0031]
The print unit 74 is connected to the CPU bus and generates print image data such as character image data for page printing and arbitrary stamp image data.
The print image data generated by the print unit 74 is input to the print combining units 72 and 73, and arbitrary print image data can be combined with the image data from the image processing unit 63 or the memory controller 65.
[0032]
Although not shown, this image processing unit also includes a clock (timer / calendar means) that generates information on the current time (for example, year / month / day / hour) and day of the week. Further, it also has a function as a communication means for communicating with an external device such as a central management device or a facsimile device described later via a communication line such as a public line. The function may be realized by the image processing unit alone, or may be realized by a communication control device described later.
Here, each unit including the CPU 68, ROM 69, and RAM 70 in the image processing unit and the operation display unit 30 are provided with the functions according to the present invention (user identification means, use time day setting means, use determination availability setting means, use permission means, use permission means, Change inquiry information display means, function setting means) can be realized.
[0033]
Next, image data and control signals for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of image data and control signals for one page in the selector 64.
/ FGATE (“/” indicates low active) is a frame gate signal, which represents a valid period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction.
/ LSYNC is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and image data becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises.
[0034]
/ LGATE is a line gate signal and indicates the effective period of the image data in the main scanning direction.
These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock signal VCLK, and data of one pixel is transmitted for one period.
The image processing unit (IPU) has separate generation circuits for / FGATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE, and VCLK for the input and output of image data, respectively, and directly outputs the read image data. By performing the phase adjustment and the like, various combinations of input and output of image data can be realized.
[0035]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the memory controller 65 and the image memory 66. In this figure, the address bus is not shown.
The memory controller 65 includes an input data selector 81, an image composition unit 82, a primary compression / decompression unit 83, an output data selector 84, and a secondary compression / decompression unit 85. Setting of control data for them is performed by the CPU 68.
The image memory 66 includes a primary storage device 86 and a secondary storage device 87.
In the primary storage device 86, data required to write data to a specified area of the memory at the time of image data input or read data from the specified area of the memory at the time of image data output is input or output at the time of image data. For example, a memory that can be accessed at high speed, such as DRAM, is used so that it can be substantially synchronized with the transfer speed.
[0036]
Further, the primary storage device 86 has a circuit (an interface unit with the memory controller 65) that can be divided into a plurality of areas and can simultaneously execute input / output of image data according to the size of the image data to be processed. Yes.
That is, two sets of address bus and data bus for writing and reading are provided between the memory controller 65 so that input (writing) and output (reading) of image data to each divided area can be performed in parallel. The interface part is connected. Thereby, the operation of writing the image data in one divided area and the operation of reading the image data in the other divided area can be performed in parallel.
[0037]
The secondary storage device 87 sequentially stores image data input from the scanner 50 and image data sent (input) from other digital copying machines or terminal devices, and synthesizes and sorts these image data. , A large-capacity memory for performing processing such as rearrangement.
Here, if a storage medium (memory) that can be accessed at high speed is used for both the primary storage device 86 and the secondary storage device 87, data processing can be performed without distinction between the storage devices, and control is relatively simple.
[0038]
However, since memory such as DRAM is expensive, the access speed of the secondary storage device 87 is not so high in this embodiment, but an inexpensive and large-capacity storage medium (for example, a hard disk device or an optical disk device) is used. The output data is processed via the primary storage device 86. With such a configuration, a digital copying machine capable of inputting / outputting, storing and processing a large amount of image data can be realized at a low cost and with a relatively simple configuration.
[0039]
Next, an operation example of the memory controller 65 will be described.
<1> Input of image data (save to image memory 66)
The input data selector 81 is the image data to be written to the image memory 66 (primary storage device 86) out of the image data input from the scanner 50 and image data sent from another digital copying machine or terminal device. Make a selection.
The image data selected by the input data selector 81 is supplied to the image synthesis unit 82, where it is synthesized with the image data already stored in the image memory 66 as necessary, and then compressed by the primary compression / decompression unit 83. (Variable length compression) processing is performed and written to the primary storage device 86. The image data written in the primary storage device 86 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression unit 85 as necessary, and then written and stored in the secondary storage device 87.
[0040]
<2> Outputting image data (reading from image memory 66)
When the image data designated as the output target image data is stored in the primary storage device 86, after the image data is read out, the decompression processing is performed by the primary compression / decompression unit 83, and after decompression Output data selector 84, or image data after the image data and image data input from scanner 50 or image data sent from another digital copying machine or terminal device are combined. Is selected and output.
[0041]
The image combining unit 82 combines image data input from the primary storage device 86 with image data input from the scanner 50 and image data sent from another digital copying machine or terminal device (image data (Including a phase adjustment function), selection of the output destination of the combined image data (output of image data, write back to the primary storage device 86, simultaneous output to both output destinations, etc.) and the like.
When the image data designated as the output target image data is stored not in the primary storage device 86 but in the secondary storage device 87, the secondary compression / decompression unit 85 reads the image data after reading the image data. The decompression process is performed, and the decompressed image data is once written in the primary storage device 86, and thereafter the same output operation as described above is performed.
[0042]
Here, in the digital copying machine configured as described above, “operation reservation” means that the copy operation cannot be started when the fixing unit is heated as shown in FIG. This is a function that automatically starts the copying operation when the fixing unit is ready to perform the copying operation after the heating is completed.
In such a digital copying machine, while the fixing unit is being heated, the operation can be reserved. However, those that become operable with the passage of time can also be targeted. It is conceivable that the feeding tray rise time in the mass feeding device, the time until the rotation of the polygon motor in the writing device is stabilized, and the toner supply operation to the developing unit is in progress.
[0043]
8 and 9 are hardware configuration diagrams of another image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) for carrying out the present invention. These image forming apparatuses include an image reading unit A (corresponding to a part directly related to image processing including the scanner 50 shown in FIG. 2 and the A / D converter 61 in the image processing unit shown in FIG. 5), image writing Part B (corresponding to the printer 80 in FIG. 5), system controller C (corresponding to the CPU 68, ROM 69, RAM 70, I / O port 75 in the image processing unit shown in FIG. 5), memory unit D (corresponding to FIG. 5) Memory controller 65 and image memory 66), user restriction device E, human body detection sensor F, operation unit (corresponding to operation display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3) G, remote diagnosis device (CSS) H, and It consists of a clock I.
[0044]
Here, the memory unit D is necessary only when realizing the memory function, and is not necessary if only considering realizing a normal copy function.
The clock I is equivalent to a timer / calendar means, and implements a weekly timer function such as booting or shutting down a device when a specific time comes, or implementing a function according to the present invention. Is necessary.
The human body detection sensor F is necessary only when realizing a function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when the user approaches the image forming apparatus in the preheating mode.
[0045]
The remote diagnosis device (CSS) H is a remote diagnosis, that is, when a reporting factor such as an abnormal event or abnormal abnormal event occurs in the machine, the reporting factor is centrally managed by a remote service center (customer information management center). Communication function required for reporting to the device and monitoring (monitoring) the execution state and use state of the machine from the central management device (communication means for communicating with the external device including the central management device and the facsimile device via a communication line) Therefore, it may be mounted only when such a function is necessary. However, even if this is not provided, it is necessary to provide a function as a communication means for communicating with an external device via a communication line.
Furthermore, although not shown, the memory unit D has functions as communication means (corresponding to the SCSI controller 76 in FIG. 5) for communicating with other digital copying machines and terminal devices. It may be.
[0046]
In executing the copy mode (copy mode), the system controller C performs printing (image formation) in the image writing unit B to perform paper conveyance processing, electrophotographic process processing, an abnormal state, and a paper feed cassette state (transfer) This is a generic term for controllers that control the scanner operation, light source ON / OFF, and the like in order to monitor the detection of the presence or absence of paper, etc.
A major feature of a digital copying machine (digital PPC) is that an image of a document is converted into an electrical signal and read as image data, and the image data is restored by the image writing unit B.
At this time, by having means for transmitting the read image data in various ways, it can be applied to fields that could not be realized by conventional analog copying machines.
[0047]
For example, functions such as FAX, page printer, scanner, and file system can be realized. Recently, even when the copy function is executed, the read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and the pixel is used as necessary. By reading the data, it is also possible to execute printing (printing) of a plurality of sheets in one scan, or to print images of a plurality of documents on a single transfer sheet. Functions that can be realized only by these digital copying machines are expressed as “extended functions” or “applications”.
[0048]
Furthermore, recent digital copying machines are not only equipped with one extended function, but are also equipped with a plurality of applications simultaneously. In this way, a digital copier that shares one resource is expressed as a “system”, and a controller that controls the system is referred to as a “system controller”.
The preheating is a mode in which power consumption is saved by controlling the fixing temperature to be lowered by a certain temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) and turning off the display of the operation unit G. This mode is automatically set after a certain period of time has elapsed since no operation or operation has been performed depending on key input on the operation unit G or setting. The release of this mode is released when it is detected that a person is standing in front of the apparatus by the key input on the operation unit G or depending on the setting by the human body detection sensor F.
[0049]
The DRAM block in the memory unit D in FIGS. 8 and 9 is for storing the image data read by the image reading unit A, and is stored in the image writing unit B in response to a request from the system controller C. Image data can be transferred.
The compression block in the memory unit D has a compression function such as MH, MR, MMR, etc., and is provided in order to compress the image data once read and improve the use efficiency of the memory (DRAM). Yes. In addition, rotation of the image data can be realized by changing the read address from the image writing unit B and its direction.
[0050]
The user restriction device E uses a large amount of consumables in copying machines using the electrophotographic process. Therefore, the user restriction device E can specify or limit the number of users, and the number of transfer sheets used for each user or each department. For example, a “coin rack”, a “key counter”, a “key card”, a “prepaid card”, etc., and a code code are used.
In the hardware configuration of FIG. 8, the image reading unit A, the image writing unit B, the memory unit D, and the remote diagnosis device H are controlled only by the CPU in the system controller C.
On the other hand, in the hardware configuration of FIG. 9, the image reading unit A, the image writing unit B, and the memory unit D are each provided with a CPU, and a command from the system controller C to the CPU of each unit is transmitted via a control signal line. Yes. Thus, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus that implements the present invention can be freely set.
[0051]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system using a remote diagnosis apparatus (CSS). A public line connects a central management apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “management apparatus”) Q installed in a service center and a network system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses P such as a digital copying machine (PPC) installed in the presence of a user. It is connected via a network (or other communication line) N. A communication control apparatus R for controlling communication with the management apparatus Q is installed on the user side, and each image forming apparatus P as a user is connected to the communication control apparatus R.
[0052]
The communication control device R can be connected to a telephone TEL or a facsimile machine FAX, and can be installed by being inserted into a user's existing line. A plurality of image forming apparatuses P can be connected to the communication control apparatus R. Of course, there may be a single image forming apparatus P. These image forming apparatuses P do not need to be of the same type, and may be different models. Further, other than the digital PPC may be used. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five image forming apparatuses P can be connected to one communication control apparatus R.
[0053]
Here, the communication control device R and the plurality of image forming devices P are networked by multi-drop connection in accordance with the RS-485 standard, but multi-drop connection by various interfaces such as SCSI (collectively referred to as “network interface”). Alternatively, it can be networked by various connections such as a bus connection.
Communication control between the communication control device R and each image forming device P is performed by basic data transmission control means. By establishing a data link using a centralized control polling / selecting method with the communication control device R as a control station, communication with any image forming apparatus is possible. Each image forming apparatus P can set a unique identification value by an address setting switch, whereby the polling address and selecting address of each image forming apparatus P are determined.
[0054]
FIG. 11 shows a system configuration example of a network copy which is an example of an image forming apparatus network system embodying the present invention. In the figure, eight digital copying machines are connected by a network interface to form a network, but it is needless to say that the number of digital copying machines to be connected is not limited. Similar to the image forming apparatus management system shown in FIG. 10, this network can be connected to the public line network via the communication control apparatus. Alternatively, each digital copying machine can be directly connected to a public network. In this case, it is necessary to provide a function as a communication control device inside each digital copying machine.
[0055]
Next, a hardware configuration example for realizing the present invention will be further described with reference to FIG.
The hardware configuration of each digital PPC (digital copying machine) -I, II shown in FIG. 12 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 8, and the same reference numerals are used for the respective parts in FIG. The description is omitted. However, in the memory unit D of each digital PPC, in order to transfer the read image data to an external network or to store the image data from the network in the DRAM block part in the memory unit, each SCSI controller Are connected via SCSI as a network means.
[0056]
As a matter of course, various means are conceivable as the network communication means, for example, using Ethernet (registered trademark) as a physical means and using TCP / IP communication of an OSI (Open System Interface) reference model for data communication. Further, by using the configuration as shown in FIG. 12, not only the transfer of image data as described above, but also the notification of the in-flight status of each digital PPC existing on the network, or a control such as a remote output command described later. Commands and setting commands can also be transferred.
[0057]
Next, a connection operation (remote output) for transferring an image read by the image reading unit A of the digital PPC-I in FIG. 12 to the image writing unit B of the digital PPC-II will be described.
FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the software. “Copy application” shown in FIG. 13 is an application that executes a copy sequence for executing a copy operation, and “input / output control” is a layer (device driver) that logically / physically converts data.
[0058]
The operation unit controller is a layer that executes MMI (Man Machine Interface) (LCD display, LED on / off, key input scan, etc. at a logical level), and “peripheral controller” is an automatic duplex unit, sorter, This is a layer that executes control of peripheral devices mounted on a digital PPC such as ADF at a logical level. The “image forming apparatus controller”, “image reading apparatus controller”, and “memory unit” are as described above.
[0059]
The “daemon process” is used to read image data stored in the memory unit and transfer the image data to the “image forming apparatus” when a print request is requested from another apparatus on the network. It exists as an application to do. As a matter of course, before the “daemon process” reads the image data from the memory unit and executes the printing operation (printing operation), the transfer of the image data from another device on the network must be finished. .
[0060]
Here, the operation unit, the peripheral device, the image forming apparatus, the image reading apparatus, and the memory unit are treated as resources (resources) possessed by each digital PPC.
When the “digital PPC-I” in FIG. 12 performs a copy operation (copy operation) using its own resources (when the print start key is pressed), the “system controller” that executes system control is controlled. , “Image forming device”, “image reading device”, or “peripheral device” and “memory unit” resources as required.
[0061]
In response to a request from the “copy application”, the “system controller” arbitrates resource usage rights and notifies the “copy application” of the mediation result (usability). When “Digital PPC-I” is used stand-alone (when not connected to the network), all the resources held by the system are all occupiable by the “copy application”, so that the copying operation ( Image forming operation) is executed.
[0062]
On the other hand, when the printing operation is executed using the resources of another digital PPC (hereinafter also referred to as “remote digital PPC”) existing on the network as in this embodiment, the “system control unit of the remote digital PPC”. To use the resource.
The “system controller” of the remote digital PPC performs resource arbitration according to the request and notifies the request to the “copy application” of the requesting digital PPC. When the usage right is permitted, the “copy application” reads the original image, and when the storage of the image data in its own memory unit is completed, the “copy application” is connected via an external interface (in this embodiment, SCSI). The image data is transferred to the memory unit of the digital PPC at the remote output destination.
[0063]
When the transfer of the image data is completed, after sending the conditions (printing port, paper discharge port, number of prints, etc.) for executing printing to the “daemon process” of the digital PPC at the remote output destination, Send a “Start” command. When the “daemon process” of the remote output destination receives the “print start” command, it requests the “system controller” of itself (digital PPC that executes remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is “system controller”. Executed by.
When the “digital PPC-II” memory unit is used by the “digital PPC-I”, the “digital PPC-II” memory unit is “digital PPC-II” (or as shown in FIG. 11). When a plurality of digital PPCs are connected to the network, the use of an application other than “Digital PPC-I” is disabled.
[0064]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the central management device Q of FIG.
The central management device Q includes a modem device 201 and a communication terminal device 202.
The communication terminal device 202 includes an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) in addition to the device main body 203 and the display 204.
The apparatus main body 203 is provided with a hard disk 205 in addition to a control unit using a microcomputer including a ROM storing a control program, a CPU that executes various controls using the control program, and a RAM that can read and write data. Yes.
[0065]
The communication terminal device 202 is connected to the modem device 201 via a serial interface such as RS232C, and is connected to the communication control device R via the modem device 201 and the public line network N so as to be communicable with the communication control device R. Data communication between the two.
The display 204 displays various data including data received from the communication control device R.
The hard disk 205 stores a database (DB) for storing management data for each customer.
[0066]
The processing operation according to the present invention in the image forming apparatus P will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. Here, a processing operation in the case of performing user authentication (user identification) by inputting a user ID (user identification information) by a key operation on the operation display unit (operation panel) 30 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation according to the present invention by the CPU 68 (FIG. 5) of the image forming apparatus P.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of various types of information including registration information for each user stored in the RAM 70. The image forming apparatus P can be provided with other storage devices such as a nonvolatile memory and a hard disk, and registration information for each user can be stored in the storage device.
[0067]
In the RAM 70, the registration information (user information) for each user shown in (1) to (13) of FIG. 15 includes various usage restriction valid / invalid information shown in (15) to (20) and the usage shown in (14). The possible time / day information is also recorded. Such information is stored in the RAM 70 for all registered users, and the CPU 68 can be freely accessed by the control program in the ROM 69.
Regarding the available time, the available time / prohibited time can be set for each day of the week. For example, when 10:00:00 to 20:00 on Sunday is made available, the available time (day) is set to 10 0:00 and use prohibition time (day) may be set (set) as 20:00. Also, for example, if you want to be able to use between 00:00 on Sunday and 08:00 on Monday, set the available time (day) to 20:00 and the prohibited time (month) to 08:00. Therefore, it is possible to set usage permission across days.
[0068]
When the user uses a function (copy function, printer function, facsimile function, or scanner function) of the image forming apparatus P, first, key operation on the operation display unit 30 (operation of a plurality of predetermined operation keys) is performed. By selecting the function to be used, the CPU 68 of the image forming apparatus P determines whether or not the selected function (designated function) is managed by the user ID. A user ID input screen (not shown) is displayed, and a maximum eight-digit user ID can be input using the numeric keypad 32.
When the user ID is input, the CPU 68 of the image forming apparatus P performs user authentication. That is, the input user ID is compared with all user IDs existing in the RAM 70 ((1) of the user information in FIG. 15), and it is determined whether or not the input user ID exists in the RAM 70.
[0069]
Then, when it is determined that the input user ID exists in the RAM 70, whether or not the user (input user) corresponding to the user ID can use the selection function can be determined from (8) to (13) of the user information in FIG. ) Based on (15) to (20) of the user information in FIG. 15 to determine whether or not the expiration date of use of the selection function by the input user is set to be valid. If set, it is determined whether or not the selection function can be used based on the time and day of the week when the selection function can be used (user information (14) in FIG. 15) and information from the clock (timer / calendar means). If available, the input user is allowed to use the selection function.
[0070]
For example, when the use time limit of the black and white copy function is set to be valid ((15) in FIG. 15), when using the black and white copy function, as shown in (8) of FIG. Black and white copy only when “permitted” is permitted and the current time and day of the week (information from the clock) are included in the available time and day of the week when the black and white copy function (selection function) can be used Allow use of the function.
If it is determined that the selection function cannot be used due to the time when the selection function is available and outside the day of the week, for example, as shown in FIG. By displaying on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 a warning screen indicating the destination management / operation destination name and telephone number), the user is prompted to change the time or day of the week when the selection function can be used.
[0071]
Thereby, the input user can use the selection function by applying to the contact on the warning screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 for the change of the available time or day of the week.
The available time and day of the week for each function and the setting change thereof are connected via request information input by a key operation on the operation display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus P or a private network (not shown). It can be performed by request information sent by an operation by an input device (such as a keyboard) of the terminal device being used or an input device of the communication terminal device 202 of the central management device Q.
In addition, the image forming apparatus P of this embodiment includes a plurality of functions as functions of the image forming apparatus P that can set an available time and day of the week, and these functions can be set to be selectable. You may make it provide only a function.
[0072]
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus P of this embodiment, at the time of user authentication (user identification), the user can use the function of the image forming apparatus P for each user set in advance, the day of the week, and the clock. Whether or not the function of the image forming apparatus P can be used, and only the user who has been determined to be able to use the function of the image forming apparatus P is permitted. In schools and workplaces where there are students, the time when the student (user) goes to or leaves the school and the day of the week, and the time when the employee (user) leaves or leaves the office and the day of the week are known in advance. Unauthorized use can be prevented by preventing the functions of the image forming apparatus P from being used except during each time (for example, AM 8:00 to PM 7:00) and the day of the week (for example, Monday to Friday).
[0073]
If it is determined that the function of the image forming apparatus P is not usable, the inquiry information (including the contact name and telephone number) for changing the time or day of the week when the function of the image forming apparatus P can be used is indicated. Since the warning screen is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, it is possible to prompt the input user to change the time or day of the week when the selection function can be used. Accordingly, the user can use the function of the image forming apparatus P by applying to the contact person on the warning screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 for the change of the available time or day of the week.
Further, since the function (for example, copy function, printer function, facsimile function, or scanner function) of the image forming apparatus P that can set the available time and day of the week can be selected, it can be used for a desired function. Operation such as setting the time and day of the week can be performed.
[0074]
Here, for example, since the color copy function has a high running cost, it is desired to set the time and day of the week that can be used for the color copy function. However, the running cost of the black and white copy function is less than that of the color copy function. Since it is not expensive, there may be a case where it is desired to use the function without setting the time and day of the week that can be used for the black and white copy function. Alternatively, there may be a case where it is desired to set an available time and day of the week for each function such as a facsimile function and a printer function.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use by preventing the functions of the image forming apparatus from being used except at a specific time or day of the week.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation according to the present invention in the image forming apparatus P of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanism unit of a digital copying machine which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention.
3 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of an operation display unit 30 provided in the copying machine main body of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of FIG. 3 when the power is turned on.
5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image processing unit (IPU) in the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
6 is a timing chart showing an example of image data and control signals for one page in the selector 64 of FIG.
7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a memory controller 65 and an image memory 66 in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram of another image forming apparatus embodying the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of still another image forming apparatus for carrying out the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus management system that can be used to implement the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram of a network copy capable of implementing the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a system in which two digital PPCs embodying the present invention are connected.
FIG. 13 is also a conceptual diagram of the software.
14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a central management device Q in FIG. 10;
15 is a diagram showing an example of various types of information including registration information for each user stored in the RAM 70 of FIG.
16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 when it is determined that the selection function cannot be used in the process of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
30: Operation display unit 31: LCD touch panel
50: Scanner 65: Memory controller
66: Image memory 68: CPU
69: ROM 70: RAM
75: I / O port 76: SCSI controller
80: Printer 200: Main unit
201: Modem device 202: Communication terminal device
203: Device main body 204: Display
A: Image reading unit B: Image writing unit
C, C ': System controller
D: Memory unit E: User limiter
F: Human body detection sensor G, G ′: Operation unit (operation display unit)
H: Remote diagnosis device (CSS) I: Clock
P, P ': Image forming apparatus (digital PPC)
Q: Central management device R: Communication control device
N: Public line network

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus that forms image information on paper,
User identification means for identifying a user;
Timer calendar means for generating current time and day information;
Use time and day setting means for setting the time and day of the week when the function of the image forming apparatus can be used for each user;
At the time of user identification by the user identification means, the time and day of the week when the user can use the function of the image forming apparatus for each user set by the use time day setting means, and information from the timer / calendar means Use determination enable / disable setting means for determining whether or not the function of the image forming apparatus can be used based on;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a use permission unit that permits use of the function of the image forming apparatus only to a user who is determined to be able to use the function of the image forming apparatus by the unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Usage change inquiry information for displaying inquiry information for changing the time or day of the week when the function of the image forming apparatus can be used when it is determined by the use determination availability setting means that the function of the image forming apparatus cannot be used. An image forming apparatus comprising a display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a function setting unit configured to selectably select a function of the image forming apparatus capable of setting a usable time and a day of the week by the use time day setting unit.

Images